The year of year of the UNLIMITED

2022-23

Note: This is the text-only version of the VCU Annual Report. For the complete website, please visit annualreports.vcu.edu.

Table of contents:

Letter from the president

In so many ways, 2023 was the best year yet for VCU and VCU Health.

VCU Health opened its 16-story hospital tower entirely dedicated to children, bringing together comprehensive children’s health services and research into early human development as part of our commitment to putting the needs of our children and communities first. As chair of the VCU Health board, this was one of my top priorities. We also opened the doors to the VCU STEM Building, revolutionizing the undergraduate experience for all students. We created a new way to express our identity to fully reflect all that is unique about VCU. And at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, we achieved prestigious comprehensive cancer center status, making us the 54th National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This year the VCU team broke records — the highest freshman enrollment, the most charitable contributions raised and the largest sponsored research funding in VCU’s history. We rose into the National Science Foundation’s top 50 public research university rankings (No. 47), years ahead of our goal.

And the world is taking notice.

That is why the Chronicle of Higher Education chose to meet here this past year to discuss the future of higher education. It’s why the director of the National Science Foundation came here with members of Congress to say that we’re “one of the U.S. universities that matter for the future.” And it’s why more and more students, patients, renowned staff, professors and pioneers of medicine are calling VCU home. Because as One VCU – VCU and VCU Health – we are committed to providing the uncommon pairing of access and excellence that our students, patients and communities deserve.

Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President, VCU

Unlike Any Other

The new Children’s Tower enhances Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

The new centerpiece of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU celebrated its grand opening on March 28, 2023.

It’s finally here — the long-awaited Children’s Tower, a hospital in our own community that is just for kids. When combined with its adjacent outpatient Children’s Pavilion, this 16-story tower completes an entire city block dedicated to caring for children and their families.

The Children’s Tower brings innovative care to young patients, but even though it’s a place of serious medical treatments, it’s all presented in a kid-centric atmosphere filled with cheerful, calming touches. Colorful furniture, murals lining the walls, design themes and signage that make it easy to find your way — these add up to create a feeling of positivity for all who enter. And all the people who work in the Children’s Tower, from doctors and environmental services team members to nurses and child life specialists, are trained in the science and art of caring for kids.

Cutting the ribbon for a new era in children’s care

As the crown jewel of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, the Children’s Tower celebrated its opening with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on March 28, 2023, with nearly 300 families, elected officials, hospital team members, donors and community partners in attendance. The $420 million facility officially opened on April 30. The Children’s Tower marks the completion of a longstanding vision.

“This hospital is all for our kids, and it’s unlike any other.”

Elias Neujahr CHoR PRESIDENT

“The conversations around a fully kid-focused children’s hospital have been taking place for many years,” CHoR President Elias Neujahr said. “When I came to CHoR, I joined the group of passionate advocates dedicated to making our community’s dream a reality. It seems surreal that we’re now ready to bring our remarkable teams into this new space to make a lifesaving and life-changing difference for kids and families. It wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our teams, Children’s Hospital Foundation and our incredible community of supporters who have worked tirelessly for the last several years. This hospital is all for our kids, and it’s unlike any other.”

CHoR broke ground on the tower in June 2019 as part of a comprehensive plan to address the needs of the community and state. Construction continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as workers overcame staffing and supply chain issues to complete the project on time. HKS was the architect for the Children’s Tower, with project management by JLL and construction by DPR.

The campaign continues

Since 2019, thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations have made gifts to help fund construction through the $100 million “Built for Kids, Built by You” capital campaign conducted by Children’s Hospital Foundation. The campaign accounts for nearly one-quarter of the Children’s Tower total budget and is scheduled to be completed by June 2025.

A million square feet designed just for children

The 16-story facility completes a city block with nearly a million square feet of space dedicated to caring for children. Youths and families were at the center of every design decision in the kid-friendly facility, including:

Accessibility for families was key in the design of the Children’s Tower. To make wayfinding easier, a specific James River-inspired mascot is the theme on each floor, with graphics of the animals signifying your location. The tower’s cafeteria, playrooms and other features are just a quick elevator ride away.

Beyond the grand opening: new growth, new additions

In the Children’s Tower’s first month, CHoR experienced double-digit growth in acute care admissions, imaging studies and surgeries. When the first patient was moved into the new facility, CHoR was already planning ways to expand access to care.

