About

In the Davis College of Business and Economics, we're dedicated to cultivating tomorrow's business leaders through innovative education, impactful research, and transformative experiences. As a hub of excellence within Radford University, our college is committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. With a rich history of academic rigor, industry expertise, and community engagement, we prepare our students to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace with confidence and integrity. Welcome to the Davis College—where possibilities are limitless, and success knows no bounds.

Our History

The study of business began at Radford during the 1960s with the offering of Economics courses. This was followed by the creation of the Economics major and the Department of Economics in 1969. During the 1974-75 academic year, coursework in other areas of business were added and the department was expanded to become the Department of Business and Economics. Continued growth in the business area resulted in the creation of the School of Business and Professional Studies in 1978. In 1982, graduate study in business began with the approval of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

One of the historic buildings on the Radford campus, Whitt Hall, was renovated and rededicated in 1983 becoming the new home to the College of Business and Economics. In 1992, the College of Business and Economics received initial accreditation of its undergraduate and graduate programs from the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, now known as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Both programs were reaccredited by AACSB in the Fall of 1997 and most recently reaffirmed in 2022-23.

As a part of Radford University’s 2010 Centennial activities, the university broke ground on a $44 million, 110,000 square foot state-of-the-art building. The new home for the College was opened in August 2012 and in Spring 2016 was named Kyle Hall in recognition of Penelope Kyle’s 11 years of service as President of Radford University. In October 2018, the college was officially named the Sandra C. Davis and William C. Davis College of Business and Economics. Sandra C. and William C. Davis donated the largest gift in the history of the University to date. Their donation will fund scholarships for 80 students each year who will be known as Davis Scholars.

Deans of the Davis College of Business & Economics

Donna Weaver McCloskey, Ph.D., 2024 - Present
Angela Stanton, Ph.D., (Interim), 2023 - 2024
Joyendu "Joy" Bhadury, Ph.D., 2018 - 2023
George S. Low, Ph.D., 2014 - 2018
Dennis Grady, Ph.D., (Interim), 2013 - 2014
Faye Gilbert, Ph.D., 2008 - 2013
William Dempsey, Ph.D., 1999 - 2008
Bruce Blaylock, Ph.D., 1994 - 1999
Donald Kroeber, Ph.D., 1985 - 1994
Robert Felch, Ph.D., 1984 -1985
Lee Hall, Ph.D., 1981 - 1984
Preston Durrill, Ph.D., 1980 - 1981
Ardyce S. Lightner, Ph.D., 1978 - 1980

Strategic Plan

Our 2023-2028 Davis College of Business and Economics Strategic Plan [PDF] is more than just a roadmap—it's a commitment to shaping the future of business education and empowering our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Guided by our core values of integrity, diversity, and collaboration, our strategic plan outlines ambitious goals and initiatives aimed at enhancing academic quality, fostering innovation, and strengthening our impact on the global business community.

The development of the Davis College Strategic Plan involved input from faculty, students, alumni, employers, and supporters.

Vision

Our vision is to be recognized for challenging minds, cultivating talents and connecting people in a technology-rich learning environment.

Mission

Our mission is to provide an active learning environment that develops analytical and innovative business professionals for a dynamic global economy.

Our scholarship focuses on research that advances applications of theory for organizational issues, pedagogy to improve our learning culture, and discipline-based research that advances knowledge in our academic disciplines.

Our Values
The values that drive our actions include:

Collaboration
Diversity
Innovation
Analytical Perspectives
Integrity, and
Community

Rankings

U.S. News Best Online MBA Program (2023 & 2024)

DiscoverBusiness.us 2024 Best Value Online MBA Program

Fortune Best Part-Time MBA Program (#64 in 2022 & #16 in 2023)

The Princeton Review Best Business Schools for 2023: On-Campus MBA Programs

U.S. News and World Report: Best Part-Time MBA (2021, 2022, 2023)

AnalyticsDegrees: Most Affordable Online MBA Analytics Degree Programs in the United States (#11 in 2023)
Online Master's Degrees 2023 Best Online MBA

The Princeton Review Best Business Schools for 2022: Best Online MBA Programs

The Princeton Review Best Business Schools: Best Part-Time MBA (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

The Princeton Review Best Business Schools (2012 - 2022)

College Consensus 2020 Best Online Business Analytics MBA

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Davis College of Business and Economics (DCOBE) where innovation meets tradition and excellence thrives. As the new Dean, I am excited to connect with each of you and build upon our mission to challenge minds, cultivate talent and connect people in a technology-rich, dynamic global economy.

At the heart of our Davis College of Business and Economics lies a strong culture of caring and commitment to academic excellence with practical application. We challenge our students to think analytically, innovate boldly, and embrace ethical leadership in every endeavor. From our dynamic classes and experiential opportunities to our vibrant student clubs and amazing Venture Lab, DCOBE empowers future business leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in society.

Explore our website to discover more about our programs, faculty expertise, and the transformative opportunities that await. I look forward to connecting with each of you—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—as we embark on this journey together.

Donna Weaver McCloskey, Ph.D.
Dean of the Davis College of Business and Economics

Davis College Building

Kyle Hall

One of the crown jewels of the Davis College of Business and Economics is its striking $44 million, 110,000-square-foot building. Inside, innovative facilities such as auditorium-style classrooms, conference rooms, and collaborative spaces foster an environment that encourages teamwork and creativity. The building is fully equipped with the latest educational technology and financial research capabilities, boasting a state-of-the-art "trading room."

Within the walls of Kyle Hall, we are building more than a structure; we are nurturing a community of future business leaders. As you step into Kyle Hall, you are stepping into a world of endless opportunities and limitless potential.

Davis College Advisory Board

The mission of the Davis College of Business & Economics Advisory Board is to provide advice, guidance, and support for the continuing development of high quality business programs at Radford University.

The Advisory Board facilitates interaction between students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and administration. The Advisory Board responds to students' needs and serves as their voice. The Advisory Board also assists in the fulfillment of the mission of the College.

Kevin Sherfey
Executive Committee and Advisory Board Chair
BAE Systems

Sean Hagarty
Executive Committee
Bioventus

Kwabena Osei-Sarpong
Executive Committee
RIFE International

Erika Perdue
Executive Committee
Virginia Tech Dept. of Economics

Josh Rowe
Executive Committee
Retired

Marquett Smith
Executive Committee
Wireless Insiders Network

Gavin Shuck
Executive Committee
Truist Wealth

Nancy Adams
Senior Consultant
Burton-Fuller Management

JP Beckham
Retired

Andre Bynum
SAS
James Cabler
Carter Bank & Trust

Randall Carter
Truist/Scott & Stringfellow

Michael Clegg
Q Works

Will Iandolo
Extreme Systems, LLC

Greg McCarthy

AOC Solutions

Matthew Miller
Miller Consulting Group, LLC

Chris Pund
The Gear House

Samuel F. Reynolds
Main Streit, Inc.

Ann Shawver
Ann Harity Shawver, CPA, PLLC

Audra Shekleton
Ernst & Young LLP

Dianne Tolliver
DT Consulting, LLC

Ed Zimmerman
Zimmerman Consulting, LLC

View the Davis College Advisory Board Constitution [PDF]

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