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VSU Student Emigrates From Nigeria And Overcomes Burn Injury To Graduate With 4.0 GPA
29-year-old Mofolake Odubonojo is one of nearly 300 graduates who will receive a degree from Virginia State University on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Ms. Odubonojo will graduate from the VSU College of Humanities and Social Sciences with an impressive 4.0 grade point average.
VSU Announces The Center For Biotechnology, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
Virginia State University (VSU) is excited to announce the establishment of the VSU Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Bioinformatics (VSU CeBiGeBi). The VSU CeBiGeBi, believed to be unique among HBCUs nationwide, will be a hub for interdisciplinary education and research on the VSU campus.
VSU Announces Fall 2022 Commencement Speaker
Virginia State University is pleased to announce that Mr. Thomas L. Ransom will serve as the fall 2022 commencement speaker. Mr. Ransom currently serves as the President of the Virginia Region at Truist Financial, where he integrates and brings the full set of Truist Financial solutions to the market.
Virginia State University Hosts a Federal Naturalization Ceremony
On Monday, November 14, 2022, Virginia State University hosted a Naturalization Ceremony on campus for 73 candidates to become sworn citizens of the United States of America. This is the first time a Naturalization Ceremony has been held at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for November 17-18, 2022
The Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will meet on Thursday-Friday, November 17-18, 2022 in the Gateway Dining and Events Center located on the campus at 2804 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
VSU Dean Of The College Of Natural And Health Sciences Appointed To White House Board
Today, U.S. President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint the VSU Dean, Dr. Derrick Scott, to the National Board of Education Sciences. Dr. Scott, a VSU alum, is the Dean of the VSU College of Natural and Health Sciences.
Virginia State University Awarded A $1.14m Grant To Study Soybean Genetics
The research will help identify the genes responsible for increased nutritional value in soybeans and edamame and will have broad positive effects. Virginia State University has been awarded a grant totaling more than $1.1 million to study soybean genetics.
VSU Breaks 30-year Record For Enrollment Of New Students
As colleges across the nation continue to experience a decline in undergraduate enrollment, Virginia State University is recording its second straight year of record-high numbers. The fall 2022-23 incoming class is the University’s largest incoming class of new students in more than three decades.
VSU Hospitality Management Department Is Certified Among The Best Internationally
Virginia State University is excited to announce that the VSU Hospitality Management Department is among the best programs of its kind. The accrediting agency for the department, the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), has been formally recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Annual VSU Homecoming Parade to Return After 2-year Hiatus
Virginia State University is excited to announce the return of the annual VSU Homecoming Parade. The yearly tradition has been canceled for the past two years due to COVID-19.
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for October 18-19, 2022
Members of the VSU Board of Visitors will attend the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Orientation Session on Tuesday-Wednesday, October 18-19th from 8 am to 5 pm at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Drive, Richmond VA 23228.
VSU Receives a $1.4 Million Grant for Enrolled Students Who Need Financial Assistance with Childcare
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine have announced that Virginia State University will receive $1.45 million to assist student-parents (students who are also parents) with childcare costs.
VSU Board Member honored with 2022 Carnegie Mellon Alumni Award
Member of the VSU Board of Visitors, Leonard L. Haynes, III, has been named one of the recipients of the 2022 Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Award.
Virginia State University Named Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader
Virginia State University has been named a 2022 Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader. Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders have demonstrated noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years and have promoted Fulbright program opportunities on campus. This is Virginia State University’s first recognition under this new initiative.
Virginia State University Ranks Among Top HBCUs Nationwide
Washington Monthly Magazine ranks VSU as the top HBCU in Virginia and in the top 12% of all Bang-for-your-Buck institutions in the southeast region of the United States.
September Board of Visitors Meetings
The Virginia State University Board of Visitors will meet on Thursday-Friday, September 15-16, 2022 in the Gateway Dining and Events Center located on the campus at 2804 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The Board will also host its annual Recognition Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 15th to recognize former board members whose terms ended June 30, 2022. A reception will be held from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Gateway Dining and Events Center.
