VSU Names Dr. Tia Minnis As New Provost And Vice President For Academic Affairs
Dr. Minnis has more than 15 years of experience in higher education and has served as the University's interim provost since 2023.
Dear Virginia State University Faculty, Staff and Students,
I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Tia A. Minnis as our new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective May 6, 2024.
Dr. Minnis has more than 15 years of successful leadership experience in higher education institutions. Throughout her career, she has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and effectiveness on campus. Dr. Minnis is dedicated to driving academic success, student achievement, and innovation in teaching and learning. She is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment and believes in collaborative leadership that involves all stakeholders.
Dr. Minnis has served VSU for the last seven years. Prior to serving as the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, she served as the Vice Provost for Academic Success, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness and Associate Professor. In her previous roles, she has helped to support and strengthen the academic enterprise through the development and implementation of new innovative academic degree programs and the development and expansion of our online degree program portfolio. She played a crucial role in crafting VSU's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan and the state's Six-Year Plan, securing additional funding for the university's initiatives. Dr. Minnis' leadership secured funding for VSU's no-cost attendance program (VCAN), making education more accessible for in-state students.
Dr. Minnis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University, alongside an impressive academic background encompassing an MBA and a Master of Technology from Georgia Southern University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Savannah State University in Business and Computer Information Systems. This diverse educational foundation allows her to approach academic leadership with a comprehensive perspective, understanding the nuances of business, education, and the ever-evolving digital landscape impacting higher education. We are confident that she will continue to be a tremendous asset to our academic community.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Tia A. Minnis to her new role at Virginia State University! We look forward to her continued leadership in guiding our academic programs and propelling our institution to new heights.
Sincerely,
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.
President