Meet Our Traveling Team

Lynda K. Bailey joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 1997. In 2009, she was promoted to senior assistant director. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Bailey worked as an assistant to the vice president of enrollment as well as a coordinator of special admissions programs at Ferum College from 1990 to 1996. From 1984 to 1990, she worked at Lynchburg College first as an admissions counselor and later as an assistant director of admissions. Bailey has more than 24 years of experience in the admissions profession. Bailey received a bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College.

Alvin R. Bryant joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2005. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he was a senior admissions counselor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Bryant has more than nine years of experience in the admissions profession.

Bryant received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Virginia Tech.

Juan P. Espinoza joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2007. In 2009, he was promoted to assistant director of diversity admissions. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he was an assistant director of admissions at Radford University from 2004 to 2007. Espinoza has more than five years of experience in the admissions profession.

Espinoza received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at Radford University.

Jill M. Harris joined Virginia Tech as admissions advisor in 2009. Harris received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Gary N. Jackson joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2000. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he was a lieutenant colonel in the engineer branch of the United States Army, from which he retired after more than 22 years of service. Jackson has more than nine years of experience in the admissions profession. He received a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech.

Mildred R. Johnson was appointed Director of Undergraduate Admissions in November of 2008.

Prior to being named Director, she served as Interim Director and Senior Associate Director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in the admissions profession. She joined Virginia Tech’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions in 1995. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she was assistant director of academic advising at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition, Johnson has worked as associate director of admissions at Longwood University and Gardner-Webb University, as well as assistant director of admissions at Averett University.

Johnson received a bachelor’s degree from Averett University and a master’s degree from Radford University.

Rebekah C. LaPlante joined Virginia Tech in 2008. As a senior assistant director of undergraduate admissions, she has more than eight years of experience. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, LaPlante worked in undergraduate admissions at Radford University as an assistant director, a senior assistant director, and an associate director. LaPlante received a bachelor’s degree and a masters degree from Radford University.

Amanda N. McAlpine joined Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a work-study student in 2006. In 2009, she was hired as an admissions advisor.

McAlpine received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Ryan J. McConnell joined Virginia Tech as admissions advisor in 2009. McConnell received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Tyler S. Murphy joined Virginia Tech as admissions advisor in 2009. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he worked as a bartender at Sharkeys.

Murphy received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Kelly M. Rawlings joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2001. In 2008, she was promoted to Associate Director. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she worked as the director of counseling at North Cross School in Roanoke, Va. Rawlings has more than 10 years of experience in the admissions profession. In addition, Rawlings has worked as an English teacher in Lynchburg City Schools and an admissions counselor at Sweet Briar College.

Rawlings received a bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Kalyn E. Saylor joined Virginia Tech as an admissions advisor 2008. In 2009, Saylor became an assistant director.

Saylor received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Jonathan L. Schramm joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2007. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he worked as an assistant director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Richmond. Schramm has more than five years of experience in the admissions profession. In addition, Schramm has worked as a graduate assistant for undergraduate admissions at The College of William and Mary and an admissions counselor as well as an assistant director of undergraduate admissions at Christopher Newport University.

Schramm received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a master’s degree from The College of William and Mary.

Amanda E. Sparks joined Virginia Tech as admissions advisor in 2009. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she worked as a marketing coordinator and account executive at College Media solutions.

Sparks received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Ashley C. Turnage joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2005. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she a graduate student with assistantships in assessment, career services, athletic academic advising, and distance learning. Turnage has more than five years of experience in the admissions profession. In addition, Turnage has worked in accounting, casting promotions, and post production at New Dominion Pictures in Suffolk, Va.

Turnage received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree from Old Dominion University.

Jill N. Wells joined Virginia Tech as assistant director in 2003. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she worked for Shenandoah University as an associate director. Wells has more than 13 years of experience in the admissions profession.

Wells received a bachelor’s degree and a graduate certificate from Virginia Tech.