When the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees enter the Multi-Purpose Center on the campus of Virginia State University on Oct. 1, history will be made.

VSU will become the first HBCU to host a U.S. presidential debate.

Last November, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced Virginia State University as one of three debate sites. VSU, located in Ettrick near Petersburg, will host the second such event.

VSU won through a comprehensive review process, beating an untold number of colleges and universities. According to VSU, the commission found that the university had the facilities and accommodations to be an ideal debate host site. University officials also said VSU’s history, commitment to academic excellence, diversity and reputation for shaping future leaders contributed to its selection.

Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, VSU president, said the debate application process was pretty straightforward.

“We applied for it,” he said.

He explained that VSU hosted the first televised Democratic gubernatorial debate in 2021. During the event, he was seated next to the university’s director of government affairs, Eldon Burton.

“I just kind of leaned over to him and said, ‘You know ... we should have the presidential debate here,” Dr. Abdullah said, chuckling. “I don’t think I ever mentioned it again, but he remembered it and submitted an application.”

Dr. Abdullah said debates often are hosted at universities because of the opportunity it presents to involve and engage students. He said the selection team also was impressed by VSU’s history and the quality of its venue.

But he also believes the strength of his team sealed the deal.

“Once we were told we were selected, we were just so thankful that I’m honestly not sure we ever asked why,” he said.

Partnerships abound

Dr. Abdullah added a disclaimer about VSU’s good fortune— that talking about his achievements is impossible without considering how many people contributed to the work.

He mentioned VSU’s partnerships with the governor’s office and General Assembly and points to the fact that, although still lower than its 30-year high of more than 6,200, VSU has seen increasing enrollment numbers for the past three years after nearly a decade of steady decline. The school also has improved graduation and retention rates.

“Our HBCUs, even the ones that have challenges, are graduating an incredible cohort of young people who are going out to change the world,” Dr. Abdullah said. “I’m excited about the future of HBCUs and Virginia State.”

Similar thoughts are being spoken in Richmond.

“Governor Youngkin is thrilled that Virginia State University will have the distinguished honor to be the first historically black college and university to host a presidential debate,” said Christian Martinez, the governor’s press secretary.

“This honor not only reflects VSU’s pivotal role in the Commonwealth’s higher education ecosystem but also underscores the vital role HBCUs play in our nation’s educational and cultural landscape. Gov. Youngkin is proud that VSU will be standing at the forefront of the national dialogue, providing a critical platform for candidates to present their visions for the future of our country.”

Much preparation goes into hosting presidential debates — safety, security, traffic management, and technology upgrades will need to be in place to support the media onslaught on the campus and surrounding areas.

The exact cost for VSU has yet to be determined. However, the school sees the debate as an investment that will benefit the university, students, community, and the state in the short and long term.

“We are in the early stages of planning. However, we have a great working relationship with our neighboring communities,” said Dr. Gwen Williams Dandridge, assistant vice president for communications at VSU. “We have been in conversations with numerous public and private partners who want to support us and be a part of this historic event.”

Petersburg shares spotlight

Petersburg also is preparing for the debate. City police are meeting with VSU, State Police, Colonial Heights, and Chesterfield. According to Joanne Williams, the city’s director of communications, tourism, marketing, and tovernment relations, the city will seek assistance from the state. The $4 million budget earmarked for the city’s preparations already has been exhausted, she said.

“The governor and the legislature will have to work togetherto provide us with additional funding,” Ms. Williams said.

“Budget decisions are happening now because there are so many things to consider. For example, the police will require special equipment for the debate, and we’ll need overtime for emergency and frontline workers. Plus, we’ll need additional sanitation pickups. But we are thrilled that Petersburg will be in the national spotlight.”

She hopes the media will concentrate heavily on Petersburg and help raise its profile on a national level. Petersburg is known for its famous Civil War battles, but she wants people to learn more about the city.

Ms. Williams also is hopeful the debate will positively impact the city’s hospitality industry.

Examples include the Dixie Restaurant, which serves Southern food. Additionally, the four-star Hotel Petersburg’s renovation will be completed before the October debate.

“It will be good for business in Downtown Petersburg and the Historic Old Towne Petersburg District,” Ms. Williams added.

“For us to have various members of the media saying they are broadcasting live from the campus of Virginia State University will bring a lot of pride to members of our community,” Dr. Abdullah said.

At least for one day, he added, VSU “will be the center of the world.”

— George Copeland Jr. contributed to this report.