Virginia State University Welcomes Three New Members To Board Of Visitors

Virginia State University is proud to announce that Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed three new members and reappointed two members to its Board of Visitors. The Governor's latest appointments to the VSU Board of Visitors are:

  • M. Peter McPherson of Arlington, President Emeritus, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities; President Emeritus, Michigan State University
  • Verndell Robinson of Prince William County, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker
  • Robert Thompson of Chesterfield, Multi-Unit Franchisee Eggs Up Grill

Youngkin also reappointed Robert E. Denton, Jr. and retired Army General Dennis L. Via. Denton, the Founding Director of the School of Communications and Professor Emeritus of Communication at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, was first appointed in 2022 to fill the unexpired term of the late Jay Stegmaier. Via was reappointed after replacing Christine M. Darden in November of 2023. Via is an executive vice president with Booz Allen Hamilton.

"We proudly welcome the new appointees and reappointees to our Board of Visitors. Their diverse expertise and leadership will undoubtedly enrich our strategic initiatives and further our commitment to excellence in higher education," stated VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. "I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our Board to enhance our University and deliver a transformative educational experience for our students. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude for the service, support and commitment of each of the Visitors who are transitioning off the Board: Mr. William Murray, Ms. Pamela Currey, and Ms. Shavonne Gordon."

The VSU Board of Visitors is responsible for the management of funds and approval of an annual budget, as well as controlling and expending the funds of the University that relate to appropriations, appointing the University President, setting student tuition, mandatory fees and other necessary charges, and oversight of University affairs.

The 15-member Board of Visitors assembles on campus for quarterly scheduled meetings to discuss strategic planning and budgeting, student and academic affairs, endowment management, resources and governance, auditing, and facilities management. The new VSU Board members began their terms on July 1, 2024.