RADFORD – Governor Ralph Northam recently announced the reappointment of two current members to the Radford University Board of Visitors and the appointment of one new member.
The governor reappointed Mark S. Lawrence, of Roanoke, Virginia, who serves as Vice President of Government and External Affairs for Carilion Clinic and was first appointed in 2015.
In reflecting on his first term and the last two years as Rector, Lawrence said, “I am grateful to Governor Northam for the opportunity to continue my service to the Commonwealth and to the students, faculty, staff and administration of Radford University as a member of the Board of Visitors. We have accomplished a great deal under President Hemphill’s leadership, but I believe even greater opportunities lie ahead.”
Lawrence added, “Each year, I am more impressed by our students and the quality of their educational experiences at Radford. Time and again, they speak to the value of their relationships with our faculty and the impact they have both within and beyond the classrooms, laboratories and other learning venues, domestically and abroad. The student-faculty engagement is a defining element of our campus, and particularly important to the state since over ninety percent of our students come from within the Commonwealth, many of whom are first-generation students. The value and quality of the Radford experience is exceptional, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to engage with them as a member of the Board.”
The governor also reappointed Lisa Throckmorton ’94, of Vienna, Virginia, who serves as Executive Vice President of REQ. Throckmorton was first appointed in December 2017 to fill an unfulfilled term vacated by the late Mary Ann Jennings Hovis ’65, who faithfully and proudly served her alma mater in many capacities.
In learning of the reappointment, Throckmorton said, “I’m honored to continue my service as a Board of Visitors member to Radford and its students. The University is providing a transformational educational experience to students from diverse backgrounds and does so with a culture of service, support and engagement.”
Throckmorton added, “This past academic year saw historic donations, the solidification of a merger and a myriad of accolades and positive rankings. I’m proud to continue to work with an administration and community that holds itself to the highest standards and betterment year-over-year.”
The governor also announced the appointment of David A. Smith ’85, M.S. ’87, of Roanoke, Virginia, who serves as a Territory Sales Manager with Altria Group Distribution Company. Smith, along with his wife, Pebbles, received the Radford University Alumni Association Outstanding Service Award in 2017. Smith is also a member of the Radford University Athletics Hall of Fame and replaces Randolph J. Marcus, of Richmond, Virginia, whose term will end June 30, 2019.
In being appointed, Smith said, “It’s an honor and privilege to, first of all, have been asked to be a member of this University’s Board of Visitors. It is a true blessing to be able to help my University in this capacity. I am thankful to Governor Northam for his selection and will work to aid my University in this new role.”
Smith added, “I am looking forward to working with Dr. Hemphill to continue the exciting momentum that he has established in his tenure at Radford University. I am humbled by the appointment and am extremely grateful for the opportunity!”
Vice Rector Robert A. Archer, who will become Rector on July 1, 2019, said, “I express my sincere appreciation to both Mark and Lisa, who are continuing their strong commitment to Radford University and those we proudly serve. On behalf of the Board, I extend a warm welcome to David as he joins us in serving his alma mater. And, I share my everlasting gratitude to Randy for his many years of exemplary service to the Board and the University.” Archer, of Salem, Virginia, serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc.
For the 2019-2020 academic year, Archer will lead the Board with James R. Kibler Jr., J.D., serving as Vice Rector. Kibler, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is President of Virginia Natural Gas.
President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside a dedicated Board of Visitors that works collaboratively and consistently places the needs of our students first. Mark, Lisa and Randy have been instrumental in serving our campus community and continuing our forward momentum. I look forward to welcoming David to this dedicated and esteemed group.”
