Jamie Lucero, director of alumni relations in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was elected to a two-year term as president of the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association (NAADA).

NAADA is an organization that provides enhancement opportunities for more than 350 advancement professionals in institutions of higher education associated with agricultural sciences. The organization also provides education, support, and recognition for individuals expanding resources for land-grant and other colleges of agricultural sciences and related programs.

“NAADA has always been an incredible resource to me as a professional,”  said Lucero. “It is an honor to be leading this outstanding organization. Alumni relations, communications, development, student professionals, and alumni volunteers are making significant impacts at our land-grant institutions. My goal as president is to enable the organization to continue providing our membership with the tools and support they need to be successful, especially as many institutions are navigating the transition to formal advancement models."

Lucero first became involved with NAADA when Virginia Tech hosted the annual conference in 2006. She served as the alumni track representative in 2012-2013 and chaired the Education Committee in 2013-2014. While serving as vice president in 2014-2016, she led a data initiative to design a more robust profile and search tool for member organizations, as well as led the committee to establish the Jane Longley-Cook Volunteer Fellowship Award.

Currently she provides leadership for the college’s alumni organization and its board of directors’ activities. Lucero is responsible for planning special events for alumni, faculty, staff, and students. She is the editor of the college’s alumni e-newsletter and holds a joint appointment with the Virginia Tech Alumni Relations office, where she is responsible for assisting with reunions and other special programs of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Lucero's connection to agriculture began at a very young age. Her family raised purebred Simmental cattle on a small farm in southwestern Pennsylvania, where she grew up. Lucero was active in organizations focused on agriculture, such as 4-H and the American Junior Simmental Association.

She received her bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Central Missouri and a master’s degree in animal science-reproductive physiology from Kansas State University. She is working toward completing a second master’s degree at Virginia Tech in agricultural, leadership, and community education.

Written by Amy Loeffler

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