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Radford sets record for nursing degrees (copy)
Radford University awarded approximately 350 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees during the 2025-26 academic year, marking the highest number of BSN degrees conferred in the university's history. The achievement places Radford among the largest producers of pre-licensure BSN graduates in Virginia among four-year public universities.
The milestone reflects continued growth in Radford's nursing programs and the university's strategic response to the increasing demand for healthcare professionals across Virginia and the nation. The total includes graduates from both the winter and spring semesters.
"This achievement represents a significant milestone for our university and a meaningful contribution to Virginia's healthcare workforce," said Wendy Downey, dean of the College of Nursing. "Our graduates are exceptionally prepared, compassionate professionals who will make an immediate impact in communities across the commonwealth and beyond."
Radford University continues to rank among Virginia's leading producers of pre-licensure BSN graduates among four-year public institutions, underscoring its role as a key pipeline for the state's nursing workforce.
The 2025-26 total also represents continued growth from the 2024-25 academic year, when Radford awarded approximately 295 BSN degrees. University leaders say the increase highlights the expanding capacity of Radford's nursing programs and the institution's ongoing commitment to workforce development in healthcare.
Virginia, like much of the nation, continues to face a shortage of qualified nurses. By expanding enrollment, strengthening clinical partnerships and increasing hands-on training opportunities, Radford has scaled its program to help meet workforce demand while maintaining a strong focus on student success and licensure readiness.
The university's nursing graduates are prepared to enter hospitals, clinics and community health settings across Virginia and beyond, helping address critical shortages in both rural and urban communities.
"As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on innovation, excellence and access," Downey said. "Radford is proud to help prepare the next generation of nurses for Virginia and beyond."
Nominations open for national Farm Dog of the Year contest (copy) (copy) (copy)
If you have a furry friend making a difference on the farm, now’s your chance to showcase your farm dog’s contributions.
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. Sponsored by American Farm Bureau Federation and supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the national contest celebrates farm dogs and the countless ways they assist farmers and ranchers.
“Farm dogs are often important partners in our daily work as well as wonderful companions for farm families,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “As we saw with our 2026 winner, Max, these loyal companions go above and beyond to look after both the land and the farm families they work alongside.”
Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators, fetching tools and greeting visitors are among the many tasks that canines champion on the farm.
With many uncontrollable stressors associated with farming, farm dogs also can offer needed emotional support.
Research from a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Purina reveals that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. For example, spending just 20 minutes with a dog increased a hormone that helps moderate stress. This also was associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in a self-reported sense of well-being.
“We are honored to continue supporting the hard-working, devoted farm dogs featured in the American Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Year contest,” said Jack Scott, vice president of sustainable sourcing at Purina. “Purina proudly uses nutritious ingredients sourced from American farms to make our pet food, and we remain committed to supporting American farmers who have fed generations of people and pets.”
Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to farmers and their families, playfulness and obedience.
The grand prize winner will receive a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the AFBF Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027.
The 2027 Farm Dog of the Year also will be featured in a professionally produced video.
View the profile of 2026 Farm Dog of the Year grand prize winner, Max, and access contest eligibility guidelines and submission requirements.
Returning this year is the People’s Choice Pup, a popular social media element of the contest. Profiles of several dogs nominated for the contest will be shared beginning in September, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a $2,500 cash prize from Purina will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup.
Farm Dog of the Year nominations must be received by July 11 for consideration. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition.
Learn more about becoming a VFB member.
Pet of the Week
Pet of the Week
Fiona
Meet Floyd County Humane Society new shelter cat Fiona Apple. Sound familiar . . . yup. Fiona found a wonderful, loving home but her owner just passed away so she is with us again. Fiona was a shy girl when she was a kitty with us, and now, at four years old, she is pretty shut down and mourning her loss. We know she will find someone to love; it's just so sad when this happens. Fiona is spayed and up to date on vaccines. 540-745-7207
Join us for Cabin Fever 2026 on May 30th. This music event raises funds for The Floyd County Humane Society.
We have a cat spay/neuter shuttle coming up in June. 540-745-7207 to set up your low-cost appointment.
NRV Leading Lights honors 35 local volunteers
New River Valley Leading Lights recently honored 35 community volunteers at a special ceremony held on April 30. The volunteers were recognized at an event at the German Club at Virginia Tech.
The New River Valley Leading Lights organization’s mission is to acknowledge and honor volunteers across the New River Valley who are making community changing impacts through volunteerism, culminating in an annual celebratory banquet. Angie Covey, Director of Development at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)—Virginia campus, served as this year’s guest speaker.
This year’s high school nominees included Emily Hall, Geri-len Johnson, Abigale McClure, Rishi Nair and Ian Yu.
College nominees included Cole Howard and Abby Touchstone.
Nominees from Floyd County included Linda Ewing, Spencer Ferrell, Tim Mallard, Ken Presser, Tom and Debbie Schaefer, Natalie Thomas and Jean Woods.
Nominees from Giles County included Charlie Herbert and Barbara Vesely.
Nominees from Montgomery County included Diane Akers, Shirley Akers, Maggie Bassett, Lynn Brammer, Nikki Garland, Trish Knighton, Anne Larsen, Christina Shelor, Melanie Smith, Clara Taylor, and Andrew Walker.
The nominees from Pulaski County were Pamela Edwards, Sue Huff, Krista Lindsey, and Jamie Thompson.
The Radford City nominee was Dusty Spence.
Earl Brown of Montgomery County, Dr. Jonathan Evans of Floyd County, and James (Jim) Lawrence of Montgomery County were nominated in the Lifetime Achievement category.
From the 35 nominees, 11 were chosen as Distinguished Recipients. The 2026 Leading Lights Distinguished Recipients honored included Rishi Nair (High School Award - Robert “Bob” Job III Memorial Award); Ian Yu (High School Award), Cole Howard (College Award); Abby Touchstone (College Award); Linda Ewing (Floyd Community Award); Charlie Herbert (Giles Community Award); Anne Larsen (Montgomery Community Award—Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club Award); Andrew Walker (Montgomery Community Award—Jim and Lenna Moore Memorial Award); Krista Lindsey (Pulaski Community Award); and Dusty Spence (Radford Community Award).
Earl Brown was named as the distinguished recipient of the German Club Alumni Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.
The community, college, and high school Distinguished Recipients receive $500 to direct to a nonprofit of their choice, and the Lifetime Achievement recipient receives $1,000 to direct. The nominees’ volunteer efforts include work with area food pantries, Virginia Tech YMCA, community cleanup efforts, and many more.
NRV Leading Lights was established in 2007, prompted by the outpouring of voluntary service after the April 16 events at Virginia Tech. The first Leading Lights Recognition Event was held in April 2009. These annual events highlight the extraordinary compassion of ordinary citizens who united in service to others. To learn more about NRV Leading lights, visit www.leadinglightsnrv.org. NRV Leading Lights will be seeking volunteer nominations at a later date for the 2027 awards.
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