Virginia Union University continues its march to be best-in-class among HBCUs in the United states — and we are taking additional steps to accelerate our progress.

We are expanding our business office to accommodate the University’s growth. Our leadership team is reviewing all internal processes so they demonstrate the speed, rigor, and compliance that our stakeholders expect. We are taking these steps, in part, to address issues with submitting our annual audited financial statements in a timely manner, as the Free Press recently reported.

These changes will enable the University to continue building on our progress.

Virginia Union is rising in the rankings. The most recent U.S. News national rankings showed Virginia Union rising more than 30 positions in just four years. Virginia Union now ranks as the country’s 43rd best HBCU, after breaking into the top 50 for the first time last year. The university was not ranked at all just four years ago, when the upward trajectory began.

Students are choosing Virginia Union. The University posted its highest total enrollment in five years with 1,865 students enrolled this academic year, growing at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. And thanks to forward-looking support by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the General Assembly, many Pell-eligible Virginia residents can now attend Virginia Union tuition-free.

The University’s financial stability remains exceptionally strong. Revenue from tuition is up in this academic year, and expenses are down across the University. The University’s endowment continues to perform well, even despite the stock market’s downturn throughout 2022.

The recent Community Leaders Celebration honored Dr. King and was the largest celebration in years. Our athletic teams are performing well, and Virginia Union will take on Morehouse College in the 2023 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic over the Labor Day weekend.

This progress challenges us to move faster and to do more. These are great days to be part of Virginia Union, and we are proud to call Richmond our home. Come visit!

Dr. Hakim J. Lucas

President and CEO

Virginia Union University

Richmond