Highlander Highlights: Week of Jan. 12, 2026

Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students, staff, alumni and faculty.

CEHD sees strong enrollment growth

Radford University's College of Education and Human Development is seeing notable enrollment growth for the 2025-2026 academic year, fueled by gains across several high-demand programs. Allied health science; educational leadership; exercise, sport, and health education; foods and nutrition; and recreation, parks and tourism combined for an increase of just over 30%, helping CEHD reach its highest fall semester enrollment since 2021.

"Rising enrollment across these programs highlights the strength of our academic offerings and the growing interest in fields that support community well-being," said Tamara Wallace, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. "Students are choosing careers in health, education and recreation because they recognize how essential these professions are to improving lives and strengthening communities. We are committed to preparing graduates who will make an immediate and meaningful impact."

The increase is especially evident in the educational leadership program, where recruiters have focused on reaching working professionals.

"This year's enrollment growth reflects the momentum we're building across CEHD, and the educational leadership program is a major part of that story," said Brian Kitts, assistant professor and program coordinator in the School of Teacher Education. "Our recruitment efforts have focused on meeting aspiring leaders where they are, whether they're classroom teachers seeking advancement or professionals ready to step into school and district leadership roles. We're seeing more students choose Radford because they know our program is responsive, relevant and deeply committed to preparing equity minded leaders for today's schools."

Betsy D. Beamer Day proclaimed in Virginia

Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin presented a proclamation recognizing Betsy Davis Beamer Day to Radford Board of Visitors member Betsy D. Beamer '81 in gratitude for her decades of extraordinary service to the commonwealth.

"As a longtime public servant and leader of the Citizens' Advisory Council, Betsy's stewardship, integrity and devotion to preserving and interpreting the Executive Mansion have strengthened the People's House and the Spirit of Virginia for generations to come," the First Lady wrote in a Facebook post.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Dec. 10, 2025, as Betsy Davis Beamer Day in honor of Beamer's work in state government - she served as secretary of the commonwealth from 1994 to 1998 - as well as civic and nonprofit causes. Read the official proclamation here.

We Are Radford winner for January

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 January is Dorothy Deverin, human resources generalist.

"Dorothy demonstrates excellence by ensuring efficient, compliant and effective processes in recruitment, hiring, compensation and retention," her nominator wrote. "She fosters community through her daily work with academic departments, guiding leaders and employees through HR processes and providing consistent support that strengthens the workplace relationships."

Employees who have served at least one year at Radford are eligible to be recognized for upholding the university's core values.

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