Transforming Lives with the Gift of Education

Tina McKinney Weinder '72

In honor of her Golden Reunion year, her 50th anniversary as a Radford University alumna, Tina McKinney Weiner ’72 and her husband, Keith, have established a planned gift to support Radford University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

Weiner knew from a young age that she wanted to be a mathematics teacher. Roanoke natives, Weiner and her family, especially her father, had their eyes on Radford early on. Their excitement grew as she was accepted – the first in her family to go to college.

I absolutely loved dorm life,” recalled Weiner. “I thought the campus was beautiful, and I had such a good time. I made a lot of friends, but I also did a lot of studying. It was truly growing up for me.

Some of the friendships Weiner made during her time at Radford have lasted a lifetime, including her little sister in Cotillion Club and her suitemate from Norwood Hall. During this year’s Homecoming weekend, she reunited with many friends from the Class of 1972 at their Golden Reunion. Weiner also attended one of her favorite Homecoming events, the annual Reminisce Radford breakfast, where she was honored with the College of Education and Human Development’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for her service to the university and outstanding work in her profession.

In addition to meaningful friendships with her classmates, Weiner also made connections with professors that left a lasting impact on her career as a teacher, one being Janet S. Milton, Ph.D., Weiner’s precalculus professor at Radford. Milton went above and beyond to help her students, welcoming them to her home for tutoring and advising.

“I will never be able to repay her kindness,” Weiner said. “My goal was to be a teacher like she was – to put my students first. She was always willing to help, and that was the key. When you have good teachers, it’s easy to see those key characteristics.”

After graduating from Radford, Weiner began her teaching career at Lord Botetourt High School, where she taught mathematics. She also earned her master’s degree before transitioning into a new role as the math chairman at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke.

“I did observations and helped teachers, which I loved. Then I helped start what was called the Mentor Intern Program with Virginia Tech. I observed new teachers who already had their degrees and helped with their lesson planning. That’s when I realized I wanted to do more administrative work,” explained Weiner.

Her next position in Roanoke City Schools was assistant principal at Addison Middle School. She was able to learn the ropes of middle school education before the opportunity arose to become the Roanoke K-12 mathematics supervisor, where she remained for 12 years. Weiner then worked with the Virginia

Department of Education, assisting schools in the area of mathematics. She did workshops for teachers and worked with the mathematics specialist program – one of her proudest and most fulfilling endeavors, outside of teaching children. Based in elementary and middle schools, mathematics specialists are teachers who support their colleagues in promoting enhanced mathematics instruction and student learning. Weiner also taught at the University of Virginia as an adjunct faculty member.

Weiner retired in 2021 after 49 years as an educator, but her involvement continues as a supporter of Radford University. Though Weiner had spent time on Radford’s campus many times over the years visiting former students, she became reengaged through her involvement with CEHD as a member of the Leadership Council. Through this opportunity, she learned firsthand the needs of CEHD and wanted to help.

“I like to think I’ve helped many kids as a teacher, but really, my kids have helped me. They have been my inspiration. We want to help the next generation have the opportunities I was fortunate enough to have. My husband and I truly believe that higher education is a stepping stone toward a productive and good life.”

This realization is what led them to leave Radford University in their estate plans. Weiner not only recognizes the impact her Radford experience had on her life but that Radford continues to transform the lives of students.

“I think Radford has a positive outlook,” Weiner said, “and I’m excited to be part of it.”