Class of 2026: Four graduates live Ut Prosim through education
From advancing career and technical education across the commonwealth to exploring how motivation shapes learning, four graduates of the School of Education’s Class of 2026 are preparing to make a lasting impact.
Their paths spanning higher education, educational leadership, and educational psychology reflect a shared commitment to supporting others through teaching, research, and service. Shaped by mentorship and the Hokie community, they leave Virginia Tech ready to lead and to serve.
Rebecca Steele - Ph.D., Higher Education
Plans after graduation
To work at a medical school or in a health professions program, helping students reach their full potential.
Favorite Hokie Memory
My favorite experiences have revolved around attending and participating in events at the Center for the Arts. Whether attending a circus show, participating in a workshop, or facilitating an aerial circus arts demonstration, the center has been integral to some of my favorite community experiences at Virginia Tech outside of my program.
Arnaz Dotivala - Ph.D., Educational Leadership
Plans after graduation
I plan to continue advancing career and technical education through leadership, research, and policy work. As the incoming president of the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education, I look forward to collaborating with educators and industry partners. Guided by the Hokie spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), I hope to continue supporting teachers and school divisions in creating meaningful learning experiences that strengthen students’ futures and communities across Virginia.
Favorite Hokie Memory
One of my favorite Hokie memories is the many conversations and moments of guidance I shared with Carol Mullen, my dissertation chair, advisor, and mentor. Throughout my doctoral journey, she offered constant reassurance that I could do this and maintained steady communication that kept me focused and moving forward. Her thoughtful mentorship, meticulous attention to detail, and keen editorial eye strengthened my work in immeasurable ways.
Zeynep Ambarktuk - Ph.D., Educational Psychology
Plans after graduation
I plan to pursue a faculty position in educational psychology. I am currently in the interview process for academic positions and look forward to applying what I have learned during my doctoral program in my future teaching and research. I hope to continue developing my research agenda on motivation and learning while teaching courses that help students and future educators better understand how motivation and engagement influence learning.
Favorite Hokie Memory
When I first moved to Blacksburg, I was not a Hokie, and I was not planning to pursue a Ph.D. After interacting with the supportive and welcoming Virginia Tech community, I began to feel inspired to try. Faculty and students were generous with their time and encouragement, which helped me see that pursuing a doctoral degree might be possible. My advisor, Brett Jones, met with me even before I became a Virginia Tech student and helped me realize that I was capable of succeeding in a Ph.D. program. That encouragement shaped not only my academic journey but also the direction of my life.
Dijuan Gilbert - M.A.Ed., Higher Education and Student Affairs
Plans after graduation
I plan to work at a university as a resident director before pursuing a Ph.D. in education.
Favorite Hokie memory
My favorite class throughout the program is systems thinking, pedagogy, and praxis. It truly opened my eyes to how we construct reality and interact within systems.
