RADFORD – Radford University’s Waldron College of Health and Human Services has selected Travis Coad, of King William; Courtney Fragala, of South Riding; Sarah Hash, of Powhatan; and Brandi Holland, of Roanoke, to serve in the college’s first Waldron Ambassador Program.

The ambassador program is designed to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with academia through periodic invitations to attend college meetings held by the Waldron College Leadership Team, department faculty meetings and journal groups. They will also represent the college at accreditation visits, tours, student recruitment functions and commencement. The Waldron College Ambassadors will be recognized for their achievements and service to the college during the university’s spring commencement.

“This is an extraordinary group of students who exemplify the college’s mission to promote the highest quality healthcare,” said Raymond Linville, dean of Waldron College. “These are our future leaders who will continue our dedication to advance research, instruction, ethical practices and critical thinking.”

Coad, a recreation, parks and tourism major with a concentration in outdoor recreation, came to RU upon the recommendation of friends who knew the university’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism (RCPT) would be a good match for him. He hopes to inspire interested students to make the same decision he did.

“I want to get prospective students excited about RU’s RCPT program,” said Coad. “You can learn to make a living out of what you love to do here.”

Fragala, a senior in RU’s School of Social Work, is an active volunteer who plans to earn her master’s degree in social work and a clinical license to practice in the mental health field.

“As a currently enrolled student, I hope to impact the current and future social work program by providing input to faculty and staff,” she said. “The Waldron College Ambassador Program will provide me with valuable networking opportunities and experience working with others, all skills that I can take with me to graduate school and beyond.”  

Hash was selected to represent RU’s School of Nursing program. She is president of the RU Nursing Student Association and is involved with many RU nursing events. She expects to graduate in December 2009 and return home to work at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond.   “This position means a great deal to me, and it is an honor to represent the School of Nursing and help it prosper,” she said.

Holland is a senior in RU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.  She is also the president of RU’s National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association chapter.  “I would love the opportunity to introduce prospective students, their families and other guests to my professors and classmates and encourage them to take full advantage of the many opportunities RU offers,” she said. 

Following graduation in May, Holland plans to attend graduate school and utilize the skills learned in her major and as an ambassador to improve the lives of children with speech disorders.  

To learn more about Waldron College, visit their website or call (540) 831-7600.