My Choice is Radford

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Nicole Diambra was looking for a place to explore her passions: dance and travel. After falling in love with the campus, Nicole chose Radford University to pursue her dreams.

When finalizing his decision on a four-year institution to attend, Radford University kept catching Kevon DuPree’s attention because of its campus size as well as the prominent reputation of the School of Communication.

Jessica Ostrower was quickly attracted to Radford University because of the success of its first-year DPT class, which had a 100% licensure examination pass rate and a 100% employment rate post-graduation.

With a mix of online research of education programs and a passion for writing and teaching that goes back as far as she can remember, Lena Johnson quickly realized that Radford University and STEL was the fit for her.

Luis Arias has a goal: make a difference locally and globally. After conducting undergraduate research in the Amazon Rainforest through RARE, Arias wants to put into practice the experiences he has had and the lessons he has learned at Radford University.  

Zach Turk, Economics

Although he was a lifelong resident of the City of Radford and a member of a family with close ties to Radford University, it wasn’t assumed Zach Turk would make Radford University his educational home. He is very clear: he chose Radford.

Meghan Connolly, Occupational Therapy

Meghan Connolly always has had a passion for helping others and wanted to pursue a profession that allowed her to do that. While she originally planned to work toward becoming a physical therapist, after transferring to Radford University, Connolly decided occupational therapy was a better fit for her and her long-term career goals.

James Cardenas, Chemistry

As a senior in high school, James Cardenas began his college search looking for a campus with small class sizes, an Army ROTC program and affordable tuition. His guidance counselor steered him to Radford University. Cardenas quickly realized Radford University was the right choice.

Raymond Boisvert, Finance

As a child, Raymond Boisvert drove past the Radford University sign at Exit 109 every time he visited his grandparents in North Carolina, but it wasn’t until he began his college search that Radford University became more than just a landmark on his journey.

Asyia Mitchell, Public Relations

As a high school student, Asyia Mitchell knew she wanted to attend a college that would give her a well-rounded college experience while she studied communications with well-respected faculty members. When Radford University’s women’s soccer team began recruiting her to join the team, she decided to make a visit to campus to see what it had to offer.

Igor Ogrizek, MBA

Igor Ogrizek came to Radford University six years ago as an international student pursuing his undergraduate degree in computer science. He had been a stand out tennis player from his small European country of Croatia.

Lakisha Ferguson, Nursing

As a first-generation college student, Lakisha Ferguson had a mental checklist of what she was looking for in a university: a smaller campus size with an outstanding nursing program and strong student services. When a Radford University admissions representative visited her high school, she was intrigued by what the university had to offer and scheduled a campus visit.

Erin, Kelly and Shannon Grace, Elementary Education

For the Grace triplets – Erin, Kelly, and Shannon – choosing Radford University was the ultimate family decision. They knew they wanted to stay close together and they knew they wanted to become teachers – an interest that sprouted in all of them because their mother, who passed away seven years ago, taught high school history.

Alan Brown, Graphic Design

Alan Brown always had an interest in art, but never thought of majoring in it or making it a career. In fact, when he first began his college search during his senior year of high school, Brown’s plan was to major in physics.

Raymond Smith, Social Work

At 50 years old, Raymond Smith is not your typical undergraduate student. He didn’t seek a college education immediately after graduating from high school. Instead, he served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years. After sustaining injuries, he returned to his hometown of Radford, Va., and pondered what was next for his life.

Whitney White, Speech Language Pathology

Radford University has always been part of Whitney White’s life. Growing up on a farm in the New River Valley with an aunt who was a Radford graduate and a father and grandmother who worked at the university, White says she grew up attending sports events and wearing Radford University gear. When it was time for her to decide which college to attend, she knew Radford would be her educational home.

Melissa Brett, Physics and Geology

While most Radford University students decided to spend the week of Spring Break relaxing, Melissa Brett opted for something entirely different. The junior physics and geology major from San Diego decided to take a potentially life-changing course instead: PHYS 450: Arctic Geophysics.

Brian Uthe, Physics

Brian Uthe is a problem solver. His mind constantly seeks to find solutions – a skill he hoped he’d be able to apply as a college student. The senior from Frederick, Md., wasn’t content to choose a major that would come easy for him. Instead, he decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in physics to push him academically.

