Institutional Advancement

Institutional Advancement

Institutional Advancement

The Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) purposefully works to build a solid foundation in higher education advancement work.

Our mission is to serve Virginia State University through the development, cultivation, solicitation, and engagement of our philanthropic partners who provide financial support which advances the academic and student experience at the University. We strive for excellence in all that we do and represent, through ethical and professional best practices which engage all VSU stakeholders.

IA key objectives include:
  • Ethically and professionally raise philanthropic funds for VSU;
  • Provide meaningful engagement of VSU constituents;
  • Effectively communicate the accomplishments of VSU to stakeholders, investors, and constituents
  • Support the Five Focus areas of VSU:
  • Provide a transformative experience for our students
  • Strategically invest in our academic programs
  • Embrace our position as a top Land Grant University
  • Embrace our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University
  • Partner together as a University to tell our story

The Office of Institutional Advancement is comprised of six distinct departments, each with a vital function in carrying out the office’s mission and purpose. They include Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Conference Services, Frontline Fundraising, and Marketing & Communications. Together, the office is responsible for all of Virginia State University’s philanthropic fundraising support.

Advancement staff

Dr. Willis Walter
Interim Vice President for External Relations and Dean of the College of Education
wwalter@vsu.edu

Jan Smith
Fiscal Assistant
jcsmith@vsu.edu

Chris Bennardo
Database Manager
cbennardo@vsu.edu

Susan Moening
Director of Advancement Services
smoening@vsu.edu

David Carter
Administrative Assistant
dacarter@vsu.edu

Dr. Marques J. Wilkes
Philanthropy Officer
MWilkes@vsu.edu

Elliott F. Bell
Philanthropy Officer
ebell@vsu.edu

Franklin Johnson-Norwood, MBA
Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Advancement Services
fhjohnson@vsu.edu

Eldon Burton
Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives and Associate Vice President for Government Relations
eburton@vsu.edu

 

Contact Us

Box 9027
Storum Hall
1 Hayden Drive
Virginia State University, VA 23806
(804) 524-5045
giving@vsu.edu