VSU Partners to Win a Portion of $1 Billion Grant Challenge to Boost Virginia's Pharmaceutical Industry
Virginia State University, in collaboration with several strategic partners, submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) to establish an advanced pharmaceutical cluster in Central Virginia.
VSU Joins Initiative Offering Alternative To Federal Student Loans
Virginia State University is among 34 institutions that will participate in a program that has the potential to impact college debt for thousands of students. Student Freedom Initiative has announced that Virginia State University will join their Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) that offer an income contingent alternative to federal Parent PLUS loans.
Virginia State University To Receive Portion Of $1 Million Health Innovation And Research Grant
VSU is one of five HBCUs awarded $200K to support health-related and STEM field projects.
Letter from President Makola M. Abdullah: Student Loan Forgiveness Relief Plan
President Biden announced the most comprehensive, far-reaching student loan debt relief plan in American history. The newly announced three-part plan delivers on President Biden’s promise to cancel $10,000 of student debt for low- to middle-income borrowers.
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for August 4-5, 2022
The Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will meet on Thursday-Friday, August 4-5, 2022 in the Gateway Dining and Events Center located on the campus at 2804 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
VSU Graduate Program To Address Richmond And Petersburg Teacher Shortage
The Virginia State University College of Education has announced an innovative program which will enhance the experience of future teachers serving Richmond and Petersburg, while earning a Teacher License and Masters degree “free” of charge.
VSU To Receive A Half Million Dollars From Relative Of University Trailblazer
Virginia State University will receive a $500,000 gift from Dr. Audrey Shields Penn, 88, in honor of her aunt and VSU trailblazer, Ms. Otelia Roberta Shields Howard.
Incoming VSU Baseball Player Shares Story of Resilience Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Incoming freshman and VSU commit, Alexander Dayle, who has fought to overcome a traumatic brain injury, will join the Virginia State University Men’s Baseball Team for fall 2022.
President To Remain At Virginia State University Through The End Of The Decade
The Virginia State University Board of Visitors has voted unanimously to extend the contract of VSU President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. The new contract will extend the President’s tenure through the year 2029 by adding five additional years to his current agreement with the University.
Virginia State University Students Receive National Leadership Awards
Ten VSU students participated in the Future Business Leaders of America; Phi Beta Lambda, National Leadership Conference, representing the VSU Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. From June 24-28, 2022, the students participated in nine business disciplines and won between 4th and 9th place amongst business school participants nationwide.
New Members Appointed To The Virginia State University Board Of Visitors
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced new administration appointments including five new appointees and one reappointment to the Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors.
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for June 17, 2022
The Board of Visitors will hold committee meetings on Friday, June 17, 2022, in Room 310 Virginia Hall located at One Hayden Drive on the campus of Virginia State University. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at these meetings.
VSU Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging named Top International Voice for LGBTQ+ Community
The Virginia State University Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging has been named one of the Top Ten Voices: LGBTQIA+ in the U.S. and Canada.
VSU to Participate in the Big Homecoming Music and Culture Festival
Virginia State University will participate in the nation's newest premier music and culture festival. The festival dubbed The Big Homecoming will debut in Atlanta, GA on June 17-18, 2022.
VSU Announces New Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Virginia State University and the Department of Athletics named Nadine Domond the sixth Head Women's Basketball Coach on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
A First-of-its-Kind VSU Institute For Political Training Now Accepting Applications To Train Future Black Political Leaders.
The Virginia State University John Mercer Langston Institute (JMLI) for African American Political Leadership is accepting applications for the country’s next generation of black political leaders.
VSU Offering Parents an Educational and Inclusive Summer Option for School Aged Children
Virginia State University is offering area parents ten educational options for school aged students during the summer 2022 academic break. The VSU Summer Camp Series offers options for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The camps are hosted by Virginia State University faculty and staff.
VSU 2022 Graduate and Richmond Native Who Battled Homelessness and Abuse Now Headed For Ivy League Degree
26-year-old Kyle Jacobs is one of 527 graduates who will receive a degree from VSU on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Jacobs, a graduate of the VSU College of Agriculture and a member of the Honors College, says the journey to his degree included obstacles such as homelessness, foster care, and abuse. This fall, he will pursue a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management from Columbia University in New York City on a full scholarship.
