More News and Headlines
VSU Spring 2022 COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies
Virginia State University continues to monitor the trend in data regarding the spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant. VSU remains committed to the health and wellness of our university community. Currently, full vaccination combined with the booster is the most effective strategy available to reduce the spread of the virus and provide safety to those around you. Therefore, full COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots will be required for all students, faculty and staff for the Spring 2022 Semester.
VSU Administration Purchases Bicycles for Petersburg Youth
Each member of the Virginia State University administration purchased a bicycle for distribution to a Petersburg child as part of a “VSU Gives Back” holiday initiative. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the administration and other VSU employees collected and donated more than 30 bicycles.
72-Year Old is Inaugural Graduate of VSU First Fully Online Program
Virginia State University is pleased to celebrate the inaugural graduate of the University’s first fully online program. VSU will award 72-year-old Sonia Jackson a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on Saturday, December 18, 2021.
A Tragic Loss for Our Trojan Community
We are devastated and deeply saddened by the news of our fallen Trojan. It is most difficult and painful to have such a young life cut short as a result of gun violence. This is a tragedy in every sense of the word. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends, and our entire Trojan community.
VSU Announces Fall 2021 Commencement Speaker
Virginia State University has announced that VSU Alumnus, Hampton University President, and Businessman, Dr. William R. Harvey will serve as the fall 2021 VSU Commencement speaker.
VSU Partners with FBI Richmond for Collegiate Mentoring Academy
Virginia State University is pleased to announce the inaugural graduating class of the FBI Richmond and VSU Collegiate Academy. Today’s graduation ceremony was the culmination of a partnership between the VSU Sociology and Criminal Justice Department and the FBI Richmond Division. The FBI Richmond and VSU Collegiate Academy offers unique mentoring and outreach opportunities that benefit students by introducing them to FBI work, experiences, and career opportunities.
VSU Board of Visitors Committee and Full Board Meetings
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University will hold meetings on Thursday-Friday, November 18-19, 2021 at the Gateway Dining and Event Center on the VSU Campus. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at the meetings.
Scholarship for VSU Engineering Students Established in Honor of VSU Alumna, Dr. Gladys West
Technology Company, Trimble (NASDAQ TRMB) announced a scholarship program to honor distinguished VSU Alumna, Dr. Gladys West. Dr. West is a pioneer in mathematics, minority advancement and the advent of the Global Positioning System (GPS) one of our most widely used innovations throughout the world.
VSU Offers Virginia’s First and Only Program which Supports the Military Community by Providing Certification in Military Culture
Virginia State University has announced the establishment of Virginia’s first and only military cultural competency training certification program offered at a university. The online Homefront Readjustment for the Armed Forces certificate program is designed to teach students how to interact with active duty service members, veterans, and their families with consideration for military culture and sensitivities. In the program, participants learn to identify and facilitate access to essential services and resources, social support, case management, care coordination, and advocacy options for the military community.
VSU Reports Largest Enrollment Increase in a Decade, Despite National Trends of Declining Enrollment
Despite national trends of declining university enrollments, Virginia State University is reporting the largest year-to-year increase in retention and enrollment in more than a decade.
VSU and VCU Cancer Center form Partnership to Address Cancer Disparities
Virginia State University and Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center are partnering together to use a prestigious team science grant to create a program that’s the first-of-its-kind in the state of Virginia. The $1.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute will be dispersed over a four-year period and will focus on reducing cancer disparities and providing hands-on research opportunities to students who are historically underrepresented in science.
VSU and the Home Depot Partner together to Support Health and Fitness
Virginia State University has partnered with The Home Depot to create a new outdoor fitness park on the VSU campus. Earlier this year, Virginia State University was selected as one of 30 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) nationwide to win the Home Depot Retool Your School contest after receiving a high number of votes from students, alumni, and advocates.
Grammy Award Winning Record Executive and Film Producer Joins VSU Staff
Virginia State University has announced that Grammy Award Winning Record Executive, Film and TV Music Supervisor and Film Producer, Mr. Amir Windom will join the VSU staff for the 2021-22 academic year. Windom will be on campus as part of the Provost’s Lecture Series as Executive Speaker in Residence.