Jenna McChesney, Psychology

The summer before Jenna McChesney’s senior year in high school, family friends told her how much their daughter had enjoyed her time at Radford University and the value of the education she received. After that conversation, McChesney and her family decided to register for a campus tour at RU. Following that visit, McChesney was hooked.

Wendy Viana, Graphic Design

Originally from Bolivia, Wendy Viana knew she wanted to study graphic design in college. A high school guidance counselor pointed her to Radford University’s renowned College of Visual and Performing Arts. During a campus tour, she knew she had to make Radford University her educational home.

Darius Cureton, Counselor Education

Darius Cureton's mentor, familiar with the welcoming community and outstanding academic programs at Radford University, encouraged Cureton to pursue a master’s degree in counselor education at RU. Online research, virtual tours and the guidance of his mentor led Cureton to apply sight unseen. He was thrilled when he was accepted into the competitive program.

Laken Cooper, Biology

Radford native Laken Cooper always knew she wanted to stay close to home for her undergraduate experience. Radford University’s close-knit campus, small class sizes and opportunities to build connections with faculty members made her choice even easier.

James Whorley, Geospatial Science

After serving two tours in Iraq in the U.S. Army, James Whorley decided the time was right to attend college and earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science. After researching universities and meeting with faculty at a number of institutions, Radford University became Whorley’s choice.

Samantha Mills, Nursing

After visiting multiple campuses, including Radford University, Samantha Mills felt most at home when she toured Waldron Hall, home to Radford University’s School of Nursing. After that visit, Radford University was her choice and so was nursing.

Kyle Gillikin, Theatre

Kyle Gillikin had attended the Virginia State Thespian Conference, which was held at Radford University. The opportunity provided him with his first glimpse into what the Theatre department at Radford University has to offer.  When he began researching colleges, Radford stood out in his mind.

Rumana Sultana, MBA

As an undergraduate student, Rumana Sultana knew she wanted to pursue an MBA, but she also knew she wanted to spend a few years working before she returned to school.

Alexis Male, Elementary Education

With a career in teaching as her goal, Alexis Male sought a university with a high-quality elementary education program and a reputation for excellence. Radford University was an obvious choice

Alex Fisher, Sports Medicine

Alex Fisher is passionate about living actively through sports and exercise. As he was researching universities, he knew he wanted to study sports medicine as an undergraduate student and pursue graduate studies in physical therapy.

Zach McCoy, Political Science

When two family members made Radford University their educational home, Zach McCoy took notice. When it was his turn to begin his college search, McCoy knew Radford University would be at the top of the list.

Jessica Wheeler, Applied Mathematics and Dance

Tennessee native Jessica Wheeler knew she wanted to major in dance and mathematics; however, no public universities in her state offered a dance major. As she researched her options in nearby states, Wheeler found that many universities don’t allow students to choose two majors in different colleges. Then she found Radford University.

Dominique Boone, Counseling Pyschology (Ps.d program)

After taking her first psychology class in high school, Dominique Boone knew she had found the perfect fit for a career helping others.

Troy Thomas, Criminal Justice

Troy Thomas was just an imaginative child playing “cops and robbers” with his friends when he first discovered the field of criminal justice, though he wouldn’t have called it that at the time. It wasn’t until he was a junior in high school when a friend mentioned Radford University and its well-known criminal justice program that he realized he could have a career in the field.

Christina Weyant, Corporate and Professional communication

Christina Weyant has always wanted to change lives. After making her way to Virginia from California, she soon found herself serving as an AmeriCorps member with Beans and Rice, a community economic development organization that builds assets and develops capacities in low- and moderate-income families through education programming.

Corey Roadcap, computer Science

When Corey Roadcap was introduced to Radford University by college recruiters, he didn’t intend to attend a four-year institution; however, a visit to campus quickly changed his plans.

Solace Awumee, Political Science

With a keen interest in different cultures and as the niece of a prominent attorney in her native country of Ghana, Solace Awumee has known since a young age that she wanted to pursue a career as an attorney specializing in international law.

Chris Puddy, Interior Design

Chris Puddy has known since middle school that he wanted to be an interior designer. His passion for interior design began when he was in the eighth grade and his family was house hunting.

Jerry Frech, MFA

Jerry Frech has always been an artist; however, when he was young he didn’t dream of pursuing his passion as a career.

David Morabito, Biology

While searching for a college, David Morabito had a list of specific amenities an institution needed to offer to meet his needs: small class sizes, abundant recreation opportunities and resources to help him get the most out of his education. Radford University fit the bill perfectly.

