Honoring Excellence: The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics Names 2025 Outstanding Seniors
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics recognized two exceptional seniors from the 2025 graduating class for their academic achievements and contributions to the department. The selection criteria assess students’ academic success and involvement in career-focused opportunities within the department, the university, and the broader industry.
This spring’s recipients, Michele Mickelwait and Jack Wilson, demonstrated professional and personal excellence through their participation in internships, fellowships, leadership roles, sports, and off-campus opportunities that allowed them to engage with business leaders in their respective fields of study.
"We are committed to rewarding our students not only for their academic excellence but also for their active engagement in experiential learning opportunities,” said Olga Isengildina Massa, John B. and Kristi L. Rowsell Professor and undergraduate director. “By participating in internships, leadership roles, and industry-related experiences, our students gain invaluable skills and real-world insights that will carry them far beyond graduation. It's incredibly rewarding to recognize their hard work, and I’m confident these experiences will serve them well as they move forward in their careers."
"I truly enjoy reviewing the remarkable experiences our students have had and rewarding a few with this award, which celebrates their accomplishments," said Normand Adams, undergraduate advisor. "Few graduates can say they were named the outstanding senior in their program. It's a tremendous honor to receive this award, and it serves as a valuable credential when interviewing for jobs or applying for advanced degree programs."
Michele Mickelwait discovers a passion for economics
Hometown: Woodstock, Virginia
Major: Agribusiness with a minor in Strategic Communications
What are your plans after graduation?
This summer, I am working as a wrangler at the Triangle C Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. I will be returning to Virginia Tech next year to finish my master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics. After graduating in May 2026, I want to pursue a career in community economic development as an Extension agent, loan officer, or in a similar communication-based role.
How has the department affected your undergraduate career?
It’s challenging to choose just one favorite experience from AAEC; I have had so many amazing opportunities. My time working with Dr. Mike Ellerbrock stands out. When I first came to Virginia Tech, I had no interest in economics, but after taking Dr. Ellerbrock's intro-level courses, I found a passion for the topic. His enthusiastic teaching style, ability to clearly explain complex concepts in a real-world way, and true care for his students inspired me to pursue economics.
What hands-on learning opportunities have you enjoyed?
I am currently a Kohl Centre Agrifood Finance Fellow. As a fellow, I am leading a team of peers directly working with a small vineyard in Grayson County, Virginia, on developing their business plans and economic viability. I was able to attend the 2025 USDA Ag Outlook Forum and the Virginia Wine Board meeting. This fellowship has allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and given me new skills and contacts that will be able to help me in my future career.
What extracurricular activities and leadership roles have you been involved in? How did they impact your overall experience?
During my time at Virginia Tech, I have been involved in many great opportunities, including serving as the social chair of the Ag Econ club, competing in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association’s Venture Building Challenge, being an ambassador for the department and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and being a member of the Collegiate Horsemen's Association. Being involved in a variety of different organizations across campus has given me such a great depth of knowledge and made me feel prepared to transition into a career.
Jack Wilson sets his sights on commodities and entrepreneurship
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Major: Environmental Economics: Management & Policy
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to enter the commodity trading space and focus on both financial and physical trading of energy products. Long-term, however, I want to start my own business because I really value my independence and want to build something that’s mine rather than work for someone else my entire life. Outside my professional career, I will continue rowing and prioritize physical and mental well-being.
How has the department affected your undergraduate career?
The best part about my department is my academic advisor, Normand Adams. He’s helped me with prospective jobs, creating a strong elevator pitch, professional development, and has always been there for me when it comes to class registration and building out an awesome plan to graduate on time as a transfer student. My favorite class was with Dr. Kurt Stephenson. He brought an unmatched energy and positivity to every class. His teaching style made the material engaging and practical, which stood out to me during my time here.
What hands-on learning opportunities have you most enjoyed?
I had the opportunity to intern with Richmond International Forest Products during the summer of my junior year. They were involved in the physical trading of wood and lumber products. It was a fascinating introduction to a niche sector within the broader commodities space. I gained a lot of firsthand experience by sitting in with traders and observing how they managed their books of business. I also got exposure to the operational side of things — learning about the accounting process and the logistics and documentation involved in importing products from countries like Indonesia and Brazil. Overall, this internship gave me valuable insight into how physical trading markets work and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in commodities.
What extracurricular activities and leadership roles have you been involved in?
I have been very fortunate to be an analyst in Commodity Investing by Students at Virginia Tech (COINS), where I can be directly involved in markets with trading. Being a part of COINS has made my time at Virginia Tech truly unique — it’s an experience that sets this university apart, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I have also been a member of the Virginia Tech Men’s Rowing team, which has taught me a lot about time management skills, being a part of a large team, and pushing myself even when I don’t feel like it. The mental toughness aspect of the sport has taught me so many invaluable lessons, and it carries into everything I do academically, professionally, and personally.
By Nancy Moseley
