Radford University Board recognizes President Penelope W. Kyle

Low-Kyle-v
COBE Dean George Low and President Penelope Kyle

The Radford University Board of Visitors adopted on Feb. 2 a resolution to name the university's College of Business and Economics (COBE) building after President Penelope Ward Kyle, J.D.  The approval occurred during the Board's Feb. 1-2 meeting on campus.

The decision to name the building after her honors the service and contributions of Radford's sixth, and first female, president, who has shown unflagging dedication to the university since her appointment in 2005.

The board's resolution cited a variety of achievements during Kyle's service as RU's president. "During President Penny Kyle's tenure, Radford University's accomplishments have been noted by many across the Commonwealth," said BOV Rector Anthony R. Bedell. "She has been instrumental in positively transforming the university, and in doing so, securing a bright future for generations of students who will earn their educations at Radford University."

The $44 million, 110,000-square-foot newly named Kyle Hall, completed in 2012, is the academic home of the College of Business and Economics (COBE), which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB accreditation is earned by only five percent of business schools in the world.

A signature university building, Kyle Hall serves as a gateway to campus. It includes auditorium-style classrooms, conference rooms and gathering spaces designed to stimulate collaboration and teamwork. It also features the latest in educational technology and financial research capabilities, including a trading room.

College of Business and Economics

Kyle Hall, from Tyler Avenue

"The decision to name the building Kyle Hall is a great honor for the College of Business and Economics," said COBE Dean George Low. "President Kyle's legacy of leadership at Radford University will be remembered by future generations of Radford business students through this recognition by the Board of Visitors. Kyle Hall will also be a lasting symbol of President Kyle's successful and historic remaking of the Radford campus."

President Kyle is a tenured member of the COBE faculty.

Prior to her appointment at Radford, President Kyle had more than 30 years of experience in state government, higher education and the corporate and legal worlds.

Since her arrival in 2005, Radford University has secured approval and funding for more than $330 million in capital projects, including both new construction and renovations. Under President Kyle's leadership, Radford University secured approval from the Commonwealth of Virginia to offer its first doctoral degree, the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology. More recently, Radford University has sought and gained approval for additional doctorates in physical therapy and nursing practice, and a master's degree in occupational therapy. Radford University now offers 67 degree programs in 38 disciplines and two certificates at the undergraduate level; 22 master's programs in 17 disciplines and three doctoral programs at the graduate level; 11 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate.

Kyle received her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, her Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary and her undergraduate degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

kyle-hall-campus-side

Kyle Hall, from campus

Feb 3, 2016