Highlander Highlights: Week of Sept. 8, 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.

Staffer leads workshop on abstract watercolor techniques

Nathan (Nate) Popp, collections maintenance specialist in McConnell Library and Ross Gallery curator, hosted "Watercolor in the Wild: Exploring Abstract Watercolor Techniques" at the Selu Plein Air Workshop Aug. 29. The session was the best attended to date, according to John H. Bowles, guest curator of the Radford University Art Museum.

Pop is currently preparing for the Second Annual Student Art Showcase, from which a Best in Show winner will be selected and a $300 purchase award will be awarded to the artist. Students interested in submitting work should email Popp at [email protected].

Davis College dean examines 'career insurance' for women

Most people insure their homes, their cars, their health. But what about their jobs?

That was the concept behind a pair of recent public presentations given by Donna McCloskey, dean of Radford's Davis College of Business and Economics.

She shared her address, "Career Insurance," at two installments of the Virginia Credit Union Financial Success for Women Summit; the first was held at Hotel Roanoke on Aug. 24, and the second in Richmond, Virginia, on Aug. 26.

Subtitled, "Why Every Woman Needs a 'What's Next' Plan," McCloskey outlined a virtual career insurance policy whose premiums aren't monetary; they're paid through planning, diplomacy and initiative.

It's an idea built on four pillars:

Forming mutually beneficial connections with other professionals, well before a crisis - "Relationships and networks aren't built during career emergencies," she explained.
Taking inventory of one's individual abilities and then cultivating them - "Your job title belongs to your employer. Your skills belong to you."
Considering the full range of employment prospects, such as side businesses, consulting and the gig economy, among others;
Drawing confidence and security from financial flexibility and through shrewd decision-making.
The hourlong presentation kept Roanoke's crowd entertained - per her suggestion, audience members made knocking sounds whenever they agreed with one of her points - while the talk encouraged them to prepare for job disruptions, particularly during times when no such problems appear on the horizon.

"The best time to get career insurance is when you don't need it," McCloskey said.

School nurses conference makes Radford debut

In July, school nurses and health providers gathered in Kyle Hall on Radford University's main campus for the Virginia Association of School Nurses Region 7 Annual Conference to prepare for another year of evolving healthcare challenges. Session topics included federal policy changes, immunization compliance and illness prevention strategies. Additionally, industry vendors like Carilion Clinic, Sentara and NRV Cares were on site, providing resources and information to attendees.

This was the first time Radford University's College of Nursing hosted this conference, reflecting its commitment to health, prevention and supporting the professionals on the front line of healthcare.

According to the conference organizer, Deidra Pennington, assistant professor of nursing, "School nurses play a critical role in protecting and promoting the health of children, families and communities. By partnering to bring in experts to provide updates on policies, immunizations and emerging health concerns, the college helps to ensure that school nurses have access to current evidence-based information and tools they can use in the schools."

"By hosting the inaugural Region 7 VASN conference," said Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Nursing and Assistant Professor Meagan Arthur, "Radford University and the College of Nursing were able to bring together valued clinical partners and community stakeholders who support the work of our school nurses across the commonwealth. We look forward to hosting again next year and welcoming more students, nurses and health professionals who will benefit from unique clinical collaboration."

We Are Radford winner for September 2026

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 September is Christopher McCloud, financial aid employment / outreach coordinator.

"Christopher manages federal work study - a complex process that engages with a diverse set of stakeholders from across the institution," his nominator wrote. "Christopher sets the standard for customer service. He is always very responsive, helpful in sharing information, answering questions and offering support to students and supervisors."

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

Nominate a Highlander!

This week's Highlights was written by Neil Harvey and Pam McCallister.