On Aug.16, °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳ had the privilege of welcoming one of its most accomplished
alumni, Eugene Naughton, a 1989 graduate and the current president of The Dollywood
Co., to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year for university employees.
Held in a packed Kyle Hall 340, Naughton’s keynote address reached nearly half of
the university's employees, who attended either in person or virtually.
°ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳ President Bret Danilowicz opened the event by expressing his gratitude
for the impressive turnout, noting that it was the largest gathering of employees
he had seen since his tenure began. He praised the staff for their dedication, which
he credited for the university's recent record growth and success. Danilowicz emphasized
that the employees are the "lifeblood" of °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳, playing a crucial role
in its mission to serve students and the community.
Naughton’s address centered on the importance of dedication to one's profession and
the power of building a positive culture, drawing parallels between Dollywood’s values
and those of °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳. He shared personal anecdotes from his journey, starting
with his days as a student at Radford, where he demonstrated a commitment to active
learning and doing by juggling his studies with a job at Kings Dominion. Naughton's
rise through the ranks at various theme parks, culminating in his leadership at Dollywood,
offered valuable insights into creating an environment where both employees and guests
feel at home.
In addition to the keynote, the university launched the inaugural "We are Radford"
Recognition Program during the event. This initiative will honor one employee each
month who embodies Radford's core values, with winners receiving a branded fleece
blanket and special recognition across the university. The program reflects the university’s
commitment to celebrating and valuing its employees, reinforcing the message that
they are the heart of the Radford experience.
The event set a positive tone for the upcoming academic year, leaving employees energized
and motivated to continue making °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳ a distinctive and welcoming place.