RADFORD UNIVERSITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director, Center for Accessibility Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Director of Planning
Betsy D. Beamer is the director of planning and organization at McGuireWoods Consulting, where she has worked since the firm's founding in 1998. Ms. Beamer served as Virginia's Secretary of the Commonwealth under Gov. George Allen from 1994 to 1998, and previously served on the Radford University Board of Visitors from 1999 to 2003.
Ms. Beamer received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University in 1981 and received the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1997.
Ms. Beamer was appointed in 2023 to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Rachel D. Fowlkes.
Blake Brady joined the Marketing and Communication team in July, 2023. As graphic design manager, he reviews project requests and develops design solutions that align with Radford University's brand guidelines. Blake received his B.F.A. in graphic design from Liberty University in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Health Services
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Counseling Services & SAVES
Job Titles:
- Interim Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Job Titles:
- Media Services Specialist
- Media Services Specialist for the Artis College of Science
Chad Osborne is a media services specialist for the Artis College of Science and Technology and the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Emory & Henry College. He joined Marketing and Communication in 2005.
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Recreation and Wellness
Job Titles:
- Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategic Communication
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications
David E. Perryman joined the Marketing and Communication team in January 2024. As Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications, David leads development and dissemination of the university's public and internal communication, including branding, marketing and advertising; public and media relations; publications and creative services; and digital and social media strategy. He has 25 years of professional experience leading marketing and communications at corporations and universities, including EDS, the SMU Cox School of Business, Texas A&M-San Antonio and USAA. David graduated from Wesleyan University (Conn.) with a bachelor's degree in English, earned a master's degree in English from SMU and received his Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in organizational leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Standards and Conduct
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- Director, Military Resource Center
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- Member of the Board
- Retired Professor and Vice President of Academic and Student Services at Danville Community College
Dr. Betty Jo Foster is a retired professor and vice president of Academic and Student Services at Danville Community College, following a 36-year career at the school. She also served as the interim president of Central Virginia Community College and interim president of Danville Community College. In 2022, she served as the interim president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville.
Dr. Foster is a 1969 graduate of Radford University with a B.S. in Business Education. She received a M.S. from Virginia Tech and an Ed.D. from NOVA University.
Dr. Foster was appointed in June 2023 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Rector
Dr. Jay A. Brown, of Henrico County, is Deputy County Administrator for Administrative Services for Hanover County. He previously served as Director of the Department of Budget and Strategic Planning for the City of Richmond since 2014
Dr. Brown earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Hampton University, a master's degree in Public Administration from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Brown served as Vice Rector in 2021-2023.
Dr. Brown was appointed in 2016 by Governor Terry McAuliffe and reappointed in 2020 by Governor Ralph Northam.
Job Titles:
- Director, Housing and Residential Life
Job Titles:
- Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Job Titles:
- Director, Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Job Titles:
- Vice President for Student Affairs
Ellen Hines joined the Marketing and Communication team in March, 2022. As digital designer, she works closely with the entire University Relations team to develop, strategize and market visual content for Radford University's website, social media, and other digital platforms. You will sometimes see her out and about around campus taking photos or gathering content for social media. Prior to joining the University Relations team, she was a senior graphic designer at Foot Levelers in Roanoke, Virginia. She received a B.F.A. with a concentration in Graphic Design from Radford University in 2018.
Evan Musgrave joined the Marketing and Communication team as the University Photographer in September of 2021. He works closely with other Creative and Marketing Services staff to develop and market visual content for Radford University. You will most likely see him throughout campus with a camera in hand capturing memorable Highlander moments. Before joining Radford University, Evan worked as a Multimedia Producer in the Marketing Department at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. He also worked as a freelance photographer and videographer in the South Florida area where he ended up working for NASCAR, Boca Magazine, and many other local shops and businesses. Evan's work has been published in works in the Florida area such as Sun-Sentinel, Live @ Lynn, Boca Magazine, and many other publications across the area. Currently, Evan is living in the Christiansburg area and enjoying the trade of scenery from endless beaches to endless mountain views.
Gabby Bailey joined the Marketing and Communication team in November 2023. She received her B.F.A. with a concentration in graphic design from Radford University in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors
Ms. Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham, of Blacksburg, serves as President of Snyder & Associates, a company she created in 1985 with a focus on renovation.
Ms. Snyder-Falkinham has served as a member of the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors and/or the Real Estate Management LLC Board of Directors since 1989. Ms. Snyder-Falkinham has numerous awards including the Radford University Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and the Building Construction Honor Award, Building Construction Department, Virginia Tech in 2001.
Ms. Snyder-Falkinham was a member of the Board of Visitors from July 1, 2012 to June 30. 2016.
