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Faculty and Staff Stories

Morgan Haymaker

  • Job Title: Lab Manager 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Whitehead Lab/Biological sciences
  • Institution Transferred From: US Military, Santa Rosa Junior College, Southern New Hampshire University, Southwestern Oregon Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Oregon State University

Biggest Challenge: I was active duty military my late teens and early 20's but was devoted to my higher education. I was a first generation student and never got consistent advise from academic advisors every time I was forced to transfer due to a military move. Because of this I took a lot of classes that never counted towards my degree. My degree was 180 credits and I graduated with over 270 credits. When I finally was able to go to school full time, I mapped out my degree plan and all the classes I would be taking over the next few years and made it happen. I even graduated a semester "early". I also was strong in advocating for myself. I would contact department heads to get my transfer credits applied to classes or make other calls to offices to jump administrative hurdles that can often hold up transfer students. 

Advice: Take charge of your degree plan and advocate for yourself. Don't be scared to make phone calls. 

 

Liselle Joseph 

  • Job Title: Assistant Professor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Aerospace & Ocean Engineering
  • Institution Transferred From: TA Marryshow Community College, Grenada
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Culture shock in moving from a small island to one of the best and biggest universities in the United States. I was able to overcome these by participating in student organizations on campus and in Transfer Student peer mentoring programs, where I met people with similar and very different backgrounds, but all of whom welcomed and embraced my diversity. 

Advice: Participate in any peer-mentoring programs and student organizations you can. Embrace and value your background and your experience from your previous institution - this is what adds diversity to our wider community and everyone's educational experiences!

 

Chris Bolling

  • Job Title: Senior Emergency Coordinator
  • Office/Department/Unit: Virginia Tech Emergency Management
  • Institution Transferred From: Central Virginia Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Radford University

Biggest Challenge: Learning the "behind the scenes" stuff that traditional students going into a four year university get.  The orientation, and information about the school was very lacking from what I remember. 

Advice: Do your homework on the school you are going to, and ask lots of questions.  Be your own advocate.

 

Dawn Murphy

  • Job Title: Veteran Certification Specialist
  • Office/Department/Unit: Office of The University Registrar
  • Institution Transferred From: New River Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Radford University

Biggest Challenge: Being a nontraditional student for sure! I often felt like I was sticking out in a bad way, or that I wouldn't be able to make connections with any classmates because I was in a different place in life.  Even though I didn't live in town, I tried my best to be present & engaged when I was on campus for classes.  Sometimes that just meant studying in a more public space, and sometimes it looked like going to an event to try & connect.

Advice: Be present & put yourself out there.  Oftentimes, I feel like we can put all of the onus on others to approach us or say hello. But putting yourself out there for one uncomfortable minute can lead to a long term connection!

 

Barbara Parker

  • Job Title: Academic Advisor 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Computer Science
  • Institution Transferred From: Allegany College of Maryland 
  • Institution Transferred To: University of Pittsburgh 

Biggest Challenge: The community college was smaller with smaller class sizes and more attention from faculty. Attending a larger university was an adjustment for me. I participated in class, showed up at office hours, and joined clubs. In short, I created my own sense of community at my new college. 

Advice: See your academic advisor. If I had been given more guidance, it would have saved me a lot of time and money. 

 

Crystal Wiltsee

  • Job Title: Operations Manager
  • Office/Department/Unit: Career & Professional Development
  • Institution Transferred From: New River Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Radford University

Biggest Challenge: knowing which classes would transfer and which ones would not. I contacted RU directly to make sure since NRCC often were mistaken about which classes RU would accept.

Advice: Connect with your career services office!

 

Normand Adams

  • Job Title: Undergraduate Academic and Student Support Advisor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Agricultural and Applied Economics
  • Institution Transferred From: Southside Virginia Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Getting to know people in my major. I joined several clubs my first semester and that really helped me build my friends group. 

Advice: Get involved with clubs and activities as soon as possible. 

 

Presley Jordan

  • Job Title: Stewardship Officer
  • Office/Department/Unit: Donor Relations
  • Institution Transferred From: The Pennsylvania State University
  • Institution Transferred To: University of Maryland Baltimore County

Biggest Challenge: My entire college career I have transferred to 4 different colleges/ universities; Hagerstown Community College, Wilson College, Penn State (attended two satellite campuses), and graduated from UMBC. As a first-gen student from a single mother home, attending college was extremely difficult prior to having to transfer. With no financial support, I navigated through the transfer process by having continuous contact with both universities' resources, mainly the registrar's office and university scholarships and financial aid department. I wanted to ensure that not only my classes would transfer, but to ensure my financial aid (student loans, scholarships, etc.) were properly accounted for and credited. The inability to afford schooling caused me to transfer multiple times. In spite of this, I still managed to graduate in 4 years with my bachelors degree in Political Science.

