Radford Athletics 10/27/2025 1:00:00 PM

Radford Community Mourns the Loss of Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Dore

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University Athletics mourns the passing of one of the program's biggest fans and supporters, Dr. Elizabeth "Betty" Dore, who passed away at the age of 82 on October 11th, 2025.

"The Highlander family lost one of our most avid supporters this month. Dr. Elizabeth Dore was a tremendous educator who cared so much for her students and provided so much guidance as they moved into student teaching and then into their careers as educators," commented Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg. "As our Faculty Representative for Athletics, she displayed her true passion for supporting our student-athletes and coaches. She was a steady presence at Highlander contests for many years with her beloved husband, Dick, and was always sporting her signature Radford Red boots. I have missed her so much the past couple of years and I am heartbroken about her passing."

Dr. Dore, a beloved member of Radford Athletics' fan base, was an avid fan of the Radford men's and women's basketball teams. She was an easy find and friend to make, found in her assigned seat in the front row dressed all in red. A Professor Emeritus of Education, she retired from Radford University in 2020 after 24 years of service.

"I'm saddened to hear about Dr. Dore's passing. She was one of the kindest, most thoughtful colleagues I have worked with at Radford," commented Head Women's Basketball Coach Mike McGuire. "Dr. Dore was one of our biggest women's basketball supporters in my tenure. Our program knew that she would be sitting in the first row at half court every home game – she was a constant for us. We could always count on her for words of encouragement after every game. We would receive an email from her after each game expressing how much she enjoyed watching our ladies compete and expressed how much she believed in them. Every year, she invited our team over to her house for a spaghetti dinner before Christmas. It was a great opportunity for our young ladies to see how much she cared about our program and appreciated the commitment of our ladies. Dr. Dore has had a lasting impact on our program and myself. She impacted the lives of many students, student-athletes, and colleagues at Radford University. Her life is one to be celebrated!"

"Dr. Dore will always be known for her love, generosity and unwavering support of Radford Volleyball throughout the years," commented alumna and current Head Volleyball Coach Savanna Hammond. "She could always be seen at our matches sitting near half court with her red cowboy boots grinning from ear to ear. Her presence lit up every game and every conversation. Each year, she prepared a home-cooked spaghetti dinner for our team and welcomed us into her home as if we were her own. Dr. Dore was more than a professor and a fan of Highlander athletics – she was family."

For over 14 years, Dr. Dore served as Radford'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. She was a familiar and enthusiastic presence at all Highlander games - especially basketball.

"Dr. Dore was a Highlander treasure," commented former Radford Men's Basketball Coach Mike Jones. "I first met her on my interview because she was one of the people on the hiring committee. She was a passionate educator, and just as passionate about her sports. It felt like she attended every sporting event on campus, and she usually wore her favorite red boots! Every year, she asked for everyone's email addresses on our team because she liked to reach out to them from time to time. I assumed she solely emailed our team, but I later discovered that she did this with every team. She always had a kind and encouraging word for student-athletes and coaches alike. She loved Radford, and Radford loved her back. Her passing leaves a void in the campus community."

Dr. Dore's most enduring legacy lies in her warmth, generosity, and unwavering kindness. She remembered every birthday, offered comfort during difficult times, and celebrated others' successes with genuine joy. She was also a gifted quilter, known for the beautiful blankets she lovingly created and gifted to others—a symbol of the care and creativity she brought to every aspect of her life.

She is survived by her sister Darlene McCormick and husband Earle, sister-in-law Jane Diamond; son Robert Masciadri, daughter Angela Atkins, stepdaughter Cathryn Ridlen; grandsons Wesley, Garrett, Bradley, Dylan, Justin and Nick, granddaughter Brittany and best friend Cheryl White. A link to her tribute page can be found HERE.

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