James Harman creates and oversees the production of graphic design materials ranging from web banners to book-length publications in the Creative Services subdivision of the department. An RU alumnus, he holds a B.S. in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. He joined Marketing and Communication in 1992, having previously interned as a student-worker since 1990.
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Involvement
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Mrs. Jennifer Wishon Gilbert, of Mount Jackson, is a 20-year veteran broadcast journalist- most recently working as Senior Washington Correspondent for CBN News. Mrs. Gilbert worked as a White House Correspondent for nearly a decade after previously covering Congress. She began her television career in the Roanoke Valley at WDBJ7 as an associate producer and reporter, then left to manage WDBJ7's Richmond bureau where, as Richmond Bureau Chief and Capitol Correspondent, she covered the General Assembly, governor, and Virginia's congressional delegation.
Mrs. Gilbert earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies in 2001 from Virginia Tech.
Mrs. Gilbert was appointed in June 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Owner and Chief Financial Officer of SAS Builders, Inc
Ms. Joann Craig is an owner and chief financial officer of SAS Builders, Inc. with in-depth experience in real estate, construction and finance. Since joining the SAS team in 2001, she has financed more than $200 million in non-recourse loans and $100 million in recourse construction loans. Ms. Craig has also led CMG Leasing, the property management division, since 2004. Prior to joining SAS Builders, Craig was CFO for American Healthcare, a company with 2,000 employees and annual revenues of $50 million.
Ms. Craig is a 1983 graduate of Radford University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Ms. Craig was appointed in June 2023 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Jordan Richardson joined the Marketing and Communication team in the spring of 2024 as the Social Media Strategist. She assists the university's many departments in representing the best of Radford University across all social media platforms. Jordan received a B.A. in English from Concord University in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Director of Media Services
Justin Ward joined the Marketing and Communication team in the Spring of 2018 as a multimedia producer. He works closely with other Creative and Marketing Services staff to develop and market visual content for Radford University. You will most likely see him throughout campus with a camera in hand capturing memorable Highlander moments. Justin is an alumnus of Radford with a BS in media studies and a concentration in journalism, spending summers interning with local news agencies and CBS News in Washington, D.C. He spent eight years as a reporter for both WDBJ7 in Roanoke, VA and WVVA in Bluefield, WV. During his career he's been invited to interview the Vice President of the United States, was nominated for an Emmy Award and won state and regional awards for journalism and videography work. Justin lives in Christiansburg where he was raised.
Job Titles:
- President
- Secretary to the Board
Karen Casteele
Secretary to the Board and Special Assistant to the President
Phone: 540-831-5426
E-mail: kcasteel@radford.edu
Laken Dillow Rickey joined the Marketing and Communication team in October 2020. She provides support in managing the website of Radford University, and serves as a consultant to campus partners by providing a strategic approach to website content, layout and design. Laken uses web best practices in SEO, Google Analytics, and accessibility to help strengthen the university's brand digitally. She holds a B.F.A. with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing.
Lauren Papp joined the Marketing and Communication team in Fall 2023. She works closely alongside the team to support visual communication needs. Lauren received a B.S. in journalism from Ohio University in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Director of University Relations - Roanoke - Based
Mark Lambert joined the Marketing and Communication department in July 2019 as the result of the merger of Jefferson College of Health Sciences into Radford University, and serves as the Director of University Relations-Roanoke-based for Radford University Carilion. He is responsible for communications, marketing and messaging, working in collaboration with the University Relations team on the main campus. Mark holds an M.S. in Corporate & Professional Communication from Radford University and dual B.A.s in Mass Communication and Graphic Art from Emory & Henry College. Previously, Mark served as the Senior Coordinator of Communications & College Relations for Jefferson College of Health Sciences.
Mr. Marquett Smith retired from Verizon Wireless after a distinguished career, which included Area Vice President of Customer Experience, Region President and Vice President of Enterprise Services. In his most recent role, he was responsible for leading a team of over 4,800 customer service professionals, who provided national and area level support and as Region President, he had operational responsibility for a $2.8 billion revenue stream.
Job Titles:
- Director of Creative Services
Mary Beth Kegley manages incoming project requests and designs various print and digital materials to uphold the university brand. Prior to joining the Radford family in July of 2021, she worked as a multimedia producer for Virginia Tech after receiving her B.A. in graphic design from Charleston Southern University in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Digital Communications and Marketing
- Director for Digital Communications and Marketing
Meghan Williams Spraker joined the Radford University web communications team as a web content editor in November 2010. In 2013, Meghan became web content strategist and in late 2015 assumed the role of manager of web communications. Most recently, Meghan was named director of digital communications and strategy.
Meghan manages the "core" site of the Radford University website; assists with web-related issues including site design and development, message strategy, content creation; development, strategy, and maintenance of university social media channels; analytics; usability, and information architecture; provides training in the campus content management system (CMS); and develops, maintains and disseminates university web standards.