Since its opening, the tower has added a Ronald McDonald House in the Sky Lobby. Run by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond staff and volunteers, the 3,285-square-foot facility serves caregivers and families as their child receives medical treatment.

With dining and lounging areas, four family sleep rooms, a food-service area, laundry facilities, a children’s play area and an outdoor patio, the house offers families a chance to relax, enjoy a meal and participate in calming activities. Offerings include Lunches with Love, snack services and warm dinners, plus amenities such as music programs, hair styling and chair massages.

Other expansions are in the works at the tower. Construction has started on a dedicated cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab. Also, a Teammates for Kids child life zone is projected to open in 2024. Designed to make the hospital feel more homelike, the zone will be a place to celebrate birthdays, do crafts, play at a recording studio and enjoy other kid-friendly activities.

So far, reviews for the new Children’s Tower are stellar. Surveys on patient experience show responses for patient satisfaction and likely to recommend within the 95th percentile. And best of all, every day, more children are served, bringing new hope to our next generation.

A brilliant night for our first Children’s Tower patients

Starting at 5 a.m. on April 30, 2023, all the young patients in the ER, pediatric acute and intensive care units were moved to their new rooms in the Children’s Tower. To mark the children’s first night in the new tower, CHoR and VCU Police organized a special celebration — Goodnight Lights. Families received different colored flashlights, which they shined out their hospital room windows at 8:45 p.m. Dozens of EMT workers, police officers and other first responders turned the event into a parade of flashing lights, waving to the children from their vehicles below.

Unprecedented Achievement

VCU Massey earns elite “Comprehensive Cancer Center” status from NCI

The National Cancer Institute’s 2023 designation of VCU Massey made it the 54th NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the U.S.

It is the most prestigious designation in the field of oncology — and Massey has achieved it. By being named a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, Massey has been recognized, in the NCI’s words, “for their leadership and resources, in addition to demonstrating an added depth and breadth of research, as well as substantial transdisciplinary research that bridges these scientific areas.”

There are currently 72 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the U.S. that are funded by the NCI to advance cancer research, community outreach, and oncology-related education and training. Of these 72 institutions, 58 are Comprehensive Cancer Centers — and Massey and UVA Cancer Center are the only two in Virginia.

“Comprehensive is not just a name — it is validation from the NCI that we have proven excellence in laboratory research, population science and clinical research.”

Robert A. Winn, M.D. Massey director and Lipman chair in oncology

“The NCI thoroughly measured our impact on the community through outreach and engagement, while also considering our integration of cancer training and education of biomedical researchers and community health care professionals,” said Robert A. Winn, M.D., Massey director and Lipman Chair in Oncology.

“We are so proud to reach this milestone — and to be leading the charge, not just in research but in building trust and breaking down barriers between medical institutions and communities,” Winn said.

Massey director elected president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes

As Massey reaches elite status in its new designation, Massey’s director, Robert A. Winn, M.D., has also reached a new pinnacle: He has been elected to lead the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), which represents more than 100 premier academic and freestanding cancer centers in the U.S. and Canada.

As president, he is leading the nation in establishing a 21st-century model for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the oncology workforce. His AACI presidential initiative, “Inclusive Excellence,” aims to develop and promote inclusion by fostering partnerships between AACI members and like-minded organizations, government agencies and other institutions regionally, nationally and globally.

Winn is the first minority president of the AACI and the first president from Virginia. He is also the first African American to lead a cancer center to NCI comprehensive status.

A new era of community-centered cancer research

According to Winn, the new comprehensive designation “allows Massey to be the first in a new generation of cancer centers that integrates the community in all of the research we do.”

The medical field calls this approach “community-to-bench,” which means that the people who are served guide the research. According to Winn, “instead of following traditional models that keep much of the process inside a laboratory, Massey engages individuals in their communities; they are essential partners at every level of our research – design, implementation, evaluation and dissemination. The data we collect from the community helps us to refine scientific questions. We can then take medical innovations back to the community through clinical trials to serve specific needs and have a greater impact on overall health.”

Higher recognition means stronger funding

Comprehensive designation offers Massey more research funding from the NCI and greater leverage when applying for other grants. The recognition also enables Massey to expand its stellar team, recruiting and retaining top scientists from around the world. By doing so, the scope of Massey’s research can broaden, with new areas of expertise and new methodologies to fight cancer. The designation could open more doors to collaboration with other research institutions as well.

