Jessica Walters was named the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, according to an April 28 announcement. Walters, who oversees all four veterinary diagnostic laboratories for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in 2009, followed by a Ph.D. in poultry infectious diseases and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
The recognition highlights her work in population health and laboratory management within Virginia’s agricultural sector. Walters said her interest shifted early on from small animal practice to large-scale herd health after witnessing difficult decisions made due to financial constraints: “It was kind of my opposite of the James Herriot moment,” she said. “I knew at that point in time that I couldn’t be a small animal vet, because I have the knowledge and the equipment to help you, and I can’t, because of the money.” She explained her passion for poultry epidemiology developed during introductory classes at Virginia Tech.
Walters advanced through roles as a poultry diagnostician before leading all four state laboratories. Under her leadership over five years, these labs achieved Level 1 status within the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and implemented new technologies such as laboratory information management systems. Expansion projects are underway to further increase testing capacity across three facilities.
Her team responded rapidly when highly pathogenic avian influenza was suspected in January 2023; Walters personally transported samples for confirmation out-of-state to ensure swift action: “My thought as soon as we saw that non-negative was, we have to act, and we have to act fast,” she said. The response time—from initial suspicion through depopulation—was about eight hours.
Walters attributes much of her success to collaboration with other alumni from the college working across federal and state agencies on avian flu response efforts. She emphasized: “Honestly, I think the secret sauce truly is the people.” Her approach prioritizes employee input and professional development opportunities within laboratory settings.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences contributes to community development by nurturing future leaders and improving quality of life through innovations in agriculture, food and health according to its official website. The college utilizes facilities such as research centers throughout Virginia according to its official website and serves as Virginia Tech’s land-grant college according to its official website. It includes more than 350 scientists while maintaining numerous local extension offices according to its official website.
The college also works on practical solutions for issues facing agriculture by fostering leadership aligned with its land-grant mission according to its official website, extending initiatives globally according to its official website.
