Radford, local superintendents propose New River Valley Governor School for arts and humanities

Radford University President Dr. Brett Donilowitz and Pulaski County Superintendent Rob Graham presented a proposal Thursday for a New River Valley Governor School for the Arts and Humanities to be hosted at Radford University beginning fall 2026. The half‑day program would let students remain enrolled at their home high schools while receiving specialized arts and humanities instruction on campus.

The presenters described a three‑year progression: a tailored, accelerated sophomore year taught on campus to prepare students; junior‑year university‑level classes taught by New River Community College faculty and university faculty on Radford’s campus; and a senior year in which students would take three university courses per semester. "At the end of the governor's school, they can have up to 30 credit hours of credit," Donilowitz said, noting the credits should be largely transferable to other institutions.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the program would expand access to rigorous arts and humanities education for students across the New River Valley, reduce travel or relocation burdens some students face now, and offer career exposure through partnerships with about 15 local businesses. Rob Graham told the board the initiative aims to keep regional talent local while preparing students for college and careers in arts‑related fields.

What was discussed: Board members pressed presenters on how collaborative and disciplinary projects would be structured, how faculty workload would be handled, and the program’s admissions and enrollment rules. Donilowitz described project examples — digitization and research in history departments and ensemble participation for music students — and said much of the work would be group‑based. On faculty, he said the program would rely on faculty who already engage in undergraduate mentorship and that expected student cohorts would be modest (he estimated about 40 students a year split between arts and humanities).

Admission and student life: The presenters proposed admitting sophomores only in the launch years to ensure students progress through the scaffolded program; junior‑ or senior‑year entry would be considered only after the program had proven successful. They described transportation plans, dual‑enrollment credit arrangements, and an executive‑director role to coordinate between districts and the university.

What’s next: The presentation closed with broadly positive board feedback and multiple requests for follow‑up materials, including more detailed credit‑mapping, a draft executive‑director job description, and clarified plans for admissions and sustainability. Presenters said they had conversations underway with school divisions, arts organizations and funders and would return with additional details as the proposal is developed.