RADFORD -- The Radford University Board of Visitors acted on a number of measures designed to help the university manage a turbulent financial environment, elected new officers and a new faculty representative, and heard a variety of reports detailing improvements in academic affairs, campus facilities, student life and information technology during its Fall Meeting.

As a result of news released by the Kaine administration on Tuesday, September 8 regarding a new 15% cut in operating budgets for Virginia colleges and universities, the board was not able to act upon a proposed 2009-2010 Radford University operating budget. Instead, the board passed a resolution that invested its Executive Committee with the temporary authority required in order for it to approve an operating budget. That action is expected to occur once university officials gain more specific information concerning the nature and implementation of the statewide budget cuts and have an opportunity to work with the executive committee.

The board also approved twin measures designed to provide early retirement incentives and transitional assistance for employees enrolled in the Virginia Retirement System who choose to voluntarily separate themselves from the university or who may be affected by lay-offs that could occur as the university develops strategies for complying with the new budget reductions.

The Alternative Severance Option (ASO) is designed for administrative faculty and classified staff, and the Workforce Transition Option (WTO) is designed for teaching and research faculty members. Both provide opportunities for employees to retire from state service with additional years of service credit.

The board also heard an update about the $32 million bond issue that will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness building for Radford University students. Formal planning and engineering work will get underway soon for the 110,000 square foot facility that will be located at the corner of Fairfax Street and Jefferson Street.

The Board re-elected Tommy Fraim, a businessman from Virginia Beach and Radford alumnus as rector of the board and re-elected Nancy Artis, a businesswoman from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and an alumna, as vice-rector of the Board of Visitors. Both individuals served in those leadership roles last year.

The board elected Dr. Stephen Owen, the president of the university’s Faculty Senate, to serve as the non-voting faculty member of the Board.

The board welcomed three new members: Todd E. Barrish, Matthew B. Crisp and Linda Whitley-Taylor. Crisp is completing the remainder of a board position originally held by R.J. Kirk, who left his position on the RU board when he was appointed to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors in July.

Crisp is the managing director of Third Security in its San Francisco office, and he previously worked at the company’s corporate headquarters in Radford. He currently serves as a director on four corporate boards, is a member of the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors, where he chairs the Investment Committee, and he is a member of the Executive Committee. Crisp also serves on the Radford University President’s Advisory Council and the College of Business and Economics Advisory Board. Crisp graduated magna cum laude from RU, where he received a degree in finance.

Barrish is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Dukas Public Relations in New York. Previously, he served as director of Connors Communication and was an account executive with Cohn & Wolfe Public Relations, both in New York. In addition, Barrish also worked as a public relations and marketing associate with the National Right To Work Legal Defense Foundation in Springfield. The 1998 RU graduate is a member of the university’s President’s Advisory Council and serves on the Cozmo Media Board of Advisors. Barrish is the founder and a former member of the board of directors of Foresight Research Solutions, LLC.

Whitley-Taylor is a human resources executive with more than 20 years of experience. She currently serves as executive vice president of associate services of AMERIGROUP Corporation in Virginia Beach. Previously she was the senior vice president of human resources operations at Genworth Financial/GE Financial in Richmond. Whitley-Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at RU, and currently serves on Radford’s President’s Advisory Council. She is also a member of the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors, where she serves as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee. She also serves on the board of the Genworth Foundation.

The 2009-2010 board also includes three members re-appointed by Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine: Brandon Bell of Roanoke County, Darius Johnson of Richmond, and Nancy Artis.

President Penelope Kyle reported to the board on a number of recent initiatives and achievements recorded by the university, including the receipt of Level 2 status in accordance with the 2005 Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act, which she termed “one of my proudest moments” as president, the opening of Young and Heth Halls following extensive renovations, and a fall convocation that featured representatives from the administration, faculty and student government all calling for the university to work together to address the challenges facing Radford and higher education in general.

The board also heard a presentation concerning plans for the university’s 2010 “Centennial Celebration” from Co-Chairs Barbara-lyn Morris and former faculty member Dr. Gary Ellerman. A year-long Centennial theme structured upon “service” will be highlighted on Charter Day in March when Blake Mycoski, of “Tom’s Shoes” visits campus.

Tom’s Shoes, a footwear company focused on socially responsible free enterprise, donates a pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair they sell. The “Centennial” partnership program with “Tom’s shoes” means that the Radford University community will have a special opportunity to help children in impoverished regions of the world.