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After Losing His Mother At Age 7 And Contemplating Suicide, VSU Graduate Brandon Anderson Found His Purpose Helping Young Children With Depression

After Losing His Mother At Age 7 And Contemplating Suicide, VSU Graduate Brandon Anderson Found His Purpose Helping Young Children With Depression

35-year-old Anderson has a 4.0 GPA and will be among the 280 students graduating from VSU at 2023 Fall Commencement. Continue reading

VSU Gospel Chorale To Perform At The Vatican As Part Of European Tour

This December, the university's acclaimed Gospel Chorale will perform at renowned venues across Europe. Continue reading

VSU Marching Band Named Best Division II HBCU Band In The Country

VSU Marching Band Named Best Division II HBCU Band In The Country

The Trojan Explosion Marching Band will compete against Florida Memorial for ESPN’s HBCU Band of the Year in the Division II/NAIA category. Continue reading

VSU To Partner With Dominion Energy In Cutting-Edge Energy Storage Project

The project will provide emergency backup power to the Multi-Purpose Center and serve as a teaching tool for students pursuing careers in the energy sector. Continue reading

VSU Announces Fall 2023 Commencement Speaker

VSU Announces Fall 2023 Commencement Speaker

The University will welcome esteemed Delegate and Pastor Luke Torian to address its fall 2023 graduates. Continue reading

Virginia State University Makes History As The First HBCU In The Country Selected To Host A General Election Presidential Debate

VSU has been chosen by the Commission on Presidential Debates to host a 2024 Presidential Debate. Continue reading

VSU Alum, General (Ret) Dennis L. Via Appointed To The VSU Board Of Visitors

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced on Friday the appointment of retired Army General Dennis L. Via to the Virginia State University Board of Visitors. Continue reading

Arrest Made In The Shooting Of VSU Officer Bruce Foster

On behalf of the leadership of Virginia State University and the entire Trojan Family, we extend our gratitude to all law enforcement officials who were instrumental in the arrest of a suspect in the shooting of our VSU Police Officer, Bruce Foster. Continue reading

VSU President Responds To Shooting Of VSU Police Officer Bruce Foster

Officer Bruce Foster is listed in stable condition at a local hospital following an on-campus shooting early Sunday morning. Continue reading

VSU Police Officer Injured In Shooting Near Campus

The investigation continues as the suspect remains at large. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for November 14th - 15th, 2023

Members of the Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will attend the annual SCHEV Board Member Orientation on November 14-15, 2023, at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Continue reading

Virginia State University Now Offers Campus Housing To Young Children Whose Parents Are VSU Students.

The new initiative supports VSU’s ongoing commitment to ensuring student parents have the resources to succeed academically while providing for their families. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for November 16th - 17th, 2023

The Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will meet Thursday-Friday, November 16-17, 2023, in the Gateway Dining & Events Center located on the campus at 2804 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Continue reading

VSU Students Selected To Participate In A NASA Competition

The VSU Trojan Takeoff Team will design, build, and launch a high-powered rocket as part of the national competition. Continue reading

Virginia State University Announces Marshals For 2023 Homecoming Parade

Two accomplished Congresswomen with VSU ties will co-lead the university's annual Homecoming Parade. Continue reading

Virginia State University To Receive $1 Million Donation From Thompson Hospitality

VSU will honor the donation by renaming its Hospitality Department "the Fred & Ruby Thompson Hospitality Department." Continue reading

VSU Marching Band Ranks Third In The Nation According to ESPN Rankings

The Trojan Explosion hopes to be named the ESPN HBCU Band of the Year in December. Continue reading

VSU Calls For Immediate Action Following Racial Incident At Women's Soccer Game

The University requests that fans be held accountable for using racial slurs against the VSU Women's Soccer Team during a game at Guilford College. Continue reading

Virginia State University Named A Prestigious Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader

VSU recognized for honoring commitment to internationalization and providing students and faculty with transformative educational experiences. Continue reading

ESPN To Record "Black College Live" Show On The Campus Of Virginia State University

