September 25, 2026

Radford University Tartan 5K in Roanoke, Sept. 18, 2026

Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities and scroll down to read more about them in this issue of CONNECTED.

Radford University has earned a place among the top 20 regional universities in the South in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, along with high marks for its value, support for veterans and standing among public universities. 

In the 2027 rankings, Radford is ranked:

The university also earned several other notable distinctions, including: 

Join President Bret Danilowicz for a virtual Coffee with the President on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 9-10 a.m.

The first session for this semester will feature a discussion with Ashley Wells, assistant vice president for Health Sciences. You will also be able to submit questions for discussion.

This webinar is limited to the first 1,000 participants accessing the link provided. Participants must log in to the Zoom application using their Radford University credentials.

Join the Highlander Center for Character and Public Impact at the first Common Grounds discussion of the semester on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 3-4 p.m. in McConnell Library ILCb (third floor) on the main campus in Radford. The topic will be “Surveillance: Where does your privacy end and the common good begin?” This open conversation will explore the ethics of public surveillance programs and devices, such as Flock cameras. 

Common Grounds is a facilitated discussion aimed at building our community’s capacity to converse and collaborate across differences. All students, employees and members of our community are invited to participate. Treats from Arabica Cafe will be served.

So, what happened to Wendy after Peter Pan leaves? Senior Mazie Wakefield will direct Radford's production of “Lost Girl” by Kimberly Belflower beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Artis Center Main Stage Theatre.

The play will also be staged from Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 1-3, at 7:30 p.m. each night, and Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m.

Friends of Southwest Virginia is developing Destination Southwest Virginia, a 10-year regional strategy focused on strengthening our economy through tourism, outdoor recreation, arts, culture and heritage.

If you live, work or do business in the City of Radford, Friends of Southwest Virginia especially wants to hear from you. 

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 9 and encourage others in the community to participate.

The Radford University Department of Appalachian Studies is actively recruiting students to participate in the Restoring Appalachia: An alternative fall break trip. This is a free opportunity for students to attend a service-learning trip during fall break, Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11.

The department will be collaborating with the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) to conduct trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail.

Please let your students know about this opportunity and that they need to preregister online. This activity will be capped at the first 28 participants.

For more information, contact Aysha Bodenhamer or Brock Cutler.

In support of the FBA/BIP Regions Training:

In support of the Southwest Virginia Arts and Culture Gathering:

In support of the Southwest Virginia Teacher Mentoring Consortium:

Alternate parking suggestions include, but are not limited to, lots E, DC, BF, Z, IM and BL. Please see the Radford University Parking Map for these locations and for alternate parking lots for use.

Parking access remains available with a valid disabled parking placard or disabled license plate in handicapped spaces or regular parking spaces.

The Office of Parking Services appreciates your understanding and support of these updates and events on campus.

Stop by for some low- and high-stakes discussions led by professors on everything from “Is America a Christian nation?” to “Taylor Swift is an accomplished poet” at Disagree with a Prof on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., on the Starbucks patio in Hemphill Hall. (In case of bad weather, this event will be held in Hemphill Hall 4700 on the third floor). Sponsored by Faculty Development, the activity will allow students and employees to practice their disagreeing skills while enjoying pizza. 

Looking for a meaningful way to connect with students outside of your everyday role? Consider serving as a student organization advisor.

Club advisors play an important role by offering guidance, encouragement and perspective as students lead and manage the organization themselves. Advisors are not expected to run the club. Instead, they serve as mentors and resources for student leaders as needed.

Serving as an advisor is a rewarding opportunity to: 

Faculty (full-time or adjunct) and full-time staff are eligible to serve as advisors. Several organizations are currently seeking advisors. If you’re interested in helping students grow while making a difference in our campus community, the Radford University Division of Student Affairs would love to connect you with a club in need.

If interested, complete the interest form in RU Involved or contact Jen Rentschler to learn more.

The Radford University Office of the Provost will host Tiesha Martin, associate director of the Radford University Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) and associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, as the next RAD Talks speaker on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Radford City Recreation Center, 200 George St. in Radford.

Martin will present “Stronger Together: Advancing Youth Well-Being Through Sport and Community Partnerships.” Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Radford University is excited to participate in several events across Southwest Virginia in October – and you’re invited to join us. Supporting local events and high school activities helps us increase awareness and engagement among high school students, their teachers and parents/guardians, along with alumni, community members, business leaders and the general public. Mark your calendars for these fun activities next month.

The Radford University Department of Appalachian Studies will host an Appalachian Studies interest meeting on Friday, Oct. 2, from 2-3 p.m. in Hemphill Hall 4700 or via Zoom.

This meeting is open to all employees and students interested in revitalizing the Appalachian Studies program at Radford University. While not required, it would be helpful for those planning to attend to complete this survey prior to the meeting.

For more information, contact Aysha Bodenhamer.

University Libraries provides a vast collection of medical learning resources called AccessMedicine. This resource is authoritative, trusted and continuously updated, delivering unlimited access to expert content on and off campus and on any device so that you can learn your way.

AccessMedicine is your go-to Access collection of medical learning resources featuring hundreds of books, review questions, cases, videos, podcasts, infographics, interactive 3D modules and more across the basic sciences and clinical specialties.

Additionally, many other medical holdings are also available through the libraries’ catalog, like:

Please note that you may need to sign in to the VPN to access many electronic resources from offsite.

Need assistance locating medical titles, or any other materials, in University Libraries’ catalog?

Find out how Radford students, faculty and staff are finding their place and shaping tomorrow – together.

Radford University earns top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges

Radford University educator preparation programs receive national recognition for excellence and continuous improvement

Board of Visitors discusses strong enrollment, retention statistics

Radford University dedicates Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center

Highlanders in the News: Week of Sept. 14, 2026

Leaders share ideas, forge vision for outdoor adventure industry at AdventureWorks Summit