Highlander Highlights: Week of July 27, 2026
July 31, 2026
Senior visits General Assembly with UPP cohort
Students in the Undergraduate Policy Program (UPP) of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine visited the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond this month [DP2] for a firsthand look at how science and public policy intersect.
Radford student Stevie Freeman, a senior from Ivanhoe, Virginia, is among the 2026 UPP cohort of eight students representing nine universities. The group met with Del. Destiny LaVere Bolling and Sen. Lashrecse Aird to discuss some of today's most pressing science and policy challenges. The group also heard from legislative and policy professionals and representatives from McGuireWoods Consulting. Their presentations offered the students a behind-the-scenes perspective on how policy is developed, analyzed and implemented in the commonwealth.
Highlander Works applications opening
The Highlander Works Grant Program for Internships and Work-Based Learning offers undergraduate students an opportunity to apply for funding to help reduce financial barriers to internships and work-based learning, including practica, co-ops, field placements and clinicals.
“Receiving grant funding from the Highlander Works program has been incredibly helpful!” said spring 2026 recipient Madison Ashley ’26. “I've had the chance to focus my attention on developing professional skills that will carry over to future career paths, such as crisis intervention skills, data collection, communication skills, etc. Having the opportunity to receive funding from this grant program has truly alleviated the stress of working an unpaid internship.”
Added fellow spring recipient Gabriella Stinson, a senior from Rocky Mount, Virginia: “This grant will help me pay my bills while I focus on my internship and my education. This grant will be a big help for my future.”
Applications for fall 2026 grants open Aug. 1 and close Aug. 31. Degree-seeking undergraduate students currently enrolled full time with at least a 2.0 GPA are eligible to apply, with priority given to students pursuing their first internship or work-based learning opportunity at the college level. To apply for funding, students must receive academic credit for their internship or work-based learning opportunity. The course must be completed during the same semester as the internship or work-based learning opportunity.
We Are Radford winner for July 2026
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 July 2026 is Patricia Whittaker, assistant director, processing operations.
“Patricia Whittaker is an essential employee in Financial Aid,” her nominator wrote. “She keeps up-to-date on regulations and procedures to effectively process financial aid for our students. She serves as a liaison between multiple offices and has a wonderful working relationship with them. Her knowledge and understanding of federal and state requirements is mind-boggling.”
Employees who have served at least one year at Radford are eligible to be recognized for upholding the university’s core values.
Compiled by Pam McCallister