VUU Appoints Dr. Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah as Executive Director of the Union National Research Institute

June 07, 2023

RICHMOND - June 7, 2023] — Virginia Union University is announcing new leaders on its academic and administrative teams.

"Our vision toward greatness is expanding," said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President, and CEO. "Virginia Union University welcomes experienced new leaders who support the mission of developing scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society as we become Best in Class." 

Dr. Ahkinyala Abdullah is the new Executive Director of the Union National Research Institute (Division of Sponsored Research and Innovation). With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Abdullah has served VUU in several capacities since 2018. 

In 2021, Dr. Abdullah was appointed as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. While serving as Dean she has been actively engaged in grantsmanship and research.  She serves as a Co-PI on the Advancing Health Literacy Through Peer Outreach and Navigation Support in Richmond Grant (2021-23). She manages the Diversifying Science and Engineering Through Strategic Investment Altria VUU Grant (2021-23), is a Co-PI on the Excellence in Research Grant with FAMU (2020-23), and is the PI of the Community Culture Research Scholarship Grant VUU (2018-23).

Dr. Abdullah plans to help the Union National Research Institute become a high-yielding and  supportive Institute that implements effective programming focused on increasing research at Virginia Union University.

Contact: Erika Roache
Director of Public Relations 
Eroache@vuu.edu