Advice: Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. Being a transfer student is extremely difficult, especially for first-gen students. The campus, curriculum, climate, and so much more changes when you transfer. That transition can be difficult, but you never have to do it alone. Take advantage of your resources and build a foundation of support at your 'new home'. 

 

Anthony Wright de Hernandez

  • Job Title: Community Collections Archivist
  • Office/Department/Unit: Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries
  • Institution Transferred From: Shenandoah University
  • Institution Transferred To: University of Massachusetts, Boston

Biggest Challenge: I actually transferred twice. First from Shenandoah University to the University of Iowa for a semester. I then left school for seven years before matriculating at UMass Boston. My biggest challenge was financial. Every course that could not be mapped successfully from the old institutions to the new ones meant additional time and courses I would need to complete to finish my degree. After years of looking, I found a program at UMass Boston that was targeted toward students like me who had completed three or more years of college level coursework but had not completed a degree. Once I was accepted to their degree completion program, I had no general education requirements to meet and only had to do the courses required for my major. That program significantly reduced the overall cost of completing my degree.

Advice: Try to connect with a community and build a support network here. You don't have to completely disconnect from your community at your prior school, but it's important to have a local one as well.

 

Katherine Burnam

  • Job Title: Global Education Advisor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Office of International Affairs / Global Education Office
  • Institution Transferred From: Central Virginia Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Lynchburg College

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenges for me were learning a completely new system, campus, and culture while taking on a full class schedule in a serious academic environment as well as making friends. I overcame these struggles by getting plugged in to as many resources and groups as possible. I joined clubs, participated in everything that interested me, went to panels, town halls, and open houses. I also really engaged one on one with my professors and got to know them really well. I went on a faculty led study abroad program and made a ton of friends that way too! I also got an on campus job to learn the campus and offices better. 

Advice: Say yes! Don't be afraid to say yes to new experiences that may be outside your comfort zone. And give yourself time to adjust, show yourself lots of grace! 

 

Melinda Malloy

  • Job Title: Career Advisor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Career and Professional Development
  • Institution Transferred From: Asnuntuck Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: University of Hartford

Biggest Challenge: Meeting people! By the time I got to campus, most people had already established their friend groups. Luckily, I lived in an on-campus apartment with five other women who made it a point to invite me to events and introduce me to others. One of my roommates was from Spain, and one was from Serbia which meant that our apartment was extremely multi-cultural. 

Advice: Remember, you are not the only person who is new to campus! It may feel like it from time to time, but you are truly not alone and you will find your place. 

 

Christiana Garcia

  • Job Title: Assistant Professor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Whittemore 466/Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Institution Transferred From: Texas A&M University
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Faculty, not college students. The biggest challenge I'm still facing is adjusting to the great community at VT after being treated so poorly at TAMU for two years!

Advice: Just live your life one day at a time.

 

Jes Davis

  • Job Title: Associate Director
  • Office/Department/Unit: VT Engage: The Center for Leadership & Service Learning
  • Institution Transferred From: Ball State University
  • Institution Transferred To: Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge that I encountered was paying for college. I was a first generation and low income student so I didn't know how to navigate the FAFSA or scholarships processes. I was able to overcome it, because I took an on-campus job in the admissions office and the staff there supported me. 

Advice: The biggest advice I have is to find a support network. I leaned into the discomfort of not knowing folks and got involved (student organizations, student government, and orientation) and built a network of friends and support that I still lean on today. 

 

Emily Sjafii

  • Job Title: Project/Research Coordinator
  • Office/Department/Unit: Department of Psychology
  • Institution Transferred From: Pasadena City College
  • Institution Transferred To: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge I encountered as a student was feeling like an imposter and feeling behind compared to everyone else who started in a four-year institution as a freshman. While building my confidence and understanding my value as a transfer student were key in overcoming that challenge, the support from my transfer community, from both staff and fellow transfer students, played a significant role in helping me reach that point. I am extremely grateful for the constant outreach and support the transfer center in my alma mater, which made me feel like an important member of the university.

Advice: Know that being a transfer student means you are resilient. You've overcome many challenges to get to this point and you bring so much value to the university through your unique experiences and insights, so keep your chin high and know that you belong!

