Mark and Joann Craig: Supporting Experiential Learning

Scholarships play a key role in Radford University’s transformative educational experience, opening the door for deserving students to pursue their academic and professional dreams without taking on a financial burden.

Their firsthand experience as students at Radford inspired Mark Craig and Joann Craig ’83 to open doors of opportunity for future Highlanders. They established the Mark and Joann Craig Engaged Learning Scholarship during the TOGETHER Campaign to eliminate financial barriers for students pursuing experiential learning opportunities.

“Even though Radford is affordable, it’s still a big expense for many families,” Joann said. “We want to give someone an opportunity they might not have otherwise. I can’t imagine how different my life would have been had I not gone to Radford and gotten my degree.”

Since 2001, Joann has served as CFO of SAS Builders, Inc. and Campus Management Group (CMG). During this time, she has financed more than $200 million in nonrecourse loans and $100 million in recourse construction loans. She was appointed to the Radford University Board of Visitors in June 2023.

Mark spent 30 years in the marketing industry before focusing on residential and commercial real estate. He was an active member of the New River Valley Homebuilders Association, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg. At Radford, Mark participated in the adult degree program.

Coming from humble beginnings, Mark and Joann credit hard work, commitment and a well-rounded education with making their success possible. They also believe in “taking a leap of faith” and being willing to fail to succeed.

By creating a scholarship at Radford, the Craigs are empowering students to do just that – take on new challenges, explore different pathways, take risks, build resilience and learn from their experiences.

“The Radford experience makes a real impact,” Mark said.