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.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s October 2025 Academic Report highlights transformative faculty-led initiatives, national recognition for online learning, and groundbreaking research in health, psychology, and violence prevention. With record-breaking COACHE survey engagement, VCU is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive scholarship, and mentorship across career stages.

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.