Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Emergency Services student commended for composure, leadership at major crash scene
When a chaotic traffic accident occurred on U.S. 460 near Evergreen, Virginia, on the afternoon of Oct. 31, Radford University Carilion (RUC) emergency services student Kevin Fitch was among the first to respond – and his swift, calm actions made a difference.
According to investigators, a tractor-trailer traveling westbound struck a pickup truck, which overturned and hit a child who had just exited a school bus. The truck then collided with the bus itself, which was carrying seven children. The scene was declared a mass casualty incident as crews worked to triage and treat multiple critically injured patients and extricate trapped occupants. Westbound traffic was halted on U.S. 460.
Fitch, a sophomore from Appomattox, Virginia, and an Appomattox County EMT working that afternoon, was in the first ambulance to arrive. Community member Ashley Casalenuovo Monse, who was caught in the traffic, later shared on social media:
“I want to point this EMT out tonight. He arrived in the first ambulance … and immediately went to work. I sat for an hour, and he ran the whole time. He took a three-second break to shake off everything he had witnessed and literally ran right back to it. I’m not sure who he is, but I know he deserves some praise along with all the other first responders and witnesses to this horrific accident this afternoon.”
Fitch said he focused on what needed to be done.
“In most situations, you’re rarely completely alone on scene, and I knew that additional help was on the way,” he said. “When I arrived, my fire chief was already on scene, which helped relieve some of the pressure. Still, I understood that no matter how overwhelmed I felt, there were people who needed immediate care and attention.”
He credits his training and mindset for helping him stay focused under pressure.
“Remaining calm on scene is crucial – if you panic, your patients are likely to panic as well,” Fitch said. “In that moment, I didn’t have much time to let fear take over; I had to stay focused and composed to handle the situation effectively.”
Fitch, who began volunteering for the Appomattox rescue squad as a teenager, said his dedication to the field comes from a deep desire to serve.
“Helping people in their time of need has always been something that gives me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment,” he said. “I chose the paramedic program at RUC because I felt limited in my abilities as an EMT-Basic, and I’ve always been driven to expand my skills and perform at the highest level possible.”
Andrew Murray, clinical director and instructor for RUC Emergency Services, praised Fitch’s professionalism and leadership under pressure.
“His actions in bringing order to the incident and calmly ensuring that all patients received the care they needed were noticed by his peers and the public,” Murray said.
Chemistry professor named Sigma Xi fellow
Professor of Chemistry Christine Hermann has been named a 2025 fellow of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. Sigma Xi awarded the honor in recognition of Hermann’s “four decades of excellence in chemical education and mentorship, her innovative research in organic chemistry and laboratory pedagogy and her dedicated service in advancing student engagement and public appreciation of science.”
The Fellows program of Sigma Xi recognizes members who have achieved exceptional results in research or engineering, demonstrated sustained scholarship and mentorship and contributed significantly to the mission of the society.
“I am very honored to be a Sigma Xi fellow,” Hermann said. “It is very humbling to be nominated by my scientific colleagues to receive this award. There are many other scientists in the field who have done more, but I appreciate the support from my colleagues.”
Hermann has taught organic chemistry at Radford for 40 years and is one of the founding members of the Sigma Xi chapter at Radford, created in 2014. The Blue Ridge Highlands Regional Science Fair has been giving out a Sigma Xi award since 2016.
M.S.W. program sees largest class ever
The Master of Social Work program is celebrating its largest incoming class ever – 68 students for the 2025–2026 academic year, with students joining from as far as Texas and South Carolina.
“What makes the M.S.W. program at Radford stand out is the genuine connection between students and faculty,” shared student Ava Weseloh. “You’re not just taught; you’re mentored, encouraged, and believed in.”
With a focus on collaboration, compassion, and community impact, Radford’s M.S.W. program continues to prepare skilled professionals ready to lead and serve in the social work field.
Learn more about the Master of Social Work program.
November We Are Radford award winner
The We Are Radford employee recognition program is a monthly honor recognizing an individual whose daily interactions with students and colleagues represent the best of the Radford University experience. The winner for November is Tom Bennett, interim executive director for the Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab and senior director of operations and administration for Economic Development and Corporate Education Division.
“Tom Bennett is vital to Radford University operations,” his nominator wrote. “His involvement in building and sustaining the IMPACT Lab and CBE offerings has shown impeccable work and dedication. He also helped to lead the new university website implementation by project-managing the players and action associated.”
Employees who have served at least one year at Radford are eligible to be recognized for upholding the university’s core values.