Meet Highlanders from Radford’s Class of 2023
Clear skies and a warm day greeted Radford University’s Class of 2023 during move-in on Aug. 22.
The new class of Highlanders includes students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the largest number of students in the Class of 2023 coming from Pulaski County High School, Christiansburg High School, Franklin County High School and William Byrd High School.
Students from Senegal, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and other countries are also joining the Radford family as both exchange students and degree-seeking students.
As the new Highlanders moved into Muse Hall, members of the Class of 2023 were asked why they chose Radford and what they are looking forward to most while in college.
Portia Williams
Newport News, Virginia
Portia drove four and a half hours to move into her dorm at Radford University, where she is leaning toward becoming a nurse.
Portia said that she really likes the outdoors and location of Radford. She is looking forward to getting her degree and learning how to be independent.
Jordan Shepherd
Yorktown, Virginia
Jordan will pursue music education at Radford University, something that he is excited to begin.
The area drew Jordan to Radford University, as he enjoys outdoor activities.
Molly Cothran
Roanoke, Virginia
Molly wants to combine her major of psychology with her minor in art to provide art therapy and work with kids.
“I really like the campus and I fell in love with it when I visited,” Molly said.
Molly is also looking forward to getting out of her comfort zone and taking advantage of everything that Radford University has to offer.
Madeline Deskins
Fincastle, Virginia
Madeline wants to help people, so she chose to study psychology at Radford University.
The strength of the psychology program, combined with the academic rigor, led Madeline to become a Highlander. College affordability was also an important factor, as was the proximity to home.
Emily Westhausen
Bealeton, Virginia
Emily heard a lot of good things about the criminal justice program at Radford University – something that drew her to campus.
“I really liked the campus and how I felt when I was here,” Emily said.
In her visits to campus and during her move-in experience, Emily was able to experience Highlander hospitality first-hand.
Layney Hines
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Layney is going to study management at Radford University.
When Layney visited campus, she felt welcomed and that Radford was her home. Combined with the strength of the Davis College of Business and Economics, Layney knew where she was going to college.
Ryan Conrow
Ashburn, Virginia
Ryan knows exactly what he is going to study at college – management.
When Ryan visited Radford University, it felt like his “home away from home.”
“I’m looking forward to getting involved, playing intramurals and staying active with clubs,” he said.
Ryan is also looking forward to going to basketball games to cheer on the Highlanders.
Macey Riley
Lexington, Virginia
With great excitement, Macey is going to experience everything that the interior design program at Radford University has to offer, something she is excited to do. What made her really excited to attend Radford, though, was how it felt like her home away from home.
“I really like the location, and it isn’t too far away,” Macey said. “It feels like home.”
Logan Taylor
Wytheville, Virginia
Logan did not travel far to attend college, but that was exactly what he wanted.
“Radford is local and is a good college to attend,” he said. Logan is happy that Radford has a variety of quality academic choices that will help prepare him for his future career.
Kate Drumheller
Lynchburg, Virginia
While undecided on major, Kate is interested in geology – or any of the many options offered within the Artis College of Science and Technology.
“I’m looking forward to broadening my horizons and tackling the challenges that lie ahead,” Kate said.
Jacob Stevens
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Jacob is going to study biochemistry at Radford University, a move that was prompted by his love of the New River Valley.
“I like the location, I like the school and I know people that went here and really liked it,” Jacob said. “I’m looking forward to branching out and growing as a person while at Radford University.”
Emma Skerman
Manassas, Virginia
Emma is an exercise, sport and health education major and has loved her impressions of Radford University
“It’s a nice size campus,” Emma said. “It is beautiful here and everyone makes me feel welcome.”
Emma is excited about the independence of the college experience and learning how to live on her own.
Christian Torres
Crozet, Virginia
A close family tie drew Christian to Radford University – that of his brother. Nine years ago, his brother attended Radford, something that Christian was keen to do himself. Christian is excited to begin his studies in the Davis College of Business and Economics.
Kyra Sealy
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Kyra is going to study psychology in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, a field that has interested her for some time.
College affordability was a big factor for Kyra, who is also looking forward to learning how to live independently while at Radford University.