Pamplin Spotlight: Debra Middleton Emory ‘87

Debra Middleton Emory ‘87 graduated with her degree in marketing management. She now most recently served as the energy services marketing lead for Trane Technologies and now is the principal of her own consulting company, Emory Marketing Solutions, based in Vienna Virginia.

What led you to Pamplin and/or Virginia Tech, and how did you choose your major?

I was drawn to Virginia Tech for its strong sense of community, school spirit, and reputation for academic excellence. As a first-generation college student, I wanted to challenge myself and be part of something bigger. Once I arrived, I discovered my passion for marketing through courses that combined creativity, strategy, and problem-solving. The Pamplin College of Business gave me the foundation to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

What Pamplin courses, professors, mentors, or experiences that had a lasting impact on you?

One course that had a lasting impact on me at Virginia Tech was public speaking. We were required to record each presentation, and the professor would provide detailed feedback on our tapes. My first speech didn’t go as well as I hoped, but I took his advice to heart and worked hard to improve. After my final presentation, he smiled and said, “Well, I’ll eat crow, you just gave one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard.” That moment gave me tremendous confidence and taught me the value of preparation and perseverance. Since then, public speaking has become one of my greatest strengths, shaping how I lead teams, present ideas, and connect with customers throughout my career.

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

My time at Pamplin gave me skills that have served me throughout my life, professionally and personally. Team-based marketing projects taught me the importance of collaboration and how diverse perspectives lead to stronger, more creative outcomes. I also developed strong analytical and problem-solving abilities that became the foundation for turning strategy into action throughout my career. Beyond academics, Pamplin reinforced the value of hard work, curiosity, and integrity, traits that shaped how I lead teams, build brands, and mentor others today. Most importantly, Virginia Tech instilled in me a lifelong commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), a mindset that continues to guide both my leadership style and how I show up in my community.

In thinking about your philanthropy as a legacy at Virginia Tech, what do you hope it conveys about you or your values?

I hope my philanthropy at Virginia Tech reflects my deep gratitude for the education, community, and values that shaped my life. More than anything, I want it to convey a belief in Ut Prosim, that success means using our time and resources to lift others. My goal is for future students to feel supported, inspired, and confident that hard work and heart can open doors. If my legacy encourages others to give back and serve with purpose, then it will have reflected the very best of what being a Hokie means.

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

I stay connected to Virginia Tech and Pamplin through service, mentorship, and community. I’ve had the privilege of serving on both the Pamplin Advisory Board and the Marketing Advisory Board, mentoring students, and even guest lecturing in undergraduate and graduate classes. Each interaction reminds me how special the Hokie community is, driven, kind, and committed to making a difference. Being a Hokie today means living Ut Prosim in everything I do. It’s about carrying forward the values of integrity, hard work, and compassion that Virginia Tech instilled in me, and continuing to give back so the next generation can thrive.