Radford University and Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) have reached a
transfer agreement granting SWCC Honors students guaranteed admission to Radford's
Honors College, beginning with the fall semester in 2024.
The transfer agreement provides SWCC associate's degree graduates with an advanced
educational opportunity in Radford's Honors College. Eligibility is open to SWCC students
who complete credit hours within the Honors core curriculum, conduct a capstone research
project, participate in community service, and have earned a 3.5 grade point average
(on a 4.0 scale) at SWCC and any other institution.
Students who transfer to Radford's Honors College will enjoy the full benefits of
participation in an academic program and Living-Learning Community (LLC) defined by
intellectual curiosity and active educational engagement. Individuals who complete
the 27-credit hour honors curriculum graduate as Highlander Honors Scholars, the highest
academic distinction for Radford undergraduates. Those who complete the 15-credit
honors curriculum graduate with the Highlander Honors Distinction. Both achievements
appear on the student's diploma and include special regalia at graduation.
Along with academic programming, Honors College students have a dedicated residence
hall in Floyd Hall and uniquely tailored scholarly and social opportunities within
the LLC. In addition, Honors College students gain access to advising from the college's
faculty fellows and receive priority course registration.
President Bret Danilowicz, Radford University
"At Radford University, we strongly believe in creating opportunities for students
from Virginia's community colleges and we are proud to partner with Southwest Virginia
Community College and its Honors College. This new agreement allows high-achieving
students to find a perfect fit for their educational and career goals within one of
Radford's richest and fastest-growing learning environments. The unique experiences
of the Honors College are more accessible than ever, as transfer students who are
Virginia residents can now benefit from the Radford Tuition Promise, which covers
tuition costs for those with household incomes of $100,000 or less."
President Tommy Wright, Southwest Virginia Community College
"We are excited to partner with Radford University to provide a pathway for Southwest
Virginia Community College Honors College students to smoothly transition into the
Radford Honors College. This partnership will open doors for students at both institutions
to access a world of opportunities and reflects our commitment to empowering our students
for success in their academic and personal journeys."
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Bethany Usher, Radford University
"Providing a seamless transfer between the two honors programs allows SWCC students
to create important connections before they transfer to Radford. This partnership
enhances the abilities of SWCC Honors students to be immediately involved with our
notable undergraduate research and other programs when they arrive here. Radford University
benefits from having these bright and curious students enrich our campus."
Vice President of Academic and Student Services Robert Brandon, Southwest Virginia
Community College
"The Honors Program at Southwest Virginia Community College prepares students to be
future leaders in our communities and provides opportunities to accelerate their education
through experiential learning activities. Having a pathway for these talented and
motivated students to continue their journey at Radford University ensures that there
will be no gaps in their quest for excellence. The sky is the limit for these students."
