RADFORD – Radford University’s fifth president, Douglas Covington, and his late wife, Beatrice, were avid and contributing supporters of the arts at RU and frequently talked with pride and affection about the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. 

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Covingtons’ legacy continues as the $22.5 million Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts opens.  “I felt such great emotion when I was told that the new performing arts building would be named in honor of Bea and myself,” said Dr. Covington. “There are so many people involved in making this dream a reality, too many to mention for fear of leaving someone out.”

RU President Penelope W. Kyle said, “This wonderful building will stand as a lasting tribute to Dr. Covington and his wife, Bea.  It reflects the love and esteem that the university and surrounding community have for the Covingtons.” 

Located at the corner of East Main and Jefferson Streets in Radford, the center includes a 350-seat performance hall, rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, a music media center and an art gallery. 

The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers programs in music, art, dance, theatre and cinema, and interior and fashion design. There are nearly 900 majors in the college.

Joseph Scartelli, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, said, “The Covingtons were consistently supportive and enthusiastic about everything we provided in the arts. It’s poetic that the building is named for them. It’s also heartening to me that the arts have always remained such an important part of the campus and our community. The new building will just permit that momentum to continue.”

The Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts is the first new academic building on campus since 2000, when the Waldron College of Health and Human Services was completed.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremonies on December 5, 2006, Kyle referred to the Covingtons’ “generous spirit” and added, “The Covingtons’ legacy will live on within the walls of this 50,000-square-foot center.”  She refers to the building as “a place of beauty and technological sophistication” and “a cultural beacon for the region.”