Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Radford University PA Program is committed to fostering a positive, equitable, and inclusive learning environment that provides for success of a diverse student population.  Our students, faculty, and staff honor the multifaceted aspects of our identities and backgrounds, including:

  • Ethnic diversity
  • Geographic diversity
  • Diversity of age
  • Diversity of sexual orientation
  • Veteran or active military status
  • First generation college attendance
  • Second-career students
  • Diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs
  • Diversity of political beliefs
PA students gather for a photo.

The Captain Sean Grimes PA Student Society is also focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity for our students and the profession. One or two members of each class serve as the Chair(s) of the DEI subcommittee of the PA Student Society that works to increase opportunities to learn about the diversity of future patients and the region, and to provide service opportunities to promote the profession to underrepresented populations of prospective students.

The Radford University PA Program has developed a DEI Committee consisting of a faculty member, a staff member, an alumnus, and students who chair the DEI subcommittee of the Captain Sean Grimes PA Student Society. The charge of this committee is to continually review programmatic processes to meet the needs of a diverse student population and to continually discover new ways to meet these needs.

One of the ways we like to promote a successful transition to a new environment and a rigorous and demanding curriculum is to provide students and prospective students with resources available through Radford University and in the Roanoke Valley that can help meet the needs of a diverse student population. Please review the resources below at our University and in the Roanoke Valley. If you are aware of additional resources we should share, please contact Heather Paisley.

Radford University Resources

Office of Institutional Equity

Radford University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, and veteran status.  The Office of Institutional Equity forwards and monitors the University's continuing commitment to equal opportunity in its employment and educational practices, and compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

Radford University Military Resource Center

The Military Resource Center at Radford University serves the needs of students who currently serve or previously served in the military as well as offering resources for military dependents.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is your home away from home! A place where you matter and belong. Every Highlander will find community, resources, and support in the CDI.

Roanoke Valley Events and Offerings

  • A Celebration of African Cultures
    A focus on food, performances, and fashion.
    Location: Claude Moore Education Complex
  • Annual Women’s Luncheon
    A celebration of women and art.
    Location: Taubman Museum of Art
  • Blue Ridge Pride Sports
    Blue Ridge Pride Sports is an LGBTQIA+ sports program run by the Roanoke Diversity Center.
    Location: downtown Roanoke
  • Cinco de Mayo
    A festive street party.
    Location: Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill
  • TacoRita’s Celebration
    Live Latin music, dancing, and food.
    Location: Elmwood Park
  • Festival De Maya
    A celebration of Latin history and culture.
    Location: Rivers Edge Park
  • Greek Festival
    A celebration of Greek culture with food, music, dancing, and shopping.
    Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
  • Harrison Museum of African American Cultures, Inc. (HMAAC)
    Committed to preserving and celebrating African American art and history to foster appreciation and awareness.
    Location: 1 Market Square SE #2, Roanoke, VA 24011
    Hosts: Henry Street Heritage Festival annually in September in Elmwood Park
  • Lebanese Festival
    A celebration of Lebanese culture, food, music, and dance
    Location: St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church
  • Lunar New Year Celebration
    A celebration of Asian traditions with dragon dances, singing, and martial arts.
    Location: Taubman Museum of Art
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
    A focus on Latin American heritage with dance, music, and storytelling.
    Location: Wells Fargo Plaza
  • Local Colors
    A nonprofit organization focused on international diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    Location: 541 Luck Ave, SW #228, Roanoke, VA 24016
  • Local Colors Festival
    A day for representation of diverse ethnic heritages in Southwest Virginia focusing on performances, food, and fun activities.
    Location: Elmwood Park (next to RUC)
  • Roanoke Diversity Center
    Mission: To support, educate, empower, and advocate for LGBT individuals and groups in the Roanoke region, and to encourage collaborative efforts with the greater community to improve the quality of life for all.
    Location: 425 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
  • Roanoke Pride Festival
    Roanoke Pride is dedicated to promoting acceptance, visibility, and a sense of community in the Southwestern Virginia LGBT community.
    Location: 505 Williamson Rd. SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
  • Spiritual Organizations
    There are various spiritual organizations in Roanoke and Salem, VA (denominational and non-denominational churches, synagogues/temples, a buddhist center, hindu places of worship, Islamic places of worship, Jewish places of worship, and a Sikh place of worship).
  • The Park Dance Club
    LGBT-friendly bar offering cocktails and bar bites along with a dance floor, DJs, and drag shows.
    Location: 615 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Scholarship Opportunities