President’s Posts

To the VCU and VCU Health System Communities: Virginia Commonwealth University proudly champions diversity and inclusion as a core value, and engages in initiatives that create and nurture a dynamic and inclusive learning environment in which individuals of differing cultural backgrounds, identities, abilities and life experiences are embraced, engaged and empowered to drive excellence and […]

Thank you, Gail, for your introduction. You’re a vital partner in our urgent work supporting and leading faculty and staff as we shape our students’ educational experiences in a society that’s changing so fast. And wow! Great video! Would those of you featured in the video please stand so we can recognize you? It’s always […]

When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous and moving “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington in 1963, he spoke of the fierce urgency of now. “We have … come to this hallowed spot,” he said, “to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.” He spoke of making real “the promises of democracy” […]

Dear VCU and VCU Health community,   Welcome back. I hope the winter break and promise of a new year bring you a sense of energy and enthusiasm. We ended the fall semester by celebrating the graduation of more than 2,000 truly remarkable students, and an ever-rising graduation rate that now exceeds the national average […]

This weekend more than 2,900 graduates were welcomed to the VCU Alumni family. It was a great joy to join their family and friends to celebrate years of work and dedication in today’s universitywide ceremony. Below, is my address to VCU Class of 2019.   It’s great to join the Provost, the Board of Visitors, […]

As the Supreme Court reviews cases debating legal protections for LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in their workplace, I write to affirm VCU’s commitment to its core values and principles of equity, inclusion, and fairness for all people. I stand in support of LGBTQ+ members of our community. We are a diverse university and health system […]