Friday, July 1, Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D., officially began his role as the eighth president of Radford University. The Radford University Board of Visitors announced Danilowicz’s selection as the president-elect in December. A strong advocate of shared governance and transparency, Danilowicz brings 22 years of higher education leadership experience to the presidency.

This week in Highlanders in the News: The Blacksburg Police Department hails a new chief, Todd Brewster ’96; former RU Rocker Julie Dickens ’98 talks dance instruction; Allyson Yankle, Ph.D., interprets the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade; and Zach Collier, Ph.D., discusses forces that drive the auto industry.

This week in Highlanders in the News: Golfer-to-watch Callum Tarren ’14 and his clubs meet up at the U.S. Open, once again; Cindy Haynie ’87 tells tales of the tiling trade; and WFXR News spotlights Radford Athletics’ campaign to raise funds for a mobile production broadcast trailer. 

Following an extensive national search, Radford University has selected Steven Bachrach, Ph.D., for the role of dean of the Artis College of Science and Technology. 

An opportunity to use human cadavers to teach anatomy and physiology is what first persuaded Orion Rogers, Ph.D., to pursue a faculty position at Radford University. However, the “driving force” that has kept him at the university for the past 28 years, he said, has been the daily opportunities to make an impact on the lives of others.

DenBoer will begin serving in his new role July 1, 2022.

Before his retirement in December, Bruce Chase, Ph.D., CPA, taught accounting at Radford University for nearly 30 years. He also founded numerous important initiatives for the business college, such as the Governmental and Nonprofit Assistance Center, the Virginia Government Finance Officers/Radford University Certificate Program and the student employment exposition known as Firm Night.

Radford University hosted a two-day James Webb Telescope Community Event on campus June 10 and 11 in the Center for the Sciences that offered fun, games and plenty of learning opportunities for science enthusiasts of all ages. 

Radford University has been named a College of Distinction for 2022-2023 for its commitment to empowering students’ success through engagement, innovation and support as they follow their educational paths. Radford’s academic programs in business, education and nursing were also singled out for individual recognition, along with student support services for career development and military support.