Faculty Excellence

A common thread wove through the fabric of the annual Faculty Convocation on Aug. 18, with many speakers at the event focusing on efforts to stabilize enrollment and further solidify Radford University’s position as one of the premier institutions of higher education in Virginia.

Every two weeks, Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students and faculty.

The Executive Leadership Academy, open to just three dozen education leaders each year, prepares its attendees to develop skills and rise to positions of higher responsibilities. Since its founding, over the past decade and a half, more than 100 individuals who have completed the ELA program have since been appointed as university presidents or chancellors. 

This week in Highlanders in the News: Remembering Radford tennis phenom Martin Sayer ’09, MBA ‘10; also, Christiansburg Police Maj. Chris Ramsey, M.S. ’97, ascends to the rank of chief; and Director of Recreation and Wellness D.J. Preston talks about how first-generation students can rise to the challenges they face.

Radford University hosted 80 high school students at BLAST, a new four-day residential camp aimed at increasing the number of high school graduates who pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers by increasing their access to STEM enrichment experiences.

Every two weeks, Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students and faculty. 

This week in Highlanders in the News: Former faculty member Jim Minick chronicles the 1955 disaster that laid waste to a tiny Kansas town; nursing graduate Sarah Morris talks about working in medicine and then education; and Theresa Burriss, Ph.D., has been tapped to lend her expertise to a new project that examines Appalachia. 

This week in Highlanders in the News: The 110th Spring Commencement ceremonies and its graduates hit the papers; “Mountain Stage” executive producer Adam Harris ’05 helps public radio’s venerable music show celebrate its big 4-0; Professor of Psychology Niels Christensen is a guest of “honors” on the “Alma Matters” podcast; and Jon Murrill, M.F.A. ’12, paints the town (or at least a part of Vinton, Virginia).