Meet the graduates: Olivia Richards ’23

Olivia Richards ’23 has landed a job as a field technician with Virginia Tech’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. 

“I have been interested in animals my entire life, and my passion for fisheries biology was fueled by my interdisciplinary education at Randolph,” she said. “We are living in a time when climate change is a pressing issue globally. Fish are rapidly experiencing the effects of it. I want to continue my education focusing on the conservation and protection of fish species.” 

Once she gets more experience in the field, Richards wants to pursue her master’s and Ph.D. in wildlife/fisheries biology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor. 

She’s passionate about both teaching and research, inspired by her professors at Randolph. 

“I developed deep relationships with my professors, which is something you can’t get at a larger university or college. They know who I am, and I felt like I was more than just an occupied seat in a classroom,” she said. “I want to touch the lives of students like they do every day.” 

Richards double majored in biology and environmental studies and was a member of the women’s lacrosse team.

“I gained more than just a degree,” she said. “I learned how to become a leader.”