Pamplin Spotlight: Audra Upchurch

Audra Upchurch ‘02, MNR ‘09, MBA ‘18

CTEC, Interim Chief Executive Officer

What motivated you to attend Pamplin, and how did your time there shape your career path?

After earning my bachelor’s in forestry and Master of Natural Resources from Virginia Tech, I began exploring MBA programs and determined the Virginia Tech Professional MBA was the right option for me. I appreciated the schedule, hybrid format, and flexibility to balance coursework with my job. It was one of the best two years of my career. I studied with amazing colleagues with varying levels of experience from multiple industries. It was a hard two years, never having more than a week or so break, but it was worth the work and I learned so much that I could apply in class and in my career.

What skills did you learn during your time at Pamplin that continue to serve you personally and professionally?

Teamwork, hard work, and dedication. Most things that are worth something require hard work and sacrifice, but you can also have a good time while doing it. Building upon the relationships I formed through the program, I identified ways to give back to Virginia Tech through volunteering with the MBA Advisory Council and the Pamplin Society. My volunteering has expanded my connection to Virginia Tech, my Hokie network, and my awareness of emerging research and capabilities from the college.

Please discuss a few pivotal moments or decisions that significantly influenced your career trajectory?

When I first graduated from Virginia Tech, I worked at a local park in my area. I enjoyed the work but knew this was not my path long term and began the Master of Natural Resources program. In that first summer semester, I met a classmate who hired me before the summer was over, introduced me to consulting, provided me with technical and project management opportunities, and continued to be a friend and mentor throughout my career. Never underestimate the power of the Hokie network.

What advice would you offer to current Pamplin students aspiring to enter your field?

Never give up. Never stop trying to determine what you want to do next. When an opportunity arises, say yes. Ask for help. Look for mentors who will help you through your journey. Make friends along the way and protect those relationships as they will serve you for your entire life and career.

How do you stay connected with the Pamplin and Virginia Tech community? What does being a Hokie mean to you today?

We have season football tickets and rarely miss a game. Being surrounded by fellow Hokies in Lane Stadium restores our Hokie passion. I volunteer with both the Pamplin College of Business and the College of Natural Resources, and love to make connections across the university. We attend local Hokie happy hours, watch parties, and networking events. You always meet a friend when you are with fellow Hokies. Some of my most meaningful relationships started as strangers then connected over our shared Hokie spirit.