P: 800-368-3227 E: admissions@vuu.edu
At Virginia Union University®, we are committed to elevating the student experience by pushing the boundaries of higher education. Our mission provides essential services that improve the student journey from pre-enrollment to graduation. We are committed to preparing our students to become global leaders.
Our mission is to develop global citizens by cultivating in students their goals, dreams, and aspirations throughout the student life cycle. Student Development and Success provides comprehensive supports and programs that foster academic, spiritual, and personal growth. Through inclusive, collaborative and purposeful efforts, Student Development and Success promotes student success and community through enrichment and empowerment utilizing critical reflection and the nine noble achievements.
Department of Student Development
Mission is to develop students into socially responsible, healthy, self-actualizing leaders through an engaging future focused student experience. The Goal To empower students to discover, realize, and achieve their life plan/dream.
Department of University College & General Education
Mission is to support student success and development by providing learning resources and advising that expand students' self-exploration through the creation and activation of the Personalized Education Plan.
Department of Spiritual Formation
Mission is to create a beloved community of students through faith and learning by nurturing and embodying the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual life of a global citizen.
Name: Natalie Andre'
Position: Coordinator of Civic Engagement and Service Learning
E-mail: NEAndre@vuu.edu
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Expertise: Leadership|Civic Engagement|Government Relations| Student Engagement|Advocacy
Hobbies: Travel|Cooking
Interesting Fact: Natalie was born in Jamaica
Bio
Natalie Andre' is a Community Activist, Advocate of human rights, Entrepreneur and the Coordinator of Service Learning and Civic Engagement. She is also a proud two time Alum of Virginia Union University. This upcoming fall Ms. Andre', will be pursuing her PhD in Political Science. Ms. Andre's activism has gained great respect from the City of Richmond and Virginia Government Officials. As seen on Richmond Time's, CBS Channel 6 News, and many other outlets. She uses her voice to help advocate change and share awareness that can affect the Black and Brown communities. Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. With her mission to Engage, Educate, and Empower. Ms. Andre' founded The Natalie Gives Back Foundation, which emerged out of the pursuit to inspire and support worldwide, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words
Name: Cherise Bailey
Position: Lead Student Success Coach
E-mail: cbailey@vuu.edu
Hometown: Halifax, VA
Expertise: Academic Affairs|Student Coaching|Student Affairs (Housing & Residence Life)
Hobbies: Crafting|Reading
Interesting Fact: Cherise love crafting and event planning
Bio
Cherise Bailey is an experienced, detail-oriented, highly motivated Higher Education professional driven to inspire student to pursue academic and personal excellence with seven years of experience in Higher Education. Ms. Bailey has a proven knowledge of developing, operating policies & procedures, software implementation, productivity and performance management, and staff training and development. Ms. Bailey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Administration from Virginia State University and her Master of Education in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs from Liberty University.
Name: LaKendra Brunston-Parker
Position: Coordinator of Study Away Study Aboard
E-mail: lbrunston-parker@vuu.edu
Hometown: Jamaica, Queens, NY
Expertise: International Education
Hobbies: World Travel|Korean Dramas
Interesting Fact: Lakendra speaks Japanese
Name: Dr. MarQuita Carmichael
Position: Assistant Dean, University Chapel
E-mail: mcarmichael@vuu.edu
Hometown: Arlington, VA
Expertise: Pastoral Care|Mentoring|Rituals|Traditions
Hobbies: Afrian History|Africia in the Diaspora
Interesting Fact: MarQuita LOVES ziplining!!!
Bio
Dr. MarQuita Carmichael earned her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees in 2005 and 2012 from the Samuel deWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and has completed a clinical residence in pastoral care and counseling at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. Her sermon entitle, "The Silence We Keep" was awarded first place in the Faith Trust Institute's National Sermon Contest for 2010. Dr. Carmichael is the author of "A Drop of Oil", published by Blackwoman Press and is a contributor to Dr. Ella Pearson Mitchell's "Those Preaching Women Volume5" published by Judson Press. Additionally, her submissions to Dr. Katie G. Cannon's "Womanist, Feminist, Mujerista Ethics Seminar Journal" were published by Dr. Cannon in May 2009. She is the owner and creative force behind the professional coaching and retreat service, Serenity's Waiting. Dr. Carmichael is known for her sensitivity and commitment to others.
