Audra V. Upchurch

Biography:

Audra Upchurch is a Ph.D. student in Virginia Tech’s Individualized Interdisciplinary Ph.D. (IPhD) program, chaired by Dr. Jennifer Russell of the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials (SBIO), with an interdisciplinary committee spanning the College of Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE), the Pamplin College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Her research integrates organizational leadership, corporate citizenship, and ESG strategy across the service and consulting industry, examining how companies embed environmental performance, social responsibility, and governance practices into long‑term strategic decision‑making.

Alongside her doctoral studies, Audra serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CTEC, a government consulting firm in McLean, Virginia. She has over 20 years of government consulting experience, spanning environmental impact analysis to executive leadership.  Her extensive executive background provides a practical lens for exploring leadership systems, organizational behavior, and sustainability‑driven strategy within complex service environments.

Audra is actively engaged with the College of Natural Resources and Environment and Pamplin College of Business through volunteer leadership and mentorship. She also contributes to the broader government and STEM communities through her involvement with the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) and STEM for Her, supporting initiatives that advance leadership, education, and opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.  Her academic and professional work reflects a commitment to advancing responsible leadership, environmental stewardship, and community impact.

Research Title/Topic:

"Organizational Leadership with a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility in Service Industry"

Education:

• B.S.  Forestry; Environmental Resource Management Option; Minor in Environmental Science, Virginia Tech
• Master of Natural Resources (MNR), Virginia Tech
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Virginia Tech

Learn more about Audra Upchurch:

• Audra Upchurch's LinkedIn Profile
• Pamplin Spotlight: Audra Upchurch
• Volunteer spotlight: Audra Vest Upchurch finds common ground with other Hokies

Advisor: