Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle told a group of New River Valley business and community leaders that educational institutions need to think of themselves as players in economic development and business creation.  Universities like RU “are part of, not separate from the business community,” she said.

Kyle was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg Rotary Club.

Noting that it is a transformational time at RU, Kyle gave her audience an overview of the institution’s new six-year plan, which was submitted to the state in October.  “Our plan is monumental in a variety of ways,” she said.  “We didn’t have the benefit of long-range planning since I had arrived just four short months before the plan was due, but it’s bold,” she added.

One of the plan’s proposals that already has gained support from the State Council of Higher Education is the development of two clinical simulation labs for the School of Nursing.  “These computer-wired bodies allow nurses to work through responses to real-life diseases and situations that students may not have the opportunity to see in a typical day in a clinical setting,” she said.

Kyle said RU plays a critical role in the development of Southwest Virginia along with Virginia Tech and the community colleges.  One way she hopes to demonstrate this commitment is through a proposal to construct a new facility which will house the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School for Science, Mathematics and Technology on the RU West Campus.  “We’re working with Pulaski County and the Governor’s School Board of Directors to develop a state of the art building that will be an environment “second to none in the Commonwealth,” Kyle said.  “I just hope the Governor and the General Assembly will see fit to fund that request.  It’s a plus-plus situation for all involved.”

IN THE PHOTOS -- Top right: President Kyle speaks to the Christiansburg-Blacksburg Rotary Club at its recent meeting. Below: President Kyle with Rotary members Stuart Mease, Rick Furr and Jim Owen.