Four new members join College of Science's Hall of Distinction

Lon Wagner

28 May 2026

Five individuals posed for a group photo. — Dean Kevin Pitts (at center) with 2026 College of Science Hall of Distinction inductees (from left) John R. Lawson II '75, Cherese D. Winstead Ph.D. '02, Camille T. Schrier '18, and Mark L. Scheffel '78. Photo by Emily Priddy of Waters Productions for Virginia Tech.

The College of Science inducted four new members into its Hall of Distinction this spring.

The Hall of Distinction recognizes individuals whose careers, leadership, and service to society reflect the values of the College of Science and exemplify the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

“These honorees have distinguished themselves through leadership, service, professional achievement, and a deep commitment to Virginia Tech,” said Dean Kevin Pitts. “Their work strengthens our college today and inspires the scientists, leaders, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. With this induction, they join a remarkable group of alumni and friends whose contributions span science, healthcare, education, business, public service, and beyond.”

The 2026 Hall of Distinction inductees are John R. Lawson II '75 of Newport News, Virginia; Mark L. Scheffel '78 of Delaplane, Virginia; Camille T. Schrier '18 of Newtown, Pennsylvania; and Cherese D. Winstead Ph.D. '02 of Middletown, Delaware.

John R. Lawson II

Lawson is a highly respected leader in both the construction industry and the Hampton Roads community. A Virginia native, he earned a bachelor’s degree in geophysics and joined W. M. Jordan that same year, beginning a career that has spanned more than five decades.

As president and CEO from 1986-2018, Lawson guided the company’s growth into one of the largest construction managers in Virginia with annual revenues exceeding $700 million and national recognition among Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 Contractors. Today, as executive chairman, he continues to focus on advancing corporate innovation and regional development opportunities.

Lawson has held leadership roles across corporate, nonprofit, and higher education organizations, including the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, Virginia Tech Alumni Association, Virginia Tech Athletic Association, TowneBank, and Christopher Newport University. He also serves as chairman of ivWatch, LLC and has been actively involved with Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. In addition, he is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and the National Academy of Construction.

A dedicated Hokie, Lawson served as rector of the Board of Visitors and co-chaired the university’s $1 billion Invent the Future campaign. He received the William H. Ruffner Medal in 2017 and the Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2012. He and his wife, Paige, have generously supported numerous university initiatives, including a scholarship in the College of Science. They are members of the Ut Prosim Society President’s Circle, Legacy Society, and 1872 Society.

Mark L. Scheffel

Scheffel is a technology executive and steadfast advocate for innovation in support of national priorities. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has held senior leadership positions in both established and emerging government solutions companies, helping guide organizations recognized for excellence and impact across the public sector.

Committed to developing future technology leaders, Scheffel established internship and cooperative education programs within the companies he led, creating meaningful opportunities for hundreds of students and recent graduates to launch successful careers while supporting critical national missions.

Scheffel earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. As a longtime member of the College of Science Roundtable Advisory Board, he provided foundational support for the college’s Computational Modeling and Data Analytics program, helping advance interdisciplinary education in data science, mathematics, and computing. He continues to support the program's capstone projects and student innovation initiatives. Scheffel and his wife, Nancy, are proud members of Virginia Tech’s Ut Prosim Society, Legacy Society, 1872 Society, Pylon Society, and Hokie Club Benefactors.

Camille T. Schrier

Schrier is widely recognized for breaking tradition at the Miss America Organization by delivering a dynamic onstage chemistry demonstration to earn the title of Miss America 2020. Passionate about STEM education and representation, she has become a national advocate for making science engaging and accessible to young audiences.

As Miss America, Schrier championed STEM education, engaging young audiences and highlighting the critical relevance of science in everyday life. She also advanced her social impact initiative, Mind Your Meds: Drug Safety and Abuse Prevention from Pediatrics to Geriatrics, with a particular focus on addressing the opioid epidemic.

In 2021, she launched Her Royal Scientist, a science education brand focused on inspiring curiosity and encouraging more young women to pursue careers in STEM.

A proud Hokie, Schrier graduated with honors with dual bachelor’s degrees in systems biology and biochemistry. She later earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University. Schrier currently serves on the medical strategy team at Klick Health, where she helps develop educational and promotional materials for therapies addressing migraine, cancer, infectious diseases, and other health conditions.

Cherese D. Winstead

Winstead is a distinguished scholar, leader, and public servant dedicated to advancing science, education, and community impact. She earned her Ph.D. in chemistry and currently serves as dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Delaware State University, where she is also a professor of chemistry. Prior to becoming dean, she chaired the Department of Chemistry for more than a decade.

Since joining Delaware State University in 2008, Winstead has led transformative efforts across research, teaching, and service. She has helped secure more than $60 million in external funding supporting interdisciplinary initiatives that connect scientific innovation with student success and workforce development.

Winstead has collaborated extensively with government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and community organizations. Her professional service includes leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as the Delaware NASA Space Grant Consortium, the Materials Research Society, the American Chemical Society, and the Delaware Science Coalition.

Her commitment to service also extends beyond higher education. She founded the Young Chemists Society and Helping Young People Excel, nonprofit organizations focused on expanding STEM opportunities for young learners. Her leadership has also been recognized nationally through appointments by the governor of Delaware to the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council and by President Joe Biden to the National Medal of Science Committee.