VSU Enjoys First Fully In-Person Intake Season of the Divine Nine Since 2019
The VSU National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations initiated nearly 150 new members into their Divine Nine fraternities and sororities for the 2021-2022 academic school year. This is first fully in-person intake season since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began. All nine chapters completed a safe and successful intake process.
VSU Commits to Monumental Message of Positivity Inspired by Mural in Nation’s Capital
Virginia State University has unveiled the University's new “Greater Happen Here” mural, inspired by the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural in Washington, D.C. The VSU mural was completed this week on University Avenue in front of the Foster Hall Student Union.
VSU Spring 2022 Commencement Speaker, Dr. Khaalida Forbes
Virginia State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Khaalida Forbes, therapist, entrepreneur, conference speaker, VSU alumna, and mental health advocate will serve as the Spring 2022 VSU Commencement speaker.
Central Virginia's Two HBCU's Partner For an In-Depth Intellectual Discussion on Hip-Hop
Virginia State University is pleased to announce a partnership with Virginia Union University for an in-depth intellectual discussion on hip-hop. The Institute of Hip-Hop and Cultural Studies is a course currently being developed at Virginia State University. The virtual symposium is the inaugural event of several joint VSU and VUU collegiate Hip-Hop Studies initiatives.
VSU Breaks Ground on $120M Academic Building; Largest Building Ever Constructed on the VSU Campus
Virginia State University is pleased to announce a groundbreaking for what will be the largest building ever constructed on the VSU campus. The $120M Academic Commons building will replace a demolished academic building and the campus gymnasium. As a strategic investment, the Academic Commons will consolidate the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Education into one complex.
The Pharma Cluster Coalition: Alliance for Building Better Medicine
Virginia State University in collaboration with several strategic partners including but not limited to The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), Phlow Corp., AMPAC Fine Chemicals, the cities of Petersburg and Richmond, United States Strategic Pharmaceutical Ingredient Reserve, and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) to establish an advanced pharmaceutical cluster in Central Virginia.
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice April 21-22, 2022
The Board of Visitors will hold its regularly scheduled meetings on Thursday-Friday, April 21-22, 2022, at the Gateway Dining and Event Center located at 2804 Martin Luther King Drive on the campus of Virginia State University. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at these meetings.
VSU Invests Major Resources to Address Student Mental Health
Virginia State University has incorporated a proactive approach to combatting the college student mental health crisis caused in-part by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the 2021 return to campus, VSU has improved the quality of care offered to students for the benefit of their mental health. To mitigate potentially harmful effects to VSU student population, the University has expanded psychiatric health services, offered employee mental health trainings, and restructured the University’s Health Services.
Virginia State University Continues Its Expansion of Athletic Opportunities
VSU Athletics continues to add to the institutions Greater Happens Here mantra with the addition of three sports programs. The Trojans will add women's soccer, men and women's lacrosse to their list of sponsored sports effective immediately. Men's Soccer will be added in Spring 2023.
VSU Hires the University First Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Virginia State University is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. A.C. Fowlkes as the Director of the University’s newly established Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. The office will work to promote good relations and practices toward historically marginalized populations and will work within the VSU community to support people who may be subject to discrimination.
White House Taps VSU President for Board Position
The White House has selected Virginia State University President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah to serve on the U.S. President’s Board of Advisors (PBA) on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Board is part of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
VSU Race Car to be Featured in Nascar Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway
A Virginia State University themed race car will be driven in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway on Saturday, April 2, 2022. The car will be driven by Washington D.C. native, Rajah Caruth.
VSU Receives Massive Donation from Global Fashion Designer Coach
VSU has received a massive clothing donation from the Global Fashion House COACH. The nearly two thousand units of business professional attire will support the VSU Career Readiness Program. VSU is one of six universities nationwide chosen by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to share the 11,000 units of fashion attire.
