News

Radford University senior Troy Stallard is a busy man — and not just with his classes and fieldwork in the emergency services program. The Air Force veteran and first-generation college student sought out a variety of experiences while a Highlander with a larger goal in mind. Stallard plans on applying to medical school after receiving his diploma in May.

Communication Sciences and Disorders student Grace Burke spent many hours immersed in theatre and the arts, which she said taught her how to better communicate her thoughts and feelings — a distinct advantage over many of her peers that endured the COVID pandemic. Those hours, Burke said, paid off by giving her insight into what she wanted to do with her professional life as a speech therapist.

Students from the nursing, occupational therapy, social work and communication sciences and disorders programs gathered to participate in the fall 2023 Waldron College of Health and Human Services interprofessional case study activity on Nov. 3. The activity gives students the chance to interact and learn from one another, expanding their knowledge about the duties of each member of their teams as well as the resources available to them through their colleagues. 

More than 50 K-12 teachers, administrators and counselors from across the New River Valley gathered for food, fellowship, and a preview of the new Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity at Radford University during the Highlander Education Appreciation Reception.

Vesna Cotić Costello, D.H.Sc. has been named the interim chair of the Radford University Occupational Therapy Department. As one of the four original faculty members in the department that was founded in 2009, she brings valuable experience into her new role and plans to lead with humility and grace.

Labs at Radford University Carilion in Roanoke were buzzing with excitement on June 20 as local high school students participated in Camp Carilion, a four-day immersive experience that provides them with the opportunity to learn life-saving information through exercises and interactive demonstrations.

Rachel Warren always knew she wanted a healthcare career. Four years ago, she chose the Respiratory Therapy program at RUC because she liked the idea of being an expert on one system in the body. Today, she says that decision was one of the best she's ever made and she can't wait to start the job she has lined up at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital this summer. 

Virtual sessions added a new opportunity for distance-learning students to participate in the eighth annual Interprofessional Symposium on April 13 organized by Waldron College of Health and Human Services. Students and faculty gathered in Heth Hall for the in-person sessions and to view the virtual presentations.

As part of her duties as a speech-language pathologist at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Jessica Cartwright Wisman ’08, M.A. ’10, consults with other healthcare professionals caring for hospitalized adults. Recently, her actions helped save a life which resulted in her being named a Carilion Clinic Healthcare Hero.

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected the career trajectory of many professionals when it hit in 2019, and Anna Kate Draper’s experience was no different. Three years later, she is preparing to graduate from the RUC Master of Health Sciences program with a clinical research administration concentration—the first student to ever graduate from RUC with that particular degree concentration.

Over 200 students participated in the 12th annual Waldron College lnterprofessional Case Study Activity on Nov. 4, 2022. Students from communication sciences and disorders, counseling psychology, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy and social work programs collaborated on the case of Rosa Garcia, a sixth-grader whose family survived a fire, but face a long road to recovery and return to normal.

Radford University will celebrate winter commencement with two ceremonies at the Dedmon Center, 101 University Dr., on Dec. 9 and 10. The ceremonies include students from Radford main campus and Radford University Carilion.