Across our seven schools, Virginia Union University offers more than 45 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations—from Criminology and Criminal Justice to Social Work, from Visual Arts (Music and Theatre) to Entrepreneurship Management, from Cybersecurity to Secondary Education, and much more.
For 160 years, Virginia Union University has provided a transformative education and developed leaders who shine in the workforce, in their communities, and across the world. "Delivering on the Promise of a Limitless Future" begins with our students—whose success reflects the strength, excellence, and legacy of our institution.
Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success, offering individualized support and cultivating meaningful relationships that foster academic achievement and personal growth. Every member of the VUU community is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence.
As you explore Virginia Union University, please let us know how we can support your journey. Your success is our success, and we look forward to celebrating your future accomplishments.
I am honored that you have chosen VUU as part of your path forward. Stay focused, remain committed, and embrace the power of Excellence, Reimagined, an experience uniquely offered at Virginia Union University.
Hakim J. Lucas, Ph.D
13th President & CEO of Virginia Union University
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Dr. Hakim J. Lucas is a nationally recognized higher education executive, scholar, and thought leader shaping a new era of leadership for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He serves as President of Virginia Union University (VUU), Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Union University Enterprises, and a tenured Professor of History. Across these roles, he advances a clear mission: ensuring HBCUs remain powerful engines of opportunity, equity, and social mobility for the 21st century.
Since 2017, Dr. Lucas has led VUU through institutional transformation. His leadership has been anchored in a clear framework—Economic and Social Mobility (ESM), integrating student success, generational wealth building, entrepreneurial enterprise, and institutional resilience. This approach has guided VUU’s resurgence not as a temporary rebound, but as a sustainable model of mission-centered excellence.
For nearly a decade, VUU has grown its total enrollment to more than 2,000 students, with graduate enrollment exceeding 600, driven in part by the addition of nine new master’s programs aligned with workforce demand. With student success as the primary strategic priority, retention has climbed to 90%, four-year graduation rates have increased to 40%, and graduating students earn an average GPA of 3.2, with average post-graduation earnings of $56,000.
Financially, VUU has raised more than $300 million in philanthropic support and investments, increased operational revenue by 50%, grown its endowment by 12%, and expanded total net assets by 30%. This financial strength has fueled the expansion of academic programs, enhanced infrastructure, and accelerated institutional modernization.
VUU has earned remarkable national recognition, including the selection of the second Rhodes Scholar finalist in its history, two Fulbright Award–winning faculty members, and the first HBCU student-athlete to win the Harlon Hill Trophy—the highest individual honor in NCAA Division II football. VUU also established the W. Franklyn Richardson Graduate Center, the first HBCU in New York. Institutionally, the University has risen from unranked to now ranking among the Top 40 HBCUs and Top 30 for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report, was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 (#165 nationally), and received the Best Higher Education Firm of the Year – 2026 (United States) honor from Global 100.
As a prolific scholar and author, Dr. Lucas also serves as editor of three major scholarly series on HBCUs with Emerald Publishing, Bloomsbury Academic, and Townsend Press—helping to shape an interdisciplinary field that examines Black institutions through the lenses of history, policy, theology, economics, leadership, and social impact. His scholarship includes authored and edited volumes addressing crisis leadership, accreditation, governance, transcendent leadership, institutional transformation, and the moral responsibilities of leaders in times of disruption and change.
Dr. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Morehouse College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, a Master of Business Administration from Stetson University, and a Ph.D. in Education from Fordham University. He serves on the boards of philanthropic, educational, and corporate organizations, contributing expertise in strategy, finance, risk management, institutional effectiveness, and mission alignment. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, Urban League, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, United Negro College Fund, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and Southern Education Foundation, reflecting a lifelong commitment to strengthening institutions and expanding opportunity for historically marginalized communities.
Dr. Lucas is an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with universal ordinations within Baptist and non-denominational Black church traditions. His faith and ministry continue to inform a leadership approach grounded in service, purpose, and accountability.
His guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Education is my social justice.” Through that lens, Dr. Lucas has committed his entire 25-year career in higher education to building institutions where students are not only prepared for careers but equipped to live fully in their dignity, agency, and purpose. Under his leadership, Virginia Union University is not merely sustaining its legacy—it is actively redefining what excellence looks like for HBCUs in the modern era.
Honorary Trustees
The Honorable Walter E. Fauntroy 55, Mr. Sidney Poitier, Dr. Frank Royal '61 (Chairman Emeritus), Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (Trustee Emeritus), & Mr. Steve D. Bullock '59 (Vice Chairman Emeritus) *Note: The year indicates year of graduation from the University.
