50 Years of Radford Nurses

Radford’s newest college celebrates a legacy of compassion and care

Fifty years. Half a century. That’s how long it’s been since the inaugural class of nursing students graduated from Radford University. A milestone that marks not just the passage of time but a legacy of excellence, compassion and dedication to the art and science of nursing.

Today, the College of Nursing celebrates the profound impact it made on local and global communities. Pictures on the walls of Waldron Hall show only a few hundred of the thousands of nurses who have earned a cherished and recognized degree from Radford.

As the university community reflects on the past, embraces the present and looks toward the future, this is a moment to honor the visionaries, educators, practitioners and students who have shaped this remarkable journey.

“As someone who has spent their entire career in the New River Valley, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Radford University nursing graduates,” said Wendy Downey, interim dean of the College of Nursing. “The word ‘impact’ doesn’t even begin to capture it. Our graduates are the backbone of healthcare in this region and beyond.”

Countless Radford nursing graduates have made a difference in the healthcare landscape. From bedside care to leadership roles, Radford nurses have consistently demonstrated excellence and compassion in their practice, earning the respect and admiration of their peers.

A legacy of excellence

The legacy of nursing excellence at Radford University is rooted in a commitment to quality education, innovative practice and community engagement.

“Our nursing program has been known for producing exceptional graduates for 50 years,” Downey said. “When other health systems outside of our region are calling and asking for our students, it speaks volumes about the quality of education we provide.”

Radford nursing graduates are sought after across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond. Their reputation for clinical competence, critical thinking and compassionate care precedes them, making them valuable assets to healthcare organizations nationwide.

A testament to resilience

Throughout the challenges and triumphs of the past 50 years, Radford nurses have remained resilient, embodying the spirit of service and dedication.

“During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, our nurses have been at the forefront, serving as healthcare heroes,” Downey said. “Whether administering vaccines or providing companionship to isolated individuals, Radford nurses have shown incredible resilience and compassion.”

The pandemic underscored the vital role of nurses in healthcare delivery. In the face of unprecedented challenges, Radford nurses rose to the occasion, demonstrating their readiness to tackle adversity with courage and compassion.

The word ‘impact’ doesn’t even begin to capture it. Our graduates are the backbone of healthcare in this region and beyond.

The evolution of nursing education

In the 1960s, Radford College embarked on a mission to develop a nursing program, laying the foundation for what would become a pillar of nursing education in the region. Following approval of the program by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Board of Nursing in 1966, the first undergraduate nursing students were admitted three years later and went on to graduate in 1973.

Over the years, the program expanded rapidly. The commitment to excellence in nursing education led to the initiation of a track for registered nurse students (RN-to-BSN) in 1986, catering to the diverse needs of the nursing community.

In 1988, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of the Roanoke Higher Education Center site, signaling a strategic partnership between Radford University and Carilion Roanoke Memorial

Hospital. This collaboration laid the groundwork for innovative approaches to nursing education, including the introduction of graduate programs in nursing, such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and advanced practice concentrations.

The journey continued with the launch of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program in 2010, pioneering distance-learning formats and setting new standards for nursing education in Virginia. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, such as the nursing clinical simulation centers, Radford University positioned itself as a leader in nursing education, providing state-of-the-art facilities and experiences for students across the region.

In early 2018, Carilion Clinic and Radford University announced a merger with Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS). After 18 months of collaboration, Radford University Carilion (RUC) enrolled its inaugural class in fall 2019. RUC hosts the Accelerated BSN program, along with MSN concentrations in family nurse practitioner and nursing administration, and serves as the college’s second traditional BSN program location.

In 2020, the School of Nursing hired its first dean. The school became an independent academic unit in 2021, separating from Waldron College of Health and Human Services. Nursing at Radford University continues to expand its student body, faculty and program offerings, impacting patients regionally and nationally. Educational programs evolve in response to healthcare needs and advancements in technology on a global scale.

And just this year, the School of Nursing became a College of Nursing.

A legacy of impact

All the way from the charter Class of 1973 to the graduates of today, Radford nurses have exemplified excellence, compassion and leadership in every aspect of their practice.

Radford nursing alumni make a difference in communities around the world. Through international partnerships and immersive experiences, students have gained invaluable insights into global healthcare systems, enriching their perspectives and shaping their future practice.

During times of crisis, Radford nurses have demonstrated fierce dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. From providing vaccines to offering companionship to isolated individuals, Radford nurses have embodied the spirit of service and compassion, reaffirming their commitment to the well-being of others.

Looking toward the future

As the newly minted College of Nursing celebrates half a century of nursing program graduates, those involved in planning its strategic future envision it guided by its past with a mission to prepare enlightened, caring nurses who will meet the diverse needs of local and global communities.

“As we look towards the future, we remain committed to preparing compassionate professionals who will meet the evolving needs of our world,” Downey said. “Our goal is to continue shaping the future of healthcare through education, research and community engagement.”

With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Radford nursing is poised to lead the way in addressing the healthcare challenges of the 21st century. Guided by their mission to serve, Radford nurses will continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities worldwide.

That legacy of excellence, compassion and dedication is at the forefront as the celebration of 50 years of nursing leadership at Radford University unfolds. Reflections of a long, storied past serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of Radford nursing graduates in the community, the nation and the world.