President's Message

Greetings, Fellow Highlanders!

With the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year, the Radford family is excited to provide a warm Highlander welcome to our new and returning students, faculty and staff, who have chosen to be a part of Radford’s continued journey of significant progress and great promise.  And, as the most recent edition of The Magazine of Radford University arrives, our campus has successfully reopened in the wake of the COVID-19 global health pandemic.  

Although the pandemic has disrupted nearly every facet of our society and our work, Radford University is continuing to fulfill our worthwhile mission and make a profound impact. As Highlanders, we have faithfully pledged to support the safety and well-being of our campus and beyond. It will take each and every one of us being socially responsible on a daily basis in order to maintain the health of our communities!

The Fall 2020 edition focuses on the many ways in which Highlanders are responsive, resilient and real, especially during difficult times. In a world of uncertainty, there is comfort in seeing the caring and compassionate nature of the Highlander spirit, as well as the reliability and resiliency of the Radford family. Indeed, in the midst of uncharted territory, unknown challenge and unexpected opportunity, Radford University students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and supporters have, time and time again, risen to the occasion.  

In our community, across the Commonwealth and throughout our nation, Highlanders have upheld our commitment to service above self.  Within the pages of this magazine, we are honored to share inspirational stories of past, present and future Highlanders while providing a special tribute to the Radford University Class of 2020, a talented group of dreamers and scholars who succeed in the face of adversity.  

These powerful stories are particularly reassuring during a time in which our society has experienced injustice and unrest.  At Radford, we will advocate for equality and fairness now and well into the future. It is part of who we are as a community of educators and learners. And, it defines our critical role as change makers and thought leaders.

Without question, we are in this together.  We are a strong community, but we can and will be stronger together.  Please enjoy the Fall 2020 edition of The Magazine of Radford University as you reflect on the vital importance of the Radford family and the lasting impact of our great University!  GO HIGHLANDERS!

With Highlander Pride,