Office of the Provost

Last week, President Rao delivered the annual State of the University address. Amidst all of the inspiring stories and accomplishments, I was struck by two key themes: interdisciplinarity and impact. As a nationally-ranked, public research university, we are asking our students to consider how they will help solve some of our most challenging societal problems; these are problems like healthier communities, a stronger economy, a more resilient environment, a safer society, faster cures and smarter and more ethical technologies. Perhaps the only thing that these challenges have in common is that they cannot simply be solved through a single focus.

Our professors are at the heart of VCU's commitment to transform our students’ lives and ensure their success as well as advance knowledge and creative expression.  Thank you for taking the time to consider nominating your colleagues for the University’s Distinguished Faculty Awards Program.

Guidance covering VCU’s requirements for faculty office hours, outlining expectations for modality, frequency, accessibility, and oversight to ensure students receive consistent, equitable opportunities for support across all courses.

Dear VCU Community, It is my honor to welcome you back to campus for VCU’s Spring 2026 semester as your interim provost.

Dear Colleagues: After an exemplary career in higher education, Dr. Irene M. H. Herold, dean of the VCU Libraries and University Librarian, has announced her decision to retire, effective August 1, 2026.    Since joining VCU in 2021, Dr. Herold has led a high‑performing team dedicated to advancing student and faculty success. Her accomplishments include expanding […]

Join Virginia Commonwealth University as we honor the life, legacy, and enduring vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through an evening of dialogue, reflection, and artistic expression centered on the power of thriving communities. Events run January 19-23, with a keynote celebration on January 22.

The following story was posted by VCU News on Dec. 10, 2025. Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, has agreed to serve as VCU’s interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Saavedra will start Dec. 24, following the […]

Interim Provost Beverly Warren shares VCU’s revised Promotion and Tenure policies, shaped by faculty input and aligned with R1 standards. The video highlights key updates, including protections for teaching excellence and clearer pathways for Term faculty.

VCU Community Engagement: new $5K Data Dissemination Grants, Reading Buddies launch, CERSC cohort, and Health Hub progress—translating faculty research into community impact.

VCU’s Convergence Labs initiative launches a university-wide effort to foster interdisciplinary research, experiential learning, and community impact. With three enterprise themes—AI, Neurosciences, and Health Outcomes—this signature program reflects VCU’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and preparing students for the future of work. Led by nationally recognized faculty and supported by hundreds of contributors across campus, Convergence Labs marks a bold shift in how higher education structures discovery and engagement.