Virginia Tech Board of Visitors names new student representatives for 2025-26
Editor's note: Thomas Feely's class year has been updated.
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors appointed two new student representatives who will begin their one-year terms on July 1.
Thomas Feely and Katherine “Katie” Drinkwater will serve as undergraduate and graduate/professional student representatives, respectively. These representatives act as important liaisons between the university’s governing board and the broader student population.
Meet the new undergraduate representative
Feely, a senior majoring in construction engineering and management in the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, is the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets’ regimental commander and as a communications officer with the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, brings a deep sense of service and student leadership to the role.
“In the corps, I’ve grown into leadership in steps — first learning to lead myself, then a fire team, then a squad, a company, and now nearly 1,300 cadets,” he said. “Serving as the undergraduate representative felt like the next step. This time, I’m stepping up to represent over 30,000 students.”
Feely is a campus ambassador for the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, where he advocates for the value of hands-on, real-world learning. He credits the school’s experiential model with preparing him to succeed in a recent summer internship — and with giving him confidence as a future leader in the field.
He also sees his role on the board as an opportunity to build bridges across perspectives, especially in times of change.
“I want to lead with patience and understanding,” he said. “When I talk with people who see something differently, I ask questions. I want to understand what they care about, what’s driving their point of view. It’s about seeking common ground and building from there.
“If I had to sum up my goal in one word, it would be unity,” he said. “I want to help students reconnect with what we’re here for — not just as individuals, but as a community. Even when we don’t agree, I believe we can move forward with respect, with purpose, and with shared understanding.”
A former Boy Scout, he earned his EMT certification at 16 and his firefighter credentials at 18. Feely is also part of Virginia Tech’s participation in the Defense Civilian Training Corps, a pilot program preparing students for civilian careers with the Department of Defense. The program is housed in the Hume Center for National Security and Technology.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and support this program provides,” he said. “It’s another way to serve something larger than myself — and that’s been a guiding principle for as long as I can remember.”
Meet the graduate and professional student representative
Drinkwater, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Engineering Education, said her desire to serve in this role was sparked unexpectedly during a luncheon hosted by President Tim Sands.
“I didn’t even know this position existed until I attended a luncheon for graduate and professional students,” she said. “That conversation opened a door — and I walked through it. I’ve always valued service — not just as a way to give back, but as a way to learn deeply about a community.”
Drinkwater, who also serves as a graduate school tour guide, said her passion for community-building and connection has shaped much of her academic and professional journey. Through departmental involvement and leadership roles, she has developed a strong sense of the graduate student experience — and a desire to make those voices more visible.
“Graduate and professional students are incredibly diverse. We are not a monolith group with one perspective — and I want to make sure the board understands that,” she said. “At the same time, I want to help students understand how the Board of Visitors works and how governance decisions affect their lives. I want to be a bridge in both directions.”
Drinkwater said her “metaphorical door” is open to anyone who wants to share their perspectives. “I can’t promise I’ll have every answer,” she said, “but I can promise I’ll listen — and that I’ll do everything I can to carry your voice to the people making decisions that matter.”
About the board
The Board of Visitors is the governing authority of Virginia Tech and consists of public- and private-sector leaders, many of whom are alumni. Each year, the board selects one undergraduate student and one graduate/professional student to serve as representatives. Some of the board's responsibilities include appointing the president of the university; establishing fees, tuition, and other charges paid by students; and approving university policies, including those related to student life.
The undergraduate and graduate student representatives serve as ex-officio members of the Commission of Student Affairs and sit on a committee of the governing board. These non-voting members maintain continual contact with university faculty, administrators, and Virginia Tech students.