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Tesla executive to speak at 2023 Radford University Spring Commencement

by Justin Ward

Radford, VA (04/11/2023) — One of the nation's leaders in injury reduction, Tesla executive Laurie Shelby '83, will deliver the keynote address at Radford University's 110th Spring Commencement on May 5 and 6.

"Laurie represents an excellent example of someone who has made the most of a Radford education," President Bret Danilowicz said. "In addition to her achievements at Tesla, Laurie has been an advocate for women to pursue STEM-related fields and has been active in sharing her professional experiences with students at our university. We look forward to hearing her inspirational message at this spring's commencement ceremonies."

Shelby is a human and organizational performance expert known for her "new view" thinking to drive improvements. Since 2017, she has served as the vice president of environmental, health and safety (EHS), sustainability and security at Tesla Inc. She leads worldwide EHS, sustainability and security for over 130,000 employees in the automotive, energy, and sales and service delivery operations.

Previously, she was the EHS vice president for Alcoa Inc., where she led global environmental health and safety across mining, refining, smelting and rolling operations. Prior roles at Alcoa included EHS director for United States primary aluminum operations and EHS global audit manager.

Shelby graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Radford University. She earned her master's degree in industrial hygiene/biomedical engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia. She also has credentials as a Certified Safety Professional and Certified Industrial Hygienist.

Laurie and her husband live in Austin, Texas, and are both native Virginians. They have two daughters who are also helping change the world.

Radford University will celebrate the achievements of 1,500 graduates on May 5 and 6. The graduate commencement and hooding ceremony will be at 5 p.m. on May 5 in the Dedmon Center. The undergraduate commencement ceremony will be May 6 at 10 a.m. on Moffett Lawn.

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,718 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. With over 300 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for some 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

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Laurie Shelby is a 1983 graduate of Radford University and is the vice president of environmental, health and safety (EHS), sustainability and security at Tesla Inc.

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