President's Message

Greetings, Fellow Highlanders!

As this most recent edition of The Magazine of Radford University arrives, Spring Commencement festivities are underway across campus, the New River Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia. While we celebrate the significant accomplishments of our newest graduates and reflect on the notable achievements of all students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, we must also focus on our exciting future.

This edition focuses on academic excellence, community partnerships and expanded opportunities for our students as they continually work to make a lasting impact on our communities and the world around us. It is the University’s mission to empower students from diverse backgrounds by providing transformative educational experiences, from the undergraduate to the doctoral level, both within and beyond the classroom. In fulfilling this mission, we embrace innovation in every facet of our work, continue our strong tradition of teaching and learning and instill students with purpose and the ability to think creatively and critically. We provide an educational environment with the tools to address the economic, social and environmental issues confronting our region, nation and the world.

At Radford University, we provide experiences and opportunities that are second to none. In this edition, you will read about just a few of the individuals and initiatives where tradition meets innovation and where the past meets the future. At Radford, we are evolving each and every day. With the ongoing implementation of our five-year strategic plan, we are truly Embracing the Tradition and Envisioning the Future. In October 2018, I delivered my annual State of the University address. Then, I assured the Radford family that the state of the University is strong. Today is no different. Our merger with Jefferson College of Health Sciences has received unanimous approval from the Commonwealth of Virginia and is becoming a reality as we approach the fall 2019 semester. As some of you may have heard, I am very proud to call our Roanoke campus Radford University Carilion.

With the help of our friends and supporters in the New River and Roanoke valleys, throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe, the principles of excellence, accountability, transparency and student-centeredness are guiding the Radford family each and every day. The stories on these pages are a testament to that fact and showcase what makes Radford University a special place and a home to so many incredible individuals. I invite you to enjoy the latest edition of The Magazine of Radford University, and GO HIGHLANDERS!

With Highlander Pride,