VSU to Convene Scholars from Around the World for The James Arthur Baldwin International Symposium
The Office of Academic Affairs, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Honors Program at Virginia State University – a storied HBCU – will host the Inaugural James Arthur Baldwin International Symposium (JABIS), November 5 – 6, 2021, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. “The Essential James Baldwin: The 21st Century and Beyond, At Home and Abroad” is the theme of the web-based research and artistic forum that will showcase scholars and artists from North America, Europe, Africa, and the British North Atlantic archipelago of Bermuda. Several surviving artists of the Black Arts Movement (BAM) will be highlighted discussants. Registration is required.
VSU Spearheads $9M Effort to Study Link Between Stem Education/Careers and Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Virginia State University is pleased to announce a partnership to study best practices that impact STEM persistence and retention at Historically Black Colleges and Universities HBCUs. This collaborative work is being performed by the HBCU STEM Undergraduate Success Research Center, an initiative designed to tell the story behind the disproportionate number of HBCU students who go on to receive terminal degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
VSU to Require Proof of Vaccination for All Athletic Events
Virginia State University has announced new guidelines that will require all guests at Rogers Stadium and other campus athletic events to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before entry. The new guideline is effective immediately and is part of an effort to help safeguard the health and wellness of the general VSU community and campus visitors. In addition, it aligns with the campus-wide requirement that all faculty, staff, and students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
VSU Cancels Classes for a Day to Address COVID-19 Mental Fatigue
Virginia State University is designating Tuesday, September 28, 2021, a Trojan Wellness Day. The goal is to mitigate the increased loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression, in part caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To foster physical and emotional well-being, the VSU Health and Wellness Center, Student Government Association, Faculty and Staff Senate, and the Administration are committing the day to wellness.
Virginia State University to Receive Portion of $1 Million Donation
Virginia State University has received a portion of a $1 million donation and a commitment for a yearly gift from an online gaming company and its equity partner. VSU is one of five HBCUs presented with the first of an expected annual investment by Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) and the Virginia Sports and Technology Group (VSTG).
Winning VSU Coach Lonnie Blow to Remain at VSU
Virginia State University is proud to announce that Trojans’ head men’s basketball coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. has signed an extended contract with the University and will remain as head coach through 2023.
Virginia State University to Use Funds from Anonymous Donor to Match Giving During Six Week Giving Challenge
Virginia State University has announced that it will use an undisclosed financial gift from an anonymous donor to multiply the University’s fundraising over the next six weeks. In an unprecedented move, VSU announced that all alumni, faculty, and staff gifts to the university will be doubled or tripled through a matching gift from an anonymous donor beginning Friday, September 17- October 28.
Virginia State University Ranks Among Top HBCUs Nationwide
Virginia State University is ranked among the best universities in the country, according to numerous national educational reports. According to U.S. News and World Report, VSU places in the top 30 in the category of Best Overall HBCUs for 2022.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University will hold its meetings on Thursday-Friday, September 16-17, 2021. The meetings will be held at the Welcome Center in the VSU Multipurpose Center located at 20809 Second Avenue. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at the meetings.
VSU President and Other 1890 University Leaders Submit Letter to Congress
The 19 Presidents, Chancellors and Leaders of the 1890 Universities are calling on Congress to include the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education (IGNITE) for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Excellence Act sponsored by U.S. Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and French Hill (R-AR) and U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tim Scott (R-SC).
VSU Honors Former Military Professor with Room Named in His Honor
Virginia State University officially named a room in Jesse Bolling Hall, the University’s ROTC building, in honor of Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Jona McKee. The VSU alumnus, military graduate, and former professor was honored for his years of service to both Virginia State University and our country.
VSU Receives $430,000 dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse
Virginia State University’s Larry Keen has received a 3-year, $430,000 dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse to study the relationship between cannabis use and heart rate variability in students at Virginia State University.
VSU Partners with Apple in $30M Racial Equity and Justice Initiative
Virginia State University has announced an initiative that makes the University a Community Center for Coding and Creativity. The program is a part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative and Tennessee State University’s HBCU C2. The innovative teaching and learning initiative is designed to empower Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to expand technology and creativity experiences within their institutions and broader communities.
VSU Announces the Nation’s First HBCU Center for Policing Leadership and Social Justice
Virginia State University has established the nation’s first HBCU Center for Policing Leadership and Social Justice. The newly established initiative, known as The Center, will further allow VSU and the surrounding communities to address the critical divide between law enforcement and communities of color.
VSU Receives $500K Grant to Restore Newly Named Historic Building
Greetings Trojan Family, We are pleased to share that the National Park Service has awarded Virginia State University a $500 thousand grant as part of a restoration grant project to assist with the preservation of historic buildings on HBCU campuses.
