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Virginia Business magazine has selected Radford University President Bret Danilowicz as an inaugural Virginia C-Suite Awards recipient. Danilowicz was presented the honor during a celebration held at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, on June 5. 

The Virginia C-Suite Awards celebrate top executives who consistently demonstrate remarkable leadership skills, integrity, values, vision, commitment to excellence, company performance and community engagement. The honorees must have their primary work offices in Virginia and hold a top executive position at a public company (such as CEO, COO, CFO) or an equivalent position in the higher education, government, nonprofit or private sectors (executive director, owner, etc.).

A complete list of winners is available at virginiabusiness.com.

In three years at Radford University, Danilowicz has increased the enrollment and retention rates of students, launched the Radford Tuition Promise to cover the cost of tuition for undergraduate students from the commonwealth and led the successful completion of TOGETHER – The Campaign for Radford University, which raised a record $106 million. In 2024, Radford’s nursing school was upgraded to the College of Nursing, making Radford the only four-year public university in Virginia with a standalone nursing college. Danilowicz also has boosted collaboration with the city of Radford, leading the development of a university economic development center, The HUB at Radford, and reinvigorating the efforts of the Radford University/City of Radford Joint Commission.

“Our 2025 C-Suite Awards winners are outstanding leaders who demonstrate impressive resumes and lead their companies to success, making a positive impact on the lives of others,” said Richard Foster, associate publisher of Virginia Business. “They are trendsetters who empower those who work with them in a professional setting and in the community. They are examples to all, and their leadership is growing the next generation.”

Winners will be recognized in the June issue of Virginia Business and online at VirginiaBusiness.com.