Radford University named to Forbes’ 2025 ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list

Radford University has been recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Employers by State” for 2025, ranking number 69 in Virginia. The annual list spotlights organizations that employees say deliver strong culture, fair pay and benefits, and real opportunities to grow. 

Radford is among 90 Virginia employers honored on this year’s list, which spans higher education,  healthcare, financial services, technology and the public sector. The list was compiled in collaboration with research partner Statista.

In a companion roundup by Patch.com that narrows the Forbes results to employers headquartered in Virginia, Radford ranks number 32 out of 42 Virginia-based organizations recognized, placing the university alongside companies and institutions that anchor the commonwealth’s economy and workforce.

“Radford University is honored to once again be recognized by Forbes as one of Virginia's best employers,” said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz. “This underscores our remarkable dedication from faculty and staff, whose daily commitment creates an environment where our students thrive, our colleagues are supported and our communities are served. We are proud to be embarking on a path towards creating a true culture of care that values collaboration, growth and the well-being of every member of our Highlander family.”

As of September 2025, Radford University has 1,569 employees, 1,262 full-time and 307 part-time. Most colleagues  work on the main campus in Radford and at Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, with others supporting clinical, instructional and outreach sites across Southwest Virginia.

The Forbes best-in-state list is built from one of the largest independent workplace surveys in the U.S. For 2025, more than 160,000 employees evaluated their own employers and others they know in their industry, focusing on day-to-day experience and whether they would recommend their employer. Only organizations with 500 or more U.S. employees were eligible. Companies with the highest scores in each state made the list.

Virginia’s slate of 90 recognized employers underscores the depth and diversity of opportunity across the commonwealth, from education and health systems to defense, finance and public service. Radford’s inclusion reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to an engaging workplace that supports people and performance.