Radford University hosts 2026 Big South Esports Championship

Radford University welcomed teams from across the region March 28-29 as it hosted the 2026 Big South Esports Championship, featuring competition in four titles: League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant.

Participating schools included University of North Carolina Asheville, Charleston Southern University and High Point University, alongside the host institution.

Winthrop University dominated tournament play, capturing all four individual game titles and securing the overall championship for the second consecutive year.

The Big South awards championships in each game and uses a cumulative, track-meet-style scoring system to determine overall team standings. Radford posted strong finishes across all four titles, placing third in League of Legends, second in Rocket League, third in Overwatch and fourth in Valorant.

"We were able to score enough points to tie for overall runner-up with High Point University," said Doug Benedict, Radford's associate director of esports. "So, we both get trophies."

Radford wins awards at Model United Nations

Eight Radford University students recently showcased their diplomacy skills at the Southern Regional Model United Nations, held March 19-21 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The conference brought together more than 350 students for a simulation of global diplomacy, in which participants represented countries and worked collaboratively to address pressing international issues.

"Our students were representing the countries of Liberia and Nepal," said Paige Tan, professor of political science and Model UN leader. "They took part in Interpol, the United Nations General Assembly, and the United Nations Security Council."

In each committee, students were tasked with addressing complex global challenges by negotiating with peers from other institutions. Working across national perspectives, they developed and debated resolutions - formal proposals aimed at solving the issues at hand - which were then put to a vote.

One of the most challenging assignments was the Security Council, where delegates must respond to any issue facing the international community in real time. Junior Jakob Genest of Herndon, Virginia, served on this highly competitive committee. His performance earned him a Best Delegate award, marking the first time a Radford student has received this top honor in the Security Council at the conference, Tan said. Another delegate, junior Michael "Mikey" Lester of Radford, won an Outstanding Delegation award, representing Liberia.

Geospatial science students learn about water quality

As part of two of his courses, Water Resources and Environmental Regulations, Assistant Professor of Geospatial Science Naveen Joseph led a field trip to Dudley's Boat Landing on the New River in Radford to observe work done by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ).

The students gained hands-on experience in water quality sampling, discharge measurements and ecological sampling during the visit on the afternoon of March 9, Joseph said.

"The session was very interactive, with students discussing directly with the VDEQ team about water quality monitoring methods and field practices," Joseph said. "Experiences like this help connect classroom learning with real-world environmental work."

Mekolichick named CUR Fellow

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) recently named Jeanne Mekolichick, associate provost for academic affairs, as a CUR Fellow. This award honors faculty and administrators who serve as mentors, advocates and role models within the undergraduate research community and whose careers reflect the values outlined in CUR's Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research.

Mekolichick was recognized for her distinguished leadership, scholarship and national advocacy in advancing undergraduate research as a powerful driver of student success and career readiness. A former CUR president, she has played a pivotal role in elevating the national conversation about the value of undergraduate research in preparing students for the workforce and addressing critical societal needs.

Mekolichick was one of six candidates named this year as a CUR Fellow.

We Are Radford winner for April

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 April is Sheila Eaton, housekeeping manager.

"Sheila Eaton exemplifies Radford University's commitment to excellence and community," one of her nominators wrote. "In Residential Housekeeping, she consistently drops everything to address urgent student, housing and staff needs with immediacy and care. Her responsiveness and solution-focused approach have strengthened communication between Housing and Housekeeping, eliminating barriers and creating a seamless partnership. Because of Sheila's leadership and dedication, we have seen quicker room turnovers, improved collaboration and higher satisfaction ratings from our residential students. She does not simply complete tasks - she builds trust, accountability and shared purpose. Sheila's impact directly advances university success and embodies Highlander pride at its very best."

Nominate a Highlander!