Cris Thompson

A first-generation college graduate from rural Appalachia, Cris focuses on increasing higher education attainment for rural youth, particularly among those within economically disadvantaged communities.

Prior to joining the undergraduate admissions team, Cris led diversity recruitment initiatives among several Virginia Tech graduate programs.

Graduating and transferring from New River Community College, Cris completed her bachelor’s in Communications at Old Dominion University, and is currently completing her master’s in Leadership Education, here at Virginia Tech.

Hometown: Sparta, North Carolina

Territories: Southwest and Southside Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia

Responsibilities: Recruitment, Diversity Team, Transfer Team, First Generation and Rural Initiatives

Years working in higher education: 16