 

Megan Forster 

  • Job Title: Assistant Coach Women's Tennis 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Athletics 
  • Institution Transferred From: University of Colorado 
  • Institution Transferred To: University of North Florida 

Biggest Challenge: Leaving behind what was 'comfortable.' Especially being international, making a change in a completely new country was hard. But I overcame but keeping in mind the happiness I felt I could find in my new school

Advice: Never doubt your gut instinct. If it feels right it most likely is! You never know unless you try! In my case, it was one of the best decisions I made and I wish I made it sooner! 

 

Mathew Garcia

  • Job Title: Lab Assistant
  • Office/Department/Unit: Department of Chemistry
  • Institution Transferred From: Northern Virginia Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Meeting people since as a transfer I did not know people and I overcome this by joining clubs

Advice: Go out and join clubs that fit your personality

 

Sean Lagangan

  • Job Title: Admissions Counselor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Office of Undergraduate Admissions
  • Institution Transferred From: John Tyler Community College (now Brightpoint Community College)
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Biggest challenge was to find a community inside Virginia Tech especially when bonds are already formed during everyone's freshman year. But I overcame it by joining different clubs and organizations and finding the right fit for me.

Advice: Go to everything that's offered! You may be caught up academically but you need to catch up with the Virginia Tech community. You will find a community here.

 

Matthew Zimmerman

  • Job Title: Assistant Professor of Sport Media & Analytics
  • Office/Department/Unit: School of Communication
  • Institution Transferred From: El Camino College (Torrance, CA)
  • Institution Transferred To: Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)

Biggest Challenge: The adjustment to the size of the college. Finding out where everything was, the bus routes, etc. It just took time and repetition to figure it out. But it was daunting at first. 

Advice: Appreciate and enjoy the move. In baseball parlance, it sort of feels like you've made it to The Show. Take college seriously while also appreciating all it has to offer.

 

Vern Ferguson

  • Job Title: Academic Advisor
  • Office/Department/Unit: School of Architecture
  • Institution Transferred From: Virginia Western Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge for me was being non-traditional as well as a transfer. I was 44 by the time I transferred to Tech. I simply embraced college life, went to football games, went to parties, joined a fraternity, and made friends. My academic advisor at the time said I was the most non-traditional non-traditional student she ever met. 

Advice: There is a place for you here that might not seem obvious at first. Open yourself up to all possibilities and try new and unfamiliar things. Take a chance and you will succeed.

 

Amanda Broome

  • Job Title: Assistant Director of Communications
  • Office/Department/Unit: Outreach and International Affairs
  • Institution Transferred From: Northeast State Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Middle Tennessee State University

Biggest Challenge: I was well connected and successful at my community college. When I transferred to MTSU, I felt like a little fish in a big pond. I was starting from scratch in making connections and developing my leadership opportunities. Thankfully, MTSU had a fantastic transfer system (integrated into their honors system) which helped me find community quickly and gave me strategic goals to work towards. The classes, mentors, and friends I encountered in the honors transfer program truly defined my college experience.

Advice: Be proactive and aggressive about making new connections and discovering all that your new university has to offer. Think of your first few months like speed dating. You're not committing to much of anything so as to not get overwhelmed; you're just seeing as many opportunities as possible so you have a more complete view of what options you have. Then, strategically choose what you want to commit to that will benefit both your future career and your personal needs (i.e. things that make you happy and help you regulate emotions.) 

 

Jeff Bolton

  • Job Title: Advanced Instructor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Mechanical Engineering
  • Institution Transferred From: Bluefield State College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge was the size of the campus.  I transferred from a small college with about 1500 students, so stepping on the Blacksburg campus was a massive shift.  I felt like I was alone to be perfectly honest because it's easy to get lost in the mass of humanity that was here and it's difficult for teachers to keep track of everybody because they have so many students.  I overcame this challenge by taking command of my education and gathering as much information as possible.  I familiarized myself with the campus so I knew where everything was.  In class, I made sure to read everything in the syllabus so I knew exactly what my teachers expected of me, and I took time to get to know all of my professors in office hours.  I wanted to cultivate relationships with the people in charge of educating me and it paid off because many of those professors I had in undergraduate became colleagues and close friends after I graduated and took a position in my home department.  

Advice: Don't be overwhelmed by the size or the prestige of our campus.  Virginia Tech is a magical place and everybody here wants you to succeed.  Get to know your professors and what they expect from you.  They all want you to do well in their course and they want you to succeed in life.  Nobody here wants to see you fail, so if you are struggling with concepts in class, balancing school and life, or just have questions about your future, reach out and talk to somebody and ask questions and get help.  I know it's more than one thing, but I'll add, work hard and always do your best.  You should never hang your head if you work hard and do your best.  You might not always get the result you want, but your professors will always be proud of you for doing your best, and you should be proud of yourself too.

