- The General Assembly of Virginia founded Radford in 1910 as "State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford." The school offered certificates in teaching, homemaking, and agriculture and taught Victorian notions of manners and etiquette to its students.
- In 1921, Radford issued its first four-year bachelors degree. Three years later, Radford was renamed Radford State Teachers College to reflect its baccalaureate programs.
- When America entered World War II, Radford's programs changed to war-related topics in order to educate women to serve in industries that were in need of workers due to men serving overseas. Courses included war math and pre-flight aeronautics.
- In 1972, men were permitted to enroll for regular courses at Radford for the first time. Seven years later, the Virginia Assembly conferred university status upon Radford, leading to its final name change.
- Enrollment at Radford grew rapidly during the 1980s and 90s. In 2005, Radford hired its first female president, Penelope Kyle, and began to offer doctoral degrees.
