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Meet the Staff

Radford University Conference Services Staff Photo

Greetings from the Radford University Conference Services staff. We would like to take this opportunity to share our excitement about the events occurring on campus now through the end of July and introduce the Conference Services summer staff. We look forward to welcoming approximately 4,500 visitors to Radford University this summer. Feel free to contact us at (540) 831-5800 or e-mail Conference Services if you have any questions about these events. Please keep us in mind if you need assistance planning an event of any kind.

Tanya Ridpath - Director

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Tanya has worked at Radford University for the past 10 years in various capacities and has served as director of Conference Services for seven of those years. Tanya enjoys the challenges of implementing events while working with local, regional and international populations. Tanya and her staff proudly represent Radford University by providing guests a pleasant and welcoming experience through top-notch customer service. Tanya received her Master of Science in Corporate and Professional Communication in the spring of 2006 at Radford University and is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.

Daniel Bedsaul - Conference Assistant

Waleed Sarwari Staff Photo

Daniel will finish his last semester at Radford University in the spring of 2013, completing his Bachelor of Arts double major in History and Religious Studies.  A native of rural Grayson County, Daniel is an advocate for Appalachian awareness and religious tolerance.  He serves as a mentor for the Appalachian Arts and Studies in the Schools (AASIS) program at Radford University, encouraging potential first-generation college students to pursue higher education.  He is also the Vice President of a small Unitarian Universalist congregation in his hometown of Independence.  In his free time, he can often be found navigating the New River in a kayak or reading beneath the shade of an old tree.  In May, Daniel completed his first half marathon and hopes to continue the hobby of distance running for many years to come.

Carly DuPont - Conference Assistant

Nick Hagood Staff Photo

Carly is a rising senior at Radford University.  She will be receiving her degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with a concentration in Tourism and Special Events.  She is the concert director for Radford Student Programing and campus events for the second consecutive year.  She likes event planning and is excited that Conference Services relates to her major.  Her interests include traveling, going to shows/concerts and the beach.  She plans to work in the music festivals field upon graduation. 

Hunter Graves - Conference Assistant

Kathryn Jones Staff Photo

Hunter graduated in May 2012 with a B.S. in Communication with her concentration in Public Relations.  Hunter did her internship at Conference Services in the spring and is excited to return as a Conference Assistant this summer.  Hunter was an active member in her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, where she held many positions.  Some of Hunter's interests include spending time with friends and taking trips. Hunter plans to pursue a career in event planning.

Juralee Smith - Conference Assistant

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Juralee is a second-year graduate student in Radford University's three-year M.A./Ed.S. school psychology program.  Juralee is passionate about education, psychology, and children.  She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from RU in 2008 at which time she entered the work force to work with at-risk youth.  During her first two years in graduate school, Juralee served as a Resident Director and found the personal and professional growth opportunities afforded by this role to be invaluable.  Juralee will be moving into the internship phase of her graduate education next year in Frederick, Md.  Having been afforded the opportunity to work as a Conference Assistant this summer, she looks forward to the opportunity to further develop her customer service, planning and interpersonal skills, and is excited about working with the diverse group of people attending conferences at RU in the summer of 2012. 

Kirnelius Williams - Conference Assistant

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Kirnelius is a senior at Radford University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a minor in Computer Science.  While attending Radford University, he has worked for the past three years as Editor in Chief of Beehive, Radford University's student-run year-in-review magazine, as a resident assistant for three years, a Quest assistant for the Office of New Student Programs during summer 2011 and is currently president of Radford University's Rho Eta Lambda chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary for the 2012-13 academic year.  Kirnelius recently received the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Award as well as the Male Resident Assistant of the Year Award.  He looks forward to finishing his final year at Radford University and plans to attend graduate school.  His interests include music, photography, traveling, and German culture. 

Burcu Bicak - Office Manager

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Burcu received her undergraduate degree in Textile Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, in 2003.  She is continuing her education as a graduate student at Radford University in the MBA program.  Burcu is currently working as the Conference Services office manager in conjunction with the administration, providing her with an opportunity to enhance and develop the important role of supporting the staff and visitors, thereby being instrumental in ensuring that Radford University also supports the community.  Her interests include reading, traveling, dancing and cycling. 

Colton Nye- Conference Services Intern

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Colton is from Woodbridge and a senior at Radford University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.  When he completes his internship, he will officially be an alumnus of Radford University.  While at Radford, Colton has been an active student by starting the Swim Club and serving as its president from 2010 to 2012.  He was also a member of PRSSA from 2011 to 2012.  Colton was a lifeguard at the Dedmon Center from 2008 to 2011 and is still a lifeguard and water-safety instructor at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center.  After interning, Colton plans on searching for a job in the public relations field in Northern Virginia.