Stephen Garnett

Stephen Garnett shows us what is possible when a leader wholeheartedly believes in the work they do and the community they serve.

Stephen has been a pillar of Virginia Tech Dining Services for two decades. He has always enjoyed helping others, and when he came to Virginia Tech as a student in 1995, the spirit of service resonated with him.

“Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) is all around you, and gets ingrained in you if you let it,” he said. “It’s more than just a motto. It’s a philosophy, a climate, and a culture of service oriented towards contributing to the larger good.”

His journey with Dining started when he was a student employee. Since then, he has risen through the ranks to become associate director of contracts and administration.

In all of his roles, Stephen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the Virginia Tech community. He is known for his outstanding service, proactiveness, and compassionate leadership.

Stephen cares deeply about employee well-being — not just so the department succeeds, but so each team member personally thrives. His supportive nature has helped others through personal and professional challenges.

His nominator noted that Stephen is an advocate and role model for balancing professional commitments and mental well-being, embracing inclusive, empathetic, and flexible leadership.

His nominator said, “Stephen fosters an environment where employees feel included, valued, and supported. His willingness to adjust schedules, offer support, and be a compassionate leader ensures that his team operates effectively and feels appreciated.”

Stephen’s commitment to the success of Virginia Tech dining drives him to embrace innovation with an open mind. His nominator described him as a “catalyst for positive change” for his work overseeing expansions and implementations of new technologies in Dining Services.

Stephen played a pivotal role in Dining's integration of a mobile ordering platform, which has improved operational efficiency while offering more convenient and accessible dining options to students.

Stephen’s holistic, forward-thinking approach “ensures that innovations in Dining Services align with the university's foundational goals of fostering personal relationships, cultivating inclusive spaces, and promoting intercultural experiences.”

His contributions extend far beyond the expectations of his role. In times of departmental transitions or unexpected changes, Stephen volunteers to take on extra responsibilities and duties to help operations run smoothly.

“His compassionate leadership and unwavering support for his team and the student body create a nurturing and effective environment,” said the nominator. “Stephen exemplifies how service can enrich and elevate the entire community, embodying the true spirit of the university’s motto.”

For his immeasurable contributions to the Virginia Tech community through his work and his example, Student Affairs is proud to present the faculty/staff Aspire! Award for Embrace UT PROSIM as a Way of Life to Stephen Garnett.