Thank you, VCU! A Farewell Message from Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D.
Dear VCU Community,
On my last day as your Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey we have shared. Together, we have achieved extraordinary milestones that have significantly enhanced VCU’s academic landscape and its student experience.
Celebrating Our Achievements
One VCU Academic Repositioning and Outcomes
We launched the Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College, advancing VCU’s vision for transformative, experiential, real-world, and entrepreneurial learning. This initiative enables us to respond to emerging job market trends and address rapidly evolving student needs. The creation of Convergence Labs will foster opportunities for impactful cross-disciplinary collaborations in research and curricular innovation, focusing on areas such as AI+, Mental Health, and Healthy Communities. Additionally, the establishment of the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability has strengthened our commitment to biological, environmental, life, and sustainability sciences.
Future-Proofing Student Careers
We introduced interdisciplinary curricula in artificial intelligence and mixed and immersive realities, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. These innovations—ranging from general education to advanced degrees—ensure that every VCU student, regardless of major, can become literate in the tools and ethics of the AI era.
Elevating Academic Excellence and Advancing a Culture of Care for Faculty
Initiating the revision of promotion and tenure policies, the introduction of faculty awards like NIRA and the new Expanding Networks of Expert Scholars award, and the utilization of Academic Analytics have all contributed to a culture of excellence and support for our faculty. Launching an annual faculty hiring plan process with each college and school dean to align strategic academic priorities and developing the infrastructure for hiring faculty in thematic areas to form Convergence Labs will enhance academic excellence and enable VCU to be strategic and quick to respond to emerging societal needs.
Strategically Growing Enrollment
Through strategic enrollment planning, marketing, targeted student recruitment, and the development of innovative academic programs, we reversed a decade-long trend of enrollment decline. For the third year in a row, VCU has seen overall enrollment growth, and we are on track to reach one of the highest enrollment years in our history this coming fall.
Our partnership with the National Institute for Student Success has led to significant improvements in student success practices, and the VCU Cares initiative has demonstrated our commitment to understanding and supporting our students.
Augmenting the Value of VCU Education
Program productivity analysis, the introduction of interdisciplinary minors and degrees, and the “Every Ram’s a Researcher” campaign all ensure that our students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. The LED Studio for online course leadership has empowered educators and learners to create innovative, student-centered, online learning experiences.
Administrative Excellence and Fiscal Responsibility
We have worked diligently to ensure consistency across faculty appointments and address administrative inconsistencies. Our efforts have led to a more efficient and effective academic administration.
Community Impact
Our application for VCU’s renewed Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement reflects our dedication to fostering meaningful connections with our community and embracing our complex history to drive necessary change. Community engagement lives within VCU’s DNA.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I often remind people that great universities don’t simply fall from the sky; they are the result of countless decisions made and actions taken with tremendous focus and intention. Serving as VCU’s provost and chief academic officer over the past four years – working with brilliant, talented, dedicated faculty and staff members throughout our campuses – has been the highlight of my career.
None of these achievements would have been possible without your unwavering dedication, collaboration, and contributions. Your commitment to excellence, innovation and student success has been the driving force behind our shared success. I am deeply grateful for your support and partnership throughout my tenure.
Looking Forward
I will be forever proud of the opportunity I had to help lead VCU’s academic mission and to be part of the bold progress we made together. I see a bright future ahead and encourage you to keep breaking boundaries—pioneering research, inspiring students, and expanding opportunity for all who come through our doors.
Finally, I want to thank President Michael Rao for entrusting me with the stewardship of VCU’s academic enterprise and giving me the opportunity to serve this extraordinary university community. It has truly been a privilege.
Thank you, VCU!
With heartfelt gratitude and my very best wishes,
Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D.
Provost and senior vice president for academic affairs