Student Activities Welcomes Twiest as Assistant Director

Jessica Twiest has joined Radford University as the assistant director of student activities for programming and leadership. She comes to the university from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Fla., where she served as the assistant director of student involvement and leadership for three years.

In her new position, Twiest will be responsible for advising R-SPaCE, the student-led campus programming board; promoting and coordinating the LEAD Scholar program; and implementing, directing, and coordinating the student awards process.

“I am really excited to teach the Lead 110 class, and assist in further development of the Lead Scholar program,” she said. “I am also excited to see how R-SPaCE functions as a team, and how they plan and execute events.”

Raised in Minnesota, Twiest earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Winona State University and later received her graduate degree in higher education administration from St. Cloud State University. She began her professional career as the student resource coordinator for four years at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn., working closely with underrepresented student populations. She also held professional positions with the Minnesota College Personnel Association (MCPA).

“I saw the beauty of this area and knew that I wanted to work here when I set foot on campus—the green spaces and landscaping are lovely, and the buildings are very traditional, while still being on the cutting edge of technology,” she said. “This university offers a wide breadth of activities to its students and community, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to take advantage of it.”

It hasn’t taken long for Twiest to distinguish herself as a valued, welcome addition to Radford University, according to RU Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Student Activities Ken Bonk.

“Jessica is quickly acclimating to the RU community—and weather,” said Bonk. “If you are in the Bonnie (Hurlburt Student Center), please feel free to stop by the Student Activities main office, Bonnie 226, to introduce yourself and welcome Jessica to RU.”