July President's Letter
July 29, 2022
Dear Panther Community,
Things are heating up outside and at Virginia Union University! To the Class of 2026, Welcome to #PantherNation!
Students are back on campus and classes are in full swing. This month, the freshman class wrapped up New Student Orientation. Here are a few facts about our incoming class: we have two first generation college students joining the Panther family this year and we also have three international students joining us from the Bahamas and South Africa. Keep reading below to find out what else is happening at VUU.
Meet the Pack
I am excited to welcome new leaders and announce promotions within our academic and administrative teams here at VUU. Accomplished people build top-tier universities and these leaders have a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help us realize our goal of becoming Best in Class. I look forward to seeing the impact each of these leaders will have on our community. To “Meet the Pack” click the links below.
Dr. Joseph Green, Vice President of Student Development and Success
Dr. Franklin Patterson, Vice President of Administrative Services and Infrastructure Management
Dr. Linda Jackson, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Innovation
Grant Neely, Vice President of University Relations
Joy Hill, Director of Human Resources and Talent Management
Dr. Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Mylaka Simpson, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Director of Graduate Admissions
Kofi Jack, Chief Information Officer
Marcus Majette, Director of Client Services
Dr. Mark James, Assistant Dean of Students
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VUU Athletics
Congratulations to sophomores Jada Byers and Armonii Burden! They have been selected to be a part of the 2022 All-CIAA Preseason Football Team. Byers and Burden received the title during last week’s CIAA Football Media Day. This year, the Panther Football team is predicted to finish second in the Northern Region. Great job Jada and Armonii!
Additionally, football season passes are now on sale in the Athletics Department. Buy your season passes now to support our student athletes as they represent VUU! To read more about our student athletes and all things VUU athletics, click here.
Looking forward . . .
Mark your calendars for our Fall Opening Convocation, which will take place in person on September 15th, 2022. More details are forthcoming.
On Saturday, October 8th, our Panther football team will take on Elizabeth City State University for Homecoming 2022! Stay tuned for more information about this year’s events.
As we begin another academic year, I want to thank you all for your support of VUU. Your contribution makes a lasting impact on our Panther community and future Panthers that are to come.
As always, I thank you for your commitment to making VUU better than it has ever been.
Hakim J. Lucas, Ph.D.
President & CEO