Employee Spotlight 2023
September
Michael Long
Fixed Asset Senior Accountant
9 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? The college and working environment. I have worked for a private company, Virginia Tech and Radford University and the environment here is second to none of them.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I have two things on my list. Traveling with my wife across the northern plains of the USA and playing golf in Ireland.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy having dinner with my wife, two daughters, and playing with my grandson. Also, I enjoy our family vacations. I play golf and try to do a lot of that, and spend time on the family farm. It's something about being outside that is calming and uplifting.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? I would like to meet my ancestor Phillip Long who came to america in the early 1700's and learn about him and his family.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? I'm a positive person, dependable, and believe it's very important to have very good working relationships.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? Get to really know your co-workers in a positive way and assist students whenever the opportunity arises.
August
Ethan Jones
HR Generalist
5 1/2 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? The people. In the five years I've been in HR, the relationships I've built with folks not just in HR and Payroll but in areas throughout both our campuses have been one of the best things about working at RU and they have helped me better serve the University. Even when I was a student as a work-study in the Admissions Office, it was the staff that always stood out to me and that made me realize that this would be a good place to work after graduating, and it is!
Also... I'd be lying if i didn't say our leave/benefits are pretty great too!
What is one thing on your bucket list? I've always wanted to travel to Germany.
What do you do for fun? I love being outside, whether it's just sitting out and listening to music, attending a sport, playing tennis or better yet, being on a beach somewhere, I just want to be outside with good company.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? Freddie Mercury from Queen. Queen is my absolute favorite band, and he was one of the greatest singers ever.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? My most important attributes or strengths I feel are dependability, honesty, professionalism and dedication to best serve the University and our employees, students and perspective employees.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? Get to know employees throughout campus from different areas. Ask questions and reach out when you need support. Keep a positive attitude. And smile.
July
Judy Hurst
Pittsburgh, PA
Academic Technology Specialist
10 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? Being encouraged to learn new technology while being on the job is amazing, I love learning and sharing with others how certain technology will help them with their work.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I'd like to visit the state forests of Alaska.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy spending time with my family: cooking, sewing, and being outdoors. Ever hear of forest bathing? If not look it up and try it for yourself, it may become something you do for fun too.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? My mother, she passed away when I was very young, I would love to be able to compare notes on motherhood, ask her many questions about her life as a young girl, and understand the world through her eyes.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? Empathy and making others feel at ease while learning something new. Staying positive and keeping a smile on my face (most of the time). Curiosity keeps me intrigued in learning new technology and software programs.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? Reach out for support when needed, there are so many wonderful people working at Radford University that enjoy supporting others. You never know when you may find a new friend.
June
Kevin McDowell
Christiansburg, VA
Senior Procurement Officer
8 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? Definitely, the people I work with and the University community.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Vacation to Tahiti.
What do you do for fun? Fishing on the New River, traveling with my son to play soccer, and eating ice cream with my daughter on our vacations.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? Jesus, Everyone has to meet him eventually, but I have questions and I know he has the answers.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? I am dependable, hard working, and dedicated to my job.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? To value everyone you meet, treat them with respect and to know that you can learn from each experience.
May
Keisha Stewart
Washington, DC
Housekeeping
2 1/2 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? My favorite thing about working at Radford University is meeting, greeting, and getting to know new people on a regular basis. Another favorite is working with the greatest Supervisors, Managers and Housekeeping Director. I entered this job with nine other new employees and I'm the last one standing. I came in with the worst attitude but now I have a great attitude working with a great managing team, past and present. I've become a more positive and productive person.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I am going to go skydiving with my fiancé for my 50th birthday, in two years. Get ready Mr. Miller! I've also been pursuing a degree online and I'm looking forward to graduating soon!
What do you do for fun? I truly enjoy reading and writing poetry. I have OCD that makes cleaning fun for me. I also enjoy playing video games with my youngest son, even though he cheats. I'm too old to argue. Every game we play, the name of the game is "my mommy lost".
