The University Relations Office’s mission is to communicate the distinct characteristics, strengths and achievements of the institution to its many and varied constituencies, such as alumni, donors, prospective students and their parents, and business and community leaders. University Relations has an award-winning staff of communications professionals who develop strategies and programs that result in high visibility for RU and a level of private support that assists the university in providing a wide range of high quality academic, cultural and human services and research programs.
(See Office Staff and Contacts for a listing of University Relations Office personnel, their areas of responsibility and contact information.)
Our Top Priorities
- Help secure stable enrollment of qualified, motivated students
- Support fund-raising and development efforts
- Promote faculty, staff, student and alumni achievements
- Share the university's expertise with the community and the Commonwealth
- Reinforce awareness of the university’s quality, value and specific strengths
Office Structure
Organized into five main areas, the University Relations Office has responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- NEWS BUREAU
Media relations, RU Magazine, Photography
- CREATIVE SERVICES
Publications - MARKETING
Advertising, trademark licensing
- ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Web pages, online communication
- SPECIAL EVENTS
Promotional planning, Highlanders Festival
Services of the Office of University Relations
Campus Community
Academic and other departments
The office consults and assists with event planning and promotion, publications, editing, media relations, photography and electronic communications.
Students
Staff members mentor students through internships and employment. Our students do valuable, practical and award-winning work.
Alumni, Local Community, Region, Commonwealth
Staff members manage the speakers bureau, on-line calendar and announcements of university events and programs, produce electronic newsletters and RU Magazine, promote regional heritage through the Highlanders Festival and contribute to advocacy for education, wellness and economic development through the promotion of RU initiatives.
As a part of our outreach programs, the university is a member of the Virginia Higher Education Broadcasting Consortium which produces the only statewide public radio program in Virginia that features faculty experts from the Commonwealth's public universities and colleges. "With Good Reason" is an eclectic blend of timely and engaging features and interviews that explore the worlds of literature, science, the arts, politics, history, and business. The latest in research, pressing social issues, and the curious and whimsical provide the grist for lively discussion in these half-hour shows. For more information about the shows visit WGR's website www.virginia.edu/vfh/wgr/
Contact Information
(See Office Staff and Contacts for a listing of office personnel, their areas of responsibility and contact information.)
The Office of University Relations is located at 704 Fairfax Street on the RU campus. Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with staff assuming frequent evening and weekend responsibilities.
Mailing address:
University Relations
704 Fairfax St.
P.O. Box 6916
Radford, VA 24142
Phone: (540) 831-5182
Fax: (540) 831-5036
For directory information or weather-related school closing information, call the university’s main switchboard at (540) 831-5000. School closing notices, and other special announcements, also are posted on the RU Home Page at http://www.radford.edu/
