Jim Stutts: Creating a Life-Changing Legacy

Planned gifts allow donors to create an enduring legacy that will benefit students for generations to come. Jim Stutts ’78 and his wife, Cindy, made the decision to pay it forward by leaving a portion of their estate to Radford University.

“If Radford can affect future students as much as it affected me, I know it’s a good investment,” Stutts said. “Radford made such a positive impact on my life. The professors made sure that students had every opportunity to learn and grow and mature. When I graduated, I was fully prepared for my career path.”

A graduate of the recreation, parks and tourism program, Stutts retired from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society in 2021 after 40 years of service. He advocated for his alma mater throughout his career. While serving on the Radford University Board of Visitors from 1991 to 1999, Stutts coordinated visits to Southwest Virginia for members of the Virginia General Assembly to help them understand the needs of the university and the surrounding area. Stutts also served as the Board’s rector.

In 2000, he received the Radford University Alumni Award for Outstanding Service. In 2021, he received the College of Education and Human Development’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award.

Stutts also has a family legacy at Radford with sister Lisa Peters ’87 and twin nieces Kelsey ’19, M.S. ’20 and Stephanie Peters ’19 having attended. “Radford is important to our family,” Stutts said.

By establishing a planned gift during the TOGETHER Campaign, Stutts ensured that students will continue to have the opportunity to pursue a transformative educational experience.

“I was very lucky to have discovered and experienced Radford,” Stutts said. “It was a life-changing opportunity for me. It makes us feel good to be able to pass that along.”