Virginia Union University

08/27/2026

A new academic year. A renewed commitment to excellence. A limitless future ahead.

Virginia Union University invites the VUU community to the Opening Convocation for the 2026–2027 Academic Year, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

Thursday, September 10, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Coburn Hall | Allix B. James Chapel

As we begin another year at Union, we come together to celebrate scholarship, purpose, and the promise of what’s possible.

08/27/2026

🏈 Game day just got an upgrade.

Experience VUU Football from the Panther Suite with exclusive fieldside VIP access, upscale food and beverages, and an unforgettable view of Panther football! 🐾

Tickets are $85 per person, per game. This experience is not included in your game day football ticket.

Your investment makes a lasting impact on the lives of our students, both on and off the field.

Space is limited. Secure your Panther Suite experience today at vuu.edu/alumni/panthersuite2026

08/22/2026

AND HERE ARE THIS YEAR’S HONOREES

Celebrating the 2026 40 for 40!

Homecoming Week just got even better! Join us as we celebrate an incredible class of leaders, innovators and changemakers at the 2026 40 for 40 Celebration.

Friday, October 23
3:00 p.m.

It’s going to be an unforgettable afternoon of celebration, connection and Panther Pride! 🐾

Mark your calendars, get your tickets, and come ready to celebrate in style. We’ll see you there!

Shout out your friends, classmates, tag them, and share.

08/20/2026

🎨 VUU STUDENTS: YOUR DESIGN COULD BECOME PART OF HOMECOMING HISTORY!

Virginia Union University is calling on our creative Panthers to design the official Homecoming 2026 T-shirt!

This year’s theme is Built by Union. Powered by Legacy. Your design should bring that message to life while celebrating VUU pride, legacy and school spirit.

DESIGN CRITERIA:
Must be an original, student-created design
Incorporate Built by Union. Powered by Legacy.
Use official VUU brand colors from the Brand Guide as your base palette
Maximum of 3 colors for production
Be creative, bold and unmistakably VUU!

DO: Follow the VUU Brand Guide, make the Homecoming theme recognizable and submit your final design by the deadline. Brand guide in our bio.

DON’T: Use copyrighted artwork or alter official VUU logos. Do not use AI-generated artwork, offensive/political/discriminatory content, or previously published or used designs.

🏆 THE WINNING DESIGN RECEIVES:
Official Homecoming T-shirt production credit • $200 scholarship or bookstore credit • Recognition at halftime • Feature on VUU’s website and social media • And more!

Submissions Open: August 20, 2026
Submission Portal: [email protected] (include your first and last name, class year, and major with your submission)

Design the shirt. Wear the legacy.

08/20/2026

🎨 VUU STUDENTS: YOUR DESIGN COULD BECOME PART OF HOMECOMING HISTORY!

Virginia Union University is calling on our creative Panthers to design the official Homecoming 2026 T-shirt!

This year’s theme is Built by Union. Powered by Legacy. Your design should bring that message to life while celebrating VUU pride, legacy and school spirit.

DESIGN CRITERIA
Must be an original, student-created design
Incorporate Built by Union. Powered by Legacy.
Use official VUU brand colors from the Brand Guide as your base palette
Maximum of 3 colors for production
Be creative, bold and unmistakably VUU!

DO: Follow the VUU Brand Guide, make the Homecoming theme recognizable and submit your final design by the deadline. Brand guide in our bio.

DON’T: Use copyrighted artwork or alter official VUU logos. Do not use AI-generated artwork, offensive/political/discriminatory content, or previously published or used designs.

🏆 THE WINNING DESIGN RECEIVES:
Official Homecoming T-shirt production credit • $200 scholarship or bookstore credit • Recognition at halftime • Feature on VUU’s website and social media • And more!

Submissions Open: August 20, 2026
Submission Portal: [email protected] (include first and last name, class year, major with your submission)

Design the shirt. Wear the legacy.

08/17/2026

GOOD NEWS: Shyheim Jones is a senior at Virginia Union University, double majoring in social work and religious studies with a minor in education. Recently, Jones completed an internship with Kenya Gibson, who represents the 3rd District on Richmond City Council.

A first-generation college student from Chesapeake, Virginia, Jones has used his time at VUU to develop his leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and strengthen his commitment to serving his community.

During his internship, Jones divided his time between City Hall and the community, gaining firsthand experience in local government, constituent engagement, and public policy.

“We looked at policies, we would be at different avenues, and we canvassed to find out different complaints people in the district had,” Jones said. “We went out into the community and informed people about district meetings that would be coming up.”

Read the full story
https://vuu.benchurl.com/c/v?e=1BAADB8&c=E5CA2&t=1&email=m5Ou9%2FjhJ45szWUQ97FTlijV13c2DLgp

08/17/2026

GOOD NEWS: At 47 years old, Tayana S. Dixon experienced a milestone she never imagined: her first internship.

A wife, mother of two, executive assistant with the Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute, and full-time student, Dixon completed the 2026 Governor’s Fellows Program, an experience she describes as life-changing. A senior majoring in entrepreneurship management at Virginia Union University, Dixon has embraced every opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

“It changed my perspective on what I want to do and how I can contribute to making a difference,” Dixon said.

Read the full story:
https://vuu.benchurl.com/c/v?e=1BA6098&c=E5CA2&t=1&email=m5Ou9%2FjhJ45szWUQ97FTlijV13c2DLgp

08/16/2026

Virginia Union University stands with our friends and neighbors at Virginia State University during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Trojan community, students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and all those impacted.

In moments like these, we are reminded that the bonds between our HBCU communities extend far beyond campuses and rivalries. Today, we stand together. VUU stands with VSU. 🧡💙

08/15/2026

Virginia Union University needs your voice at an important moment in our shared future.

On Tuesday, August 18, the Richmond City Planning Commission will consider Ordinance 2026-187, the Special Use Permit required to proceed with the proposed redevelopment of 1209 Overbrook Road.

This project would help create much-needed housing, strengthen the surrounding community, support VUU’s long-term financial sustainability, and thoughtfully preserve an important part of Black Richmond’s history. VUU remains committed to ensuring the historic Richmond Community Hospital building will not be demolished and continues to explore opportunities for its meaningful adaptive reuse.

We’re asking Panthers, alumni, neighbors, faculty, staff, faith leaders, community partners, and friends to stand with VUU.

TAKE ACTION: Submit your support for Ordinance 2026-187 to [email protected] by NOON on August 18 and copy [email protected].

You can also attend the Planning Commission meeting at 6 p.m. at Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, 5th Floor Conference Room.

Your voice matters. Help us move forward thoughtfully and responsibly, supporting VUU’s future, Richmond’s housing needs, and the history and legacy entrusted to our care.

Delivering on the Promise of a Limitless Future.

08/12/2026

What does it really mean to build One Richmond?

For Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University, it means building more than housing, infrastructure, and neighborhoods; it means building people and creating pathways to prosperity.

In his latest op-ed, Dr. Lucas reflects on Richmond’s history, VUU’s legacy of transforming spaces of oppression into places of opportunity, and the responsibility we have today to ensure redevelopment leads to education, employment, entrepreneurship, homeownership, and generational wealth for the people who call Richmond home.

“Let us build housing, and build homeowners. Let us attract employers—and prepare residents to lead companies.”

Read Dr. Lucas’ full op-ed and his vision for turning reclaimed history into shared prosperity.

Richmond’s Jackson Ward Community Plan will succeed not when it builds more housing or revitalizes historic neighborhoods, but when redevelopment delivers measurable gains in education, income, health, homeownership and generational