Name: Whitney Grant
Position: Student Success Coach
E-mail: wgrant@vuu.edu
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Expertise: Social Science of Economics
Hobbies: Traveling|Big Foodie|Writing
Interesting Fact: Whitney's dream is to start a Nonprofit
Bio
Whitney Grant, a newly hired Student Success Coach is a tenacious and innovative thought leader pursuing economic change for minority communities. Ms. Grant is a Richmond native, birthed from Brooklyn, NY, parents giving her the exposure and opportunities to marry city and southern perspectives producing progressive change for local natives. At only 29 years old, Ms. Grant has led and taught Chesterfield County's ESOL program, served as a Public Relations and Communication's Officer at Old Dominion University, and held grassroot electoral positions for President Joe Biden's current term. Volunteering and giving back to the community is core to who Ms. Grant is; Ronald McDonald House, FORKids, establishing a Spanish Club, Beulah Elementary's summer school, Children's Hospital of Richmond, and Circles RVA are just a few organizations Ms. Grant has volunteered her time in making a difference. Ms. Grant loves using social science, and her creativity to catalyze change for minority groups. Currently Ms. Grant holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Spanish from Old Dominion University, and is in the process of procuring a Master's and Doctoral degree in Economics from Howard University. The ultimate goal that Ms. Grant knows that she will achieve is establishing a Nonprofit serving the economic concerns of black and brown communities.
Name: Dr. Joseph Green
Position: Vice President, Student Development and Success
E-mail: jgreen@vuu.edu
Hometown: Clinton, MD
Expertise: Undergraduate Research|Mentoring|Academic and Career Transitions
Hobbies: Theatre|Landscaping|Cooking|Movies|Storytelling
Interesting Fact: Joseph's first ever flight was to Archorage, AK
Bio
Dr. Joseph Green, Ph.D is a longtime educator having worked with and served students I primary, secondary, and higher education settings over his 30-year career. The Maryland native was born in Washington, DC and now makes his home in North Carolina. His work experience includes developing programs centered on student development, mentoring, and student success. Dr. Green has primarily focused his work on preparing first generation, low-income , and underrepresented students for post-secondary education and graduate studies. Dr. Green holds an undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences/sociology and an advanced degrees in counseling psychology and political science.
Name: Dr. Mark James
Position: Assistant Dean
E-mail: mhjames@vuu.edu
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Expertise: Leadership|Teambuilding
Hobbies: Reading|Sports
Interesting Fact: Mark was born in England
Bio
As a life-long advocate of educational transformation, Dr. James has dedicated nearly 30 years of service to the community and the people he serves. He leads by the mantra that "to change the culture, one must first change the mindset". He has done that in a career spanning nearly three decades. Throughout his professional career, he has worn many hats across various accountability, leadership, and innovation levels. He is an energetic, experienced, and highly accomplished professional with a proven record of intuitive and insightful leadership that fosters inclusion, team building, fiscal accountability, and dynamic problem solving. The following are a few highlights of his proficiencies. He has had stops at Norfolk State University, St. Paul's College, Delaware State University and now Virginia Union University. Dr. James has taken the same approach in his current role as Assistant Dean of Students.
Name: Dr. Deborah Martin
Name: Donte' McCutchen
Position: Total Wellness and Life Services
E-mail: damccutchen@vuu.edu
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Expertise: Health Advocacy|Education|Community Planning and Programming|Crisis Response|Well-Being| Evidence Based Interventions|Group Facilitation
Hobbies: Reading |Traveling
Interesting Fact: Donte' is very shy
Bio
Donte' McCutchen is a dedicated Health Educator and Navigator. He is an advocate for Health, Well-Being and Social equity for all. Mr. McCutchen has worked tirelessly for the last 18 years planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services that address the physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of youth and families; placing heavy emphasis on prevention and early intervention of gun violence/usage, crime, HIV sexual risk, substance use risk, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, health care, self-care, and Healing. Mr. McCutchen is an ordained Baptist Minister and graduate of Virginia Union University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry in Public Health and Social Change at Pacific School of Religion. He holds additional certifications in alcohol and substance abuse counseling, Mental Health interventions, and Wellness.