An achievement years in the making

Massey was one among the earlier cohorts of cancer centers designated by the NCI in 1975, just four years after the creation of the NCI Cancer Centers Program. With that initial designation, Massey was already among the top 4% of the nation’s 1,500 cancer centers. When Winn started as director at Massey in December 2019, he asked, “But why stop there?” He then made achieving comprehensive status a top priority.

To position Massey for NCI comprehensive designation, the center embarked on a two-year fundraising campaign to generate an additional $22 million. Called the “Quest for Comprehensive,” the fundraising initiative focused on recruiting and retaining acclaimed scientists; increasing research and clinical trials; expanding Massey’s Molecules to Medicine program; expediting cutting-edge treatments; combating cancer health disparities; and improving cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship for everyone. Thanks to that additional funding and the efforts of all stakeholders, comprehensive designation was reached in May 2023.

Massey leads national program that encourages service-learning and student diversity

This past year, Massey has been the leader of the Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP), coordinating with 15 sites across the country to welcome 66 medical students to this prestigious and intensive six-week summer service-learning externship. The experience enables students to collaborate on research with world-class mentors and gain valuable experience related to the design, implementation and operation of clinical trials.

In the summer of 2023, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted four students as part of the program. Student projects at Massey explored the barriers to recruiting more diverse clinical trials. Some students examined the impact of a patient’s financial situation on care and outcomes, and how the medical community can better encourage clinical trial participation in patients with financial limitations or stressors. Others worked on clinical trials and assisted with developing protocols and plans for trials. All of them viewed their work through the lens of understanding and working to address health disparities.

Winn CIPP is part of the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program. A second initiative in the program — the Career Development Award — provides opportunities for early-stage investigator physicians who are from diverse backgrounds and/or committed to increasing diversity in clinical trials participants. The Winn Awards program aims to train, develop and mentor more than 290 diverse and community-oriented clinical trialists and 290 medical students by 2027.

More personalized medicine and community outreach

While the Comprehensive Cancer Center designation marks a milestone, new achievements will continue every day as Massey works toward a world without cancer. Personalized medicine is one area that is changing oncology as we know it.

“At Massey, one treatment does not fit all,” Winn said. “As our researchers continue to make advances in immunotherapy, more patients will benefit from it and other types of personalized medicine.”

“Prevention programs will focus on the intersection of place and space with cancer.”

Robert A. Winn, M.D. Massey director and Lipman chair in oncology

As a community-to-bench center, Massey will continue to recognize the importance of location. Winn noted that “lowering cancer incidence and mortality requires not only looking at DNA but also ZNA, which is an individual’s ZIP code and neighborhood of association. Prevention programs will focus on the intersection of place and space with cancer.”

That approach is already proven in a new outreach effort that launched in the fall of 2023. Two “Massey on the Move” mobile health vans are now delivering cancer education and awareness to traditionally underserved communities across central and southern Virginia. The vans also serve as an entry point for connecting with health education programs like We Can Quit and We Can Eat Well, and for help accessing screening tests, diagnostic follow-up tests, cancer treatment services and state-of-the-art clinical trials.

Within their first few months, these vans reached nearly 1,000 people at events throughout the region, and Massey’s Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team had hundreds of one-on-one conversations with residents to encourage healthy lifestyle practices and cancer screenings.

Home of Unlimited Inspiration

Introducing the new VCU STEM Building

The six-floor building greatly expands lab, classroom and office space for the College of Humanities and Sciences. Nearly 60% of VCU undergraduate students are enrolled in the college.

A montage of illuminated science-related images, several stories high. An elliptical flex-space classroom filled with angular lights. And an enthusiastic group of faculty, guests, students and dignitaries. These were the sights that greeted hundreds of attendees as the doors opened to the new VCU STEM Building this past spring.

The April 26, 2023, ribbon-cutting marked the completion of an eight-year project — and the starting point of inspiration for thousands of students in dozens of majors.

This building and th

In her speech at the standing-room-only grand opening, Sally Hunnicutt, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty and academic affairs (science and mathematics) in the College of Humanities and Sciences, said, “is space are the physical embodiment of the mission of VCU and the College of Humanities and Sciences. We put our students first, right at the heart of their educational journey. To welcome our students, we intentionally designed and constructed a building that is beautiful, functional and interdisciplinary.”