Olga Martinez, Foreign Language and Middle School Education

The gorgeous campus, enriching academic programs and abundant opportunities for student involvement all added up to make Radford University Olga Martinez’s first choice for her college education.

Lauren Taylor, Art Education

When searching for a college, Lauren Taylor knew she wanted to find a public institution with a strong art education program. While there were several options in Virginia, an inspiring setting, a diverse student body and a small student to faculty ratio made Radford University rise to the top of the list.

Willie Ward III, MBA

For Willie Ward, completing his undergraduate degree was just the beginning of his educational pursuits. His passion and drive for a career in business inspired him to seek a master of business administration (MBA) program that would help open doors to job opportunities. 

Jasmine Jackson, Biology

Radford University was practically a household name throughout Jasmine Jackson’s childhood. Living just 45 miles from campus and having an aunt who was an alumna, Jackson grew up hearing about the close-knit campus community and outstanding academic programs the university offers.

Dustin Edmiston, Criminal Justice

With a military background and a desire to continue serving his country, Dustin Edmiston sought an undergraduate program that would provide him the opportunity for a career that combines his love for the United States with his passion for keeping it safe. Radford University’s renowned criminal justice program was the obvious choice.

Kayla Whedbee, Special Education

Kayla Whedbee struggled with recurring hearing loss throughout her childhood. Despite undergoing seven surgeries in any attempt for healthy ears, by age 12 she was diagnosed with hearing loss.

Steven Archibald, Finance and Management

After completing his service in the U.S. Navy, Steven Archibald knew he wanted to obtain a business degree. He looked closely at business programs around Virginia, but after talking to friends who attended Radford University and learning about the high-quality programs in the College of Business and Economics, he made his choice. 

Danie Curtis-Williams, Media Studies

Small class sizes, high-quality academic programs, a close-knit campus – everything Danie Curtis-Williams heard about Radford University was exactly what she wanted in a college experience. After talking to admissions counselors at several college fairs, she applied to Radford sight unseen. Then she visited campus.

Stephanie Miller, Music Therapy

Radford University is one of only two universities in Virginia to offer an American Music Therapy Association-approved master’s degree in music therapy. After speaking with alumni, talking with professors, and researching the program, Stephanie Miller quickly realized Radford University’s music therapy program was the best choice for her.

Patrick Manges, Criminal Justice

Patrick Manges always wanted to attend college, but he wasn’t sure the best way to finance his education. With a family tradition of joining the military, Manges decided to apply for an Army Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) scholarship.

Jenny All, Geology

As she researched colleges, Jenny All hoped to find a university that would offer enriching educational experiences that would help her reach her career objective of becoming an engineering geologist. She soon discovered Radford University offered the perfect blend of quality academics in a geologically rich region.

Cassidy Lawson, English and Psychology

While attending a larger university, Cassidy Lawson often felt alone in a sea of students. She soon decided she no longer wanted to feel like a nameless, faceless number and transferred to Radford University.

Dante Lavendar, Psychology

When Dante Lavender began his college search, he knew exactly what he wanted: a university with a well-respected psychology program, great campus services, affordable tuition and a robust student life. After looking at universities all over Virginia, he soon realized Radford University fit his needs perfectly.

Lily Field, Nursing

Lily Field knows exactly what she wants to do with her future: serve her country as an active duty nurse in the United States Army.

Rene Vega, Nutrition and Dietetics

Rene Vega came to Radford University hoping to find his direction in life. He was drawn to the welcoming atmosphere and reputation for academic excellence that the university had to offer.

Brandon Newmyer, Biology

As a recipient of the nation’s highest undergraduate science honor, the 2011 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, Brandon Newmyer is grateful to Radford University and his faculty mentor, Dr. Mark Cline, for realizing his potential and giving him opportunities to conduct  research as an undergraduate student.

Dixie Mitchell, Music Therapy

With her heart set on studying music therapy, Dixie Mitchell set out to find a university offering a program that would be the perfect fit for her.

Kala Marshall, MFA

Radford University was an easy choice for Kala Marshall. Not only was it close to home, but more importantly, it had an art program where she could pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist.

Mrunal Bhome, Accounting

As an international student who transferred to Radford University, Mrunal Bhome has found the campus community to be a welcoming environment to call home. While Radford University is much smaller than the first university she attended, it offers her rigorous academic programming and preparation for her future career in accounting.