Name: Dr. Richard Price
Position: Dean, University Chapel
E-mail: rprice@vuu.edu
Hometown: Harlem, NY
Expertise: Leadership theory and practice
Hobbies: Travel|Food|Cultural Experience
Interesting Fact: Studied Tailoring in NY
Bio
Dr. Price serves as Dean of Chapel and Professor. He is an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and has served non-denominational congregations rooted in the Christian Restoration tradition in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and New York. In addition, Dr. Price is an experienced professor who taught at the College of -New Rochelle at Brooklyn and Harlem campuses in areas of social science, From 2018-2022.
Dr. Price earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Livingstone College; a Master of Arts in American History from St. John's University, a Master of Religious Leadership and Administration, and a Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. His dissertation was Re-examining Early Prophetic African American Voices in The Church of Christ; A Best Practice Model for Community Engagement. Dr. Price enjoys spending time with his family; he is married and has one daughter.
Name: Corey Scott
Position: Dean, University College
E-mail: cscott@vuu.edu
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Expertise: Student Success|Retention|Life Counseling|Leadership Development
Hobbies: Home Improvements
Interesting Fact: Corey enjoys watching western movies/tv shows
Bio
Dr. Corey Scott is a longtime educator with experience in K-12 and higher education. He has a BS in Criminal Justice, master degree in Counselor education, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Dr. Scott embraces his calling of leading and guiding leaders to address student success and student retention. All students are teachable, as educators it is our responsibility to help students find their voice, their passion, and their purpose on their way to success.
Name: Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris
Position: Student Experience & Engagement Coordinator
E-mail: SAThompkins-Harris@vuu.edu
Hometown: Harlem, NY
Expertise: Student Engagement|Student Leadership|Special Education|Mental Health
Hobbies: Crocheting|Cooking|Listening to music
Interesting Fact: Sensiere graduated from high school when she was 16
Bio
Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris is a dynamic professional and dedicated Student Experience and Engagement Coordinator. With a background in special education teaching, intensive in-home counseling and student leadership. Ms. Thompkins-Harris brings a unique blend of empathy, organization, and problem-solving skills to her work. Graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in computer science from Virginia Union University in 2019, she combines their passion for understanding human behavior with a knack for technology. While attending VUU, she served in different capacities in various student organizations, including Student Government Association, Panthers Activities Board, NAACP, Panther P.A.L.S and became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. With a keen focus on fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Ms. Thompkins-Harris strives to empower student to reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom.
Name: Megan White
Position: Lead Student Success Coach
E-mail: mwhite@vuu.edu
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Expertise: Life Coaching|Student Success|Mental Health|Crisis Stabilizaation|Mentoring|Self Advocacy
Hobbies: Writing|Reading|Natural Hair|Video Games
Interesting Fact: Megan is currently working on writing a novel and she enjoys playing board games
Bio
Meagan White is a detailed-orientated, highly motivated academic advisor with a passion in assisting student in identifying, developing and utilizing their voice to become active participants in their own success. The Charlestonian is currently located in Richmond, VA, where she has spent the last 20 years focused on providing mental health resources to undervalued and represented communities. Ms. White's primary focus has been on healthy family dynamics through the development of communication skills, conflict resolution, healthy boundary settings. Ms. White holds an undergraduate degree in a bachelor's of arts in psychology and with a minor in creative writing from University of Richmond and additional certifications in alcohol and substance abuse., grant writing, and professional communication skills.
Name: Paula Williams
Position: Executive Assistant to Vice President of SDS
E-mail: pwilliams@vuu.edu
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Expertise:
Hobbies: Music|Reading|Basketball|Event Planning|Shopping
Interesting Fact: Paula loves fashion and would love to open a Boutique
Bio
Paula Williams is a go getter. She has held several leadership positions with highly recognized companies such as America Online, Sprint, Navy Federal, and now Virginia Union University. She loves the challenge of leading and helping others to achieve more. Ms. Williams helped to bring to fruition, Lion Hearts. This is an all boy program that helps her grandsons and boys in her neighborhood to learn from men(mentors) about manhood and different trades. Ms. Williams is a strong believer in the proverb "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime."