“This building and this space are the physical embodiment of the mission of VCU and the College of Humanities and Sciences.”

Sally Hunnicutt, Ph.D. associate dean for faculty and academic affairs (science and mathematics) in the College of Humanities and Sciences

Located at the site of the former Franklin Street Gym, the CHS’s 169,000-square-foot STEM Building is now welcoming about 8,000 students each semester. Most of the courses taught in the building are designed for first- and second-year students.

“These students are at a point where they are generating enthusiasm and interest for specific topics,” Hunnicutt said. ”They’re building a culture of teamwork and interdisciplinary study. The environment and technology here will help them fall in love with their program — to explore areas earlier in their journey, and to bring out their unlimited passion for learning.”

The six-floor building greatly expands lab, classroom and office space for the CHS. Nearly 60% of VCU undergraduate students are enrolled in the college, which includes 17 departments, two schools and three programs.

The new building includes space for the CHS’s three largest majors: psychology, biology, and kinesiology and health sciences. It also serves as the entry point for mathematics, chemistry and physics students, and for upper-level courses in biochemistry, modern physics, anthropology and forensic science. And even though it is called the STEM Building, courses in subjects including philosophy; gender, sexuality and women’s studies; sociology; mass communications and history are also being taught in the new facility.

Six stories of unlimited possibility

The STEM Building features 32 teaching labs; the Math Exchange, an innovative facility for math instruction; the Science Hub, a dedicated space for student/faculty interaction, study groups and specialized support for STEM classes; two 250-seat, team-based learning classrooms; computer labs; and large- and small-capacity flexible classrooms.

Level 1 inspires all who visit, with a two-story atrium with backlit glass featuring images from VCU labs. Other features: two 100-seat classrooms designed for team-based learning; the Math Exchange, an instruction space designed around an elliptical shape; and three psychology classrooms. On the exterior, an adjacent walkway connects Franklin Street to the Monroe Park Campus dining facility and Cabell Library.

Level 2 features two 200-seat classrooms, which comprise the largest team-based learning environment across either of VCU’s campuses. The Science Hub serves as a dedicated space for science tutoring and supplemental instruction. Other features include open and enclosed study spaces and a large, shared commons area with a balcony overlooking historic Franklin Street.

Level 3 is home to eight biology lab spaces, a plant growing room, a forensic sciences lab, a crime scene lab, an anthropology/forensics lab, open and enclosed study spaces, and office space for lab coordinators and teaching assistants.

Level 4 houses six general chemistry labs equipped with snorkel hoods for each student, five introductory physics labs (with one dedicated to astronomy), one modern physics lab, open and enclosed study spaces, pre-lab/post-lab classroom space and offices for lab coordinators and teaching assistants.

Level 5 has allowed chemistry to double its original organic lab space with five additional labs, including dedicated instrumentation space for organic chemistry. The new labs are equipped with state-of-the-art spectrometers and other instruments. This floor also includes a forensics lab and more open and enclosed study space, as well as offices for lab coordinators and teaching assistants.

Level 6 is fully dedicated to the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. It includes running tracks, resistance and biomechanics labs, and labs with advanced exercise equipment. This floor also has additional space for faculty offices.

Designed for collaborative, student-centered learning

“We know that giving students direct experience ‘doing’ is highly fruitful for learning,” Hunnicutt said. “So, as you walk through the STEM Building, you’ll find laboratory spaces that incorporate big ideas – like great sight lines and individual snorkel hoods – with innovative details like under-cabinet vacuum generation, electronic shades and student cubbies with power. These little (and big) details have a major impact on students’ laboratory experiences. As VCU students have told me over the years: They value laboratory learning.”

“We know that giving students direct experience ‘doing’ is highly fruitful for learning.”

Sally Hunnicutt, Ph.D. associate dean for faculty and academic affairs (science and mathematics) in the College of Humanities and Sciences

Throughout the building, one can note the attention placed on collaborative learning. In 200-person classes, tables are hexagonal, so students can work together for more active learning. Screens are plentiful. And instructors aren’t at the head of the class on a stage — instead, they are teaching throughout the space, creating a more engaging, interactive learning environment. There are also many white boards throughout, so students can outline ideas as part of casual conversations with others. Even hybrid courses have become more dynamic, as cameras follow instructors through the classroom while they teach.

