Lisa Ridpath makes significant impact at Radford University

lisa-ridpath
Lisa Ridpath '91

To many who know her on and off campus at Radford University, Lisa Ridpath is RU's associate vice president for Finance and Administration and one of the most senior and longest serving female administrators at Radford University. Many will admit that she has made a genuinely significant impact on the daily functions of the university and is arguably one of the hardest working and most knowledgeable individuals on campus.

These accolades come as no surprise to those who have worked with her over the course of her 22-year career with Radford University. Her extensive knowledge of the university's financial and administrative support operations are the result of a professional dedication and strong personal passion for her alma mater. It is her tireless work ethic and detailed understanding of her field that have opened another opportunity for her to serve the communities and families of the Commonwealth of Virginia as the new Vice President for Financial and Administrative Services at Virginia Western Community College (VWCC).

Ridpath, who is a double alumna of Radford University, earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1991 and served as a member of Delta Mu Delta Business Administration Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society. While employed at RU, she then earned her Master of Business Administration in 1999, receiving recognition from the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, as well as achieving a 4.0 GPA.

"No one has dedicated themselves more to the well-being of Radford University during my tenure as president than Lisa Ridpath," said President Penelope W. Kyle. "Lisa truly embodies Radford University and remains an example of the results of hard work and dedication. We can look around our campus and see the positive and long-lasting impact she has had. Lisa worked her way up through almost every position within Finance and Administration, learning the complexities of what it takes to advocate for and operate a complex enterprise such as Radford University. She has made it possible for our dedicated faculty to have the resources that enable them to educate our students, for our students to take advantage of the quality of life and amenities they enjoy today, and for our staff and administrators to more effectively and efficiently do their jobs," said President Kyle.

"While we will miss having Lisa here at Radford University, I know that she is being offered an opportunity where her extensive experience in finance and administration, her vast knowledge of Virginia's system of higher education, and her leadership and management skills will allow her to advance her career while still serving students in the Commonwealth," said President Kyle. "Lisa exemplifies 'The Reason is Radford.'"

"It has been a special privilege to have served here at my alma mater in so many capacities with increasing responsibilities, each with the trust and confidence of so many individuals. This decision has been very difficult to make because RU has been a significant part of my life and it is such a special place that makes a difference in the lives of so many," said Ridpath. "This new opportunity at VWCC will help me expand my skills as a professional and offer the continued personal and professional rewards of serving the students of the Commonwealth of Virginia."

"Lisa is a consummate professional who is widely respected here at Radford University and throughout state government," said Richard Alvarez, vice president for Finance and Administration. "Throughout my career within government, higher education and industry, Lisa stands out as one of the hardest-working and most dedicated individuals I have had the privilege to serve alongside. There are countless examples of how her insight, commitment, innovation and attention to detail have led to making Radford University a better institution of higher education. I wish Lisa all the best and ‘fair winds and following seas' in her next endeavor," added Alvarez.

Ridpath has served at Radford University since 1993 in a variety of increasingly more complex management positions including most recently as Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration (2011-2015) where she was responsible for direct oversight of the Offices of Budget and Financial Planning (OBFP), University Controller, Procurement and Contracts, University Policy Compliance, ARMICS and Special Projects, and University Services. She was directly involved with capital construction, renovation and maintenance reserve projects totaling in excess of $330 million; physical plant operation and maintenance plans; space management; and serving as the University's legislative liaison during General Assembly sessions and at state government meetings.

Her previous duties at RU have included:

  • Assistant Vice President for Budget and Planning (2010-2011)
     
  • University Budget Director (2008-2010)
     
  • Budget and Financial Analyst (1999-2008)
     
  • Assistant Director, Auxiliary Services (1996-1999)
     
  • Manager, RU Express, ID and Parking (1993-1996)
     
  • Adjunct Instructor, College of Business and Economics (2000-2001)
     
  • Instructor, University 100 (Fall 1999 and 2000)

Ridpath will begin her new position at VWCC beginning on Oct. 25, according to the college.

Sep 30, 2015