Adjustment to VSU Mask Requirements
As a result of these positive trends and based on research, the VSU COVID-19 Task Force and the VSU Administration have adjusted our VSU campus safety measures. Effective today, masks are no longer required in OUTDOOR spaces on campus.
VSU to Offer the University’s First Ever Fully Online Four-Year Degree
We are expanding our online program offerings at Virginia State University. Our new programs include a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Hospitality Management, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration and Supervision, and a Certification in Homefront Readjustment for the Armed Forces.
VSU Hosts Renowned Expert on the Life and Legacy of Malcolm X
Virginia State University is pleased to announce that one of the foremost experts on the life and legacy of Malcolm X will speak on campus as part of the Black History Month speakers series. Mr. Abdur-Rahman Muhammad will join the Provost’s Lecture Series as the Executive Speaker in Residence.
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice March 18, 2022
The Virginia State University Board of Visitors Executive Committee will meet to consider the proposed mandatory fee increase at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022. The location of the meeting has been changed from the Gateway Dining and Event Center to Room 310 in Virginia Hall, 1 Hayden Street, on the VSU campus.
VSU Accounting Students Offer Free Tax Assistance to Local Residents
Virginia State University Accounting students have partnered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide tax assistance to local residents. As part of a federal income tax course assignment in the VSU Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLCB), students will provide tax preparation and filing assistance to Tri-Cities residents.
VSU Reginald F. Lewis College of Business Reaffirmed Among the Best in the Country
Virginia State University is pleased to announce that the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business has been reaffirmed for accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, International (AACSB).
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions; FAQs
We ask that VSU students do their part and help us keep our campus safe by getting fully vaccinated and wearing masks at all times on campus. VSU will provide vaccination incentives for members of our Trojans community who join us in our efforts to ensure that our campus remains open, healthy, and safe.
COVID-19 Guidance from President Abdullah
At Virginia State University, we care about the health and safety of our Trojan family and we firmly believe in the research of medical and health professionals who advise that vaccination is the best and most effective COVID-19 related life saving measure.
VSU Selected for $2.5 Million Initiative to Drive Digital Learning Innovation
Virginia State University has been selected as one of six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country to take part in a research and design project focused on building an integrated framework for digital learning at HBCUs. The project is a first-of-its-kind $2.5 million Digital Learning Infrastructure (DLI) initiative led by Complete College America (CCA) and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Board of Visitors Meeting Notice February 3-4, 2022
The Board of Visitors will hold its regularly scheduled meetings on Thursday-Friday, February 3-4, 2022 at the Gateway Dining and Event Center located 2804 Martin Luther King Drive on the campus of Virginia State University. There will not be an opportunity for public comment at these meetings.
VSU to Return to In-Person Classes and Re-Open Athletic Events to Spectators
VSU announced that in an effort to ensure the health and safety of the University population, all classes would convert to a virtual or hyflex instruction for the first two weeks of the semester. VSU Administrators have carefully reviewed and assessed campus conditions, and are excited to welcome students back to campus for in-person and on-campus classes.
Passing of Mr. James Stegmaier
Mr. Stegmaier was an undeniable asset to the VSU Board of Visitors serving as a member and chair of the Facilities, Finance and Audit Committee and as a member of the Personnel, Compensation and Governance Committee.
Move-in Schedule Adjustments
To ensure the safety of our Trojans, University officials have made the decision to cancel Move-in for Sunday January 16, 2022. No one will be permitted to check into the Residence Halls on Sunday January 16, 2022.
Board of Visitors Public Comment Meeting Notice
The Board of Visitors will hold a public comment period on a proposed mandatory fee increase on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Gateway Dining and Event Center.
Spring 2022 Reopening
For your safety and due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, we will modify our course offering/modalities for the first two weeks of class, January 18- January 28, 2022. The two-week timeframe will allow University officials to assess data and campus conditions to make further well-informed decisions. During the first two week of classes, faculty will utilize HyFlex or fully online modalities for courses that were scheduled for in-person learning. This is a temporary change for the first two weeks of class only.
