Dr. Betty Dore was an enthusiastic supporter of teachers, education and Radford Athletics. You could find her at most home basketball games sitting in her season-ticketed front seat, cheering on her favorite team and decked out all in red (complete with her signature red boots and infectious smile). She served as the university’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, acting as a vital liaison between athletics and academics. She represented Radford on the Big South Board of Administrators and the Big South Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives.
Though you may have seen her outward love for athletics, her first love was the classroom. She was a strong advocate for teachers and teacher education. Dr. Dore became a professor at Radford University and led the Middle Education program with distinction, developing and teaching 10 different undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising field experiences, and cultivating strong partnerships with six regional school divisions. Her work helped shape a generation of middle school educators, many of whom continue to serve in the region and 11 of whom have been honored as “Teacher of the Year” by their schools or divisions. Dr. Dore retired from Radford University in 2020 after 24 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion and transformative impact on the field of education.
To honor Dr. Dore's legacy at Radford University and her passion for teaching and athletics, the Betty Dore Athletic Scholarship for Teacher Education was established. This fund provides scholarships for student-athletes studying within the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL).
With your support of this fund, we can develop students who are prepared to serve children from birth through grade 12. In honor of Dr. Dore, this scholarship will help us recognize and inspire students to become responsive and engaged professionals who teach, lead and serve.
