RADFORD, Va. — Radford University has opened a Financial Success Center supported by $2.5 million from Virginia Credit Union, offering financial education and individual coaching to the campus community, with plans to expand services across the New River and Roanoke valleys, the credit union said.
The university and credit union celebrated the center’s official opening Sept. 17. Located within Radford’s Davis College of Business and Economics, the center will offer guidance on budgeting, saving, managing student loans, building credit, investing and preparing for major financial milestones.
Professional staff and trained student mentors will provide individualized coaching, workshops and educational programs aimed at improving financial well-being, career readiness and long-term financial stability, according to Virginia Credit Union.
Gayle Evezich has been named the center’s executive director. She will oversee operations and lead efforts to expand financial education and coaching for students, faculty, staff and alumni. Programming eventually will extend to residents throughout the region.
‘Heart of Mission’
“Financial education has always been at the heart of Virginia Credit Union’s mission as we strive to improve the financial well-being of our members and the communities we serve,” Chris Shockley, the credit union’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
Shockley said the center would help individuals make informed financial decisions while strengthening families and communities.
“In the years to come, the center’s work will have a meaningful, measurable impact by helping individuals make informed decisions about personal finance and money management — strengthening our families and communities in the process,” he said.
Evezich said the center will build on the credit union’s existing financial education efforts.
“This center represents an incredible opportunity to reach the Radford campus community and extend our impact into the broader New River Valley and Roanoke communities,” she said in a statement. “We’re excited to empower students and community members with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial futures and achieve greater success in all aspects of their lives.”
200,000 People Reached
Virginia Credit Union said its financial education programs reached more than 200,000 people in 2025 through in-person presentations, online resources and community partnerships. The credit union also said the Institute for Financial Literacy recently named it Organization of the Year.
