Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students, staff, alumni and faculty.
First feline blazes trails in Tartan Tails
For students missing a beloved pet at home, a cuddle with Finnegan might offer familiar comfort.
The 2-year-old medium-haired domestic cat has joined Radford University’s Tartan Tails with his handler, Zara Radzai, a student success advocate in the Compass program.
Finnegan came to Radzai’s family from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter as a 6-week-old kitten. She says he is laid-back, curious and especially fond of being held and carried.
“Finn is so easygoing and chill that I thought he would be great,” Radzai said.
The idea of a therapy cat came to Radzai after she spotted one working in an art classroom on Instagram.
“I knew of the Tartan Tails here on campus and thought it would be amazing to bring a different vibe to the scene with a cat,” she said.
Over the summer, Radzai and Finnegan trained with Tartan Tails’ new therapy dogs, visited different environments and practiced interacting with people. They completed Pet Partners’ online course and an in-person assessment as a therapy team.
It helps that Finnegan has no problem with dogs. He was welcomed by the Tartan Tails canine trainees, and at home he shares his space with Dexter, the family Chihuahua.
His hobbies include walking on a leash, although his presence tends to surprise people.
“Most people are like, ‘Is that a cat on a leash?!’” Radzai said.
Radzai hopes Finnegan’s fluffy fur and calming purr can bring joy to campus and help students feel connected to the pets they left behind.
“My hope is Finn can help remind them of their special friends and sweet memories they share,” she said.
Alpha Sigma Tau chapter earns national recognition
Alpha Sigma Tau’s Alpha Lambda chapter at Radford University was honored this summer at the sorority’s national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The chapter received the Growth Improvement Award, presented to chapters showing significant effort and improvement in membership recruitment. Chapter President Emma Snead, a senior from Salem, Virginia, and Vice President of Operations Mason Welsh, a senior from Gloucester, Virginia, were present to accept the award at the June ceremony.
Founded in 1899 at Eastern Michigan University, Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority is a national, lifelong organization that provides women with lasting and meaningful friendships grounded in shared values, relevant skills necessary to navigate life and opportunities to enrich the lives of women.
We are Radford winner for October
The We Are Radford employee recognition program is a monthly honor recognizing an individual whose daily interactions with students and colleagues represent the best of the Radford University experience. The winner for October 2026 is Dommetae Sohrabi, assistant professor of undergraduate nursing.
“Dr. Sohrabi is fantastic in the classroom and lab,” her nominator wrote. “She gets on your level and makes sure you fully grasp and understand the material. It makes learning the material easy and fun. She brightens up the whole room and is extremely easy to talk to.”
Employees who have served at least one year at Radford are eligible to be recognized for upholding the university’s core values.