CNRE names Ambassador of the Year and departmental honorees
Jackson Orr's dedication and service as a volunteer helping new and prospective students earns him top honors
For many prospective students pondering whether to enroll in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, the ambassadors are the first students they meet. They serve as guides for applicants and their families during campus visits. They volunteer at open houses and even travel to high schools to share the story of CNRE. They reach out to admitted students who will be arriving at Virginia Tech during the next term.
Four senior ambassadors were recognized by CNRE and the Advising and Career Center for being the outstanding ambassador for their respective departments. Additionally, Jackson Orr, who was the selection for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, was chosen as the collegewide Ambassador of the Year.
The department honorees were:
- Sierra Brown — Department of Geography
- Landon Long — Department of Sustainable Biomaterials
- Abi Mountford — Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
- Jackson Orr —Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and CNRE Ambassador of the Year.
What the awards recognize
These awards honor ambassadors who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and professionalism while representing CNRE. To be eligible, students must serve at least one year in the program, complete all general ambassador requirements, and consistently volunteer at recruitment and special events, including prospective-student interactions and leadership opportunities. Ambassadors must also attend at least 10 events and/or complete at least 20 service hours in the calendar year.
College of Natural Resources and Environment Dean Saskia van de Gevel (third from left) congratulated the three ambassadors who were able to attend the college's awards celebration. They are (from left) Abi Mountford, Jackson Orr, van de Gevel, and Sierra Brown. Photo by Chris Moody for Virginia Tech.
CNRE recruiter John Gray Williams, who oversees the program, said Orr’s selection as top ambassador reflected his effort to share the message and mission of CNRE, while being dedicated to assisting current and future students.
“During his time as an ambassador, I have witnessed Jackson’s serious dedication to service,” Williams said. “His genuine interest in helping get more students excited about CNRE, coupled with his ability to create a friendly and professional environment at events, is second to none.”
Williams said Orr’s reliability was a model for others.
“He has consistently been one of the top 10 ambassadors with the most volunteer hours every semester that he has been in the program,” he said. “Jackson is incredibly dependable, routinely showing up early for events, and even covering for others on multiple occasions.”
Beyond hours served, Orr distinguishes himself in how he serves.
“In addition to being welcoming and reliable, Jackson’s ability to think on his feet and his enthusiasm to jump in and offer assistance is a critical trait in the ambassador role,” Williams said. “When he doesn’t know an answer to a question, he is always quick to find one by looking up the information himself, seeking out a fellow student or a professional, or offering to follow up later.”
Williams said that Orr models growth and leadership for peers.
“Even when I see areas where Jackson could improve, he is so coachable and receptive to constructive criticism, always taking feedback to heart and showing back up the next time new and improved," he siad. "He quickly emerged as a leader in our program and is a role model for other ambassadors.”
