Radford University President Bret Danilowicz appeared on the podcast EdUp Experience recently in an episode titled “It's Not Courage. It's Trust. Trust the People to Do Good Things.” The discussion with cohosts Brent Ramdin and Joe Sallustio focused on Radford's recent turnaround in enrollment and how that happened, how Radford is becoming an AI service entity for the region and how we have implemented our strategic planning to empower brighter futures and build stronger communities.
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Radford Community Fest returns
on Aug. 22 and your help is needed |
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The 2026 Radford Community Fest will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on East Main Street between Tyler Avenue and Third Street. The event will feature over 100 local vendors, food trucks, a main stage with live music all day, street performers, a kids’ zone, community engagement and the downtown Radford merchants you love.
Radford University students, families, community members and visitors are invited to join the fun at this free annual celebration cohosted by the City of Radford and Radford University.
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This great event cannot happen without the support of approximately 100 volunteers, and your help is needed to continue making this tradition a success. If you volunteer for one or more shifts, you will receive a free T-shirt. Volunteers are needed to help with greeting attendees and giving out Community Fest swag, checking IDs at the beer tent, picking up trash or helping with load-in/load-out. This opportunity is open to all Radford University students and employees, as well as the public. Feel free to share this information with anyone who would like to help.
You can learn more about the 2026 Radford Community Fest on its website and look for updates via the event’s Instagram page.
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Update on Student Choice, part of
larger effort to enhance dining |
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The Student Choice dining option in the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center has closed for renovations and will remain closed for the fall 2026 semester.
This closure marks the first of several planned changes to be implemented over the next two years, including a renovation of Dalton Hall beginning next summer. These changes are part of a larger effort designed to expand dining choices, enhance food quality and service and create a more vibrant dining experience for the campus community.
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The following dining units will be open for fall 2026: Dalton Kitchen, 1910 Café, Wendy’s, Tartan Pizza, Bowl Life, Highlander Market, Chick-fil-A, Hissho Sushi, Honeycomb, Tartan 2 Go and Starbucks.
Additional updates about future dining enhancements will be shared as plans are finalized.
Thank you for your patience and support as work is completed to transform the dining experience on campus.
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Radford University Night at the
Party in Elmwood coming on Aug. 13 |
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All Radford University employees and students are invited to Radford University Night at the Party in Elmwood on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 5-8:30 p.m. at Elmwood Park at 700 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Roanoke.
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5 p.m.
Gates open. Mingle with university leaders and visit the Alumni Association, Marketing and Communication and Student Affairs tents. Admission is free if you’re wearing Radford University gear.
6 p.m.
Live music by Y2K Kids.
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Please note that food and beverages will be served on-site by vendors (see the Party in Elmwood webpage for information on costs). No outside food, drinks or coolers are allowed. Lawn chairs are welcome.
Get a free Radford swag item by registering and don't forget to stop by the Alumni Association tent at the event to pick it up. Register by Aug. 6 using the button below or by calling 540-831-5248.
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Radford Early Learning Center
offering tuition-free preschool openings |
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The Radford Early Learning Center has a limited number of tuition-free preschool openings available through Radford Child Development, Inc. Tuition Support Programs. Children who turned 3 years old before Sept. 20, 2026, may qualify if their family meets income guidelines (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) or other eligibility criteria, such as experiencing homelessness, having a disability or having parents who are working, seeking employment, attending school/training or unable to provide care.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as only three full-time spots remain. For more information or to apply, contact Sidney Nelson at 540-838-2408.
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Stay informed about higher
education with University Libraries |
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On-campus: Visit either site through your web browser – access is automatic through campus IP addresses.
- Off-campus: Via the Libraries’ A–Z Databases portal using SSO or connecting through DOIT’s VPN.
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Creating an account is optional, but you should use your .edu email address if you do.
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The Chronicle of Higher Education: “Site License Access Provided by Radford University”
- Inside Higher Ed: “Institutional Access” (green text)
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Poverty Simulation and Trauma-Informed Training offered on Aug. 13 |
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Join Radford University’s Student Counseling Services (SCS), Substance Use and Violence Education Support (SAVES) and New River Community Action for free Poverty Simulation and Trauma-Informed Training on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the multipurpose activity courts in Kyle Hall on the main campus.
Over the past few years, Radford University has seen a high enrollment of Pell-eligible students who can face unique challenges. There are several factors to consider when serving this population of students, such as chronic food insecurity (often skipping meals), inability to afford medical care and inadequate housing or lack of safe utilities. Behavioral markers seen in students can manifest as social isolation, poor nutrition, severe anxiety/depression, irritability, low motivation and even suicidal ideation, just to name a few.
As helpers, educators and advocates, it’s vital that we understand where our students come from and how to best support them as they work to improve their station in life.
In this immersive, research-based simulation, participants will experience situations designed to raise awareness about the daily struggles of low-income families making difficult financial choices between basic human necessities like paying rent, buying food or finding transportation.
This role-playing exercise will help boost understanding of the systemic barriers that our students face and often carry with them to campus.
Space is limited to 80 participants and participants must register by Saturday, Aug. 1. Breakfast items and lunch will be provided. Let’s spread the word and work together to foster a culture of care across our community.
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This week’s news at Radford |
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Find out how Radford students, faculty and staff are finding their place and shaping tomorrow – together.
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801 E. Main St. | Radford, VA 24142 US
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