Dr Rao walking and engaging with students in Shafer Court

Dr Rao at dinner event for Virginia Treatment Center for Children

Dr Rao giving the 2018 State of the University Address

Dr Rao giving an address on the VCU Economic and Cultural Impact address

Dr Rao smiling and talking with nursing students

Dr Rao with Levar Stoney and Barbrara D. Boyan at the Engineering groundbreaking event

The latest from President Rao

VCU 50: Commemorating History Symposium

On Nov. 30, VCU hosted a day-long symposium to reflect on its history across the past 50 years.

Vision and goals

Virginia Commonwealth University’s six-year strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, sets forth the vision for VCU to be the nation’s premier urban, public research university. Now in its final months, Quest rests upon three themes that outline the university’s institutional priorities, goals and strategies.

A physics professor lectures in front of a class

Theme I

Become a leader among national research universities in providing all students with high-quality learning/living experiences focused on inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global environment.

A professor works with a student in a lab

Theme II

Attain distinction as a fully integrated urban, public research university through contributions in human health, research, scholarship and creative expression that advance knowledge and enhance the quality of life.

A child hugs a VCU School of Social Work student

Theme III

Become a national model for community engagement and regional impact.

For more information, visit the VCU strategic plan website for the latest updates, implementation process and copies of the full Quest for Distinction document and executive summary.

Reports and initiatives

History of commemoration
VCU is thoughtfully considering how it might address safety, student, faculty, and curriculum concerns related to symbols of the Confederacy, slavery, white supremacy, and other items of an exclusionary nature that may exist on our campuses. Read more about this important work here.
VCU Comprehensive Economic Impact Report
CURA@VCU published a report measuring and analyzing the economic and social impacts of VCU on Richmond, the broader region and the state. Learn more about VCU’s contributions to the area’s talent, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, regional stewardship and the local culture. Read the report.
University Annual Report
The 2019–20 University Annual Report highlights major advancements at Virginia Commonwealth University and the extraordinary accomplishments of VCU students, faculty, staff and alumni. View the University Annual Report. View the University Annual Report.
Shared Governance Statement
VCU’s model of shared governance reflects our mission of fostering collaboration, transparency and trust among individuals and groups across the university. Read our statement to learn more about our shared governance model and the philosophy behind it. Download the statement.
Grow by Degrees
Grow by Degrees is a statewide campaign that aims to expand job opportunities and economic growth in Virginia through reform-based reinvestment in the state’s higher education system. Priorities include awarding 100,000 more college degrees by 2025. Read more about the campaign.
Enterprise risk management
VCU’s enterprise risk management program is a comprehensive approach to identifying risks that could severely impact the university. Read more about the program.

By the numbers

$275m

in sponsored research

31,036

students enrolled

22,888

employees