Office of the Provost Prospectus Newsletter (July 2026)
The two sides of campus change: Threat or opportunity?
In higher education, change is inevitable. Whether it be a new institutional strategy, the shifting of academic technologies or ever-evolving student expectations, tides of change can frequently lead to a natural feeling of discomfort. But hidden behind the challenges of change is a very real opportunity.
The saying that “you can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can always adjust your sails” rings true for times like these in higher education. And we generally have two paths to choose from:
- Resisting change by focusing on what we are shifting away from and letting discomfort drive our narrative.
- Embracing change by adjusting our sails, staying flexible and leaning into the discomfort.
In short, we have the opportunity to treat change as an institutional experiment, rather than a threat to our routines.
This doesn’t mean that we should ignore the discomfort. Simply, we must work within these challenges to navigate the transition with intellectual and operational flexibility.
And you don’t have to navigate change alone. VCU offers a robust set of resources that are specifically designed to support employees, managers and teams through periods of organizational change, including:
The VCU Learning Development and Organizational Culture Team (LDOC) offers specialized professional development courses, including Addressing Barriers to Change (ABC) Facilitation.
The RamStrong Hub and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offer confidential counseling and resources to better cope with change.
During periods of change and transition, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication and to lean on peer-to-peer support. By doing so, we can solve problems collaboratively and foster a shared sense of resilience.
VCU was built on a foundation of change, growth and innovation. And as we navigate change together, we ensure the university continues to best serve our students, faculty, staff and communities.
Warm regards,
William C. Nelson Senior Vice Provost for Academic Administration and Operations
Research and impacts
Why VCU Convergence is built to take on neurodegeneration: Q&A with Faika Zanjani
As Alzheimer’s cases climb, VCU Convergence is uniting researchers, clinicians and community partners to change how brain health is studied and treated. A Q&A with faculty lead Faika Zanjani, Ph.D.
“The cell-to-community approaches already happening here at VCU give us confidence and optimism that the next breakthrough is developing right here in Richmond.” Faika Zanjani, Ph.D., VCU Convergence neurodegeneration theme faculty lead and associate dean for research, VCU College of Health Professions
Behind the black and gold: The teams helping VCU succeed: IRDS
Get to know Institutional Research and Decision Support, the team turning VCU’s data into insight that guides strategic decision making across campus. The Office of the Provost sat down with Michael Bourgeois for a Q&A on the work behind the numbers.
New online graduate certificate: Applied Artificial Intelligence
VCU Online’s new Applied AI Graduate Certificate helps professionals build practical, in-demand skills for an AI-driven workplace. This fully online program focuses on evaluating AI tools, applying them strategically and navigating the ethical calls that come with them. Fall applications are open through Aug. 7.
VCU community connected: Reacquiring the soul of Jackson Ward
A home renovation uncovered 230,000 documents from civil rights icon Roland “Duke” Ealey, sparking The Ealey Project and a partnership with VCU’s Division of Community Engagement. The Office of the Provost sat down with founder Jim Vigeant to talk preservation and Jackson Ward’s soul.
Academic Internships Office: Host an internship
The Academic Internships Office invites VCU units to create credit-bearing internships. Explore takeaways from a recent workshop and get involved in designing your internship.
“For career readiness, internships are a fundamental and transformative part of the undergraduate student experience.” Cameron Carter, director of academic internships
Hernan Bucheli named interim leader for VCU Global Education Office
Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., steps in as interim leader for the Global Education Office while continuing to lead enrollment and student success.
“As VCU’s international footprint continues to grow, strategically aligning our enrollment and global education efforts will help build a seamless pathway between international student discovery and long-term academic success.” Art Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
Cleanroom Training: Students get hands-on experience in VCU’s state-of-the-art lab
This summer, students had the unique opportunity to work in an active cleanroom at the Virginia Microelectronics Center (VMC) in the VCU College of Engineering. The Cleanroom Training Program provides participants with a hands-on, skills-based understanding of research laboratory operations.
Design Thinking and Life Design
Representing VCU, Lloyd Young and Mary-Chris Escobar joined a national Life Design Convening at Bowling Green State University, sharing their work in design thinking, interdisciplinary studies and student success.
“Life Design gives students permission to approach their future with curiosity, creativity, and self-reflection rather than pressure to have everything figured out.” Mary-Chris Escobar, associate dean for student success and life design
VCU representation at GCEC Conference
Lloyd Young, executive director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, will present the center’s innovation and entrepreneurship model at the 2026 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Categories Newsletter, Provost