ESPN's decision to choose VSU as a recording venue underscores the university's growing status as one of the premier HBCUs in the nation. Continue reading

VSU Announces Completion of New State-of-the-Art Research and Administration Building For College Of Agriculture

The New MT Carter Annex will be a cutting-edge research and administration building for VSU's College of Agriculture. Continue reading

Area Bridge Closure To Impact VSU Homecoming Events And Traffic Flow To Campus

Homecoming Celebration October 8-14, 2023, to include reduced campus access points and alternate parade route. Continue reading

VSU President Responds To Recent Tragedies

The tragedies that claimed the lives of two of our Trojans over the past few weeks have left many of us processing an abundance of emotions. The deaths of Matthew Gibbs and Adrionna West deeply impacted our Trojan community. While these deaths did not happen on our campus, we are no less saddened and angered by the senseless gun violence that stole two promising young scholars who were also members of our Trojan family. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for September 14-15, 2023

The Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will meet Thursday-Friday, September 14-15, 2023, in the Gateway Dining and Events Center located on the campus at 2804 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Continue reading

VSU Institutes Clear Bag Policy For Home Football Games

Attention Trojans, for your safety, VSU has instituted a clear bag policy for home football games at Rogers Stadium. Continue reading

Virginia State University to Address the Petersburg Teacher Shortage

The Virginia State University College of Education has announced a new teacher residency program to help with Petersburg's teacher shortage and provide future educators with an immersive educational experience.  Continue reading

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan Visits VSU Center For Entrepreneurship

Virginia State University welcomed Congresswoman and Petersburg native Jennifer McClellan to campus on Wednesday, August 30, as part of its Black Business Month celebration. Continue reading

VSU Partners With Amazon, The World's Largest Online Retailer, To Offer Affordable Education

Virginia State University has announced that it has partnered with Amazon's Career Choice program, which allows employees to further their education and advance their careers. The program offers prepaid tuition and reimbursement for books and fees to hourly employees at Amazon who wish to pursue coursework at VSU. Continue reading

Let's Hear It For The Band: VSU Marching Band To Be Featured On National Television

The Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band continues to get national recognition. The Band will be featured on Fox Sports during the upcoming college football season. Continue reading

VSU Becomes the First University in Virginia to Upgrade to the Largest Superior WI-FI 6E Technology

New Wi-Fi 6E and future 5G network upgrades will dramatically improve the internet and cellular capabilities of VSU and surrounding communities. Continue reading

VSU Implements an Innovative New Approach to Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal

Virginia State University has taken another step toward going green and expanding its effort for a cleaner campus. Fifty new solar-powered trash compactors have been placed around campus ahead of the 2023 fall semester. Each unit can compact up to 150 gallons of trash, five times the capacity of current waste receptacles.  Continue reading

Every Student Who Has Submitted a VSU Housing Application will Receive a Housing Assignment

We are thrilled to welcome more than 1500 new students to our Trojan Family this semester. This is evidence that the word is spreading that Greater Happens Here. At VSU, we aim to offer a transformative education to anyone who desires our unmatched VSU experience. That goal comes with its share of growth challenges. We believe that VSU's growth and the opportunity to educate more students are worth these temporary challenges. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Retreat Notice for August 2-4, 2023

The Virginia State University Board of Visitors will hold its annual retreat on August 3-4, 2023 at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel located at 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Continue reading

VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah Responds to Supreme Court Ruling

We are aware of and stand with the wide range of voices who regret today's Supreme Court ruling, which will impact the college enrollment of black and other minority students by potentially ending the consideration of race as one of many factors in deciding admissions. Continue reading

VSU Is Recognized For Its Outstanding Support Of First Generation College Students

The University has been selected to participate in the First Scholars Network, which provides additional support and resources to advance student success at institutions of higher education. Continue reading

VSU Computer Science Program Earns The Prestigious Title Of National Center Of Academic Excellence In Cyber Defense

The Virginia State University Computer Science program has received the prestigious designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). Continue reading

VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band Enters A Historic Partnership With Renowned Musical Instrument Manufacturer Pearl Corporation

