May 23, 2025

Radford University has recently been named an Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing the university among a distinguished group of institutions nationwide that are recognized for providing exceptional value to students through both access to higher education and strong post-graduate outcomes. Learn more about this outstanding recognition.

Radford University’s 2025 Spring Commencement ceremonies are in the books, with nearly 1,400 students crossing the stage to accept their diplomas on May 9 and 10. All of us in the Radford University community congratulate our new Highlander alumni and wish them well as they begin their journeys beyond our campuses.

A wrap-up of our recent graduation events, including a highlight video, is now available on the website.

The article also features links to all of our 2025 Spring Commencement profiles, spotlighting a graduate from each of Radford University’s academic colleges.

In the last issue of Radford University CONNECTED, we inadvertently included information about last year’s Spring Commencement ceremony in the “Did you know?” section. The correct fun facts about the 2025 ceremony are:

Radford University has officially been named 2025’s Top Adventure College by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, emerging the winner in the publication’s annual bracket-style competition featuring 32 colleges and universities across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Radford triumphed over two-time champion East Tennessee State University in the final round after weeks of fierce voting and enthusiastic support from the Highlander community.

“I’m ecstatic that Radford University is recognized as a Top Adventure College and a gateway to incredible outdoor possibilities,” said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz. “Beginning with the New River’s water sports and fishing that are just steps away from the main campus to biking, hiking, caving and camping located only minutes away, Radford University has ample opportunities available to novices and experienced adventurers alike. Congratulations to D.J. Preston and his Student Recreation and Wellness staff for all they do to make outdoor recreation experiences both accessible and exceptional here at Radford.”

A full feature on Radford University’s outdoor legacy and community will appear in the upcoming summer print edition of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

All faculty and staff members are welcome to dress in their Highlander spirit gear on Fridays, beginning Friday, May 30, and running through Friday, Aug. 8.

While participation in Spirit Fridays is optional, it gives our university community the opportunity to show our pride throughout the summer months. As we proudly wear our Highlander spirit gear, it’s important to be mindful of the university dress code, which states that “All employees of Radford University should always dress professionally.

Please consult your supervisor for your department’s specific attire.” Additionally, supervisors will be able to provide guidance regarding events and meetings held on Fridays in which such apparel may not be appropriate. We look forward to seeing you support the university by dressing in your favorite Highlander spirit gear.

The annual Open Enrollment period is taking place until May 30. Now is the time for you to make your health plan and/or flexible spending account (FSA) elections, change your health plan, add or remove family members or waive state health coverage. Remember, you must re-enroll annually if you wish to have a Health and/or Dependent Care FSA.

Elections made during this period, changes to your premiums, health benefits and FSAs will take effect July 1. All the information you need to help make an informed decision regarding your health plan needs for you and your family can be found on the DHRM Open Enrollment 2025-26 webpage, including the annual Spotlight publication, summary of benefits and coverage, premiums and more.

The Radford University Office of Human Resources will offer training and Q&A sessions about Open Enrollment on the following dates.

Radford University has earned a STARS Silver Rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Our 2025 score of 58.43 represents an 11% improvement over our 2022 score.

Radford University’s STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website. Special thanks to Aysha Bodenhammer, manager of Sustainability, for leading the university in this effort.

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.

Participants report achievements in five overall areas, including:

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons and comparisons with similar institutions. 

The Selu Conservancy will be open to the public on the following days this summer.

Bring your lunch, take a hike, relax on a blanket or connect with friends. There is no official programming on most of these days. It is an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the property. Families are welcome, but pets are not allowed.

On June 7, help us celebrate National Trails Day at Selu. The conservancy will be open to the public with various opportunities for learning and engagement. Programming will include river floats, chair bottom demo, kids' nature club, leave-no-trace training, an orienteering challenge, a sketching and watercolor experience and more.

The Radford University McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement has been awarded the IIE American Passport Project Grant. The IIE Center for International Opportunities (CIO) awarded the grant to 45 U.S. higher education institutions, empowering them to disburse the funds among Pell-eligible college students who aspire to study abroad. The grants cover the cost of obtaining a U.S. passport. The McGlothlin Center will also provide these students with passport photos at no cost.

Last year, study abroad among U.S. students continued to rebound, with nearly a 50% increase from the year before. However, socio-economic disparities persist. The IIE American Passport Project advances IIE’s commitment to promoting international education and exchange so that all students can gain the academic and career benefits of international experiences. The program helps to remove the initial financial barrier associated with passport applications. Additionally, it prioritizes students early in their higher education experience, providing them with ample time to go through the study abroad planning process with advising and support from their home institutions.

The IIE American Passport Project aims to reach institutions that serve a variety of U.S. student populations that often may not be participating in study abroad. To date, the program has issued grants to 220 higher education institutions in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

IIE selected the institutional recipients based in part on demonstrated efforts to prioritize student populations from low-income backgrounds and students who have not traveled abroad as an adult or in a learning environment.

The Radford University Office of Human Resources is offering training for those who currently use the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system to learn how to use the new PageUp system.

See how to modify position descriptions, create job postings and receive a walk-through of the entire recruitment process.

Training sessions will be held on the following dates:

Each session covers the same material – attend just one. Use this Doodle Poll to sign up for the session of your choice.

In-person sessions are capped at 25 attendees. Individuals who sign up for the Zoom sessions will have the call details sent prior to the session. If fewer than five people sign up for a session, it may be canceled. Please include your Radford email in case Human Resources needs to contact you. More sessions will be available throughout June. Watch for details to be announced soon.

As we observe Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. We wish you a safe and reflective holiday weekend.