Search Committee Bios
Michael A. Wray
Chairman, Radford University Presidential Search Committee
Michael Wray earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bluefield College. He retired as the Accounting Operation Manager with Norfolk Southern Corporation. Mr. Wray served on the Roanoke Higher Education Board of Trustees and as Treasurer of the Executive Board. He is currently serving on the Advisory and Foundation Board of the Roanoke Higher Education Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Board of Directors, YMCA of Roanoke Valley Board of Directors and National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Board of Directors. He served on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors from 2004-2008, serving as its chairman in 2006. Mr. Wray served on the Radford University Board of Visitors from 2012-2015, including serving as the rector (2014-2015), as a member of the Executive Committee (2014-15), and as vice chair of the Business Affairs and Audit Committee (2013-14).
Mary W. Campbell
Vice Chair, Radford University Presidential Search Committee; Board of Visitors
Mary Campbell earned her Bachelor of Science from Radford University (1971) and her Master’s of Science from Radford College (now Radford University (1971). Ms. Campbell taught Family and Consumer Sciences in the Prince William County school system from 1972 to 2007. She served on the Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services Board (1997-2001), and was an advisory member to the Secretary of the Commonwealth Advisory Board for appointments and commissions (1997-2001). She currently serves as Legislative District Chairman for Delegate Tim Hugo (2011-2017). Ms. Campbell has served in numerous capacities for the Republican Party, including a four-year term on the State Central Committee. She currently serves on the Fairfax County Republican Executive Committee where she serves as the Fairfax representative to the Tenth District Republican Executive Committee. Ms. Campbell has served as Board of Visitors vice rector (2013-2014), Chairman of the Student Affairs Committee (2014-2016), and currently is a member of the Executive Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee.
Molly Arrington
Graduate Student
Molly Arrington of Roanoke, VA, is a student in the five year Special Education, General and Adapted Curriculum program. She graduated from Radford University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a concentration in science. She has been committed to a hands-on approach throughout her education as demonstrated through her student teaching at McHarg Elementary in a second grade classroom and also at Christiansburg High School with students in grades 9-12. Her professional work experience includes being nominated and accepted to present for the Virginia Council for Learning Disabilities on topics of Differentiation and Diversity. She has volunteered with the On Campus Transition Program at Radford University and has served in an after school program with Beans & Rice, Inc., a non-profit organization that works to raise academic achievement and build pro-social skills among at-risk children.
Nancy E. Artis
Radford University Foundation Board of Directors
Nancy E. Artis earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Radford University in 1973. She is Vice President and co-founder of Performance Associates, a software engineering and storage technology firm located in Pagosa Springs, CO. She has a long history of engagement in the university community including membership on the Radford University Board of Visitors for two terms, including two years as vice-rector, and on the Radford University Foundation Board. She and her husband are active donors to Radford University and have endowed scholarships and faculty awards and have funded the Applied Research in Technology and Information Science (ARTIS Lab) in the College of Science and Technology, as well as participation on its advisory board. In addition, they have invested in capital project naming opportunities in the College of Business and Economics and in the Center for the Sciences buildings.
Irvin R. Clark
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Irvin R. Clark joined Radford University in October 2013 as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students. In this capacity he serves five primary roles: supervisor for six departments; Student Government Association advisor; senior judicial officer for conduct/appeals; emergency/threat assessment coordinator; and student resource/advocate. Dr. Clark received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida A&M University (1991), his Masters of Public Administration from Savannah State University (1999) and the Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership & Change from The Fielding Graduate University (2003).
Holly Cline, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor, Department of Design
Holly Cline is Department Chair for the Department of Design and the online MFA in Design Thinking. She earned her PhD in Interior Design and Housing from Virginia Tech, her Masters of Art in Interior Design from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelors of Fine Art from Centre College. Cline is certified by the National Council for Interior Designers (NCIDQ), is a LEED Accredited Professional and has taught for over 20 years at the college level. Cline is passionate about finding innovative solutions and innovation within the parameters of Design Thinking and socially responsible design. In 2006, Dr. Cline received Radford University’s outstanding advisor award. In 2008, Cline received the presidential citation merit award for Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) for her involvement with Interior Design Continuing Education Council and recently received the 2014 service award from IDEC. She was the keynote speaker at the 2014 Women of Radford luncheon. She is currently a CIDA accreditation site visitor and is a member of the IDEC Foundation Board.
