RADFORD – Radford University’s Board of Visitors approved the creation of The College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences and the College of Science and Technology.  The new colleges were created from RU’s former College of Information Science and Technology and the College of Arts and Sciences.

“During the next decade there will be changes that will create revolutionary reform in higher education. The creation of these two colleges will better define Radford University and will highlight the strengths we bring to the emerging educational landscape,” says RU President Penelope W. Kyle. “Through this reorganization, RU will be recognized for its innovative programs in discovery, learning and student engagement focused on meeting the educational needs of 21st century students. The heart of any great university resides in the humanities, sciences, mathematics and technology.”

The College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS) will include the disciplines of:

• English
• Foreign Languages and Literatures
• History
• Philosophy and Religious Studies
• Anthropology
• Criminal Justice
• Geography
• Political Science
• Psychology
• School of Communication (Media Studies and Communication)
• Sociology

The CHBS will be dedicated to attracting and retaining outstanding students to programs in the humanities or behavioral sciences.  “By putting all the behavioral sciences together and highlighting them as a unit within the college, we will create interdisciplinary opportunities not as yet available to students, “ says RU Interim Provost Wil Stanton, “We will be making programs already known for their excellence stronger and allowing them to sharpen their focus and effectiveness.”

The CHBS faculty will work with colleagues across the university to create new and exciting approaches to general education.  These approaches will fully ground all RU students in a liberal education and instill in them an understanding of global, social and cultural issues needed to thrive in our rapidly changing world.  It will also inspire in each student a strong sense of values, ethics and civic engagement.

The CHBS will facilitate the infusion of international perspectives into all aspects of the university, in addition to producing intellectually and culturally knowledgeable graduates in humanities and behavioral sciences. 

The College of Science and Technology (CST) will include the disciplines of:

• Information Technology
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Geology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

The CST will transform academically talented students into highly skilled science and technology professionals.  The CST will work with colleagues across campus to provide the core science, mathematics and technology education needed for RU graduates to be informed citizens in a highly technical, scientifically rich and culturally diverse global economy.

The College of Science and Technology will also collaborate with RU’s College of Education and Human Development in preparing future math, science and technology K-12 teachers and Community College and higher education instructors.  The CST will also provide professional development opportunities for these teachers and instructors

CST faculty will work as partners with students in research and build strong alliances with government and industry leaders to develop cooperative research programs and educational opportunities for their majors.

“There is a strong national demand for math, science and technology graduates,” says Kyle. “Our departments in these areas have already begun working together to increase student interest in math, science and technology.  An example of this collaboration is the Summer Bridge Program for female high school students who are interested in mathematics and technology.  Next year the program will include a science component.”

“During the past several years, the mathematics and statistics faculty and information technology faculty have collaborated on several national grant proposals and awards. “The creation of the College of Science and Technology will make these collaborations even more successful,” says Stanton, “and create synergies that open up broader opportunities for private funding.”

The creation of the new colleges will take effect on July 1 with interim administration.  National searches for deans of both colleges will begin in the fall.