Stephanie Byers named as director of alumni relations for College of Science
The impact of gratitude can be subtle or grand, but it’s always powerful.
It trickles down first from graduating class to class, then from generation to generation: Hokies bequeathing a legacy of thankfulness and service.
As the new director of alumni relations for the College of Science, Stephanie Byers hopes to bring stories of gratitude to life and turn the trickle into a deluge.
“We all can name a professor or a program that changed the course of our lives,” Byers said. “When we give back, we don’t always know who it will benefit down the line, but it makes a difference. It’s happening here all the time.”
Byers is strengthening a vibrant community where College of Science graduates can support one another, across disciplines and through time.
“The College of Science advancement team is thrilled to welcome Stephanie as our new director of alumni relations,” said Mike Walsh, assistant dean of advancement in the College of Science. “She brings a wealth of experience and a high level of enthusiasm to the College that will benefit her as she gets established in the role. I know she looks forward to engaging with as many Science Hokies as possible.”
As Byers steps into her new role at Virginia Tech, she answered a few questions about her career and her goals.
What is your background?
Originally from Surry, Virginia, I grew up across from the Jamestown Settlement before relocating to the mountains of Southwest Virginia. I earned a B.S. in communications from Radford University in 2011, and my career took me through roles at iHeartMedia, Audacy, and WeWork in Hampton Roads and Raleigh. Each position deepened my passion for building meaningful relationships. After returning to the New River Valley in 2021, I served as membership director at Virginia Tech’s University Club in Lane Stadium. Deeply engaged in the greater Blacksburg community, I was honored to receive the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s "40 Under 40" award this year.
What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education and what excites you most about joining the College of Science?
Higher education offers a dynamic environment that encourages continuous growth and adaptation, which aligns with my desire for lifelong learning.
What excites me most about joining the College of Science is the opportunity to engage with a diverse alumni network who have made significant contributions across various fields. Additionally, the College’s commitment to addressing global challenges through research and innovation resonates deeply with my values, and I look forward to being part of that mission.
What are your top priorities and goals for strengthening the relationship between the college and its vibrant alumni community?
My top priorities are to boost communication and engagement with regular updates and networking events. I want to strengthen our alumni network by continuing to develop mentorship programs that link students with alumni and celebrate achievements through spotlights and awards. I also hope to encourage collaboration between alumni and faculty for lifelong learning and professional development. By seeking feedback and building connections, I want to ensure our alumni feel valued and part of the college’s future.
What message would you like to send to alumni as you begin your tenure as the new director of alumni relations?
Your experiences and achievements are invaluable to our college community and beyond, and I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where your voices are heard and celebrated. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities for engagement, networking, and collaboration that will benefit our alumni and current students. I look forward to working alongside you to enhance our shared legacy and support the next generation of leaders.
What's one fact about you that our alumni might be surprised to learn?
In the name of science, I’ll share that I inherited the genetic trait Brachydactyly type D, also known as a stub thumb. This type affects around 2 percent of the population and is associated with the HOXD13 gene on chromosome 2q31.1. Essentially, if you would like to win in a friendly game of a thumb war, I am your gal.
How can alumni interested in getting involved with the college or sharing their story get in touch with you?
Our College of Science alumni can get involved in several ways: through mentorships, networking, volunteering, and Giving Day. Please feel free to reach me via email at stephrenee@vt.edu, 540-231-8706, or LinkedIn, and together, let's discover how we can bring to life Ut Prosim.
