After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Margaret Kenny is retiring from Virginia Tech's Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) — leaving a legacy of growth, collaboration, and commitment. Since joining the staff on September 1, 1996, she has been at the heart of technological and organizational progress, guiding colleagues through countless changes with patience, wisdom, and expertise.

When Margaret began her role as administrative and office specialist, computers ran on Windows 95, fax machines were standard, and networking was just beginning to connect people in new ways. Over the years, she welcomed each technological advance, learned every new system, and became a trusted resource for colleagues across the Virginia Tech community. From coordinating meetings and events to ensuring smooth transitions through periods of change, Margaret’s leadership kept operations running seamlessly.

Throughout her years of service, Margaret has carried with her a motto from her husband, Kim: “Nobody minds hard work as long as everyone’s working hard as a team!” She treasures the opportunity to have worked alongside inspiring leaders such as Dr. Jim Jones, Dr. Carol Wilkinson, Dr. Arash Rashed, and Dr. David Reed. Yet above all, she values the community of Virginia Tech employees — from deans to graduate students — who made her feel like family.

Her resilience was especially evident during the unprecedented challenges of 2020, when she ensured that networks and computer systems remained operational throughout the COVID-19 outbreak—an effort that earned her a special award. That same dedication earned a recent recognition in August, when she received the CALS staff award for providing exceptional support to the first DH/AREC Director and Superintendent retreat at the Southern Piedmont AREC.

Retirement for Margaret promises no shortage of adventure. Her passions range from astronomy and astrophotography (she owns four telescopes!) to gourmet cooking, gardening, embroidery, landscape painting, hiking, and even learning to play the guitar. She also plans to continue her involvement with the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council, ensuring her talents remain shared with the wider community.

Margaret’s career reminds us that progress is built not only on technology, but on people who embrace change with curiosity, kindness, and teamwork. We thank her for 29 years of service and wish her joy in every new pursuit ahead.

A woman wearing glasses and a striped sweater is seated at a table beside another woman weather a tan and brown plaid blazer.