Dear Panther Community, 

 

 

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we, as a university, have a lot to be thankful for. Recently, VUU’s Board of Trustees gathered to discuss and vote on upcoming plans for the university during the November general session. We are pleased to announce the Board’s approval of several major initiatives that will propel us toward our strategic goals to become a Top Ten HBCU. Here are some of the amazing, innovative developments that were approved: 

 

 

Election of New Trustee Board Members 

 

VUU is eager to welcome An’Jou White ‘87 to the Board of Trustees. She is the CEO and owner of About the Books Accounting and Consulting, LLC and serves as the President of the VUU National Alumni Association. 

 

Additionally, we are pleased to have Dr. Darran Tyrone Brandon, Sr. ‘14 join VUU’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Brandon, a graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, pastors the historic First Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and serves as the President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention. 

 

Welcome, Trustees An’Jou White and Dr. Brandon! 

 

 

Election of Vice Chair Emeritus 

 

As VUU’s Board of Trustees continues to evolve, we are grateful for those trustees who have served and contributed to the growth of our institution. We are happy to announce the election of Dr. Steve Bullock as Vice Chair Emeritus. Dr. Bullock, a member of the Executive, Financial Affairs and Physical Plant and Master Plan Committees, has served on VUU’s Board of Trustees for over 20 years. We thank Mr. Bullock for his work as Vice Chair and his service to the VUU community. 

 

 

Election of New Vice Chair 

 

We are pleased to have Trustee Dr. Roland Moore ‘69 step into the role of Vice Chair of the Board, succeeding former Vice Chair, Steve Bullock. Dr Moore, having dedicated 36 years to higher education administration, is a retired Dean of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Dr. Bullock continues to bring a wealth of knowledge to the Board. Welcome, Trustee Moore! 

 

 

 

Approval of New Educational Entity and Two Additional Schools 

 

The School of Social Justice and Community Activism  

Considering the events that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement and many other similar stories, this school will give students the opportunity to learn about the various ways to effectively participate in social justice initiatives and let their voices be heard. 

 

The School of Sacred and Gospel Music 

The School of Sacred and Gospel Music will house the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union, where students will learn about the fundamentals of songwriting and production in addition to the historical aspects of gospel music as it relates to African American culture. 

 

VUU’s Workforce Development and Technical Training Initiative 

This new entity at VUU will meet the needs of those who choose to gain experience outside of a four-year degree program. The institution will give students the opportunity to acquire an associate’s degree and/or certification with the option of continuing study for a bachelor’s degree. 

 

 

Approval of Additional Funding for the

Expansion of VUU’s Footprint 

STEM Grant 

VUU received a $1 million grant from the Altria Group to support university-related programs to prepare students for careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

 

Moreover, the board has approved additional funding that will move us into phase two of our master plan improvements. 

 
 

 

Record Enrollment, Retention and Giving 

 

VUU has surpassed its enrollment goal with 1,781 undergraduate and graduate students. The 12% increase over Fall 2020 enrollment was driven by the number of graduate students who enrolled, exceeding the graduate enrollment goal by 24% and achieving the highest total enrollment in four years. Additionally, the University has seen a record response in giving. Over the previous 5 years, VUU has raised $40 million at an annual level of $8.3 million per year. This is an increase from $3.3 million per year over the last 15 years. 

 

 

Approval of Updated Student Conduct Policy 

 

Since the pandemic, we have enforced a “Zero Tolerance” behavioral policy for students. The updated Code of Conduct examines our current methods of handling code violations and puts into place an updated, more flexible method, the “Conduct Point System.” This approach gives students an opportunity for development by using a point system based on the type of infraction. 

 

 

 

As we strive to be “Best in Class” we realize that important decisions like these move us closer to becoming one of the top 10 HBCUs in the country. We invite you to not just come along for the ride, but to be a part of our vision for a better, brighter future.