Virginia General Assembly recognizes Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle with joint resolution

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Del. Joseph Yost '06, M.A. '08, presents House Joint Resolution No. 126 to Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle, J.D.

The Virginia General Assembly honored President Penelope W. Kyle, J.D. on Jan. 25, 2016, with a rare center aisle presentation of House Joint Resolution No. 126 (HJR126) commending her for her service as president of Radford University since 2005. President Kyle previously announced her retirement from the presidency effective June 30, 2016.

Del. Joseph Yost ’06, M.A. ’08, chief patron of the resolution, made the time-honored presentation on the floor of the House of Delegates. Speaker of the House William Howell was chief co-patron of the resolution. Joining President Kyle for the presentation were her husband, Charles Menges, and Rector of the Radford University Board of Visitors Anthony Bedell.

"Since her arrival Radford University has seen unprecedented growth," said Del. Yost, in presenting the resolution. "President Kyle has created a lasting legacy on Radford University’s campus. As a double alumnus, I am immensely grateful for her accomplishments and dedication."

HJR126 recognizes President Kyle’s influence in the advancement of the school’s reputation, addition of doctoral degrees, and more than $330 million in new construction and renovation projects. The full resolution can be read on the Virginia General Assembly website.

Also presented with a House joint resolution was University of Mary Washington President Richard Hurley. President Hurley, who is retiring June 30, 2016, has been UMW’s ninth president since July 2010, concluding a nearly 32-year career in higher education in the Commonwealth.

"I was honored to share this day of special recognition with Rick Hurley and his family," said President Kyle. "I have valued Rick’s perspective on issues facing Virginia’s institutions of higher education and his counsel as a fellow university president. His leadership at the University of Mary Washington and his contributions in Virginia higher education have tremendously benefitted countless students and the Commonwealth."

President Kyle earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, an MBA from the College of William and Mary and an undergraduate degree from Guilford College.

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Del. Joseph Yost ’06, M.A. ’08 (left) joined his legislative colleagues in honoring President Kyle for her service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Radford University during a recent House of Delegates’ ceremony at the State Capitol in Richmond.

Jan 26, 2016