VSU will Now Require all Faculty, Staff, and Students to be Vaccinated for COVID-19
Virginia State University will now require all faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as we begin the fall 2021 semester.
Virginia State University Honors Black Women in Campus Buildings Renaming
Virginia State University has announced new names for four buildings that were previously unnamed on the VSU campus. The VSU Board of Visitors approved renaming each of the four buildings to honor Black women, all VSU alums, who have made significant contributions to Virginia State University, as it stands today.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors will hold meetings and events on Thursday-Friday, August 5-6, 2021. At 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 5th, the Board will hold a New Board Member Orientation Session at the Gateway Dining and Event Center. No Board actions will be taken at the session. A brief Meet and Greet for Board members is planned at the Gateway from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.; and at 1:30 p.m., the Full Board will convene in a meeting in the same location. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at the meeting.
VSU will Pay off Account Balances for All Students Enrolled During the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Period
In an effort to continue providing access to a transformative education, Virginia State University (VSU) has announced that the University will clear all unpaid tuition and fee balances for VSU students enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic impact period.
President Dr. Abdullah Appointed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Board
Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the election of VSU President, Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., as one of four new Board members for the national organization.
VSU To Return to Fully In-Person Campus Experience for Fall 2021
Virginia State University is excited to welcome students, faculty and staff back to our vibrant campus for our fully in person living, learning and working experience in fall 2021. We have spent several months working to provide a safe and welcoming campus experience filled with the energy and vibrancy that your presence brings to the VSU atmosphere.
Virginia State University Receives Major Grant to Spur Economic Development in Minority Communities
The VSU Center for Entrepreneurship in the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business and the Division of Research and Economic Development at Virginia State University have been awarded a $453,000 grant by GO Virginia, a Commonwealth of Virginia-funded program, to spur minority entrepreneurship via the creation of the "Minority Small Business Launch Center."
Virginia State University President to Testify Before Congressional Hearing on 1890 Land Grant Institutions
President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah will testify at a Congressional Hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture. Dr. Abdullah will provide testimony and answer questions from Members of the Committee regarding the hearing titled “1890 Land Grant Institutions: Investing for Agricultural Resiliency, Equity, and Global Impact”.
Two New Members Appointed to the Virginia State University Board of Visitors
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA - (Monday, June 14, 2021)- On Friday, June 11, 2021, Governor Ralph Northam announced new administration appointments including two new appointees to the Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University will hold a subcommittee meeting of its Personnel, Compensation, and Governance Committee by electronic means at 9:30 am, Friday, June 11, 2021. The subcommittee will begin in open session and immediately go into closed session. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at the meeting.
VSU Mourns Passing of VSU Foundation Board Member and Alumna LTC (Ret.) Iris Burton Bulls
Virginia State University (VSU) mourns the loss of VSU Foundation Board Member, donor, and loyal daughter of the University, LTC. (Ret.) Iris Burton Bulls. Mrs. Bulls was a member of the class of 1978 with over 42 years of dedicated federal service, all primarily in the defense community.
VSU Accepting Applications for John Mercer Langston Institute (JMLI) for African American Political Leadership
Virginia State University’s John Mercer Langston Institute (JMLI) for African American Political Leadership is accepting applications for the inaugural cohort focused on developing a pipeline of Black political leaders throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Enroll Online Courses
The Summer 2021 Trojan Advance Program is here! These select 100-200 level courses are offered ONLINE at a reduced rate of $199 for VSU students.
VSU to Honor 700 Graduates during In-Person Commencement
Virginia State University will honor 700 graduates on Sunday, May 23, 2021, as part of the University’s first face-to-face commencement ceremony since December 2019. The ceremony will recognize graduates from the classes of spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021.
150 Local High School Students Receive Offer of Free Tuition at Virginia State University
Virginia State University (VSU) announced that 150 local high school students have been accepted into VSU at no cost for TUITION as part of the new Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN). The recently announced VCAN initiative provides access for an estimated 300 students who live near the VSU campus to attend the University at no cost for tuition.
VSU to Offer Free Tuition for Qualified Area Students
In recognition of the economic challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced into families’ lives, Virginia State University today announced it will not increase tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year for new and continuing students.
Virginia State University Receives $1 Million to Train Future Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Teachers
Virginia State University has been selected by Governor Ralph Northam for a new initiative that will position the University to become a major pipeline for filling the STEM teacher shortage in Virginia.
