President's Message

Greetings, Highlanders!

As the Summer 2021 edition of The Magazine of Radford University is being proudly shared with Highlanders both near and far, I am concluding my final days as your president. It has truly been an incredible honor to lead this outstanding institution, which is deeply rooted in tradition and has remained student-centered above all else. The truth is that my family and I will always be Highlanders. We are forever grateful for the manner in which our family was embraced upon arriving in the region and on campus in the summer of 2016. We immediately felt the care and compassion of the broader community, a place in which neighbors became friends and friends became family.

Over the past five years, Radford University has reached unprecedented heights. Together, we have celebrated many accomplishments and achieved significant milestones. Our substantial progress and incredible success were made possible by dedicated members of the Radford family, which comprises of talented students, world-class faculty, hardworking staff, passionate alumni and a caring community. To the amazing individuals who proudly serve Radford University, you will always hold a special place in my heart!

The legacy of the past five years belongs to those who were committed to our worthwhile mission, believed in our visionary approach and stood strong in the face of adversity. Together, we expanded the footprint of our institution. Together, we delivered cutting-edge programs through new modalities. Together, we secured new levels of support from the Commonwealth, the community and beyond. Most importantly, we impacted the lives of individual Highlanders and created new opportunities and expanded possibilities for Radford University!

In sharing the Radford story, we often say to students and their families that the Highlander journey is transformational. Without question, it is true. My life has been forever changed because of my time on this campus and in this region. Although it is now time to bid a fond farewell, my family and I will take our Highlander spirit and Radford values with us in our new journey at Old Dominion University. God bless each of you, and GO HIGHLANDERS!

Forever a Highlander,