Matthew B. Crisp
Radford University Foundation Board of Directors
Matthew B. Crisp earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Radford University in 2004. He is a Principal at Crisp & Company, LLC, and President & CEO of Benson Hill Biosystems, an agricultural biotechnology company focused on improving photosynthesis to increase crop productivity. Mr. Crisp is an accomplished executive with a strong background in the rapid growth and early commercialization phases of technology companies. Formerly, he was President of the Agricultural Biotechnology Division at Intrexon Corporation, a leading synthetic biology company, and a Managing Director at Third Security, LLC, a globally recognized venture capital firm. During his time there, Mr. Crisp focused on corporate development, served on numerous boards, and led the firm’s west coast operations until 2011. Mr. Crisp is currently President of the Radford University Foundation and serves on the College of Business & Economics Advisory Board; formerly, he served on the Radford University Board of Visitors from 2009 until June 2015.
Susan Whealler Johnston
Radford University Board of Visitors
Susan Whealler Johnston earned her bachelor’s degree from Rollins College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Purdue University, and has received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Rockford College. She currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Dr. Johnston has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, including 18 years as a faculty member and administrator. She has served on the board of Rockford College, the Association for Consortia Leadership, and the advisory board for the Policy Center for the First Year of College. She is currently on the advisory board of the National Institute of Learning Outcomes Assessments and serves on the advisory board of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSEE). In addition, she chairs the board of trustees of the Southern Education Foundation. She is also on the board of trustees of Rollins College, chairing its Committee on Trustees. Dr. Johnston serves as vice chair of the Governance, Administration & Athletics Committee, and is a member of the Business Affairs & Audit Committee of the Board.
Jerry Kopf
Faculty Senate President and Professor of Management
Jerry Kopf joined the Radford University faculty in 1992, and has developed and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He earned a B.S.B.A., M.B.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and he also holds a CPA. He was the founding advisor for the RU chapter of the national management honor society, Sigma Iota Epsilon. As the University’s Economic Development Officer, Executive Director of External Affairs, and founding Executive Director of the Real Estate Foundation, Jerry was instrumental in the creation of the Business Advisory Council, College of Information Science and Technology, Cook International Education Center, Roanoke and Abington Higher Education Centers, Regional Technology Council, Business Assistance Center, International Trade Center, five regional Small Business Development Centers, Quality Council, Minority Business Development Center, Leadership Development Center, Technology Training Center, Environmental Assistance Center, Virginia Economic Bridge, Virginia Business online, and other initiatives. Jerry has published numerous articles and has won several best paper awards. He has been responsible for over $3,000,000 in grants and was instrumental in the University’s largest private gift – a piece of property valued at $13,000,000.
George Low
Dean, College of Business and Economics
George Low is Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Radford University, a position he has held since July 2014. Prior to his arrival at Radford, he was Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and International Programs in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where he also taught marketing courses in the undergraduate and M.B.A. programs for 18 years. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado-Boulder, M.B.A. in Marketing from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, and B.A. in Advertising from Brigham Young University. His research in the areas of marketing communications, brand management, and sales management has been published in the leading marketing journals. Prior to his move to academia, Dr. Low had a successful career with McCann-Erickson Advertising. He was an ACE Fellow in 2011-2012 at the University of Texas-Arlington, mentored by President James Spaniolo.
Agida G. Manizade
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Agida G. Manizade is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Science and Technology at Radford University. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in mathematics from Baku State University, her second master’s degree from The College of William and Mary, and her doctorate degree from University of Virginia. Since she joined Radford University in 2009, she received the Million Dollar Circle award in 2014, the Artis Outstanding Faculty Award for Scholarship and Service in 2013, and was awarded more than $2,076,000 of external grant funding. Professor Manizade is widely published in national and international academic outlets. Since 2012, Manizade has also served as a founder and board president for a non-profit corporation, Radford Child Development Inc., which develops and or supports high quality child development programs. In addition, Manizade is an Editor-in-Chief of the Virginia Mathematics Teacher journal, and serves as a director and co-director of the Secondary Mathematics Professional Development Center since 2010.
Randolph J. "Randy" Marcus
Radford University Board of Visitors
Randolph J. "Randy" Marcus, of Richmond, has been serving on the Board of Visitors since January 2014. Mr. Marcus currently serves in the Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe as a senior advisor for policy. Marcus earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2000 from Hampden-Sydney College. Previous to his current position on Governor McAuliffe's staff, Marcus served as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor William "Bill" Bolling and as chief of staff to Governor Robert "Bob" McDonnell's Chief Jobs Creation Office. Mr. Marcus currently serves as chair of the Board of Visitor's Academic Affairs Committee, and serves as a member of the Business Affairs and Audit Committee.
