Jefferson College to merge with Radford University

ROANOKE, Va. – Radford University announced Thursday that it intends to merge the Jefferson College of Health Sciences into its family of colleges and departments. 

Carilion Clinic currently owns and operates Jefferson College.

The merger planning process is expected to take 18 to 24 months. 

Dr. Nathaniel Bishop said the bold move would enhance educational opportunities for students.

Bishop said, "Both schools are approaching this potential merger from positions of institutional excellence and financial strength. We're combining forces to create something even bigger and better for the entire Commonwealth.  We believe that together, we can enhance the quality of healthcare education and research better than we could individually."

Radford University officials intend to welcome Jefferson College primarily into its Waldron College of Health and Human Services.

Jefferson College brings 35 years of history as an accredited institution and has grown from 200 to about 1,150 students in that time. Jefferson College is one of the top producers of nursing and allied health professionals in the region and is in the top 10 in Virginia.

Jefferson College school is holding two town hall meetings for students to discuss the merger.  
The first is Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at the fourth floor of the college. The second is January 23 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in room 617.