Radford University has been awarded a $1,299,570 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia
as part of the Pell Initiative for Virginia, a new statewide effort to help more students
from low-income backgrounds attend college, stay enrolled and graduate.
The grant is part of a $75 million investment approved by the General Assembly to
boost support for students at universities in Virginia who qualify for federal Pell
Grants. These students often face financial and academic barriers that can make completing
college more difficult. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
oversees the competitive grant process, with priority given to public universities
working to improve outcomes for these students. SCHEV is Virginia’s coordinating body
for higher education.
Radford University currently serves approximately 2,700 Pell-eligible students out
of its total undergraduate student body of around 5,000. The university will use the
$1.29 million in funding to expand and strengthen its support system for students
with the greatest financial need. Plans include hiring dedicated student advocates
who will provide one-on-one outreach, guidance and academic advising to help Pell-eligible
students stay enrolled and succeed. A portion of the funds will also be used to offer
emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges, such as medical
bills, transportation issues, or family emergencies, that could otherwise interrupt
their education. In addition, the grant will enhance academic and support services,
including tutoring, mentoring and success coaching, to ensure students have the resources
they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
“This investment allows us to break down the barriers that too often prevent talented
students from completing their degrees,” said Dannette Gomez Beane, vice president
of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications. “We’re proud to stand behind
our students and ensure they have the resources, support and opportunities they need
to succeed.”
Radford’s goal is to improve student retention and graduation rates. By the end of
the 2025-26 academic year, the university aims to increase the number of Pell-eligible
students who return for their second year and boost the six-year graduation rate for
these students by at least 2%.
“This transformative grant empowers Radford University to deepen our commitment to
student success by providing targeted, personalized support to those who need it most,”
said Bruce Hayden, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students.
“By investing in dedicated advocates, emergency aid and enhanced academic services,
we are creating a stronger, more equitable path to graduation for our Pell-eligible
students. This initiative is not just about access; it’s about ensuring every student
has the tools to thrive and complete their degree.”
Radford was selected to receive funding because of its detailed plan to reach underserved
students, improve student support services and track measurable progress over the
next several years. The university will continue to evaluate and report on its progress
as part of the state’s broader plan to close equity gaps and strengthen higher education
across Virginia.