Carilion Clinic Foundation invests in Radford’s future healthcare professionals

As the fall 2024 semester begins at Radford University, the Carilion Clinic Foundation has invested in the education of 52 Highlanders studying to become healthcare professionals.

The healthcare organization committed $100,000 in scholarship support earmarked specifically for students in the nursing, respiratory therapy and emergency services programs, as well as other majors that meet the pre-health requirements to enter a graduate program in occupational therapy or physical therapy with plans to enter one of those programs upon graduation.

Additionally, recipients were required to be full-time students and enrolled at the Radford University Carilion (RUC) location in downtown Roanoke, with a preference for students from areas within Carilion Clinic's geographic footprint. That footprint stretches from far Southwest Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley, covering much of the state.

The average award for each student was approximately $1,962.

"Students are our future workforce, and we want to support and encourage them as they pursue their careers in healthcare," said Nancy Howell Agee, Carilion Clinic's chief executive officer.

The goal of the support is to increase and retain healthcare students in the Roanoke area, which is evident in the fall student population numbers at RUC. This fall, 1,018 students are enrolled at RUC.

RUC, where most of Radford University's healthcare-focused programs are based, was formed as a partnership between Radford University and Carilion Clinic in 2019, when Carilion's Jefferson College of Health Sciences merged into the Radford University family of colleges and departments. Since its inception, RUC has graduated hundreds of professionals, many of whom treat patients within Carilion Clinic.

"We are deeply appreciative of our partnership with Carilion Clinic, and these important gifts will enhance the experience of Radford University's health sciences and nursing students," said Bret Danilowicz, president of Radford University. "Throughout her time as Carilion's CEO, Nancy has demonstrated a keen understanding of how to help make healthcare education more accessible and affordable. Carilion Clinic clearly values how Radford prepares students for the healthcare workforce, and in turn, we will continue to strengthen our communities by providing Southwest Virginia with skilled graduates."