83 Receive Graduate Degrees from RU
Radford University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies awarded degrees on Friday to 83 students and recognized the first three graduates from RU's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program.
Although Joshua Bradley, Zetta Nicely and Kevin Simonson received their degrees from the Psy.D. program in the summer, they received special recognition during Friday's graduate college Commencement and Hooding Ceremony in Bondurant Auditorium in Preston Hall. They were also to be recognized at Saturday's undergraduate ceremonies.
In her address at the graduate college hooding ceremony, RU President Penelope W. Kyle praised the hard work of Bradley, Nicely and Simonson. "After their extensive dedication and practice, we are so proud to introduce them as Radford alumni."
Graduate degrees awarded included 32 Master of Science, 23 Master of Business Administration, 17 Master of Occupational Therapy, four Master of Social Work, three Doctor of Psychology, two Doctor of Nursing Practice, one Master of Fine Arts and one Master of Arts.
The Psy.D. program enrolled its first cohort of students in fall 2008. Focused on rural mental health, cultural diversity, social justice and evidence-based practice in psychology, the program was honored by the Virginia Rural Health Association with its Best Practices in Rural Health Award at the association's annual conference in October.
The Psy.D. program was accredited by the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation at its October meeting. The accreditation is retroactive to when the APA sent a site visit team to Radford in June. This means Bradley, Nicely and Simonson's doctoral degrees are from a nationally accredited program.
Psy.D. was RU's first doctoral program, was followed the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. RU's growth into a doctorate-granting university could not have been accomplished without the achievements of its students, Kyle said: "You have propelled us into a new academic world."
In addition to honoring RU's doctoral programs, Dean Dennis Grady of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies congratulated all the graduate students in attendance for their successes. "These degrees represent the culmination and celebration of many hours spent to reach this signature goal."
Students prepare for the processional at the Dec. 14 Winter Commencement for RU's College of Graduate and Professional Studies.