VCU achieves uncommon levels of success

It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost November – more than halfway through the fall semester, and VCU has been fortunate to celebrate several milestone accomplishments.?

Research – a core part of our mission – broke another record for sponsored funding – $465 million for 2023. That’s a 14 percent increase over last year and a 71 percent increase over 2018.?

Thanks to VP of Research and Innovation Srirama Rao , Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos , Senior VP Marlon Levy, MD, MBA and our faculty members and deans – they’ve done the work to execute our vision, focus our research, and help secure the resources to support our teams. We offer students at every level the opportunity to get involved in research work – it’s great experience for them. Increasing our research funding translates to more of our faculty and students seeking solutions to the questions that vex society, and finding answers that improve and lift ALL people’s lives.

In September, U.S. News and World Report ranked Virginia Commonwealth University as one of the nation’s 20 most innovative public universities in its 2024 Best Colleges rankings. That’s a jump over last year, when VCU was ranked in the top 30 of the most innovative public universities.?

This recognition, which is based 100 percent on reputation, speaks directly to our mission and identity as a highly accessible, truly public national research institution, driven to be an impactful public good, engaging students at all levels in all aspects of our mission. Overall, VCU is tied for No. 76 among all public schools in the U.S. and No. 142 among all public and private institutions. VCU jumped significantly in both rankings.?

We also broke a record this year for charitable giving totals – $271 million across the VCU enterprise. Charitable giving creates opportunities – particularly more scholarships and creates more access for students who can succeed but may need support. When I meet with potential donors and I tell them about the great things VCU is doing, I’m always aware that what I’m really talking about is the work of our faculty and of our health providers and staff. I’m grateful to VP of Development and Alumni Relations Jay Davenport, CFRE and his team.

And at VCU Health, recently VCU Massey Cancer Center officially became VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, a name change that reflects its new status. Becoming a comprehensive cancer center means more resources, more clinical trials, and saving more lives.?

I’m proud of these milestones, and I know they’re due to the hard work of faculty, staff, doctors, nurses, clinicians and more. Thank you for putting the needs of our students and patients first.?