RADFORD – After a national search, Radford University has named Joey Sword as Director of Human Resources. Sword has extensive experience in human resources management for state and private organizations, including seven years as human resources manager for Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap. She has served in various capacities in RU’s human resources department, including associate director of human resources and equal opportunity officer and in recent months as interim human resources director.

“As one of the region’s largest employers, and as a public educational institution responsible to its students and the state of Virginia, Radford University must recruit and retain the very best employees, promote fair hiring practices, operate with efficiency and fiscal soundness and comply with state standards and policies,” said RU President Penelope W. Kyle. “Ms. Sword’s experience in all aspects of human resources management in both the private and state arenas made her a stand-out candidate for leading the complex operations of RU’s human resources office.” 

Sword holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Virginia Intermont College and certification as Professional in Human Resources Management from the Society of Human Resources Management. Before working for Wallens Ridge State Prison, she was training coordinator for a 340-employee company, TRW, in Atkins, for five years.