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Radford University sees significant growth in local enrollment through targeted recruitment efforts

by Justin Ward

Radford, VA (08/29/2024) — Radford University's strategic focus on local recruitment efforts has yielded impressive results, with a substantial increase in enrollment from high schools and community colleges within a 100-mile radius of the campus. This growth is evident across both freshmen and transfer student categories, marking a significant, and historic, milestone for the university.

Over the past year, Radford University has amplified its outreach to local high schools and community colleges, leading to remarkable enrollment gains from various counties and cities in the region. The top 10 high schools contributing to this growth include:

  • Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke, Va.: 157% increase
  • William Fleming High School, Roanoke, Va.: 212% increase
  • Floyd County High School, Floyd, Va.: 128% increase
  • Cave Spring High School, Roanoke, Va.: 23% increase
  • Giles County High School, Pearisburg, Va.: 233% increase
  • Franklin County High School, Rocky Mount, Va.: 46% increase
  • Radford County High School, Radford, Va.: 166% increase
  • Pulaski County High School, Dublin, Va.: 32% increase
  • Northside High School, Roanoke, Va.: 357% increase
  • Christiansburg High School, Christiansburg, Va.: 54% increase

The university also experienced a 41% increase in transfer students from the New River Valley and Roanoke areas, with 279 new students joining from these regions.

"This year's enrollment figures reflect the success of our targeted local recruitment strategy and our strong commitment to serving the educational needs of our community," said Dannette Gomez Beane, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications. "By focusing on strengthening relationships with local high schools and community colleges, we have been able to attract a diverse group of students who are eager to invest in their futures by continuing their education at Radford University."

"Radford University has done a phenomenal job partnering with local school divisions in visiting and presenting information about their new initiatives with the Tuition Promise," said Tara Grant, Pulaski County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. "President Bret Danilowicz helped Dr. Danette Beane in an informational session for seniors and their families. They brought current Radford students that graduated from Pulaski High School to talk about their experience. Radford University has invited students in high school and elementary schools for field trips to give students the opportunities to visit campus and think about those next steps. Their athletics department has an Education Day where elementary schools can bring their whole school or specific grade levels of students to watch a division one athletic event. Students and teachers enjoy this event! We partner with Radford University with interns from the education program. That's a great way for us to recruit teachers for the next year and we really spend a lot of time getting to know them. Radford University does a great job with reaching out to alumni and creating alumni ambassadors at schools, especially high schools to promote their university. I have three graduates from Radford University and I'm so proud to be a part of the Highlander family."

This encouraging trend underscores Radford University's role as a vital educational institution within the region and commonwealth, providing accessible, high-quality education to students close to home.

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