What career path do you want to pursue? How do you adjust to college life? These are some of the questions that Normand Adams, academic advisor and student counselor at the School of Agricultural and Applied Economics, asks students every day.

Adams, who earned a dual degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Management and Ecological Horticulture and a Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics in 2020, guides students through their most important academic moments and career decisions.

“It was always my dream to attend Virginia Tech, but I knew I wanted to attend a community college first and then transfer,” Adams said. “I took an agricultural economics class at the community college with Dixie Watts Dalton, a professor at the time, who talked about this ‘thing’ I had never heard of: agricultural and applied economics. When I found out I could combine both economics with my love of agriculture, I was thrilled.”

The journey from student to his current role began with a passion for agriculture that grew during his time at Southside Virginia Community College.

“From the moment I first met Normand at Southside Virginia Community College, I knew he was destined to do great things,” said Dixie Watts Dalton, associate professor of practice in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. “I was thrilled that he took our agribusiness courses and used the transfer process to continue his education at Virginia Tech, where he excelled and received Outstanding Senior honors from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He has been a tremendous resource to both the graduate and undergraduate programs. The department is fortunate to have him, and I am honored to be his colleague.”

Adams’ strategy focuses on empowering the 200+ students he advises through active engagement outside of the classroom. His advice to students, especially transfer students, emphasizes the importance of immediate involvement in organizations and clubs like AgEcon and the National Agri-Marketing Association to make the most of their time on campus.

“Don’t just isolate yourself in the classroom,” Adams said. “The academic world is not isolated, it is affected by everything that happens in the lives of students.”

When he’s not consulting, Adams teaches a course for freshmen and career changers that focuses on resource awareness and practical skills and provides peer support and mentoring.

Adams has had a profound impact on his supervisor, Frenda Haynie, and values ​​the opportunity to provide a transformative journey for each student. He emphasizes that at Virginia Tech, students can experience a mix of large university atmosphere and a supportive, personal approach in the department.

“As his former advisor, it is wonderful to see Normand’s path come full circle as the department’s new academic advisor,” said Frenda Haynie, his former academic advisor. “Normand was a transfer student who made the most of his time by getting involved right away. He became indispensable to both the department and the college, always volunteering at orientations, open houses, and special events. Even as a double major, he still made time to get involved in clubs and serve the community as an EMT. All of these experiences as a student make him a better advisor.”

“Being an advisor means serving and being there for students,” she added. “Normand embodies the university’s motto Ut Prosim and serves students with his extensive institutional knowledge and genuine care for each individual. I am honored to have been a small part of his journey.”

Reducing financial barriers for students

Tuition can often be a major hurdle for students. As an undergraduate, Adams was fortunate to receive the Scroggs-Raper Scholarship twice. Established through the generous donations of Luther Raper and Claude Scroggs, this scholarship is awarded to students at land-grant universities and colleges in Virginia who are studying agricultural subjects.

“As an advisor, I am passionate about supporting students and helping them overcome any obstacles, including financial ones, that may come their way,” Adams said. “My goal is to ensure that they are fully focused on their academic goals and can take advantage of the experiential learning opportunities to be successful.”

This is a priority for the university and is why Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors have identified reducing financial barriers and expanding resources for students as top priorities for the future of the university through Virginia Tech Advantage.

Virginia Tech Advantage is a multi-year, university-wide initiative to provide a well-rounded education to Virginia students with financial need. The initiative consists of four strategies: providing a significant amount of new scholarships to address unmet financial need and providing increased support for students’ basic needs, career preparation, and transformative learning experiences.

Effects that many feel

Read what others had to say about Adams.

• “Normand is as true a Hokie as you can find. He is an outstanding embodiment of Ut Prosim by helping out in the department when and where needed, and he expresses a strong school spirit by often wearing maroon and orange suits to most events. His commitment to the university has greatly benefited the department and all the students who have had the pleasure of knowing him.” – Gabe Wiggins ’24, Environmental Economics, Management, and Policy
• “Normand has always gone the extra mile to ensure his students receive exceptional support. He has always emphasized that his door is always open, no matter what. From Normand’s guidance since my sophomore year to his current collaboration as an ambassador, I have witnessed his invaluable contributions to the college firsthand. Normand has been instrumental to my success throughout my career, and I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support and guidance during my time as a student.” – Kinley Kellum ’25, Agricultural Business Management
• “Normand is probably the most generous person I have ever met. In every job he held, from volunteering with the fire department to graduate coordinator to student advisor, his primary goal and purpose in life was to help people. We all rely on him for things that go far beyond his job and are happy to have him on our team.” – Olga Isengildina Massa, John B. and Kristi L. Rowsell Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics
• “Normandd is a homegrown talent with a comprehensive vision for internal and external development and an ideal role model and mentor for the department, the college and our students. His advice and guidance are always smart, pragmatic and wise. Normand is an MVP because he organically promotes student success.” – Mike Ellerbrock, Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics
• “Normand is always quick to respond to any questions I have about my career or degree. When I first joined the department, a faculty member mentioned that AAEC faculty and staff care deeply about the success and well-being of their students. Normand is a testament to that.” Teresa Thornton ’25, public health and environmental economics, management, and policy

Adams says he can’t imagine a more exciting or fulfilling role than that of advisor, and he can’t think of a better place to do it than Virginia Tech.