The Radford University Board of Visitors, at its meeting Friday, June 5, unanimously
elected Dale S. Ardizzone ’85, M.S. ’86, to serve as rector and re-elected Jennifer
Wishon Gilbert as vice rector. Their terms begin July 1, 2026, and end June 30, 2027.
As rector, Ardizzone will preside over meetings and actions of the Board of Visitors.
He is chief operating officer of INSP, LLC, a top 10 rated cable network, and he also
serves as general counsel and corporate secretary to the company’s corporate parent
and numerous subsidiaries. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees
from Radford University and a Juris Doctor degree from Delaware Law School.
Gilbert will serve a second term as vice rector. She is senior Washington correspondent
for CBN News and has more than 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism. She
earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media Studies from Virginia
Tech.
Continued focus on rural health
University President Bret Danilowicz provided updates on strategic initiatives, including
Radford University’s focus on building a hub of medical, mental and dental health
services in Southwest and Southside Virginia. Recent highlights include the June 2
meeting of the Center for Rural Health Partner Council, as well as collaboration with New River Valley Community Services and Anthem HealthKeepers
on projects such as the launch of a mobile health clinic to provide medical screening throughout the region.
Danilowicz emphasized the importance of collaboration among many organizations to
build and improve services. “No single institution has the resources to do this alone,”
he said. “We’ve got to work together to identify areas where we can concentrate our
efforts to have the greatest impact for the region.”
Board actions
In other actions, the board:
- approved updates to the university’s teaching and research faculty handbook,
- agreed to discontinue two graduate degree programs: Master of Science in Data and
Information Management and Master of Science in Athletic Training, and
- endorsed emeritus status for five retired faculty members:
- Bruce Mahin, Professor, Department of Music
- Sara Brown, Associate Professor, Graduate Nursing
- Elizabeth Altieri, Associate Professor, School of Teacher Education & Leadership
- Carol Bland, Associate Professor, School of Teacher Education & Leadership
- Kristan Morrison, Professor, School of Teacher Education & Leadership
Discussion highlights The board additionally discussed various notable achievements and measures of the
university’s progress, including the following:
- Enrollment for fall 2026 is projected to increase slightly over the 2025 term, with
a projection of approximately 8,000. Student retention rates are also forecast to
increase somewhat in the upcoming academic year.
- Over 92 percent of recent graduates were employed or continuing their education within
six months.
- The university continues to build, renovate and plan additional improvements to its
facilities, including an updated esports arena, new pickleball courts and dormitory
refurbishment.
- Marketing and communications efforts are showing great progress, including record
media coverage of the spring 2026 commencement ceremony.
- The university is actively building partnerships and involvement with communities
throughout the region, including the initiation of an AdventureWorks summit in September
to pursue regional opportunities for recreation and tourism.
Meeting materials and next date Copies of the meeting agendas and board reports are available
online, and a full video of the June 5 meeting can be
streamed through YouTube.
The next meeting of Radford’s Board of Visitors will be held Sept. 17-18, 2026.
