PHOTO BY GUNIN KIRAN
For over 30 years the Rotary Club of Blacksburg has presented its Citizen of the Year Award to a Montgomery Co. resident who exemplifies Rotary’s values of business ethics, personal integrity and service above self.
At a recent Rotary Club ceremony, the 2024 Award was presented to Nathaniel (N.L.) Bishop. Bishop’s very impressive career and community service is noted for professionalism, principled behavior, the highest ethical standards and fairmindedness.
Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barbour helped introduce Bishop at the Rotary ceremony. Barbour and Bishop are long term acquaintances and friends, with both serving the Christiansburg community for many years. Barbour noted that “N.L. has lived a remarkable, service filled and highly ethical life. And along the way has positively influenced so many people in our community. We are grateful to count N.L. Bishop as one of our neighbors.”
Bishop is a Christiansburg native and continues to live there, although much of his career has been spent working in Roanoke. He has often said that he lives in Christiansburg but works in Roanoke. After graduating from Christiansburg High School, he earned law enforcement degrees from New River Community College and Radford University, a master’s in education from Virginia Tech, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
