Contact: Pamela Cox
Interim AVP for Communications
Virginia Union University
(804) 342-5856
PHCox@vuu.edu
January 30, 2018
Virginia Union University Announces New Fellowship to Focus on Hip Hop
The Virginia Union University (VUU) Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) has announced a new fellowship to explore Hip-Hop music. The study will be led by VUU alum Ricky Parker (’08) who has been tapped to become CUR’s first Fellow, beginning Spring 2018.
During his appointment, Parker will implement a 3-pronged approach: work collaboratively with a research team of VUU students to create a Hip-Hop music lecture series, develop and implement a campus survey to assess Hip-Hop music’s place at VUU, and launch a university podcast to promote and increase partnerships with the CUR. He will culminate the Fellowship by working with VUU students to produce a documentary to highlight discoveries and his fellowship experience.
“Mr. Parker’s collective efforts as a CUR fellow is sure to aid in the growth and development of VUU students,” said Dr. Carleitta Paige-Anderson, CUR director and Interim Dean of University College. “Our students will have the opportunity to hone critical and analytical thinking skills, as well as obtain experience in video and audio-engineering production.”
In Spring 2017, as part of the CUR’s PantherQuest Initiative, Mr. Parker served as a research mentor to four VUU undergraduate students for a project entitled “Is There a Place For Hip Hop on a College Campus?” The students found that there is a wide distribution of universities that have adopted Hip-Hop music as an academic discipline through lecture series, the development of courses and academic majors, as well as maintaining archives/collections. For more information, please contact Dr. Paige-Anderson at clpaige@vuu.edu or (804)257-5613.
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Ricky Parker is a social entrepreneur who believes in using art as a means to effect social change. Currently, he is the Creative Director of Dream For Purpose (creative house), Host of The DUI Rule (business podcast), Managing Partner of DFP Vibes (artist management company), and Brand Manager of DexRob NYC (brand management agency for professional athletes). He is also an adjunct marketing Professor at VUU and is actively involved in the rebranding efforts for the Sydney Lewis School of Business.
The CUR Fellowship Program is a leadership and training experience for recent college graduates, current graduate students and/or disciplinary professionals who seek to engage and mentor undergraduate students in unique research and creative inquiry.