Richmond, VA — December 1, 2025 — Virginia Union University (VUU) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Townsend Press—a historic first among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through this collaboration, every VUU undergraduate will contribute to an official publication, while all master’s and doctoral students will graduate with a professionally published manuscript, ensuring that every scholar leaves VUU with a tangible and nationally recognized academic achievement.
The partnership, developed in collaboration with the Sunday School Publishing Board (SSPB), establishes a university-wide publishing platform designed to elevate academic excellence, expand research visibility, and strengthen VUU’s culture of scholarship. Through Townsend Press, VUU students and faculty will gain access to coordinated peer review, full editorial and production services, and professionally supported dissemination of their work.
“This partnership transforms the academic experience at VUU,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO of Virginia Union University. “We are creating a pipeline of published scholars—empowering students to graduate with a competitive advantage and amplifying research rooted in faith, innovation, and community impact.”
The initiative ensures that VUU scholars—from first-year students to doctoral candidates—are actively contributing to knowledge that strengthens congregations, classrooms, organizations, and communities. Theses, dissertations, research projects, creative works, and applied scholarship will all be eligible for publication through Townsend Press.
Dr. Debbie Strickling-Bullock, Chair of the SSPB Board of Directors and distinguished alumna of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, underscored the significance of this collaboration:
“Publishing faculty works not only inspires the next generation of scholars but also preserves the legacy of those who have labored faithfully in the academy and the church. This partnership ensures that scholarship rooted in faith and excellence will endure for generations.”
SSPB Executive Director Dr. Derrick Jackson added:
“Through Townsend Press, we are honored to amplify the voices of VUU’s scholars. Our goal is to ensure that high-quality scholarship—grounded in rigor, faith, and service—reaches national and global audiences.”
The VUU–Townsend Press platform will expand opportunities for:
Undergraduate research and publication
Graduate thesis and dissertation publishing
Faculty scholarship, monographs, and edited volumes
Peer-reviewed research and interdisciplinary collaboration
Co-hosted symposia, webinars, and book launch events
National visibility for work produced on VUU’s campus
The platform will elevate VUU as a national leader in Black scholarship and faith-informed research.
Dr. John Guns, Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, praised the partnership as a defining step in VUU’s academic future:
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to producing best-in-class scholarship and preparing leaders who think deeply, write with purpose, and serve with excellence. Our students deserve platforms that honor their brilliance—and this partnership ensures their work will be seen, valued, and shared with the world.”
An initial Call for Manuscripts, including submission guidelines for students, faculty, and scholar-practitioners, will be released later this academic year.
About the Sunday School Publishing Board (SSPB):
The Sunday School Publishing Board (SSPB), the publishing entity of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the nation's largest and most established African American–owned publishing companies. For over 100 years, the SSPB has developed, produced, and distributed Christian resources—including curriculum, Bibles, hymnals, books, and leadership tools—to equip congregations worldwide for greater faith-filled living. Guided by the Great Commission, the Great Commandment, and the Great Call, SSPB remains committed to inspiring and enriching individuals and churches of all ages to serve and transform communities in alignment with God's purpose.
About Virginia Union University:
Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts institution and publicly serves HBCUs with recognition as a private institution through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University was originally established to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Today, the University is a center for excellence focusing on preparing and developing today's students to become advanced leaders of tomorrow. Virginia Union University's programs offer undergraduate and graduate opportunities in high-demand fields that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, civic engagement, and international experiences.