Dear Editor,

Penny Kyle - the President of Radford University - is absolutely correct that a University can grow academically by improving its athletic programs. Most locals know that Virginia Tech played in the College Football National Championship in 1999. Fewer realize that the next fall, applications quadrupled. The increase in applications allowed Virginia Tech to be far more selective in admissions, and the University has since become even more competitive.

What a shame that when millions of viewers tuned in to watch Radford University play the Tarheels on March 19th, they watched a University which has recently eliminated its Mathematics Major. That’s right: no more math majors at a university with almost 10,000 students. There’s talk of cutting the Appalachian Studies Program. There are murmurs that Philosophy might be next.

The leadership of Radford University has suggested these subjects are no longer important. I began my college education at Radford University. It was the well-rounded education in the Humanities, the Social Sciences, and the Sciences, that lead me to ask the following questions:

* What math professor wants to teach at RU if no student can major in math?
* What student can learn any topic - from Business to English - without a math teacher?
* How will Radford University alumni soon be looked at by potential employers?
* Oh, and what parent will want to send their child to Radford University?
* Most importantly: How will graduates of Radford University serve their country, their commonwealth, their religious & ethnic communities, their families, and themselves without math?

The Leadership of RU claims its decisions are economically sound and wise for the future of the University. Do you agree?

If not, please email the governor’s office: IMA@governor.virginia.gov

Demand math majors at RU. It’s not too late to make this change.

Andrew Rose Gregory

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Former Radford University student
Swarthmore College graduate