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.
Radford master's programs earn magazine accolades
Radford University has earned national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, reflecting the strength of several graduate programs delivered online. Radford ranked No. 72 in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, a list that includes more than 200 programs nationwide. The university also ranked No. 193 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, evaluated among 323 programs across the country. In business, Radford placed No. 205 in Best Online MBA Programs – part of a national field in which U.S. News ranked 377 online MBAs for 2026.
U.S. News’ online rankings assess factors such as engagement, faculty credentials and training, services and technology, and student excellence, offering an external benchmark for quality and student support.
Maxwell selected for Department Chair Leadership Institute
Stockton Maxwell, chair of the Department of Geology and Geospatial Science, is one of 37 higher education leaders chosen by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities to participate in its Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI).
Designed for department chairs at regional public universities, DCLI supports leaders who aspire to be dynamic, strategic and empathetic institutional citizens. Participants gain a national perspective on the vital role chairs play in advancing their institution’s mission, delivering value and ensuring student success.
The cohort met in Washington, D.C., earlier this month for two days of intensive professional development focused on the evolving leadership competencies needed in today’s complex higher education environment. The semester-long program emphasizes skill-building, peer learning and developing a strong and supportive network of colleagues.
“We are excited to welcome this newest DCLI cohort,” said Charles L. Welch, AASCU president and CEO. “Department chairs are among the most critical leaders at the heart of academic operations on campus. Through DCLI, AASCU is equipping them with essential skills, practical tools and a supportive community so they can succeed in their roles and strengthen their institutions.”
Radford honored for substance-use prevention
Radford University has been named one of three 2025 honorees in the Virginia Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee (VHESUAC) Campus Recognition Program, which spotlights colleges advancing substance use education, prevention, recovery and intervention on campus.
Radford earned recognition for RU Aware, an initiative focused on addressing substance use issues, strengthening personal responsibility and encouraging healthier decision-making among students. The university also secured a grant from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to hire an additional staff member and help fund campus events and scholarships tied to prevention and support efforts.
The annual program aligns with statewide priorities outlined in the VHESUAC Strategic Plan and emphasizes partnerships that expand a campus’s capacity to respond to substance misuse. As Virginia ABC’s Chris Young notes, “The negative consequences of substance misuse impact Virginia’s college students, their families and friends, and the community-at-large daily.”