Radford University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Radford University has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, strategic operations, academic programming, institutional leadership, and future planning.

Committed to academic excellence, Radford University fosters innovation through diverse undergraduate and graduate curricula while maintaining a strong focus on health-related professional development and regional educational impact.

Leadership Roles at Radford University

  • President, Program - Kim Kipling
  • President - Bret Danilowicz
  • President-Elect - Ross Barber
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Danny Kemp
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategic Operations - Ashley Schumaker
  • Kim Kipling - President, Program

    Kim Kipling, the President, Program at Radford University, directs the development and implementation of academic curricula across more than 100 fields of study. Overseeing the expansion of graduate programs, the President, Program ensures that degree offerings meet the evolving demands of health-related professions and other specialized sectors. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to maintain rigorous academic standards while fostering innovation in teaching methodologies. By aligning program growth with market needs, Kim Kipling directly impacts the university's ability to attract and retain high-achieving students. Furthermore, Kipling manages the accreditation processes for various degree paths, ensuring compliance with state and national educational benchmarks. Through strategic oversight of academic resources, the President, Program supports the university's mission to provide comprehensive education, ultimately strengthening the institution's position as a leader in higher education within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    Bret Danilowicz - President

    Bret Danilowicz, the President at Radford University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the university's mission as a doctorate-granting public entity, the President ensures alignment between academic goals and financial sustainability. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Visitors and external stakeholders to advance the university's standing in the higher education landscape. By championing initiatives that promote research and student development, Bret Danilowicz directly impacts the long-term growth of the institution. Furthermore, Danilowicz manages the executive team to ensure cohesive execution of university policies across all departments. Through consistent focus on institutional excellence, the President drives the development of new health-related programs and undergraduate curricula, securing the university's future as a vital contributor to the regional economy and the broader academic community in Virginia.
    Bret Danilowicz

    Ross Barber - President-Elect

    Ross Barber, the President-Elect at Radford University, prepares for the transition of institutional leadership by evaluating current strategic initiatives and operational frameworks. Overseeing the assessment of existing academic and administrative programs, the President-Elect identifies opportunities for future growth and innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with the current executive team to ensure continuity in the university's mission and long-term objectives. By analyzing market trends in higher education, Ross Barber directly impacts the planning phase for upcoming institutional developments. Furthermore, Barber engages with faculty, staff, and students to understand the evolving needs of the campus community. Through careful preparation and strategic foresight, the President-Elect ensures that the university remains well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading public institution, ultimately facilitating a seamless transition that supports the continued success of all undergraduate and graduate programs offered at the university.

    Danny Kemp - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Danny Kemp, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Radford University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative functions. Overseeing campus-wide network security, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures robust connectivity for students and faculty across the Virginia campus. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions that facilitate modern research and distance learning initiatives. By optimizing data management systems, Danny Kemp directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality educational resources. Furthermore, Kemp manages the integration of emerging technologies into the classroom environment, driving digital transformation across the institution. Through consistent oversight of cybersecurity protocols, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer secures sensitive institutional data while maintaining seamless access for the entire university community, ultimately supporting the broader mission of academic excellence and technological advancement within the public university sector.
    Danny Kemp

    Ashley Schumaker - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategic Operations

    Ashley Schumaker, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategic Operations at Radford University, executes high-level administrative initiatives and coordinates cross-departmental projects. Overseeing institutional efficiency, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategic Operations aligns daily operations with the long-term goals established by the executive leadership team. This role involves managing complex organizational workflows that support the university's diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. By streamlining internal communications, Ashley Schumaker directly impacts the effectiveness of university-wide policy implementation. Furthermore, Schumaker facilitates collaboration between academic departments and administrative units to ensure resource allocation matches institutional priorities. Through rigorous analysis of operational performance, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategic Operations drives continuous improvement across the Virginia campus, ensuring that all administrative functions remain focused on student success and the advancement of the university's reputation as a premier doctorate-granting public institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Radford University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Radford University?
    Radford University is led by Kim Kipling (President, Program), along with executives such as Bret Danilowicz (President) and Ross Barber (President-Elect).
    Who is part of Radford University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Radford University includes leaders such as Kim Kipling (President, Program), Bret Danilowicz (President), Ross Barber (President-Elect) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Radford University have?
    Radford University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Radford University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Radford University includes roles such as President, Program, President, President-Elect, Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff & Vice President, Strategic Operations.