Previously, Meghan served as the communications manager for the Division of Student Affairs and University Relations at Virginia Tech. She also served as the associate director of public affairs at a non-profit organization in Richmond, Va. She received her B.S. in Communication from Radford University and her M.S. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Strategic Public Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Mr. David A. Smith, of Roanoke, has been Territory Sales Manager for Altria Group Distribution Company/ Philip Morris USA since 1988. Prior to that, he was a manager at Roadway Express and an assistant men's basketball coach at Radford University.
Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science in Communications and Master of Science in Guidance Counseling from Radford University. In 1995, he was an inductee in the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2017, he and his wife, Pebbles ‘85, were awarded the Outstanding Service Award by the Radford University Alumni Association. Mr. Smith is a current member of the Radford University Athletic Foundation Board.
Mr. Smith was appointed in 2019 by Governor Ralph Northam.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President of FSA Federal
Mr. George Mendiola Jr. serves as the third President of FSA Federal, the largest U.S. Department of Justice government service provider. Mendiola leads the organization of more than 1,500 professionals across 400 government sites providing investigative, legal and litigation, and administrative support services. He has 20 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, organizational development, contracts management, proposal development, customer engagement and financial planning.
Mr. Mendiola earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration in 2002 from Radford University.
Mr. Mendiola was appointed in June 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Partner
Mr. James C. Turk Jr. has served as a partner in the law firm of Harrison & Turk, P.C. since 1987 and practices general law in all Virginia state and federal courts. A native of Radford, Mr. Turk has a legacy of community involvement having served on numerous boards, including SunTrust Bank, New River Valley Region Board of Directors; Virginia Tech Athletic Foundation Board of Directors; Roanoke College, President's Advisory Board; and New River Community College Education Foundation, Board of Directors. Mr. Turk served as an adjunct professor in the Radford University Department of Criminal Justice from 1986 to 1999.
Mr. Turk received a Bachelor of Arts in economics and business administration from Roanoke College in 1979 and a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1984.
Mr. Turk was appointed in June 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Director for Virginia Senator Todd Pillion
Mr. Tyler W. Lester serves as legislative director for Virginia Senator Todd Pillion and served as his legislative aide while a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from March 2016 to January 2020. Mr. Lester also served as a Field Representative for U.S. House of Representative H. Morgan Griffith from January 2015 to March 2016.
Mr. Lester was appointed in September 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin to fill an unexpired term.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Carilion Clinic
Ms. Jeanne S. Armentrout is the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Carilion Clinic, where she oversees the administrative and support functions for the health care system, including audit and compliance; diversity, health equity and community benefit; human resources; physician recruitment and credentialing; home care and hospice; technology, data and digital care; marketing, planning and organizational communication; supply chain, retail and wellness. Ms. Armentrout serves as adjunct faculty in the Health Care Administration Program at Radford University Carilion. She is a member of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Ms. Armentrout received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1981 from Radford University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia in 1987 and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2019.
Ms. Armentrout was appointed in June 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Ms. Lisa W. Pompa currently works for Spark Therapeutics, a leader in gene therapy for rare genetic illness, where she directs their payer strategy and all assets and strategy for the Market Access Team. She has 17 years of healthcare reimbursement experience and 33 years of experience in the commercial biotech industry.
Ms. Pompa received her Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Radford University in 1986 and currently serves on the Radford University Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Ms. Pompa was appointed in 2021 by Governor Ralph Northam.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President for Campus Life at RUC
Job Titles:
- Media Services Specialist
Neil Harvey is a media services specialist who primarily covers Radford University's Davis College of Business and Economics, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Prior to joining the Marketing and Communication team in October 2021, he spent two decades as a reporter and staff writer for The Roanoke Times. He holds a B.A. in English from Virginia Tech.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Copywriter / Editor
Pam McCallister joined the Marketing and Communication Creative Services team in October 2016. As a marketing copywriter/editor, she works with designers, writers and clients while editing, fact-checking and writing copy for a wide range of projects. Prior to arriving at Radford University, she worked as a copy editor and designer for newspapers, including The Roanoke Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; as a communications specialist for Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway; and as a freelance magazine designer. Pam holds a B.A. in Journalism from Marshall University.
Job Titles:
- Director of Campus Engagement
Riley Murtagh joined the Marketing and Communication team as a Multimedia Producer in October of 2023. He works with other members of the Creative team to develop and capture visual content for Radford University and Radford University Carilion. Riley has had distinct experiences across the media industry, having worked in news, film, advertising, and most recently for popular YouTube channels. Currently, Riley resides in Roanoke where he grew up.
Job Titles:
- Director of Visit Experience
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President for Student Life