Message from the Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at Virginia State University!

The Department of Chemistry is a small but fast growing department and as a chemistry major, a student  will experience enormous interaction with not only his/her peer but also with the departmental faculty who take pride in nurturing, and mentoring their students.

As Chair and a proud VSU alumnus, I am especially honored to lead the department that helped shape my own journey as a scientist and educator.

Our department offers a range of pathways, including Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy, and Chemical Engineering, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for success in graduate school, industry, healthcare, and government.

Our faculty are engaged in innovative research spanning materials chemistry, cancer-related applications, nuclear chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical education, and biochemistry. Students have opportunities to participate in meaningful research while developing the problem-solving and analytical skills that define successful scientists.

We are equally committed to student success. Through mentoring, enrichment programs, and a supportive learning community, we strive to help every student build confidence, develop a strong scientific identity, and achieve their goals.

Whether you are exploring VSU for the first time, continuing your studies, or reconnecting as an alumnus, I invite you to discover all that our department has to offer. We look forward to helping you become part of the next generation of chemistry leaders.

Warm regards,

Dr. Karl Jackson

Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry
Virginia State University