In its first year, the building has also generated interest in STEM through special events. Poster sessions for chemistry graduate students and undergrads were held early in the fall semester. In September, a STEM scavenger hunt encouraged exploration throughout the building, with many of the 150+ attendees taking selfies with an ape skull. A career and internship fair for kinesiology and health sciences was held in November.

In all, student reviews of the new STEM Building have been spectacular. Said Hunnicutt: “One KHS major said to me, ‘I’m never going to leave!’”

STEM made accessible: National Science Foundation director calls VCU one of the “U.S. universities that matter for the future”

On Feb. 6, 2023, National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, Ph.D., visited VCU to see how the university is advancing science and innovation and helping expand diversity in STEM. Joining Panchanathan throughout the day were U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, as well as VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., and other senior university leaders.

Panchanathan praised VCU for its efforts to make STEM education and advancement accessible to all.

“When we are outcompeting nations like China, we need to bring every ounce of talent to the table. That’s the right thing to do. That’s a smart thing to do. And that’s what we term as the missing millions who need to be brought to the fore rather urgently,” Panchanathan said. “Institutions like VCU are embracing talent and allowing access to the university, giving [students] the chance to exercise their talent, motivate them, inspire them and then make them available as talent that is then going to make all regions of our nation prosperous.”

Uncommon Branding

VCU and VCU Health introduce their new brand platform

New branding uses empowering “UN” words to demonstrate VCU and VCU Health’s distinctive excellence.

How do you express to the world that a university and health care system are unlike any other? That was the challenge facing a group of branding strategists, brand managers and creatives this past year, as VCU and VCU Health looked to create a new brand platform.

The result: the UNCOMMON platform for the university side and the “UN” platform for the health system. And the team: students from VCU’s own Brandcenter, working hand in hand with the team from VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications.

Introduced in 2022, this enterprisewide platform uses empowering “UN” words to demonstrate VCU and VCU Health’s distinctive excellence.

VCU’s branding materials reflect the idea that it is the commonwealth’s university. This position was a result of more than 2,000 brand research stakeholder interviews, which revealed the perspective that VCU is truly the commonwealth’s university because of its mission of access, focus on diversity and inclusion, acceptance rates and location in the heart of our capital city. By working in partnership with the VCU Board of Visitors and senior university leadership, the team created a platform that signals the university’s highest priorities and reflects strategic decision-making at the most executive level.

“As a leader, the greatest gift you can give an institution is to be really bold about distinguishing what you do, how you do it and the impact it has,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU.

Rather than take the path of least resistance, branding the university with familiar slogans and visuals, VCU chose the path of most resistance by building a platform for the inclusive culture and unique character that set the campus apart. Now, the university has an “uncommon” way to tell its story that captures the essence of who VCU is and who it serves.

“We believe that Virginia Commonwealth University is, in fact, the commonwealth’s university, because we see potential in everyone. But we are uncommon in our approach. That mindset makes us a place like no other.”

Grant Heston VCU President for Enterprise Marketing and Communications for VCU and VCU Health

“We believe that Virginia Commonwealth University is, in fact, the commonwealth’s university, because we see potential in everyone. But we are uncommon in our approach,” said Grant Heston, vice president for Enterprise Marketing and Communications for VCU and VCU Health. “That mindset makes us a place like no other.”

VCU Health’s branding shows that it is an organization with an unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care and research.

The brand carries through the platform with bold typefaces and imagery, with various fonts used for different types of messaging.

“Our branding is versatile. It can be adapted to various contexts and messages, making it an excellent tool for diverse marketing campaigns,” said Vann Graves, Ed.D., director of the VCU Brandcenter. “For instance, it can prefix a range of positive attributes like ‘unconventional,’ ‘unparalleled’ and ‘unstoppable,’ which can be applied to different aspects of VCU and VCU Health, from research and teaching to patient care and community service. And it’s simple yet impactful, making it easy to remember. This is particularly important in a competitive landscape where distinctiveness and recall value are crucial to brand recognition and loyalty.”

“This platform lets us talk about ourselves in a way that eliminates comparison to others. It allows us to be authentically and unapologetically VCU.”

