VUU Appoints Sharonda Ragland as Acting Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences

June 20, 2023

RICHMOND - June 20, 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." 

Sharonda Ragland will serve as the Acting Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences. She has over 27 years and counting in the education sector. Ragland formerly held the position of Assistant Dean for VUU Undergraduate Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences in 2019. Additionally, Ragland is currently an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Interim Chair of Mass Communications. She served as Chair of Mathematics at VUU from 2017-2018. 

Ragland earned a Master of Educational Specialist degree with a concentration in Higher Education. She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation: Investigating the Impact of Spiritual Formation on Academic Achievement of African American Single-Mother Students at an HBCU: A Phenomenological Analysis. She anticipates being completed with her doctoral studies in Fall 2023. She has also received a certificate of appreciation for her contribution toward Dr. Beechaum's awarded grant. Lastly, Ragland co-authors the book chapter Toward a Solutions Approach to the Problem of Black Underrepresentation in STEM.

In her new role, Ragland expects to continue the work in the efforts of developing scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society through quality faculty who create a nurturing and spiritually enriched learning environment. 

Contact: Erika Roache 
Director of Public Relations