You might say Ashley Woodward is a gold star student.

But the department of mining and minerals engineering senior’s most recent accolade derives instead from copper.

Woodward is one of 11 international winners of the 2021 Copper Club scholarship, given each year by a New York-based nonprofit that promotes the copper industry. She was nominated for the program by MME for her hard work and many academic and leadership achievements.

“Since Ashley has joined the mining and minerals engineering department she has been a go-getter, and I have always known she would be an excellent candidate for this prestigious award,” academic advisor Michelle Crotto said. “She exemplifies all the very best qualities we desire for our students, and I am thrilled that she is the recipient of this award!”

The scholarship is given to students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. Woodward received $10,000 from the group.

It’s one of many accolades the North Carolina native has received. She has been named a Virginia Tech Aspire Ut Prosim Award winner, a Student Engineering Council Scholar, a McAllister Leadership Scholar, and her name is regularly listed on the College of Engineering Dean’s List.

It has not been an easy road, however. Between high school and college, Woodward worked two jobs to save money to offset out-of-state tuition. When she got to Virginia Tech, she joined the Corps of Cadets and ROTC, both for the leadership training and for help with college expenses.

She had planned on a military career but was recently disqualified from service by a medical issue. That didn’t stop her. Like a good engineer, she retooled and pushed on.

“I plan to attend graduate school and further pursue a career to become a professor,” Woodward said. “Becoming a professor would fulfill my desire to be surrounded by a challenging atmosphere where I could be given the opportunity to lead and mold others. 

“I hope to contribute meaningful research that will benefit various international communities and help inspire future students through mentorship,” she said.

Founded in 1944, the Copper Club offers opportunities for networking, educational grants and events that support the copper industry. It is composed of copper producers, fabricators, refiners, dealers, traders, and merchants. 

To date, the club has awarded more than 180 student scholarships.

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