Kevin Best Associate Vice President for Brand Marketing

According to Kevin Best, VCU’s associate vice president for brand marketing, “this platform lets us talk about ourselves in a way that eliminates comparison to others. It allows us to be authentically and unapologetically VCU. No one can be VCU or VCU Health. No one is better at telling our own stories than we are. This platform celebrates the individuality of every student, faculty, team member and patient.”

Why is branding important?

Today more than ever, branding is imperative to make VCU stand out as an enterprise. “We live in a world full of choices we can make as consumers,” Heston said. “Your brand helps influence people to make choices for you. So, if it’s students choosing to come to VCU or patients choosing to come to VCU Health, our enterprise brand is how we help influence those decisions.”

“Branding defines the why. It’s ultimately the thing that connects us to others as an institution,” Best said. “As we assembled our new platform, we weren’t looking to create a new brand or to deconstruct our DNA. Instead, we dug even deeper into our spirit, soul and personality to really look for a way to tell our own unique story. We created a platform building on our existing heritage to contextualize and express the impact of our brand. And the potential for its messaging is limitless across both VCU and VCU Health.”

“At the Brandcenter, we are deeply committed to nurturing future leaders, and what better way to demonstrate this than by involving our students directly in projects like the university’s brand development?”

Vann Graves, Ed.D. Director of the VCU Brandcenter

Creating the brand: a cooperative effort

The new branding effort started with a partnership between the VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications team and students from the VCU Brandcenter. As part of their concept development class, teams of Brandcenter art directors, copywriters and experience design students generated ideas for branding VCU. Those concepts served as the springboard to create the new brand platform.

Based on that inspiration, the Enterprise Marketing and Communications team refined the university and health system’s brand values, positioning, personality and tone. That team also created two brand manifestos — and one for VCU Health.

VCU brand manifesto

VCU is not like the rest. In a world of the common, we are the uncommon. We are unlike any other.

Higher education and health care. Too often, they’re restricted by outdated thinking and centuries-old traditions. It’s time to erase those barriers.

We’re Virginia Commonwealth University — more than 300,000 strong. A mix of attitudes, styles and stories. Inclusion is our heartbeat and it drives us to tackle difficult challenges others can’t. Or won’t.

We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. The nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation.

We focus on impact. Because rankings don’t save lives or uplift communities — we do.

We’re pursuing a future that’s built by us rather than preserving a past that’s been left to us.

We prove every day that different works.

We’re not for everyone. But if you’re more interested in blazing trails than walking old paths, you can be unstoppable here.

We’re VCU. The commonwealth’s university.

There’s nowhere like this and no one like us.

Said Graves: “At the Brandcenter, we are deeply committed to nurturing future leaders, and what better way to demonstrate this than by involving our students directly in projects like the university’s brand development?”

VCU’s launch campaign takes national Best in Show honors 

In the spring of 2023, VCU received the Best in Show award at the Collegiate Advertising Awards for the UNCOMMON brand launch. VCU’s recognition was unanimous among the judges for the national competition, which honors excellence in marketing and advertising among colleges and universities. VCU competed against institutions including Auburn University, Boston University, Clemson University, Purdue University and Syracuse University.

The “un” approach to health care branding

While much of the enterprise’s undergraduate recruiting focuses on “uncommon,” VCU Health messaging uses word pairings like “undeniable proof” and “unrelenting hope” to better place the platform in a health care context.

“This brand platform was developed very carefully and intentionally to fit into the brand platform of the VCU enterprise, while also hitting the right emotional tone and conveying a sense of hope and reassurance to our patients, which was paramount to us,” said Kendra Gerlach, associate vice president, VCU Health Strategy and Marketing. “Built on months of research that included thousands of voices, the brand platform is meant to reflect the steadfast and unwavering commitment of VCU Health’s providers and team members to meet patients where they are and join them on the journey of helping them live their best lives.”

The marketing team also created a health-specific manifesto, which reads:

Every day at VCU Health, we bring our UNWAVERING commitment and an UNCOMMON approach to healing. For whatever. For whomever. For whenever. We do our best to explain, to solve and to fix. At VCU Health, we stop at nothing to find answers. We leave the status quo behind to deliver compassionate care to all. As in, UNBELIEVABLE JOY. UNRELENTING HOPE. UNDENIABLE PROOF. Whoever you are, whatever brings you to us, we are unconditionally committed to helping you live your best life. That is our UNENDING PROMISE.

