Radford University Athletics has announced the hiring of Nate Wise as Director of Communications & Digital Strategy, a position in which he will oversee the department’s external communications efforts while taking on office leadership and coordination duties.
“I’m excited to welcome Nate back to our Radford Athletics family,” Deputy Athletics Director Cory Durand said. “His leadership and creativity will enhance our ability to share all the great things our student-athletes are accomplishing on and off the field of play. Nate will take on a leadership role within our external operations unit, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will make us better.”
Wise returns to the New River Valley after previously serving as a Communications Coordinator at the university from 2017-2019. This time around, his responsibilities will include tasks related to marketing and video production, and he will resume his previous role as the primary contact for the men’s basketball program as well as other assigned programs.
“I would like to thank Robert Lineburg and Cory Durand for putting their faith in me and bringing me back into the fold for this amazing opportunity,” Wise said. “I have a lot of love for Radford University and immediately jumped at the chance to come back. The staff here has done an amazing job, and I’m excited to help the Highlanders continue to grow.”
During the 2017-18 season, Wise led the media relations push that coincided with the men’s basketball program’s Big South Conference Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament victory. Through the facilitation of television appearances, newspaper and radio interviews, live game broadcast interest pieces, social media mentions, and more, Wise played an integral part in generating millions of dollars in media exposure for the university.
Other Highlanders programs he worked alongside during his previous tenure included men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, cross country & track and field, and tennis.
A native of Annapolis, Md., Wise earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management with a minor in general business from James Madison University in 2015. After gaining professional experience at JMU, UNC Charlotte, and Radford, he went on to receive his master’s degree from the VCU Center for Sport Leadership in 2020.