Overview of Virginia State University
 

Since its founding in 1882, Virginia State University has been guided by the vision and leadership of its Presidents, each of whom has played a pivotal role in advancing the University's growth, academic distinction, and societal impact. This legacy of transformative leadership continues to shape the University's trajectory today.

Virginia State University is governed by a dedicated Board of Visitors, appointed by the Governor of Virginia, whose primary responsibilities include establishing policy, overseeing the university’s strategic direction, and ensuring fiscal integrity. The Board serves as the institutional authority in matters of governance, providing leadership that supports the university’s mission of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.

The University’s day-to-day operations are managed by the President and an accomplished team of administrative leaders. The President, appointed by the Board of Visitors, is the chief executive officer responsible for the overall administration of the University. The President’s Cabinet, composed of vice presidents and senior leadership, ensures that all academic, administrative, and operational units function cohesively to uphold the University's values and priorities.

Virginia State University’s administration is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. Through collaborative leadership, the administration advances the institution’s land-grant mission and vision, ensuring a supportive environment for teaching, research, and service that addresses the evolving needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

Presidents

John Mercer Langston, LL.D.
1886 - 1887

James Hugo Johnston, Ph.D.
1887 - 1914

John Manuel Gandy, LL.D.
1914 - 1942
(President Emeritus 1942 - 1947)

Luther Hilton Foster, LL.D.
1942 - 1949

James Hugo Johnston, Ph.D.
1949 - 1950 (Acting)

Robert Prentiss Daniel, PhD., LL.D.
1950 - 1968

Walker Henry Quarles, Jr., LL.D.
1968 (Acting)

James Franklin Tucker, Ph.D.
1968 - 1970

Walker Henry Quarles, Jr., LL.D.
1970

Wendell Phillips Russell, Ed.D.
1970 - 1974

Walker Henry Quarles, Jr. LL.D.
1974-1975

William Everett Terry, B.A.
January - June 1976
(Interim Chief Administration)

Thomas M. Law, E.D., L.H.D.
1976 - 1982

Curtis E. Bryan, Ph.D.
1982 - 1983 (Interim)

Wilbert Greenfield, Ph.D.
1983 - 1988

Wesley Cornelius McClure, Ed.D.
1988 - 1992

Nathaniel Pollard, Jr. Ph.D.
1992 - 1993

Eddie Nathaniel Moore, Jr. LL.D.
1993 - 2010

Keith T. Miller, Ph.D.
2010 - 2014

Pamela V. Hammond, Ph.D.
2015 - 2016 (Interim)

Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.
2016 - Present

Board of Visitors

Dr. Valerie K. Brown¹, Rector

Chesapeake, Virginia

Mr. Victor Branch, Vice Rector
Richmond, Virginia

Mr. Kishore S. Thota, Secretary
Richmond, Virginia

Dr. Joseph A. F. Chase, Jr.
Washington, District of Columbia

Mr. Thomas Cosgrove
Williamsburg, Virginia

Dr. Robert Denton, Jr.
Blacksburg, Virginia

Dr. Harold Green, Jr.
Quinton, Virginia

Dr. Leonard L. Haynes, III
Silver Spring, Maryland

Mr. M. Peter McPherson
Arlington, Virginia

Ms. Daphne Meeks¹
Norfolk, Virginia

Mr. Jon Moore
Richmond, Virginia

Mr. Edward Owens
South Boston, Virginia
Ms. Verndell Robinson
Woodbridge, Virginia
Mr. Robert Thompson
Richmond, Virginia
General Dennis Via¹
United States Army (Retired)
McLean, Virginia

¹  _{Alumnus of The Virginia State University}

Administration

Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.

President

Tia A. Minnis, Ed.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Kevin W. Davenport
Vice President for Finance

Willis W. Walter, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Advancement and External Engagement

Annie C. Redd
Chief of Staff and Director of Board Operations and Relations

Shawri King-Casey
Vice President for Institutional Integrity and Compliance

Alexis Brooks-Walter, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management