Radford University, Chartwells Higher Education, and Saxbys Partner to Launch a New Experiential Learning Cafe in the Davis College of Business & Economics

The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® advances Radford's new six-year strategic plan, turning a business-school cafe into a hands-on student leadership lab.

Radford, VA — October 22, 2026 — Radford University, a comprehensive public university in Virginia's New River Valley known for its hands-on approach to learning and standout programs in nursing, business, and education, is partnering with Saxbys — alongside Radford's dining partner, Chartwells Higher Education — to open a new student-run cafe in Kyle Hall, home to the Davis College of Business & Economics, in the 2027-2028 academic year.

Saxbys transforms campus operations into student-led businesses and high-impact learning environments through its Experiential Learning Platform® (ELP). Each semester, a competitively selected student will take on the role of Student CEO, assuming full operational ownership of the cafe — from day-to-day operations to bottom-line performance — while earning academic credit through Radford's Highlander Cooperative Education Program. The paid leadership opportunity is open to Radford students of any major.

“Through our Highlander Cooperative Education Program, we are creating pathways for students to gain meaningful professional experience while making progress toward their degrees. This partnership with Saxbys will take this commitment even further by allowing our students to transfer classroom learning to the practical experience of running a business.” — Bethany Usher, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Radford University

In addition to the Student CEO role, Radford students will have the opportunity to take on paid, part-time roles in the cafe, starting as team members and leveling up into Team Leads and Student VPs with functional ownership over campus marketing, cafe training and onboarding, inventory management, and more.

“There’s a big difference between learning about leadership and having people count on you to lead. Saxbys gives our students real-world experience, right here in Kyle Hall. They’ll make real decisions, lead a team of people, manage resources and be accountable for real results, all while earning academic credit and getting paid. That kind of responsibility builds skills, confidence, and a belief in what they’re capable of achieving.” — Donna McCloskey, Dean, Davis College of Business & Economics, Radford University

The partnership advances a central priority of Radford's newly finalized six-year strategic plan, Shaping Tomorrow – Together: 2026-2031. “Student Success and Experiential Learning” is one of the plan's six overarching themes, with a stated goal of ensuring every student completes a real-world learning experience before graduating. The plan's Bold Commitments include a pledge to guarantee experiential learning opportunities and prepare graduates to meet the evolving demands of employers, while its Strategic Partnerships priorities name a goal of becoming the go-to partner for workforce development across Southwest Virginia. The student-run cafe puts that vision into practice.

“Radford University is committed to ensuring our students graduate with the experience, confidence, and skills to succeed in their careers and make a meaningful impact in their communities. This partnership with Saxbys is a powerful example of our strategic plan in action, creating new opportunities for students to apply what they learn, take on leadership roles, and prepare for life after graduation.” — Bret Danilowicz, President, Radford University

This partnership was made possible in part through the generosity of the Sandra C. and William C. Davis Family and shaped with the support of Radford's broader leadership team, including Rob Hoover, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Crystal Cregger, Director of University Services; and Lauren Snelson, Assistant Director of University Services. Saxbys will be operated by Radford University Students in close collaboration with Radford University and Chartwells Higher Education.  

"Radford didn't just put experiential learning in their strategic plan – they built an entire culture around it – and that's exactly the kind of visionary university partner Saxbys seeks out for our Experiential Learning Platform. When the Saxbys Student CEO opens the doors of our forthcoming cafe in Kyle Hall, they won't be simulating leadership – they'll be living it, with full P&L responsibility, a student team counting on them, and real guests to serve. In partnership with the Davis College of Business & Economics, the Highlander Cooperative Education Program, and Chartwells, we're building something that doesn't just complement a Radford degree – it transforms what that degree means." — Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO, Saxbys  

The Radford University community will celebrate the Grand Opening next year, with programming designed to introduce the space and the student leaders who will bring it to life, as well as giveaways and opening-day surprises. Students eager to lead are encouraged to learn more and apply at www.saxbyscoffee.com/careers.

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Saxbys is a pioneering education company that turns campus operations into student-led businesses and high-impact learning environments.

Through its Experiential Learning Platform®, Saxbys empowers the next generation of leaders by embedding paid, credit-bearing roles with real P&L responsibility into daily campus operations. In these roles, students build confidence and career-ready skills while institutions strengthen retention and deliver meaningful, measurable student success tied to career readiness and accelerated paths to leadership.

Over the past decade, Saxbys has developed more than 3,000 student leaders, served over 9 million guests, and currently operates 30+ cafes nationwide in partnership with leading colleges and universities.