Governor reappoints members to the Radford University Board of Visitors
Today, Governor Ralph Northam announced the reappointment of five members to the Radford University Board of Visitors to serve four-year terms.
Robert A. Archer, of Salem, is chairman and CEO of Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Inc., a family owned and operated business since 1957. First appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2016, Archer served as rector from July 2019 to present, vice rector from July 2018 to June 2019 and a member of the Executive Committee since 2017.
“Serving as rector, I was most pleased to learn of the reappointment of five members of our Board of Visitors by Governor Northam,” said Rector Archer. “During a time of disruption and difficulty for all of higher education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University and its students will benefit from the continuity and expertise each provides. I would also like to thank each Board member for their continued hard work and effort in support of the University and its mission of a high-quality and low-cost education.” In reflecting on his own reappointment, Rector Archer said, “In addition, I am personally excited and gratified to be able to continue this work along with my fellow Board members at a time of such importance. I know that our primary focus will continue to be on our students, working hand-in-hand with the University’s administration, faculty and staff.”
Jay A. Brown, Ph.D., of Glen Allen, is director of Budget and Strategic Planning for the City of Richmond. Dr. Brown served as chair of the Governance, Administration and Athletics Committee from July 2019 to present and vice chair of the Business Affairs and Audit Committee from July 2017 to June 2019.
In learning of his reappointment, Dr. Brown said, “It is truly an honor to continue to serve Radford University and work with my colleagues and the administration to further the successes that we’ve enjoyed. I would like to thank Governor Northam for my reappointment, and I look forward to, and I am committed to, serving Radford University for another four years.”
Rachel D. Fowlkes, Ed.D., of Abingdon, retired as the executive director of Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in June 2015 after 23 years of service. Dr. Fowlkes served as chair of the Governance, Administration and Athletics Committee from July 2017 to June 2019, vice chair of the Academic Excellence Committee from July 2018 to June 2019 and vice chair of the Governance, Administration and Athletics Committee from July 2019 to present.
“I believe our Board has worked together effectively as a team. And, from personal experience, I know it takes a while for a new member to learn the complexities of an institution of this size,” said Dr. Fowlkes. “The reappointments will make this experienced team even more productive, particularly with the challenges ahead. I am honored to serve another term on the Board as we work together to create exceptional learning and leadership experiences for Radford students."
Deb McMahon, Ph.D., of Charlottesville, has been principal at Scitent eLearning since August 2019 and was previously the CEO since 2004. Dr. McMahon has served as chair of the Student Success Committee since July 2017.
“This is a truly challenging time for all universities and colleges across our country,” Dr. McMahon said following her reappointment. “I am honored to have the opportunity to support Radford’s efforts to build innovative solutions that continue its tradition of high quality education for our students.”
Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham, of Blacksburg, is owner and president of Snyder & Associates, established in 1985 with a focus on renovation. Ms. Snyder-Falkinham was previously a member of the Board of Visitors from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016. On September 15, 2016, Governor McAuliffe appointed Ms. Snyder-Falkinham to serve an unexpired term. Ms. Snyder-Falkinham has served as the Board of Visitors liaison to the Radford University Foundation from 2012 to 2015 and from 2017 to 2020.
“I am honored to be reappointed to the Radford University Board of Visitors,” said Ms. Snyder-Falkinham. “This is a very important time in higher education, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with President Hemphill and his team to further the University in educating and providing opportunities for our student body."
Following the Governor’s reappointment of these Board members, President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “I am thrilled that these dedicated leaders will continue serving the campus and the Commonwealth through their service on the Radford University Board of Visitors. Together, with the full Board, they have enabled the forward momentum of our University and positively influenced the lives of current and future generations of Highlanders.”