DEAC recruitment event connects RU with potential graduate students
Ernst Ilang-Ilang, a second-year Master of Social Work student at RU, shares the student's perspective with students from Virginia State and Roanoke College at the recent Diversity, Equity and Action Committee program.
The Diversity, Equity and Action Committee (DEAC) welcomed prospective graduate students to campus to explore graduate opportunities at Radford University.
Ten prospective graduate students from Roanoke College and Virginia State University (VSU) met with representatives of the Schools of Social Work and Teacher Education and Leadership, toured the campus and sampled campus life during the two-day visit on Nov. 14.
"The students are engaged and making critical connections," said Crasha Townsend, director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Townsend and DEAC Co-chair Deneen Evans, assistant professor of social work, organized the pilot program to connect RU with the students with academic interests in areas of RU strength from underserved student populations.
"It is important to keep diversity in the forefront as it gives students a richer experience and enriches our student and campus communities," Townsend said.
Among the guests was Hyisheen Calier, a senior social work student from Virginia State University, who was joined by nine VSU students and one from Roanoke College for the visit.
Associate Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies Laura Jacobsen talks about graduate school opportunities at Radford University during the recent Diversity, Equity and Action Committee program for prospective graduate students from Virginia State University and Roanoke College.
"I want to be able to leave RU with experience at both an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a Primarily White Institution (PWI) because it will make me more marketable as a Ph.D. or law school candidate," said Calier, who is the current SGA president at VSU. "I look forward to leaving my mark here and getting involved as much as I have been at VSU."
Calier's visit to RU included a luncheon with deans and department chairs, such as Dennis Grady, dean of the Graduate College; Laura Jacobsen, associate Graduate College dean; and Dean of the Waldron College of Health and Human Services Kenneth Cox. The visit also included a dinner with Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Irvin Clark at which he spoke about the importance of diversity at RU and the campus' opportunities for acquiring important leadership experience.