Office of the Provost

This month, as we host the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) — the largest of its kind — we shine a national spotlight on what sets our university apart: a deep commitment to undergraduate research that drives real-world impact. With more than 400 VCU students presenting alongside faculty and peer mentors, NCUR reflects not just the scale of our work, but the outcomes it delivers — graduates ready to lead, innovate and solve meaningful problems from day one.

As we approach the final stretch of the Spring semester, we have much to celebrate. From our men’s basketball team’s historic comeback in March Madness to VCU’s ranking among the top 225 universities in the world by TIME Magazine, our momentum is undeniable. These achievements, alongside our first annual VCU Day of Service, highlight the vibrant energy of our community.

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.

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

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.

Dear VCU colleagues, When President Rao invited me to return to VCU as interim provost last spring, I said yes without hesitation—not simply because VCU has long held a special place in my heart, but because it meant rejoining you. The opportunity to once again work alongside the faculty, staff, students, and leaders who shape […]

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 […]

Dear Colleagues: I am pleased to announce that Michael D. Bourgeois, Ph.D. has been promoted to vice provost for Institutional Research and Decision Support (IRDS) and Data Strategy in the Office of the Provost.  Dr. Bourgeois has served as associate vice provost for IRDS since September 2023. Since joining VCU, Dr. Bourgeois has successfully led […]

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 faculty are invited to two open sessions to explore COACHE survey results and next steps. Learn how faculty feedback is shaping institutional priorities, guiding new initiatives, and informing strategic planning across campuses.