The Year in Review

Highlights of Fiscal Year 2022-2023

It was a year of unprecedented success for VCU and VCU Health, with new achievements, new recognitions and new breakthroughs across the enterprise. The stories below reflect just some of the accomplishments made here, in addition to the opening of the VCU STEM Building and Children’s Tower, Massey’s recognition as a Comprehensive Cancer Center and the development of a new brand platform for VCU and VCU Health.

Notables

New facilities

The VCU STEM Building opened in spring 2023 and is significantly enhancing the undergraduate learning experience.

The Children’s Tower officially opened in April 2023 as the home for pediatric inpatient, emergency and trauma care at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Leadership

Michael Rao, Ph.D. president, VCU

Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D. vice president for inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer

Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D. interim vice president for strategic enrollment management and student success University Innovation Alliance liaison

Matthew A. Conrad, J.D. vice president for government and external relations for VCU and VCU Health System

Jay Davenport vice president for development and alumni relations for VCU and VCU Health System

Karol Kain Gray senior vice president

Karah L. Gunther, J.D., M.H.A. vice president for external affairs and health policy

Stephanie Hamlett, J.D. university counsel

Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D. vice president for student affairs

Karen Helderman chief of staff

Grant J. Heston vice president for enterprise marketing and communications for VCU and VCU Health System

Pamela D. Lepley senior advisor to the president

Marlon F. Levy, M.D., FACS interim senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System

David Litton interim executive director for audit and compliance services

Ed McLaughlin vice president and director of athletics

Aashir Nasim, Ph.D. vice president and senior advisor to the president

P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D. vice president for research and innovation

Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D.

provost and senior vice president for academic affairs

Meredith Weiss, Ph.D. vice president for administration and interim chief financial officer

VCU BOARD OF VISITORS

Current as of January 2024

DEANS

Current as of January 2024

Brian P. Brown, Ph.D. interim dean, School of Business

Scott Breuninger, Ph.D. dean, Honors College

Lyndon F. Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D. dean, School of Dentistry

Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph. D., M.S.W., M.P.H. interim dean, School of Social Work

Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc. dean, College of Engineering

Jean Giddens, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN dean, School of Nursing

Susan Gooden, Ph.D. dean, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Manu Gupta, Ph.D. interim dean, Graduate School

Irene M. H. Herold, Ph.D. dean, VCU Libraries and university librarian

Carmenita D. Higginbotham, Ph.D. dean, School of the Arts

Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D. dean, College of Humanities and Sciences

D’Arcy Mays, Ph.D. interim dean, University College

Kelechi C. Ogbonna, Pharm.D., MSHA dean, School of Pharmacy

Kathleen M. Rudasill, Ph.D. interim dean, School of Education

Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D dean, School of Medicine

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D. interim dean, School of Population Health

Paula H. Song, Ph.D. interim dean, College of Health Professions

VCU HEALTH SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Fiscal year 2023

Michael Rao, Ph.D. president, VCU chair, VCU Health System Authority Board of Directors

Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA interim senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences interim CEO of VCU Health System

Jay E. Davenport, CFRE chief development officer, VCU and VCU Health System vice president, office of development and alumni relations

Michael Elliott, Pharm.D., MSHA, FACHE chief operating officer, VCU Health System

Sheryl Garland chief of health impact, VCU Health System

Kimberly Gillespie, MBA senior vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel, VCU Health System

Karah L. Gunther vice president of external affairs and health policy, office of government relations for VCU and VCU Health System

Grant Heston chief communications officer, VCU and VCU Health System vice president, enterprise marketing and communications

Nina Hobcroft chief strategy officer, VCU Health System

Jordy Rabinowitz interim chief human resources officer, VCU Health System

James Siegel, CPA, CIA chief financial officer, VCU Health System

Ellen Wiegand, MBA chief information officer, VCU Health System interim chief data and analytics officer, VCU Health System

Michael Roussos president, VCU Medical Center

Ralph R. Clark, M.D. interim president, MCV Physicians, VCU Health System

Elias Neujahr, MHA, MBA president, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Sheldon Barr president, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital

Liz Martin president, VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital

Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D. dean, VCU School of Medicine

Kelechi C. Ogbonna, Pharm.D., MSHA dean, VCU School of Pharmacy

Jean Giddens, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN dean, VCU School of Nursing

