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Heather Wagoner

Heather Wagoner
Heather Wagoner

Since arriving at Virginia Tech in 2015, Heather has made it her duty to improve the life of her employees, students, and the community as a whole. In addition to completing her doctorate degree and raising her young son, Heather has excelled in her role as Director of Student Engagement and Campus life, wherein she leads with kindness, compassion, and dignity.

Heather’s nominator said, “By words and actions, Heather has shown trust and support in my expertise which has empowered me to take chances and seek out opportunities for growth.” Heather is so widely beloved, that even her nomination couldn’t be limited to one person—- rather, it was a combination of input from several members of the SECL team.

But a true leader leads not only with words, but with actions. Heather has made it a point to advocate for SECL’s custodial staff to ensure they had the opportunity to work towards GED and Associate’s degrees, and is still working to increase the institutional standards of custodial staff wage to bring it up to a living wage. Heather is also a critical advocate for students. Under her leadership, SECL has added the following features to the Squires Student Center: a prayer room, an ablution station, all-gender restrooms, and universally-accessible restrooms.

Heather says that “Courageous leadership means admitting when I mess up, trusting my gut, and standing my ground when I feel that championing a cause is the way forward.”

Heather, for your commitment to this University, and your exemplary display of influence, it is my honor to present to you the Aspire! Award for Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership.