Brett Smith

Young Alumni Council Member Bio

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How did you end up at Virginia Tech and in your major?

• I am a third-generation Hokie, so Virginia Tech has always been a second home to me and my family! I originally came to Virginia Tech studying communications to write for an outdoor magazine such as Field and Stream, Sportfishing Magazine, etc. Realizing quickly I did not want to make my hobby into a job, I pivoted to my second passion which is business, specifically in the food industry after being around our family business (Whitley's Peanut Factory) my entire life. In my sophomore year, I switched to Agribusiness with minors in Entrepreneurship (New Venture Growth) and Communications.

Class year(s) and degree(s)

• 2019, B.S. in Agribusiness

Favorite Virginia Tech memory

• Spending Saturdays in Lane Stadium of course!

Why should a prospective student consider agricultural and applied economics? 

• AAEC is a great major because it takes a large and overwhelming place like Virginia Tech and turns it into a small and cohesive environment. You know everyone's name, your professors and staff know your name, and it encourages real-world work environments for accountability.

Fun fact about yourself.

• I have played electric guitar for over 10 years (yes, I can play Enter Sandman).