Academic, campus enhancements and student success among June Board of Visitors meeting topics

Radford University's Board of Visitors approved new programs and measures designed to move the institution forward and received updates on student success initiatives and campus enhancements during the final quarterly meetings of the academic year on Thursday and Friday, June 5-6.

President Bret Danilowicz opened Friday's board meeting by noting the strength of the university's academic, operational and enrollment positioning at the close of the 2024-25 academic year.

"At this time last year, I said it was a great time to take a moment to celebrate because we had made some significant accomplishments as an institution," he said. "I think that same statement is true for this year. We have re-positioned Radford University to be successful and on an upward trajectory as we move into a new strategic plan."

Radford University's 2026-31 Strategic Plan, which will be submitted to the board for final approval in December, includes the adoption of a new mission statement. To allow time for review and approval by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV), the board voted approved the new mission statement:

"Radford University: Empower Brighter Futures, Build Stronger Communities

Radford University empowers lifelong success through inclusive education, innovation and collaboration. We foster personal growth, professional development and community impact while building strong partnerships and addressing societal needs."

The board approved the addition of a new academic program, a Bachelor of Science degree in applied biotechnology. Set to be housed within the Artis College of Science and Technology, this will be the first applied biotechnology major offered across Southwest Virginia and is designed, in part, to offer a clear transfer pathway from Virginia Western Community College. Once approved by SCHEV, the program will begin enrolling students in fall 2027. More information can be found in a university news release.

Friday's meeting included additional notable action items voted upon by the board:

• Approval of a resolution honoring the naming of the College of Business and Economics as the Sandra C. Davis and William C. Davis College of Business and Economics. While the college has been known as Davis College since 2018, the resolution formally documents the name for SCHEV.
• Approval of tenure for Rachel Marie-Crane Williams, who was selected as dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts in April.
• Approval to restructure Radford University's NCAA Division I athletics program. In May, the department announced the addition of men's indoor and outdoor track and field beginning in the 2025-26 athletic year, as well as the future elevation of women's flag football from club to varsity status. Radford's men's and women's tennis programs will be discontinued, effective immediately.

Several individuals were honored with resolutions and recognitions from the board:

• John Cox, who will retire from his position as CEO of the Radford University Foundation, was honored with a resolution recognizing his 15 years of distinguished service and leadership.
• Lisa W. Pompa '86, Vice Rector Tyler Lester '15 and Rector Marquett Smith '85 were honored with resolutions commemorating their terms of service and contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Radford University Board of Visitors.
• Student representative Onajae Edmund '25 received a plaque of recognition for his service to the board.

The main board meeting opened with a special presentation from chemistry department chair Kimberly Lane and rising junior student Joshua Czorapinski highlighting the university's commitment to undergraduate research opportunities.

Czorapinski, a native of Kent Island, Maryland and a biomedical science major, gave an overview of his ongoing work to study beta-glucuronidase and the protein's role in human recovery from chemotherapy treatments.

For Czorapinski, a cancer survivor himself, Radford University's emphasis on undergraduate research allowed him to apply his knowledge in meaningful ways.

"Radford had things I couldn't find elsewhere," he said. "I think our curriculum for undergrads can do so much. They (faculty) want us to succeed. They want to see us thrive."

Czorapinski is a 2025 SURF Award winner, using award funds to conduct his research.

"Joshua is why we are Radford," Danilowicz said. "It's why we are putting our efforts into our student experience here. His quality of career skills, speaking skills, confidence - it's amazing."

Lane spoke about research work supported by Radford students across the nation in paid roles, including studies conducted at the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Princeton University. She also shared the experience of John Kreck, who was one of four undergraduate students nationwide to serve as a featured speaker during this year's American Chemical Society's Colloid and Surface Chemistry Spring Meeting and Expo.

"We get to do these things because of the board and the university," Lane said.

During Thursday's Business and Finance Committee meeting, the board received a detailed overview from Associate Vice President for Facilities Management Jorge Coartney on the university's capital projects:

The Bonnie/Chick-fil-A: The restaurant will be refreshed as a full-service franchise, featuring an expanded menu that includes fresh items prepared on-site. Chick-fil-A is scheduled for completion by August.

Esports: With increased interest in the program and growth in competitive opportunities, a new esports facility, including an arena configuration with seating, will open in Peters Hall. Construction will begin in the fall.

Norwood Hall: The oldest building on the main campus, Norwood Hall is scheduled for completed renovations in October and will be utilized for student housing at a later date.

Dalton Hall: Significant improvements to the student experience, including increased accessibility and enhanced point-of-sale space, are planned for the main campus's primary dining facility. Preliminary plans indicate the closure of Dalton Hall in January 2027 and re-opening in January 2029.

Muse Hall: Muse Hall will remain open during Dalton Hall renovations, serving as the temporary dining facility.

Housing: The university plans to purchase apartment complexes located near Jefferson Street, across from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, with the intent to house students beginning in fall 2025.

In the Academic Excellence and Student Success Committee meeting, Faculty Senate President Matt Close described proposed revisions to the general education curriculum. The REAL Curriculum, which was launched in 2022, will be phased out by fall 2027. Included in the new general education track will be the Find Your Place course, a three-credit course that will replace UNIV100. Find Your Place will promote digital literacy, civic engagement, and student success while offering a sense of place and belonging.

Across committees and throughout the main board meeting, numerous recognitions were made in celebration of Radford's victory in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine's 2025 Top Adventure College contest. Danilowicz, Director of Student Wellness D.J. Preston and Student Wellness staff were acknowledged for their work to drive interest in the vote. In the Student Affairs and Athletics Committee meeting, Vice President for Student Affairs Susan Trageser pointed to the importance of the President's promotional efforts across social media platforms.

"His openness to engage the community was icing on the cake," Trageser said.