Radford appoints vice president for University Relations

Radford University has appointed Joe Carpenter as vice president for the Office of University Relations, effective Feb. 1.

Carpenter, who will serve as the university's chief communications officer, will be responsible for all internal and external public relations as well as development and supervision of branding and marketing campaigns.

"Joe Carpenter is eminently qualified to lead Radford University's public affairs team," President Penelope W. Kyle said. "He is a seasoned, respected leader in the field of media relations. I look forward to working closely with him to share Radford University's many success stories with our local community, the state and the nation."

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk.

Carpenter served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring at the rank of commander. Before coming to Radford he was managing editor of the U.S. Navy’s internal communications, overseeing the content of the Navy’s website and monthly magazine as well as the Navy’s television and radio broadcasts. Some of his nine assignments in the Navy also include director of public affairs for the Naval Academy during a period of record numbers of applications, director of public affairs and congressional information for the U.S. Navy Office of Legislative Affairs in Washington, D.C., and serving as a Department of Defense media spokesman for two secretaries of defense.

His fields of expertise include strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and congressional and governmental relations.

"I am excited about this opportunity to join Radford University," Carpenter said. "The university is well positioned in a competitive market.  I look forward to helping communicate the school’s achievements, as well as the many diverse and exciting opportunities that exist at Radford."