Alumni spotlight: Adele McClure (B.S.’11), member, Virginia House of Delegates
Adele McClure’s childhood experience with poverty and homelessness set the stage for her career in public service. She was the first in her family to attend college and served as student body president at VCU.
An economics major in the VCU School of Business, she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023 from the 2nd Congressional District, representing parts of Arlington County
How did you choose VCU?
I only applied to two schools and ultimately chose VCU for its diverse student body and the affordability of its in-state tuition at the time. Reflecting back, VCU was the best decision I could have made for myself.
How did VCU play a part in who you are and what you do today?
Serving as Student Government Association president at VCU, as well as my experience with other boards and organizations, has inspired my passion for public service.
I was first connected to the General Assembly through Virginia 21, a nonprofit that encourages college students to be engaged citizens, which granted me the opportunity to meet with the governor and advocate for higher education funding and resources for my peers.
What are you most excited about in the House of Delegates this session?
I am most excited about the $25 million that I secured in the General Assembly’s budget bill to make child care more affordable for our workforce. The amendment I introduced creates a public-private partnership that allows employers, businesses and communities to contribute to the success of Virginia’s early learners and support our hardworking families. This issue is especially important to me as a new mom.
What words of encouragement do you have for alumni?
VCU and the surrounding community in Richmond is incredibly diverse, so I encourage you to reach out to other Black alumni for coffee or advice in your field of interest. For all alumni, take advantage of networking opportunities and make the most of your experience at VCU. And always be unapologetically yourself! Take your own path, because your uniqueness is valuable.