Josh McMillan

Self-motivated, with strong leadership, communication, and customer services skills, Josh McMillan is a perfect fit for Virginia Tech’s top rated Dining Services program. Josh started working at Virginia Tech in January 2020 as Assistant Manager for West End Market. Quickly distinguishing himself, he served as interim Operations Manager in fall 2020, was appointed Training Coordinator, and led the Community Service program. During the pandemic, Josh helped create and lead West End Market's isolation meal process. He was voted West End Market Manager of the Year in 2021. Josh said, “It meant the world to me that the staff gave me that honor.”

Last fall, Josh was promoted to Operations Manager for West End Market. His new responsibilities include regulating workplace and food safety policies, coaching and counseling staff, managing building maintenance and security, oversight of food waste and inventory, and staff scheduling. He also serves as Training Coordinator, Community Service Coordinator, and Student Liaison.

If that sounds like a lot for a single plate, it is. But Josh is committed and dedicated and always goes the extra mile – especially when it comes to helping his employees.

His nominator wrote, “He is always respectful of others’ perspectives, their time, and their daily interactions. He is always willing to listen to others whether they are going through a hard time or if they just want to celebrate something that is going on in their life. He is always trying to better himself and those who work with him.”

Of special note is Josh’s work with refugees whose English speaking and reading skills are limited.

Josh said, “To me civility is treating others with kindness, dignity, and respect. It is making everyone feel accepted and safe from discrimination. It goes back to treating others the way you would want to be treated. I am driven to help everyone feel comfortable and included in the workplace -- and throughout life in general. I acknowledge the struggles refugees go through being in a new place, such as language barriers and cultural differences. It is important to me to help our staff members who are refugees feel comfortable at work and provide them any resources I can to help them adjust to their new setting.”

A colleague said, “Josh has been so kind and understanding. his efforts with that group of employees is appreciated more than he’ll probably ever know.”

Josh said, “My passion is helping others achieve their goals and making them feel accepted. This is a big reason I decided to become a manager, and Virginia Tech has created a great atmosphere to allow me to help others grow. We have a diverse group of people who work at the West End Market and in Dining Services. I have really enjoyed getting to know and interact with as many of them as possible. I am thankful to work with the people I do.”

Josh, I am pleased to present to you the Aspire! Award for practicing CIVILITY.