Thank You, Highlanders! (Message from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. to RUC Students, Faculty, and Staff)

Dear Radford Family:

As our talented students and world-class faculty have departed campus and we have engaged in virtual celebrations with our Fall 2020 graduating class, I want to wish each and every Highlander an enjoyable and restful break. To our dedicated staff who are remaining on campus to close out the fall semester and the calendar year, we recognize your on-going and tireless efforts to serve our campus. And, to our newest group of Highlander alumni, we cannot wait to see the incredible impact you will make in your chosen fields!

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I must express my heartfelt appreciation and lasting gratitude for the resilient and responsive efforts of Highlander students, faculty, and staff throughout the Fall 2020 semester. As a campus, we followed masking and distancing requirements, while completing the Daily Symptom Tracker and participating in surveillance and exit testing.

The foundation of our success was a detailed and thoughtful Campus Reopening Plan. However, it was the Highlander spirit of care and compassion that made our success a reality. When individuals questioned our ability to reopen our campus or remain open, we responded by providing alternate arrangements, enhanced outreach, and support networks to assist individual Highlanders in need. And, most of all, we continued to fulfill our worthwhile mission by engaging together in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the field.

Without question, this has been one of the most challenging semesters for our institution and difficult times in recent history. A global health pandemic did not stop our campus from providing a world-class education with unique experiences, while remaining sharply focused on the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

Following the semester break, we will embark on a new journey, the Spring 2021 semester. I know that many individuals have grown tired of the continued restrictions and many precautions. However, we must remain diligent in our efforts to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our local communities.

Again, I could not be more proud of the manner in which our campus and our community responded in the midst of the on-going pandemic. Thank you for a job well done. God bless each of you, and GO HIGHLANDERS!

With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President
@BrianOHemphill