Biographies

Jen Rentschler, Director for Student Involvement

Jen Rentschler has served as the Director of Student Involvement at Radford University since July 2021. Jen earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC and her Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in the Student Affairs Administration program in the Mary Frances Early College of Education at UGA. Jen has worked in higher education for over 15 years, and has extensive experience in student advising, grant writing, workshop facilitation, program assessment and evaluation, strategic planning, supervision, and project management.

Prior to coming to Radford University, Jen served as the Director of the Center for Leadership and Service at the University of Georgia, overseeing signature leadership and service programs including advising the Arch Society student ambassadors, Dawg Camp Extended Orientation programs, IMPACT Service Breaks, The LeaderShape® Institute at UGA, as well as many other leadership and service initiatives. Early in her career, Jen served in a variety of positions at Longwood University in Farmville, VA, developing student leadership programs, coordinating community service projects, organizing an annual student leadership conference, and working faculty and staff to establish Service-Learning initiatives.

When she isn’t working, Jen enjoys a hot cup of tea on the couch with a knitting project or a cat in her lap. She especially loves teaching others to knit and crochet and serves as the advisor to the Needle Arts club at Radford.

Heather Carlisle, Associate Director for Student Involvement

Heather Carlisle has served as the Associate Director of Student Involvement at Radford University since January 2024. Heather received a Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts degree in Theatre from Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA and a Masters of Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Prior to her position at Radford University Heather worked as the Assistant Recreation Director for the Town of Bluefield, VA. As the Assistant Recreation Director Heather gained skills in strategic planning of activities and programs, project and event management, skill assessments, and community outreach initiatives. Heather enjoys creative projects, reading, and getting to know others!

Katarina Alatis, Assistant Director for Student Involvement

Katarina has worked in the Department of Student Involvement since May 2022.  Prior to joining the team, she was a Residence Hall Director at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Katarina is from Weirton, West Virginia and graduated from Radford University in December 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.  After graduating from Radford, Katarina moved to Lawrence, Kansas to obtain her master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas in May 2020.  Katarina enjoys spending time with her dog, watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, and finding the best local coffee shops.

Douglas Mead, Operations Manager for Student Involvement

Douglas has worked in the Department of Student Involvement since October 1994. Prior to his work in Student Involvement he was the a/v manager of a conference center in central Virginia during his late teens and very early 20’s. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from Radford University.  He is a third generation RU graduate, his mother and grandmother both having obtained education degrees from the university.  In addition to his employment with the university, Doug has done freelance work in lighting, sound, and other aspects of technical production. He was the lighting designer for three multi-media collaborations between the Department of Dance and Appalachian Studies, all of which were performed at other venues as far away as New Jersey. Hobbies include an avid interest in ancient European and Near-Eastern history, film, reading, using perfectly good basses and guitars to make hideous noises, hiking and writing.

Angela Arnold, Office and Accounts Manager

Angela has been in an Administrative Assistant position at Radford University since October, 2012. She has been a part of Student Involvement since January, 2014. Originally from Blacksburg, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise from Virginia Tech. She currently lives in Radford and loves being a part of the Radford University community.

Ryan Gross, Assistant Manager of Production Services

Ryan has worked with Student Involvement since March of 2015.  He has over two decades of experience in the music and production field.  His hobbies include playing drums, building and crafting many things, and traveling when possible.  Music is a huge part of his life and is thankful to continue in the production field.