New student representatives named to Board of Visitors

The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors has named Robert Waugh as its undergraduate student representative and Helen Phillips as its graduate/professional student representative for the 2026–27 academic year. 

Beginning July 1, they will serve as liaisons between the board and the broader student population, helping ensure student perspectives inform decisions that shape the university’s future. 

While they’ve followed two different paths, they have one shared purpose: to represent their peers at the highest level of university leadership. From guiding more than 1,400 students in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to building a decades-long career in public service and returning to the classroom, Waugh and Phillips will bring distinct experiences to their roles.

Meet the new undergraduate representative

Waugh, a senior majoring in aerospace engineering with a minor in leadership studies, is the regimental commander for the Corps of Cadets, the highest-ranking cadet. In this role, he supports the development of hundreds of cadets.

“I’m excited to work alongside university leaders and learn from people who have already walked the paths I hope to take,” he said. “That kind of mentorship is invaluable – and I want to make the most of it before I graduate.”

Waugh’s leadership philosophy is grounded in service to others – a perspective he has developed through his time in the corps and one that aligns closely with the university’s motto. That commitment to servant leadership will guide his approach as the undergraduate representative, where he sees his primary role as amplifying student voices.

“In this role, my agenda isn’t my own – it’s Hokies',” he said. “It’s about listening to students, understanding what matters to them, and making sure their voices are heard. A big focus for me is building belonging – making sure every student feels like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”

As he looks ahead to the coming year, Waugh hopes to strengthen connections across the student body and ensure that students feel both represented and supported.

“When students leave Virginia Tech, they’re not former Hokies – they’re Hokies for life,” he said.

Meet the new graduate/professional student representative

Phillips, a Ph.D. candidate in public administration and policy, will bring decades of professional experience and a lifelong connection to Virginia Tech to her role. In addition to her academic work, she has built a career as a local government attorney and previously served on the Board of Visitors at Longwood University.

“A professor encouraged me to apply, and I’m so glad she did,” she said. “It opened a door I might have otherwise missed. I’ve experienced Virginia Tech from so many perspectives – as a student, a parent, and now a graduate researcher,” she said. “That long relationship gives me a deep understanding of this community.”

Her academic journey has given her insight into the wide range of graduate and professional student experiences, including those studying online, in Blacksburg, or at university locations around Virginia and around the world. She believes that broad perspective helped prepare her to represent the nearly 7,000 graduate and professional students across the university.

“Graduate students aren’t one group with one experience,” she said. “We’re working professionals, online learners, researchers, international students – and I’ve lived many of those perspectives myself.”

In the year ahead, Phillips hopes to build strong lines of communication with the students she represents and ensure their perspectives are reflected in board discussions.

“I want to connect with as many graduate and professional students as I can – listen to their concerns, understand their experiences, and make sure those perspectives reach the Board,” she said. “I understand how complex and consequential these decisions can be, and it’s important to bring forward the student perspective in those conversations.”

Above all, Phillips is motivated by a deep sense of connection to the university community. “You can be anywhere – across the country or across the world – and you’ll find someone with a Hokie connection,” she said. “That sense of community is powerful.”

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.

As representatives to the board, the student representatives attend all open meetings of the board and the committees of their choice. These non-voting representatives maintain continual contact with university faculty, administrators, and students to ensure that students’ interests are represented and perspectives are heard. The student representatives also serve as members of University Council, the Undergraduate Student Senate Cabinet or the Graduate and Professional Student Senate Executive Council, and Order of the Gavel.