Courtney Ward

Courtney Ward is a senior marketing major and will be graduating in the upcoming winter commencement

Courtney Ward
Class of 2017, Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, minor in economics
Lorton, Virginia

With commencement fast approaching, follow along on Courtney Ward’s journey to commencement on Snapchat, @radfordu_snaps.


Three years ago, after her first campus tour, Courtney Ward had a list of reasons to make Radford University her new home. Impressed by the beautiful College of Business and Economics building, Kyle Hall, that sits atop a hill overlooking campus, Courtney sensed that Radford’s intimate setting was the perfect fit.

“I liked how it was a mid-sized school. I knew that the classroom sizes would be smaller, which would allow me to have closer relationships with my professors,” explains Ward.

Sparked by an interest in marketing at a young age, Ward enrolled in several marketing classes throughout high school and quickly realized her curiosity for the subject. Unsure if her passion for marketing would survive in college, Ward also enrolled in Radford’s creativity and innovation course during her freshman year.

“During my first semester I took Marketing 101 and from then on I knew that Marketing was the area that I wanted to continue my studies and learn more about.”

Throughout her time at Radford, Ward has worn many hats and has participated in a wide array of activities. During her freshman year she was recognized by Radford’s Honors Academy as the Honor’s Scholar of the Year Representative. Her strong work ethic and academic excellence has been proven by her acceptance into Beta Gamma Sigma, the highest honor and recognition that business students who attend an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited university can achieve worldwide.

When reflecting on her collegiate career, Ward cites her most memorable experience as her time and involvement with Radford’s Honors Academy.

“I had the opportunity to become close with my capstone mentor, Dr. Christensen the Honors Academy Director, and the other faculty members who teach honors courses,” explains Ward. “Through these relationships I’ve developed, I have been able to learn from their expertise and they have guided me to have a successful college career. These close relationships I have formed over the years made me feel more comfortable asking questions and pushing myself academically to work harder.”

With commencement right around the corner, Ward is confident that her time at Radford has fully prepared her to thrive in the business world where she hopes to work in digital advertising and social media.

“I feel confident going into the workforce after graduation because my time at Radford University has taught me life skills that will help me in a professional environment. I know that I will be successful in any job that I go in to because of the lessons I have learned and all of the experiences I have had.”