Virginia State University and Richmond Raceway Create eSports Management Pilot Program for Students
Richmond Raceway and Virginia State University (VSU) announce a pilot program to evolve the track’s current eSports team and offer new opportunities to historically black colleges and university (HBCU) students interested in careers in sports management. Through this strategic alliance, Richmond Raceway eSports fueled by Sunoco operations will be managed in partnership with Virginia State University’s Department of Sport Management.
Virginia State University Selected as Location for Virginia’s First Televised 2021 Democratic Gubernatorial Debate
Virginia State University (VSU) will serve as the location for Virginia’s first televised 2021 Democratic Gubernatorial Debate. The face to face debate is hosted by the Democratic Party of Virginia and will take place on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 7pm on the VSU campus. Five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor will participate in the debate including: Lee Carter, Jennifer Carroll Foy, Justin Fairfax, Terry McAuliffe, and Jennifer McClellan.
The Newly Created Public Health Institute at Virginia State University Provides Mobile Units to Take Vaccinations into the Community
Virginia State University has announced an innovative new initiative that will position the University to address public health disparities within underserved communities. The newly created VSU Public Health Institute (VSUPHI) serves as a resource for marginalized communities and seeks to improve public health outcomes.
Virginia State University Textiles, Apparel Merchandising and Management (TAMM) Program Receives $25,000 Grant
Virginia State University Textiles, Apparel Merchandising and Management (TAMM) program has been awarded a $25,000 grant. The grant was awarded by Fashion Nova, an online fashion store for women. The company says it wanted to commemorate Women’s History Month by investing in an HBCU for the one-time grant.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors Committee and Full Board Meetings
This page shows details on up-and-coming Virginia State University Board of Visitors Meetings.
Virginia State University to Remove the Name From Four Campus Buildings
Virginia State University has announced that it will remove the name from four buildings on the VSU campus. The VSU Board of Visitors recently approved the removal of signs identifying Byrd Hall, Eggleston Hall, Trinkle Hall and Vawter Hall.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors Electronic Executives Committee Meeting
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors will hold its Executive Committee meeting by electronic communication, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021.
Virginia State University to Provide on Campus Facility for COVID-19 Vaccination
Virginia State University has announced a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health Crater Health District to assist with COVID-19 vaccination clinics. VSU will open its Multi-Purpose Center (MPC) beginning this Saturday, March 6, 2021 to serve as a vaccination location.
VSU President Received Prestigious Award From Howard University
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. has been selected by his alma mater, Howard University, as the 2021 recipient of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement.
VSU Ranks Among Top in the Country for Accelerating Student Learning by Diversifying the Teaching Profession
The Virginia State University (VSU) Undergraduate Elementary Teacher Preparation Program has been named among the top in the country for contributing to greater teacher diversity by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a nonpartisan, not-for-profit research and policy organization.
2020 Point of Pride
In spite of a global pandemic in 2020, Virginia State University continued to provide transformative opportunities for students and worked to remain a leader in access and opportunity. Here are a select few of our VSU Points of Pride for 2020.
VSU will not Increase Tuition for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
In recognition of the economic challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced into families’ lives, Virginia State University today announced it will not increase tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year for new and continuing students.
Black History Month Events
Virginia State University and Chesterfield County proudly presents the 32nd Black History Month Celebration. Each February, Chesterfield County and Virginia State University celebrate the month with a variety of programs designed to explore the rich, diverse heritage of African Americans and their contributions to our community and nation. Join us for virtual programs and events planned throughout the month.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors will hold committee meetings by electronic communication on Friday, February 5, 2021.
Virginia State University Board of Visitors Committee Meetings by Electronic Communication
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors will hold committee meetings by electronic communication on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
VSU Accounting Students Offering Free Tax Assistance to Local Residents
Virginia State University Accounting majors are working in cooperation with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide income tax preparation and filing assistance for 2020 tax returns to individual or joint filers in the Tri-Cities area with income below $58,000.
VSU Announces New Black Virginia Voters Poll
Virginia State University’s John Mercer Langston Institute (JMLI) for Political Leadership is conducting a Black Voter’s Survey to learn more about the attitudes and opinions of Black Voters in the Commonwealth of Virginia related to current topics and events.
VSU Invests $2.8 Million to Make COVID-19 Health and Safety Changes and Upgrades
Virginia State University has invested $2.8 million in health and safety upgrades to safely welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus.
