PACME Awards 2020: Call for nominations
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 […]
MLK Week 2020: Reflections on the fierce urgency of now
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” […]
Standing in support of LGBTQ+ members of our community
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 […]
Educating and preparing teachers to meet the needs of all students
It’s imperative that programs better prepare teachers to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse K-12 student population. We know that the most effective and successful teachers understand their students’ broader cultural contexts and approach teaching in a student-centered way. Woven throughout our programs are strategies to address the needs of more racially, ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse student populations.
An inspiring start to the new year
Dear VCU community, Welcome back! Our new academic year is off to an inspiring start. I was pleased to join many of you at Ram Camp, Move-In Day, New Student Convocation, and several other events throughout the first week. And already, you have renewed my energy and given me a glimpse of the many ways […]
Redefining the American Dream
During May commencement, I spoke of the American Dream and its evolution. U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize recipient Rita Dove said two decades ago, “The American Dream is a phrase that we’ll have to wrestle with all of our lives. It means a lot of things to different people. I think we’re redefining it […]
