In memoriam: JMahl Stewart, senior strategic talent acquisition and recruitment manager, Advancement
JMahl Stewart, the senior strategic talent acquisition and recruitment manager in the Advancement Division, died unexpectedly Monday, Feb 10.
Stewart will forever be remembered as a man of kindness, companionship, and dedication to his family, career, and community.
Stewart came to Virginia Tech in 2014 to recruit best in class talent to support the university’s fundraising, engagement, and communications and marketing work. His ability to attract and recruit strong advancement professionals has contributed to the historic growth of the university over the past 11 years. He was a deeply respected leader in talent acquisition, working across global organizations in Information Technology recruitment, higher education hiring, and senior management placements. He was well-known for his exceptional relationship-building skills.
Prior to joining Advancement, Stewart was responsible for international and domestic recruitment for Walden University and Laureate Higher Education Group. Altogether, he had more than 25 years of experience working in human resources and recruitment.
Stewart played football at Towson University and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from Walden University. He was a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the College and University Professional Association-Human Resources.
Stewart is survived by his wife of 20 years, Katryn DeMeritt Stewart, and was a proud father to Kayton, Mason, Kolbie, and Micah. He was the cherished son of Earnestine Stewart and was preceded in death by his father, Tony L. Stewart. His love and friendship extended to his large and close-knit family, including 18 nieces and nephews and 10 additional siblings through marriage. He was raised in Columbia, Maryland, and attended Oakland Mills High School. He loved to spend time by his outdoor fire pit, laugh with friends and family, and enjoy life to the fullest.
The family will host a funeral service on Monday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Church on Main, located at 550 N. Main St. in Blacksburg. A wreath will be placed in memory of Stewart at War Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Equity and Accessibility at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573