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? The one person that I would love to meet is my biological mother for the first time. I just want her to know that we all have a past. Let us just build on our present and prepare for our future together as mother and daughter.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? Come to work with a positive attitude and keep smiling. I have a great sense of humor. I seem to leave smile on everyone's face regardless of how I am feeling that day. I continue to make jokes.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? Maintain your composure. Always be yourself. Speak whatever is on your mind, but keep it respectful. The entire management team will come together to solve any issues that you are having. No problems go unsolved. And please DO NOT forget those benefits.
April
Tanner Johnson
Tazewell, VA
Communication Officer
10 months of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? My Favorite thing about working at Radford University is how respectful and nice everyone is; knowing that I am making a difference in a diverse community and knowing that every day I have a chance to help impact a life in a positive way.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Visit Europe and different countries throughout the world.
What do you do for fun? I like to weight lift, golf, disc golf, and hang out with friends and family.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? I would like to meet Luke Combs. He is a great country singer and I admire how he gives back to the communtiy and his fans.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? My best attribute I bring to my job is being patient with callers, because most times when they call it could be the worst time in their life and being understanding and sympathetic of what they are going through. Also, being able to talk to anyone no matter what the situation is and being a kind voice.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? To be patient and caring, you can have a great impact on people's lives and help them succeed and do great things. Also be kind, you never know what someone is going through and being kind can help make the situation easier.
March
Tonia Andrews
Roanoke, VA
Director of Student Accounts-RUC
3 years of dedicated service at RUC and 16 years at the former JCHS
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? I enjoy meeting and working with the students. It is exciting to see them come in as freshmen and celebrate with them when they graduate. I also enjoy working with the people here at Radford University. We have a great group of people and everyone has been very welcoming.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Take singing lessons. I love to sing, but I am not the best singer and would like to improve and learn voice techniques.
What do you do for fun? I love crafting and DIY projects. I enjoy taking crafting classes and always have new creations to share with friends and family.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? I would like to meet Oprah Winfrey. Oprah continues to improve professionally and personally while also inspiring others. I admire her passion, resilience, and confidence.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? Kindness is the most important attribute that I exhibit. My goal is to treat others how I want to be treated and this starts with a listening ear, warm smile or an encouraging word as needed. My strength is the knowledge and experience I have gained while working in a college community and my ability to work well with our team.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? Take an occasional walk around campus and talk with the students. The work we are doing provides opportunities for our students to grow and make a lasting impact in the world.
February
Michael Clark
Ripplemead, VA
Roofer/Mason Foreman
6 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? The work I do and the people I work with.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I really don't have one, I already do the things i enjoy.
What do you do for fun? Spend time with family and friends, hunt, fish, kayaking, anything outdoors, and working with my hands.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? No one.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? I'm outgoing, friendly, and have an ambition to succeed. I like to learn and up for a challenge.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? Breathe, let things go. Tomorrow's not a guarantee.
January
Connie A. Phillips
Radford, VA
Budget Manager, Office of Budget and Financial Planning
29 years of dedicated service
What is your favorite thing about working at Radford University? I enjoy working with the various people on campus and finding workable solutions whenever possible.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to travel internationally.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy socializing with family and friends, singing, reading, working puzzles, trying new recipes and traveling.
If given a chance to meet any person, who would you like to meet and why? I would like to meet Mesu Andrews. She is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I would like to know how she studies and develops her characters in order to expand the detailed background stories.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strength that you bring to your job? I think my most important personal attributes and strengths are honesty, a willingness to learn and initiate new things, having a positive attitude, being approachable and being dedicated to the university.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Radford University? I would advise other employees at the university to strive to gain new skills and knowledge about their work whenever possible. Never stop learning. Gain an understanding of how your job helps to fulfill the university's overall mission. Stay positive. And finally, I would encourage employees to find time to enjoy the things that the university has to offer you. Enjoy your career at the university - it's a great place to work!