Virginia State University has announced the VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band and VSU Percussion Studio has formally entered into a partnership with renowned musical instrument manufacturer Pearl Corporation. Continue reading

Virginia State University To Provide Additional Student Housing On Campus For Fall 2023

Virginia State University will join universities nationwide in providing a creative temporary solution to the campus housing crisis. Continue reading

Virginia State University To Receive A Portion Of $10.35 Million From The Historic Fund

The Historic Fund, a new venture capital fund, has announced that Virginia State University is a HBCU partner supported in the inaugural $10.35 million-dollar fund. Continue reading

VSU English Professor Is The First To Purchase A Home Through The Newly Created VSU Housing Assistance Payment Initiative (HAPI)

A Virginia State University professor is the first VSU employee to purchase a home using the University's new Housing Assistance Payment Initiative (HAPI). Continue reading

VSU Fraternity Brothers Honor The Legacy Of Their Classmate Who Died Fighting For Our Country More Than 50 Years Ago

On this Memorial Day, Virginia State University is proud to spotlight the work of a group of fraternity brothers who continue to honor the legacy of their VSU classmate who gave his life fighting for our country more than 50 years ago. Continue reading

For The First Time In Its History, VSU Names Two Female Students, Both STEM Majors, As Co-Valedictorians

For The First Time In Its History, VSU Names Two Female Students, Both STEM Majors, As Co-Valedictorians

Virginia State University has recognized Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport as Class of 2023 Co-Valedictorian. This is the first time in university history that two females, both STEM majors, have received this academic honor. Continue reading

VSU Small Farm Outreach Program Awarded Over $3.9 Million in Grants and Subawards

SFOP provides outreach and learning opportunities to small-scale farmers about production management, financial and risk management, marketing, USDA assistance programs and other topics designed to improve farm profitability and promote sustainability. Continue reading

Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss Fund the Digitization of the Virginia Interscholastic Association Archives at Virginia State University

Professional tennis legends Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss have made a generous donation to process, digitize, and catalog the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA) archives, which are housed on the campus of Virginia State University. Continue reading

VSU Student Returns To The University To Graduate Nearly 30 Years After Beginning His College Career

On Saturday, May 13th, Virginia State University will award degrees to nearly 600 students-among those students is Garry Smalley whose story is a testimony of the Greater at VSU. Continue reading

VSU Student Who Battled Cancer While Working Toward Her Degree Will Graduate On Saturday

On Saturday, May 13th, Virginia State University will award degrees to nearly 600 students—among those students is Elianna Benavidez, whose story is a testimony of the Greater at VSU. Continue reading

VSU Professor Travels To Ghana To Teach After Being Selected As A Fulbright Scholar

Virginia State University is pleased to announce that VSU professor Dr. Karl Jackson has been named a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Jackson received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award from the U. S. Department of State to travel to Ghana for the 2023-2024 academic year. Continue reading

VSU To Host The Leadership From The Only Engineering University Located In The Republic Of Moldova

Virginia State University is excited to welcome the Rector and President of the only higher education institution for engineering in Moldova, an Eastern European country and former Soviet republic. Continue reading

VSU To Host Public Health Forum To Address Health Disparities In Underserved Communities

The Virginia State University Public Health Institute (PHI) will host its second annual public health forum entitled “The Reality of Wellness: Navigating New Norms” on Thursday, April 27th at 9:00 am at Gateway Dining and Events Center. Continue reading

VSU Names New Director Of The Award-winning Trojan Explosion Marching And Pep Bands

Virginia State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Taylor Whitehead as the VSU Director of Marching and Pep Bands. Dr. Whitehead served as the VSU Assistant Band Director from 2013 until he was named Interim Band Director in 2022. Continue reading

VSU Announces Spring 2023 Commencement Speaker

Virginia State University is pleased to announce that the City Manager of Stockton, CA, and VSU alumnus, Mr. Harry Black will serve as the spring 2023 commencement speaker. Continue reading

Virginia State University Celebrates All-Steinway School Status

Virginia State University has officially been recognized as an All-Steinway School, making it one of only five Historically Black Colleges and Universities to attain this prestigious status. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for April 20-21, 2023

The Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will meet Thursday-Friday, April 20-21, 2023, in the Gateway Dining and Events Center located on the campus at 2804 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Continue reading

Virginia State University Alumnus Charles Hamilton Promoted To 4-star General

Virginia State University Alumnus Charles Hamilton was promoted to 4-Star General. He is the second VSU alumnus to achieve this prestigious rank which is the highest in the U.S. Army. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for March 21, 2023

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 10 am, the Executive Committee of the Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors will meet to consider the proposed mandatory fee increase. The meeting will take place in room 310 of Virginia Hall. Continue reading

VSU Awarded $5 Million to Support the University's Broadband Infrastructure

VSU has been awarded a significant grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration to support the university's broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion on the campus and in the surrounding anchor community.  Continue reading

VSU Marching Band Makes History With An Unprecedented Invitation To Perform At The White House

On February 26, 2023, the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band made history when they performed as part of the White House Black History Month Program. The VSU band provided the musical backdrop as guests arrived for the annual event. Continue reading

Virginia State University To Host National Leaders To Discuss Criminal Justice Reform

Virginia State University has partnered with entertainment and business leaders to bring attention to the importance of criminal justice reform and advocacy. REFORM Alliance, founded by recording artist Meek Mill and others, will convene VSU students and local leaders and engage them on this critical issue. Continue reading

Virginia State University Receives A Quarter Of Million Dollars From Sentara Healthcare

Virginia State University has received a quarter of a million dollars from Sentara Healthcare to fund the Sentara Scholars program at VSU. The scholarship program is designed to assist students interested in healthcare or healthcare-related fields. Continue reading

Research By VSU Professor Suggests  That Addressing Social Isolation May Be Vital To Preventing Mass Shootings.

Research by Virginia State University Psychology Professor Dr. Samuel West (pictured) has identified social isolation as the most critical external indicator leading up to mass shootings. The analysis of 177 mass shooters suggests that social isolation is an ideal candidate for acquaintances and communities of would-be shooters to intervene. Continue reading

VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band To Perform At The 2023 Honda Battle Of The Bands

Virginia State University has been selected as one of six HBCU bands to perform at the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB). The VSU Trojan Explosion will compete in the highly regarded event on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Alabama State University in Montgomery. As a selected university, VSU will receive a $50,000 grant from Honda to support VSU music education programs. Continue reading

Virginia State University Now Accepting Applications For Free Tuition For Local Students For The 2023-2024 School Year

Virginia State University leads the Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) initiative and provides access to hundreds of Pell-eligible students with free-tuition. This opportunity is for students who graduate from a high school within 45 miles of the campus (Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie County, Henrico County, Hopewell City, Petersburg City, Prince George County, and Richmond City) and desire access to a University that can provide a quality education and experience. Continue reading

VSU Statement on the Murder of Tyre Nichols

Tonight, we brace ourselves for the release of the video vividly chronicling the murder by cop of 28-year-old Tyre Nichols. Mr. Nichols was brutally beaten by members of the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department during a violent arrest following a traffic stop. He was hospitalized and died a few days later. Continue reading

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 the Special Topics Service-Learning course in the VSU Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLCB), students will provide tax preparation and filing assistance to Tri-Cities residents. Continue reading

VSU Offers Employees Funding to Purchase a Home

The VSU “Home Assistance Payment Initiative,” or VSU-HAPI, is a first-of-its-kind and innovative program designed to attract and retain highly qualified employees and improve the economies of local communities. Continue reading

VSU to Receive $2.2m to Further Improve Campus High-speed Internet

Virginia State University will receive $2.2M in federal funding for the VSU Broadband Improvement Project. This project will further improve broadband access and reliability on the Virginia State University campus to ensure equitable and quality internet access for student success. Continue reading

Board of Visitors Meeting Notice for January 20, 2023

The Board's Audit and Compliance Committee will meet at 11:30 a.m., Friday, January 20th. The meeting will be held in the President’s Conference Room, room 310 in Virginia Hall located at One Hayden Drive on the campus of Virginia State University. Continue reading

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