Reflections on NSF's historic visit to VCU

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan doesn’t visit universities every day.?

But recently, he and his team spent an entire day visiting Virginia Commonwealth University. Along with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Congressman Rob Wittman, Director Panchanathan toured our research lab facilities, and heard from my very talented faculty colleagues and excellent students about how the NSF’s support makes their important and impactful discoveries possible.?

We discussed how NSF and VCU bring together the talent and impactful ideas that we need for the future of research and innovation.

The director came here because his vision and VCU’s mission are aligned in a critical way – in what Director Panchanathan calls “finding the missing millions.” These are people who have the potential to excel in STEM fields and the arts, but don’t have access to the pathways to reach those careers. And we agree that we need them.??

As it happens, that’s exactly the kind of student we reach for at VCU. We are, as Senator Kaine said during the visit, an “access and excellence research institution” – a place with the excellence of a top 50 public research university, as well as a high degree of access for first-generation, diverse, and Pell-eligible students. Sitting at that uncommon nexus means VCU is well-positioned to address the issue of the missing millions, opening education pathways up to more students from all backgrounds.? We are a true American public research university.???

Making education that is more accessible also benefits our society. It means more scientists making discoveries. More entrepreneurs building jobs and a stronger economy. More artists demonstrating creativity, beauty and new ways of looking at the world—often creating designs that help us understand what we need to know.

During his visit, Director Panchanathan called VCU one of the “institutions that matter for the future.”That’s a badge of honor – and it’s a mandate.?

As a public institution, VCU has not just an opportunity but an obligation to meet the needs of all people. This is our mission. We're committed to making every human successful in every way that they have potential.?

And we’re excited to work even more closely with the NSF to educate the missing millions and spur the discovery and innovation we all need for the future. We’re ready!