Leadership

A university is like a ship. It takes many hands to make it run smoothly, with a strong captain at the helm to steer it in the right direction. Strong leaders work hard every day to make Virginia State University the thriving higher education institution that it is today.

While the President is like the captain helping to steer the University’s focus, the Board of Visitors is the governing body of Virginia State University. The Board is responsible for appointing the President, establishing tuition and fees, approving the university’s operating budget, and other duties. Dr. Makola M. Abdullah serves as the 14th president of VSU. President Abdullah is advised by members of the President’s Cabinet, comprised of the chief of staff, vice presidents, associate vice presidents, and senior directors.

VSU operates under shared governance principles with faculty, staff, and students represented by the University Council, Faculty Senate, and Student Government Association.