Spring / Fall 2025 Newsletter
Dear alumni and friends,
The Fall 2025 semester has brought great energy and momentum to campus! We were thrilled to welcome 45 new Agricultural Technology students, bringing our total enrollment to 91. On October 2, the CALS Career Fair was a vibrant showcase of Hokie pride—many AT alumni returned to represent their companies and connect with current students. Thanks to strong preparation in their communication skills course, our students arrived with polished resumes and confidence, ready to engage with employers. It was inspiring to witness so many meaningful student-industry conversations throughout the day.
We recently concluded the interview process for the program’s next director and are eagerly awaiting the announcement. We extend our sincere thanks to the alumni and industry partners who participated in seminar sessions and forums with each finalist. Your insight and engagement are deeply appreciated and play a vital role in shaping the future of Agricultural Technology.
Dean Mario Ferruzzi continues to hear from many of you during his travels across the Commonwealth, and your enthusiasm for Agricultural Technology is deeply appreciated. Thank you for the time, insight, and support you continue to offer—whether you're speaking in classes, hosting field trips, mentoring interns, or sharing industry updates, your involvement makes a lasting impact.
We hope you’ll stay connected and continue to be part of our journey. If you haven’t already, we invite you to complete our engagement form to let us know how you’d like to stay involved—whether through sharing your time, talents, supplies, or financial support. This helps our instructors know who to reach out to when opportunities arise.
Your support means so much to us—and even more to the students who benefit from your involvement!
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Sumner
Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs
Director Agricultural Technology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Fall 2025 Open House Events
Prospective students and their families are invited to attend our Fall Open House November 8th in Blacksburg, VA. We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word—please share this opportunity with students, families, and educators in your network who may be interested in learning more about the Agricultural Technology Program.
2025 Graduate Awards and Pratt Scholars
Spring 2025 graduates received honors for their exceptional achievements across academics, leadership, and service.
AT Program Honors Industry Partners with 2025 Friend of the Program Awards
We were proud to honor two valued industry partners in recognition of their ongoing support and collaboration.
Class of 2025: Veteran Rob Starr finds new purpose in turfgrass management
Trading dress blues for golf greens, Starr discovered a new course — and a new calling — through Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Technology program.
The Virginia Tech Turf Club took two teams to Phoenix Arizona for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSA) Conference
The students' experiences at the GCSAA conference and turf bowl competition have a wide range of benefits, and couldn't happen without generous sponosors.
Agricultural Technology Students Gain Field Experience in Eastern Virginia
Students from the AT Program recently traveled to Eastern Virginia to deepen their understanding of concepts taught in the Precision Agriculture and Data Management course.
Cultivating Leadership: Virginia Tech Students Team Up with Saunders Brothers
Students in the Leadership course partnered with Saunders Brothers this spring to tackle real-world challenges through project-based learning. The experience helped students strengthen their leadership, collaboration, and communication skills in a hands-on, team-based setting.
Exciting Opportunities for Agricultural Technology Students at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition
Five Agricultural Technology students played a key role in representing Virginia Tech at the 2025 National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Colorado, gaining hands-on experience, showcasing their skills, and building valuable industry connections.
Guest Speakers and Field Trip Hosts continue to make a huge impact
We would like to publicly recognize the industry guests, many alumni of the AT program, who gave their time, talents, and experience to benefit our students in the last semester.
Follow our social media pages for more highlights!