The power of community is evident at Radford University. It takes the interest and commitment of those beyond the campus boundaries to help build and support a university environment where students can thrive and succeed in and out of the classroom.  Mike Williams ’93 feels a special connection to Radford University and continues to invest his time and resources in helping his alma mater flourish.

“Two-thirds of my life now has been involved in and around campus and Radford, Virginia,” said Williams. “I stay involved with Radford University in multiple ways.”

Williams and his wife Patti have financially supported academic and athletic programs at Radford. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Davis College of Business and Economics and says he owes a lot to his college for the support he received as a student and as he has transitioned throughout his career. Supporting the students and programs in the Davis College remains important to him. As CEO and co-founder of English Meadows Senior Living, which owns and operates facilities in three states and Washington, D.C., Williams understands and values the quality of healthcare professionals that graduate from Radford’s many programs in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services and the School of Nursing.

“I have a fondness for those who are caregivers. Radford does an amazing job in educating and providing the tools for a lot of caregivers that leave the nursing program here and go out in Virginia and other parts of the country. I think it’s a wonderful asset to Radford University, and I’m very proud to support that program also in any way that I can,” said Williams.

As a student, Williams was no stranger to Radford’s athletic programs. He enjoyed supporting a variety of sports and hasn’t lost that enthusiasm for his Highlanders.

“Attending games is something I try to do as much as possible with my time allowing, and also the financial support is something that the [athletic] program always has needed but now more than ever. It’s a competitive program, and I have always believed that it can be the front porch to the entire university. It becomes a calling card in advertising for all of the other amazing things that go on at the university,” said Williams.

The Williams’ and English Meadows co-founder Steve Orndorff are proud supporters of Radford Athletics and contribute to a number of sports and the Highlander Club Annual Fund. English Meadows is the current sponsor of the Red & White Gala, a Radford Athletics annual event that raises funds in support of student-athlete scholarships. They are excited about the future of Radford Athletics and see their support as a two-way street that benefits Radford and those who give back.

“I consider myself very fortunate that I’m in a position to provide that support, whether it’s monetary or in-person giving advice to students. I’m a big believer in when we’re able to help others, we should,” said Williams.

It’s the cycle of support that he hopes will continue with each generation of Highlanders when alumni and friends give of their time and financial resources to support Radford University.