 

Rosie Cicmanec

  • Job Title: Communications Specialist 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Division of Facilities 
  • Institution Transferred From: University of Memphis 
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Finding a community at tech was the biggest challenge. I was on the women's track and field team so I was able to find a community with my fellow teammates.

Advice: Try out everything! Join clubs, groups, go to events, etc. to meet new people and ultimately find your community at tech. 

 

Bryan Ducote

  • Job Title: Director of Operations
  • Office/Department/Unit: BEAM/COE/011200
  • Institution Transferred From: Xavier University; Cincinnati, OH
  • Institution Transferred To: Claremont McKenna College; Claremont, CA

Biggest Challenge: Meeting people and getting involved in activities. To overcome this, I jumped headfirst into anything that was of interest to me.  I embraced being the new person and was surprised by how many people went out of their way to help me get involved and belong.

Advice: Jump right into anything that is of interest to you.  You never know what is waiting for you 

 

Esther Cruz

  • Job Title: Senior Fiscal and Program Support Technician
  • Office/Department/Unit: Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics
  • Institution Transferred From: Danville Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Radford University

Biggest Challenge: One of the biggest challenges I faced as a transfer student and a DACA recipient was the uncertainty surrounding the future of the DACA program, which left me constantly worried about my ability to stay in the United States and continue my education. On top of that, I had to pay for both community college and university out of pocket. I worked two jobs to cover rent and tuition. During my first semester at Radford University, I also had to cope with my dad’s cancer diagnosis and his kidney removal surgery. Despite these hardships, with my parents’ financial help and sheer determination, I managed to stay focused, balance my responsibilities, and persevere through the uncertainty to achieve my academic goals.

Advice: One piece of advice I would give to transfer college students is to not be afraid to seek out support, whether from academic advisors, professors, or campus resources. Transferring can be overwhelming, but building connections and asking for help early on can make a huge difference in easing the transition. 

 

Garry Morgan

  • Job Title: Director of DEI 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Institution Transferred From: Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
  • Institution Transferred To: State University of New York: College at Cortland

Biggest Challenge: Connecting to campus resources after not living on campus

Advice: Explore but don't take on too much

 

Rachel Morgante

  • Job Title: Business development 
  • Office/Department/Unit: U.S. Cyber Range 
  • Institution Transferred From: S.U.N.Y. Cobleskill 
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: Meeting people and I tried different clubs doing the things I enjoy 

Advice: Meet with your advisor, explore campus and try new things!

 

Dewey Spangler

  • Job Title: Manager - Ware Lab
  • Office/Department/Unit: College of Engineering
  • Institution Transferred From: Virginia Western Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: The greatest challenge for me as a transfer, was acclimating to the larger class sizes and the competitive environment at Virginia Tech. I was studying with students who had much better prep during high school and higher SAT scores. The classes at Virginia Western were smaller and there was a less competitive feel among other students. My first quarter at Virginia Tech was stressful since I did not know the expectations of the professors and at Western I could visit my professors and discuss the course material and my test results. At Virginia Tech I was too intimidated at first to do this, but later on learned that many of the professors there were willing to help, when time allowed.

Also, many students at Virginia Tech were from Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the New England states. Being from a small town in Southwest Virginia, I noticed a slightly more cynical attitude among these students compared to what I experience at Virginia Western. Being raised in a more rural environment, I was taught to not complain and just accept the situation and soldier on. I eventually overcame this cultural gap and made many friends at Virginia Tech once I realized that we all had more in things in common than what differentiated us.

Advice: The first semester at Virginia Tech will be one of transition and some stress, but if you persevere and work hard you will adjust to the pace. It took me about a year to really integrate into the larger academic community at Virginia Tech.

I graduated number 8 out of 150 in my Civil Engineering class, but only after long hours of study and sacrifice. I grew a great deal as a person at Virginia Tech, learning to accept others who have different mindsets and points of view. I would not trade the experience for anything! 

 

Amanda Covey

  • Job Title: Faculty Support and Recognition Specialist
  • Office/Department/Unit: Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science
  • Institution Transferred From: Northern Virginia Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: As a first generation student I didn't know what I was doing!  I didn't realize that all of my credits from community college would not transfer to VT.  I also naively assumed I was on the right path once transferring only to find out I was not.  I wish I had asked more questions and advocated for myself more as well as taken advantage of resources/activities at VT and getting to know my professors better.  I was also working 30+ hours while taking full loads which I do not recommend as your grades will definitely suffer!  It was also hard fitting in the first semester because most people had already formed friend groups that I missed out on not coming in as a freshman. I eventually found my friend group but definitely felt lost the first semester!  

