Virginia Union Appoints Taylor to Intercollegiate Athletics VP
May 01, 2019
RICHMOND, Virginia (May 13, 2019) – Virginia Union University President & CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas has announced the promotion of National College Football Hall of Fame Coach Joe Taylor from Director of Athletics to Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. He will continue to serve on the President's Cabinet with other University leaders.
Taylor has shaped Virginia Union University Athletics into one of the best programs in the CIAA. In his new role, he will oversee VUU’s comprehensive intercollegiate athletics division, leading a range of programs that support and develop approximately 240 student-athletes playing in 15 NCAA Division II sports.
“Coach Taylor is someone who truly believes in the values and mission of Virginia Union University,” Lucas said. “He understands the changing landscape of college athletics, and possesses the skills necessary to sustain and grow VUU’s athletic success while playing a critical role in goal setting for the University's enrollment, retention, marketing and fundraising efforts."
VUU has won 15 divisional, conference and regional championships while completing a student-athlete graduation rate of over 60% since Taylor was appointed Athletics Director in December 2014. During his 40 years of coaching, Taylor has transformed the lives of thousands of young men. He has won 4 National Championships, 14 conference titles, 7 bowl games, and has a lifetime win-loss record of 233-96-4. He is respected with the likes of other legendary coaches including Eddie Robinson and Jake Gaither.
“Hard work does not go unnoticed,” Taylor said. “I’ve always believed in never getting outworked, giving it your best effort, and giving yourself permission to win.”
Taylor was the head football coach at Florida A&M University from 2008-2012, and at Hampton University from 1992-2007. He was also head coach at Virginia Union University from 1984-1991, where he amassed an overall record of 60–19–3 (.750).
“Virginia Union has a long, proud athletics history, and I’m excited to continue to build upon our successes in helping create an even brighter future for our student athletes, fans and alumni,” Taylor said.
Taylor is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the JRE Lee Chapter of the Mason Prince Hall of Shriners. He is the author of the book “The Making of a Champion - Success is an Inconvenience.” He and his wife Beverly are proud parents of sons, Aaron and Dennis.
About VUU: Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.