Virginia Union University Welcomes Grant Neely, Vice President of University Relations

July 08, 2022

‘Excellence Reimagined’: Historic University Propels Toward ‘Best in Class’ 

[RICHMOND – July 8, 2022] — Virginia Union University is announcing new leaders in its academic and administrative teams.   

“Accomplished people build top-tier universities,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO. “Virginia Union University is welcoming experienced new leaders who make great things happen and who will help propel us toward our goal of becoming Best in Class.” 

Grant Neely, Vice President of University Relations 

Grant Neely serves as Vice President of University Relations. He previously served as Chief Communications Officer for the country’s 12th-largest state, reporting to Gov. Ralph S. Northam of Virginia, whom the Washington Post called a ‘governor of lasting consequence.’    

He led communications for the country’s most sweeping progressive agenda (advancing voting rights, clean energy, free community college, early childhood education, ending the death penalty, and more) AND an unprecedented fiscally conservative agenda (being named ‘best state for business’, posting a record budget surplus, financial reserves, capital investment; and protecting AAA bond rating).   

Over 25 years, Neely has served three Virginia Governors, including Mark R. Warner and L. Douglas Wilder, a Virginia Union graduate. He served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Dwight C. Jones of Richmond, a Virginia Union graduate. He has advised Fortune 500 clients on six continents, including the CEOs of major companies in healthcare and energy. 

Mr. Neely is Managing Partner of SIR, the 60-year-old national management consulting firm based in Richmond. He is a board member of the Reynolds Community College Foundation and of CARITAS, which helps Richmond's most vulnerable neighbors break the cycles of homelessness and addiction. He earned a master’s degree in Comparative Religion from Miami University of Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary.   

The University Relations team includes:   

·         Director of Public Relations, Erika Roache  

·         Director of Communications, Ursula James  

·         Senior Producer, VUU Studios, Brian Bullock   

·         Communications Specialist, De’Ja Bunyan  

·         Communications Specialist, Amber Coles  

·         Director of Branding and Marketing, JT Logan