Radford City Schools Superintendent Robert Graham
By Heather Bell
Radford City Public Schools Superintendent Robert Graham has been chosen as the Region VII Superintendent of the year.
The Region VII Superintendents made the announcement on Friday. Graham, who has served as Radford’s superintendent for eight years, will now compete with seven school division leaders for the Virginia Superintendent of the Year recognition.
“During his leadership, he has served the children and staff honorably with his vision of “Excellence in Education, Every Student, Every Day,” the announcement reads. “Radford City Schools has been recognized as an Excellence in Workforce Readiness school division, the only division with an enrollment of 5,000 or less to receive this accolade. Other recognitions include being named a School Division of Innovation, Project Lead the Way Distinguished Schools, and VHSL National Guard Cup recipient in Academics (first place), and Athletics (third place) for the 2021-2022 school year. Mr. Graham has been instrumental in establishing the Region VII Virtual Academy and, as a result, has ensured millions of state dollars to remain in Region VII.”
Graham said he was shocked on Friday when he got the news.
“I was shocked to learn I had been selected to represent Region VII as the superintendent of the year, but also deeply grateful,” Graham said. “The Region VII superintendent group is composed of 19 fantastic school leaders who are not only knowledgeable about their profession, but who are passionate about doing right by children and ensuring they have all they need to achieve at high levels.
“I also feel very lucky to work in a school community with such talented students, staff, and school community members and with a city that truly values education and provides great support to our school division,” Graham said. “This is certainly a highlight in my educational career and I am so honored to serve in this manner.”
Tara Grant, principal of Radford High School, said Graham’s commitment to Radford’s schools is unwavering.
“There’s no one that loves his community more than Rob Graham,” she said. “It’s an honor to work with him. He’s involved with many committees and organizations throughout the state to try to bring Radford the resources and opportunities.”
In the Region VII announcement, an unnamed fellow Region VII superintendent said, “Mr. Graham is extremely deserving of this recognition as his vision of Excellence in Education, Every student, Every Day is on display daily not only in Radford City Schools, but also in Region VII.”
Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Emory and Henry College, a master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from George Mason University, and an education specialist degree from the University of Virginia in Education Administration and Supervision.
The Virginia Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the Annual VASS Spring Conference on Monday, April 24, 2023 at The Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke.
