Amy Orders, Ph.D.

Amy Orders, Ph.D., serves as associate vice president for Public Safety at Virginia Tech, where she provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the university’s safety and security functions. She oversees the Virginia Tech Police Department, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad. These units support the well-being of the university community by preparing for and responding to emergencies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience across campus.

With more than two decades of experience in higher education safety leadership, Orders brings a deep understanding of institutional resilience, operational complexity, and the land-grant mission. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she served as assistant vice chancellor of emergency preparedness and environmental health at North Carolina State University, where she led nationally recognized teams in campus safety, emergency management, and environmental health.

At Virginia Tech, Orders reports to the executive vice president and chief operating officer and collaborates with campus and community stakeholders to develop and implement safety protocols, policies, and partnerships. She leads efforts to strengthen public safety infrastructure, support innovation, ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and optimize the use of university resources.

Orders holds a doctorate in educational leadership, policy, and human development and a master’s degree in health occupations education from North Carolina State University. She also earned a master’s degree in radiologic science from Midwestern State University and a Bachelor of Science in radiologic science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She is also a licensed private pilot working toward her commercial license with the goal of supporting organ transplant flight missions.