Jesus Martinez
Undergraduate Student
Jesus Martinez is a criminal justice & psychology double major at Radford University and will graduate in the spring of 2016. He was born in San Diego, California, and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Presently, Jesus is serving as Chief Financial Officer for the Student Government Association and he also holds an executive position for Phi Sigma Pi, National Honor Fraternity. He has a passion to serve the public and has been involved in countless community service projects since high school. His overarching goal with regards to his academic efforts is to eventually graduate from law school and practice in Virginia.
John Montgomery
Radford University Athletics Foundation Board of Directors
John Montgomery earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and History from Radford in 1981 and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration in 1985 from Western Illinois University. He has worked in higher education for over 30 years and currently serves as Executive Director of the UNC Educational Foundation. He began his work as a university administrator and fundraiser at Radford University in 1984 and has served in similar roles at UNC Greensboro, Southern Methodist University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an active member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He also serves on the board of the Radford University Athletic Foundation.
Santhosh Parameswaran
Information Technology Auditor
Santhosh Parameswaran joined the Office of Audit and Advisory Services at Radford University in October 2010. He received his M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma in 2003. He has a master of science in Industrial Engineering, also from University of Oklahoma. Before joining Radford University, he has worked as senior auditor at Advance Auto Parts in Roanoke, VA and audit manager at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Santhosh holds the following certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
Anthony “Tony” Ramsey
Director, School of Nursing
Dr. Tony Ramsey is the Director of the Radford University School of Nursing. He began his nursing career in the 1990's as a staff nurse, working in the OR, ER, and CCU. Dr. Ramsey then became a FNP and started a teaching career in 2003. His Ph.D. is from West Virginia University. Dr. Ramsey's primary focus has been administration during the last few years. He oversees a school which has undergraduate nursing on two campuses, a doctoral program with multiple concentrations, two simulation centers, 35 faculty, and four staff.
Ms. Alethea “A.J.” Robinson
Radford University Board of Visitors
Alethea “A.J.” Robinson earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Western Community College and attended Radford University, majoring in criminal justice. She serves as an event organizer for the Second Chance Rocks the Two Virginia Concert, which benefits over 35 local agencies and charities. She also serves as chairperson of the Sanders House Managing Board; secretary of the East River Mountain Garden Club; in-coming secretary of the Dudley Elementary PTO; and board member of the Graham High School Educational Foundation. She previously served as director of special projects on behalf of Allen for U.S. Senate; campaign staff, Kilgore for Governor; constituent services representative and legislative coordinator for Senator George Allen; and congressional staff for Senator John Warner. Ms. Robinson is chair of the Governance, Administration & Athletics Committee, and is a member of the Executive Committee and the Student Affairs Committee of the Board.
David Sallee 97 M.S, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance
David Sallee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance in the College of Education and Human Development. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Old Dominion University. He also earned a Master of Science in Physical Education from Radford University and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Dr. Sallee holds prestigious certifications in multiple areas association with human performance. He works with multiple local, regional and state organizations concerning data collection and evaluation of youth risk behavior. Dr Sallee has also served as President of the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance along with many other leadership positions in the organization.
Ms. Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham
Radford University Board of Visitors
Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham earned her associate degree from Virginia Southern Business College in 1967. She serves as President of Snyder & Associates/The Snyder Company, Inc. Ms. Snyder-Falkinham served as President of the Radford University Foundation from 2010-2011, and as a member of the Radford University Foundation Board of Directors from 1989-2012. Ms. Snyder-Falkinham has earned numerous awards including the Radford University Lifetime achievement award (2006) and the Building Construction Honor Award, Building Construction Department, Virginia Tech (2001). Ms. Snyder-Falkinham serves as vice chair of the Student Affairs Committee and is a member of the Advancement/Alumni Relations & Communications/ Marketing Committee.
Paul Thomas, Ph.D.
Director, Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts; Director, Governor’s School at Radford University; Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Paul Thomas joined the faculty of Radford University in 2008 in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies where he specializes in religious studies. In addition to his responsibilities in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Dr. Thomas serves as Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts major, Director of the Governor’s School at Radford University, and occupies an at-large senate seat for the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Thomas is also an award-winning scholar having earned national recognition for excellence in the study of new religions. Dr. Thomas has a B.A. in history from Park University, an M.A. in history from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in history and religious studies also from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.