Virginia Tech® home

Meet our Student Ambassadors

Meet our 2024 cohort of ambassadors!

In the spirit of Ut Prosim, our ambassadors take on this role to serve! They aim to strengthen connections and build community with you, the department, CALS, and Virginia Tech. AAEC ambassadors welcome students and their parents, answer questions, and take pride in making sure your time with us is an amazing experience. That is the #VTagecon way!

Mary Katherine Denson 

Mary Katherine Denson
Mary Katherine Denson

"I chose Agribusiness Management because growing up in a rural community, I was inspired by those in the industry and grew a passion for agriculture. I participated in 4-H Youth Leadership programs that allowed me to meet people who also inspired me to go into this field."

Benjamin Durham

Benjamin Durham
Benjamin Durham

"I chose my major because it promotes a quality education surrounding my interests in the food and health industries in ways that I can then take what I have learned to help others."

Kinley Kellum

Kinley Kellum
Kinley Kellum
  • Graduating year and major:  2025, Agribusiness Management
  • Hometown: King William, VA
  • How can I help you? kkellum@vt.edu

"I chose my major because it felt welcoming from the start. When I walked into a classroom, I was relieved to know that I was surrounded by people with the same interests. From there, I knew I could take what I learned back home and give back to others. Agriculture has always been a passion of mine, therefore learning more about this industry has been enjoyable."

Myles Lee

Myles Lee
Myles Lee

"The wonderful thing about my major is that it encompasses not only my passion for the food and health industry, it also allows me to understand the economics behind the distribution of resources in today's fast-moving climate."

Rosalie McGuirk

Rosalie McGuirk
Rosalie McGuirk

"I chose Ag Econ because of the incredible professors. They truly want students to succeed, and because of that, I feel prepared to enter a career in agriculture upon graduation. I grew up on a farm so I have always had a passion for agriculture, but thanks to the great professors in AAEC, I now have a deeper knowledge of the industry that will set me up for success."

Will McGuirk

Will McGuirk
Will McGuirk

"I chose to major because it combines economics and agriculture to solve real problems around the world. The AAEC professors are both helpful and passionate, which makes learning interesting and fun."

Phoebe Pyles

Phoebe Pyles
Phoebe Pyles
  • Graduating year and major:  2024, Agribusiness Management and Global Food Security & Health and Civic Agriculture & Food Systems minors
  • Hometown: New York City, NY
  • How can I help you? phoebepyles@vt.edu
  • Follow on LinkedIn

“By studying agribusiness, I get to learn about the agricultural world in its entirety to better understand how I can improve food security in my community and beyond. Agribusiness has taught me that everyone deserves the right to eat nourishing food they love!”

Haley Rosson

Haley Rosson
Haley Rosson
  • Graduating year and major:  2025, Agribusiness Management
  • Hometown: Louisa, VA
  • How can I help you? haleyrosson10@vt.edu

"Being a 5th generation Angus cattle producer, the agribusiness major has been something I wanted to pursue because I can bring that knowledge back to the family farm. Agriculture has always been a passion, so the business side of it was a perfect fit."

Teresa Thornton 

Teresa Thornton
Teresa Thornton
  • Graduating year and major: 2025, Public Health and Environmental Economics, Management, and Policy
  • Hometown: Gainesville, VA
  • How can I help you: tteresa21@vt.edu
  • Follow on LinkedIn

"I chose Environmental Economics, Management, and Policy due to my passions and the department's culture. I love learning about the interconnectedness between the environment, human health, and the economy. I wanted to learn from professors with an on-the-ground approach to learning and a genuine strive for student success. Combining the two was a perfect fit."

Julia Vecharello

Julia Vecharello
Julia Vecharello

"I chose my major because when I heard of it my interest immediately peaked. I want to learn about the economy and politics around the world. So far the classes I have taken have been extremely interesting and I can't wait to learn more over the next three years!"

Gabe Wiggins

Gabe Wiggins
Gabe Wiggins
  • Graduating year and major:  2025, Environmental Economics: Management and Policy
  • Hometown: Gainesville, FL
  • How can I help you? gwiggins@vt.edu
  • Follow on LinkedIn

"I chose my major because I am passionate about the outdoors, and I am curious about the conflict between economic progression and environmental protection."

Contacts

Mike Ellerbrock Ph.D, Program Director | mebrock@vt.edu

Normand Adams, Undergraduate Advisor | nadams10@vt.edu