March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate Virginia Tech history we are profiling United States Air Force Captain, Christina Royal.
In 2006 Royal made history as the first black woman to lead the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets after being selected to the position of Regimental Commander. The Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets is the military component of students at Virginia Tech. Founded in 1872, it is one of just two military corps within a public university. To put this mighty feat in perspective, in the Corps 142 year history Royal remains the only black woman to lead and she is only the fourth woman to hold the esteemed position since the Corp began admitting women in 1973.
Royal was named Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year her senior year for her service as Regimental Commander. Upon graduation Royal became an Air Force officer where she continues to demonstrate excellence while embodying the Virginia Tech motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
In 2008 she was selected as a Hokie Hero, by the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets after she deployed to Baghdad Iraq.
Royal not only cemented a legacy in Virginia Tech history through the Corp of Cadets, she is a part of a Hokie family legacy as well. Her brother Eddie Royal is a 2008 graduate of Virginia Tech and is currently a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers.
Christina Royal is now a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and based at the Pentagon. She was recently nominated as the Company Grade Officer (CGO) of the quarter at the Headquarters Air Force (HAF) level.
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Capt. Royal receives the Company Grade Officer (CGO) of the quarter award for the United States Air Force
I had the opportunity to speak with Royal further about her background at Virginia Tech and why she is attending the Black Alumni Reunion.
What year did you attend Virginia Tech, and what was your major?
I attended Virginia Tech from 2002 to 2006, graduating with a degree in Sociology, and minors in Political Science & Leadership.
Describe your current background and how Virginia Tech played a role in you reaching this position?
Upon graduating from Virginia Tech in 2006, I commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the United States Air Force, and currently hold the rank of Captain. Virginia Tech played an enormous role in reaching my current position, as Air Force ROTC Detachment 875 was my commissioning source.
At Virginia Tech you made history as the first black female to lead the Corp of Cadets? Can you tell me about this experience and how you made it to this position?
Leading the Cadet Corps, period, was an experience unlike any other. And making it to this position, as not only a female, but as a black female, was nothing short of a blessing. In my case, my blessing came by way of hard work meeting opportunity. Moreover, there were a select few who played major roles in my success by believing in me and affording me the opportunity to succeed. They reached back, and mentored me during my time at Virginia Tech. And to them, I am forever thankful! It’s reassuring to know that you can succeed regardless of regardless of your race, religion, or creed.
Your brother, Eddie Royal, attended Virginia Tech as well, what did it mean for him to attend and were you an influence in him attending?
Family is huge to us. So, having Eddie, who is my baby brother despite what many think (smile), there with me two of my four years on campus was a dream come true. It meant the world to me. And I’m sure my being there encouraged him to join the “Hokie family”. Being together again greatly enhanced that home away from home feel you inherently get by way of being on campus at Virginia Tech, as well as out and about inthe community.
What legacy do you think the Royals left on the Hokie community?
I can only pray that we left a positive legacy. And to the younger generation, always know that regardless of where you come from (a single parent home in our case) you can achieve the impossible, and make a positive difference in the process.
Who influenced you the most as an undergraduate at Virginia tech? Has a black alumni helped you?
There were so many, but two people in particular who influenced me the most, the two people I actually alluded to earlier, were Major General Jerry Allen (former Commandant of Cadets), and George Delong, (now a Captain in the Air Force).
Cheryl Butler McDonald was one of the first women in the Corp of Cadets and the first black woman. Have you had the chance to meet her yet?
Although I never met her in person I know that it was people like her who paved the way for future generations such as myself to come along and do the things that I did. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the things that I did without her.
Why are you attending the Black Alumni Reunion?
I am attending the Black Alumni Reunion to meet and network with other influential black leaders in our community, who just so happen to have also graduated from the finest institution of higher learning in Virginia.
Why should an alumni attend the reunion?
Virginia Tech is our Alma Mater, what better reason is there than that? There is a commonality amongst us that drew us all there, which is a bond we will always share. In some way, we’ve all left our own legacy. This will be a great opportunity to come back and see old faces, and even meet new ones. Networking is huge. You can never have a network that’s too large.
If someone is on the fence about attending, why do you think they should come to Blacksburg?
To this day, I encourage everyone I know to attend Virginia Tech. Not only is it an academically sounds university; Virginia Tech offers something for just about everyone. So, whether you’re interested in a particular degree path, sports, or even the military, Virginia Tech is the way to go. Go HOKIES!
What are you looking forward to the most about the reunion?
I’m looking forward to being back on campus, and seeing the familiar faces I fondly call my Hokie Family!
To register for the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Reunion and to see the full schedule visit: www.diversity.vt.edu/alumni/bar
Capt. Christina Royal will be the Emcee for this years Influential Alumni Awards Brunch taking place Saturday, March 22nd from 9:30 am to 12:30 p.m in Owens Hall.
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