Holly Mueller, Elementary Education

Like so many other students, Holly Mueller had heard great things about the challenging yet fulfilling academic offerings at Radford University. She also knew the university had a well-respected elementary education program. Weighing all her educational options and considering all she had heard, Mueller decided to check out Radford University for herself.

Benjamin Ruehl, Nursing

Benjamin Ruehle wanted the most out of his college experience. Drawn to Radford University’s reputable nursing program, affordability and warm atmosphere, Ruehle transferred to Radford.

Trumaine Becoat-Wade, Criminal Justice

As a high school senior in Virginia Beach, Va., Trumaine Becoat-Wade first learned about Radford University and was impressed with what he was hearing. Once he visited campus, he was sold.

Rebekah Webster, Chemistry

Growing up right outside of Radford University, Rebekah Webster was very familiar with the campus. She loved the close-knit campus community and knew the chemistry program was solid, so attending Radford was an easy choice.

Jade Okamoto, Social Science

Thousands of miles from her California home, Radford University was slightly off the beaten path for Jade Okamoto. Because she wanted to play golf for a Division I school and because the campus offered strong academic programs, she added the university to her list of options.

Jedidiah Stalker, English

Jedidiah Stalker’s dream is to teach English, either in the U.S. or abroad. While researching graduate programs that would help him achieve that goal, he discovered that Radford University’s English Department offers a robust graduate teaching assistant program, making it the best choice for his master’s degree.

Cody Kesling, Music Education

Cody Kesling chose Radford University for its well-known, tight-knit music department, but the university also chose him. Kesling was awarded the Presser Foundation Scholarship, the most prestigious award in the Department of Music, and a Presidential Scholarship, which recognizes high-achieving students.

Mariela Alvarez, Biology

Radford has offered Mariela Alvarez more than a pretty place to study. Thanks to small class sizes that facilitate one-on-one faculty collaboration, Alvarez has had the opportunity to participate in research projects typically reserved for graduate students at larger universities.

Kirnelius Williams, Media Studies

Although Radford University was the last university Kirnelius Williams visited during his college search, it quickly became his first choice.

Hannah Weiss, Education

After completing her undergraduate education, and wandering from job to job on the East Coast, Hannah Weiss decided it was time to head back to school to pursue the master’s degree she knew she always wanted.

Nicki Shackleford, Dance and Political Science

Frequently spending 25 hours a week dancing either in class or at rehearsals, Nicki Shackleford feels challenged by the dance program, which she believes is preparing her for a career doing what she loves most.

Waleed Sarwari, Information Technology

Although not fluent in English when he arrived in America, Waleed Sarwari of Stafford, Va., was determined to learn it and turned to his computer for help. Those early experiences working and playing on the computer ignited Sarwari’s desire to pursue an education in information technology.

Tori Robeson, MBA

After earning her undergraduate degree, Tori Robeson decided she wanted to enhance her business knowledge and broaden her career possibilities.  She soon discovered that Radford University’s Master of Business Administration would give her the education she needed to make her ambitions become realities.

Gina Sultan, Criminal Justice

After visiting a number of universities, it didn’t take Egyptian-born Gina Sultan long to decide that Radford University was the place for her.

Lee Hicks, Political Science and Social Science

While Lee Hicks is pursuing an education that will lead to a career as a high school teacher, he hopes one day to run for political office – perhaps even for president of the United States.

Katrina Koussis, Business

Coming from a large, suburban school district, Katrina Koussis knows what it is like to learn in crowded classrooms with teachers who don’t have time to get to know their students. She chose Radford University because it was the exact opposite.

Chelsea Cromwell, Management

Chelsea Cromwell hopes to someday manage her father’s company, and because of that desire, receiving a top-quality education from a well-known, and respected in-state institution, such as Radford University, was incredibly important to her.

Whitley Davis, Fashion Design

Whitley Davis has a passion for creating. Radford University has given her the opportunity to harness that creativity while studying both fashion design and studio art in the university's renowned College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Hannah Williams, Secondary Education

When Hannah Williams visited Radford University during an Admissions Open House weekend, she knew immediately that the campus was the place for her.

Claire Percoco, Anthropological Sciences

Attuned to the ever-increasing, student-focused vision of Radford University, Claire Percoco knew that she wanted to be a part of Radford University’s growing campus community.