Advice: Advocate for yourself, ask lots of questions, check that the information you are getting is correct (some people mean well but may give you wrong information), get out of your comfort zone and join activities so you meet new people,  and go to office hours! VT classes can be harder than community college classes so take advantage of getting help if you are struggling in a class.   Also get to know your professors! They will be the ones to help you with opportunities later (like reference letters, research opportunities, graduate school, etc.)  

 

Patrick Salmons

  • Job Title: Instructor 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Department of Religion and Culture/ Appalachian Studies Program/ Department of Political Science
  • Institution Transferred From: Patrick Henry Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: The larger size of the University. I overcame the size by getting a routine, working on campus, and walking around to explore more.

Advice: Stay consistent and you will be ok.

 

Chelsea Nowak

  • Job Title: Undergraduate Academic Advisor
  • Office/Department/Unit: Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
  • Institution Transferred From: Wake Technical Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: North Carolina State University

Biggest Challenge: Finding my place at a large university was difficult at first, but I was able to build connections with my classmates and professors.

Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for help!

 

Brandi Pettey

  • Job Title: Family and Consumer Science Associate Extension Agent
  • Office/Department/Unit: Lee County
  • Institution Transferred From: Mountain Empire Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge was probably homesickness. I had never left my small town of Lee County and coming to a large university campus was challenging. I made sure to get involved in on campus events and activities and I was blessed to have an excellent roommate from the start. Over 20 years later and she is still my best friend and I see her often.

Advice: If I could share advice with a transfer student, I would tell you to be adventurous! Look for opportunities outside your comfort zone. Whether it be a cultural event, trying a new food, smiling at someone new, or simply sitting in the middle of the unknown and growing more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation - use this space to learn who you are and what you want in life and you will be amazed at the new people who cross your path and become lifelong friends.

 

Leslie Thornton-O'Brien

  • Job Title: Project Manager, NSF COMPASS Center
  • Office/Department/Unit: Computer Science, Pandemic Prediction and Prevention Destination Area
  • Institution Transferred From: East Tennessee State University and New River Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: My age. I was not a typical transfer student as I was older than the rest of my incoming class. Additionally, I had quite a few credits from different programs so finding the right fit for which degree program I should be in was key. I overcame this challenge by finding the right people at Virginia Tech to work with and to guide me. I had an OUTSTANDING advisor, Carol Sue Slusser, and an amazing person that I worked with in the admissions office, Yalana Orr. They were key to my success at Virginia Tech. 

Advice: KNOW THE PEOPLE IN YOUR DEPARTMENT. Whether it is your advisor, professors, the admin asst, it doesn't matter, these people will make your life so much easier. Whether it is a friendly face or a professor that knows you well enough to know you didn't mean to miss an exam (true story - happened to me) and allows you to come to their office to take it, these individuals will help you succeed. 

 

John Snider

  • Job Title: HR Administrator 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics
  • Institution Transferred From: New River Community College
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge I encountered with transferring was using a different academic software for my classes here at VT. While at New River Community College, I used a software known as Blackboard and at Virginia Tech I started using Canvas. In order to overcome this challenge, I chose to watch instructional videos via YouTube, while also utilizing any guidance from my professors.  

Advice: Don’t let any obstacles hold you back and make a visit to the Career Center early on!

 

Tabatha Gentry

  • Job Title: Laboratory Manager 
  • Office/Department/Unit: Chemistry 
  • Institution Transferred From: Virginia Highlands Community College 
  • Institution Transferred To: Virginia Tech 

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge I faced as a transfer student was navigating a large university compared to my experience at a small community college. I overcame this by being a part of the transfer LLP with other students who felt the same way. 

Advice: Take advantage of all of the university's resources and programs!

 

Sharon Mastracci

  • Job Title: Professor
  • Office/Department/Unit: School of Public and International Affairs
  • Institution Transferred From: Owens Technical College (Toledo, OH)
  • Institution Transferred To: Ohio University (Athens, OH)

Biggest Challenge: This is tough: I've found higher education to be a pretty elitist space. I've avoided discussing my own path through junior college due to the hollow snobbery that I've experienced.

Advice: "May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be" (St. Therese of Lisieux).