Nurturing what makes VCU truly uncommon: you
“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
— Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby
Returning to VCU after more than a decade, I feel both heartened and energized — by how much has changed, and by what remains steadfast at the community’s core.
There’s no denying the transformation. Since I was last here, VCU has grown in remarkable ways. The new STEM Building, just down the street from the Office of the Provost, is alive with energy — six stories of hands-on learning, light-filled labs, and spaces like the Math Exchange that invite curiosity and collaboration. Across from the Institute for Contemporary Art, you can’t miss the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation rising into view. It’s not just a building — it’s a commitment to creativity, performance, and preparing students for the interdisciplinary future ahead.
And beyond the skyline, we’ve seen thoughtful shifts across the university — from a newly established School of Public Health to a newly refocused University College to quality-of-life enhancements like expanded dining choices and a renewed focus on campus safety. VCU is always moving forward — and it is our people who make that momentum possible.
That includes not only our extraordinary faculty but also the dedicated staff, student support professionals, and colleagues across academic affairs who create the conditions for success. While some of our recent initiatives — like the National/International Recognition Awards (NIRA) — honor faculty whose work places them among the top 1 to 2 percent of their fields, it’s just as vital to recognize those whose daily efforts elevate the student experience, foster belonging, and drive institutional excellence from every corner of campus.
I’m sending this message to every member of VCU’s academic enterprise because every contribution matters in the life and vitality of this community. I believe we can all find purpose in striving toward shared excellence, grounded in care and mutual respect.
As I step back into this role, I carry a deep sense of responsibility — for both VCU’s faculty as well as the full landscape of academic affairs, including student affairs, SEMSS, and the unsung support systems that sustain us. In August, we’ll receive the results of last spring’s COACHE faculty survey. Your voices will help guide our priorities. In the meantime, I’m focused on:
- Acting on feedback and aligning priorities accordingly
- Adopting tenure and promotion processes to meet today’s academic landscape
- Elevating recognition in meaningful and creative ways
Much like the journey of Nicholas Nickleby, Dickens’ quintessential hero, the road ahead will be shaped not only by our aspirations, but by the redemptive power of kindness — the care we extend to one another, and the shared purpose that moves us forward.
Thank you again for the warm welcome home. I am truly honored to walk this path with you.
Warm regards,
Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs