Virginia Credit Union pledges $2.5M to Radford University

Virginia Credit Union has pledged $2.5 million to Radford University to establish a financial success center, according to a Tuesday announcement.

The center will provide financial education, one-on-one coaching and community programming focused on practical money management skills such as managing student loans and purchasing a first home.

Called the Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center, the campus-based hub will open during the 2026-27 academic year and will be operated by staff and trained student mentors.

“Through this partnership and the financial success center, we’ll equip students, the university community and residents of the New River and Roanoke valleys with the knowledge and confidence needed to make sound financial decisions,” Virginia Credit Union President and CEO Chris Shockley said in a statement. “Our goal is to help people take control of their financial futures and achieve greater success in all aspects of their lives.”

Shockley is a Radford University alumnus. He earned a degree in economics from the university in 1992.

The Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center will receive $250,000 annually for 10 years, according to the news release. It will be housed within Radford University’s Davis College of Business and Economics and co-located with the university’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic and other student support services.

“This generous investment from Virginia Credit Union advances our strategic commitment to student success, access and regional impact,” Radford University President Bret Danilowicz said in a statement. “The financial success center embodies one of our key strategic objectives — collaborating with trusted partners to remove barriers, empower individuals and strengthen the communities we serve.”

Virginia Credit Union serves nearly 500,000 members and reported about $6.85 billion in assets in 2024.