Paula Song, Ph.D. interim dean, VCU College of Health Professions

Lyndon F. Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D. dean, VCU School of Dentistry

VCU HEALTH SYSTEM AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Current as of January 2024

VCU facts and figures 2022-23

Univeristy facts and figures

OUR STUDENTS BY THE NUMBERS

28,408 Fall 2022 student enrollment

Percentage minority and underrepresented:

32.9% Underrepresented minorities total

48.9% Minority total

36.6% Underrepresented minorities undergraduates

54% Minority undergraduates

34.2% First-generation freshmen

85.6% One-year retention rate

85.7% Virginia residents (all students)

1,492 Newly enrolled transfer students

VCU GRADUATION RATES

61.5% Black students

67.2% Latinx students 6-year graduation rates for Black and Latinx students (fall 2017 cohort)

65.6% 6-year overall graduation rate (fall 2017 cohort)

60.5% 6-year graduation rate for Pell recipients (fall 2017 cohort)

AID AND PROGRAMS

$315,085,302 Total aid

$17,407 Average aid package (with or without filing FAFSA) Financial aid awarded, 2022-23

7,276 Degrees and certificates awarded — total

244 Total number of programs

ALUMS AND EMPLOYEES

216,696 Living alumni

65% Alumni living in Virginia

2,501 Full-time teaching and research faculty (includes librarians with T&R faculty designations)

27.7% Minority teaching and research faculty

24,065 Employees (VCU and VCU Health)

RESEARCH NUMBERS

Total sponsored awards $464.6 million - 71% increase over past five years (2018-23)

$211.6 million Total federally funded grants

126 Invention disclosures

165 Patents filed

26 Patents issued

17 Copyrights

60+ Startups (faculty, staff or students)

12 Startup licenses (new startups)

29 Licenses/options

118 Industry engagements

$2,997,407 Licensing revenues

$1,654,556 Proof-of-concept funding

National Science Foundation ranks VCU as No. 47 in the country for fiscal research expenditures NSF HERD ranking

ATHLETICS CONFERENCE OUTCOMES

3.339 Cumulative GPA of student-athletes

64 Student-athletes with a 4.0 or better (spring semester)

FINANCIALS

$4,647.5 million Total in revenues and capital additions (VCU, VCU Health and affiliated foundations)

$4,382.9 million Total in expenditures (VCU, VCU Health and affiliated foundations)

$271 million Annual fundraising (a record for the university and health system)

VCU Health facts and figures 2022-23

VCU Health facts and figures

VCU HEALTH SYSTEM FINANCIAL STATEMENT*

Fiscal Year 2023

$3,051,041,202 Total operating revenue

$100,398,383 Net income/loss (excess of revenues over expenses)

$1,703,534,065 Salaries, wages and benefits

$706,356,042 Supplies

$511,043,296 Purchased services and other expenses

$120,948,832 Depreciation and amortization

$91,239,416 Non-operating revenues and expenses

* Includes VCU Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Community Memorial Hospital, MCV Physicians practice plan, Tappahannock Hospital, University Health Services and UHS professional education programs and above information reflects GASB accounting standards. S&P rating AA- Moody’s rating Aa3

VCU MEDICAL CENTER VOLUME

Fiscal Year 2023

40,552 Inpatient discharges 101,604 Emergency department visits 1,877,536 Outpatient clinic visits 29,880 Total surgeries 2,850 Newborn deliveries

VCU HEALTH COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL VOLUME

Fiscal Year 2023

3,228 Inpatient discharges

214 Skilled nursing facility

24,465 Emergency department visits

89,804 Outpatient visits

2,828 Total surgeries

225 Newborn deliveries

VCU HEALTH TAPPAHANNOCK HOSPITAL VOLUME

1,794 Inpatient discharges

19,384 Emergency department visits

612 Total surgeries

118,380 Outpatient visits

HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE ENROLLMENT (FALL 2023)

508 Dentistry

1,273 Health professions

1,012 Medicine

932 Nursing

416 Pharmacy

106 Population health

4,247 Total

793 Current residents

RESEARCH*

469 Clinical research studies open to enrollment

1,215 Patients enrolled in clinical research studies

345 Clinical trials open to enrollment

975 Patients enrolled in clinical trials

$464.6 million Sponsored research awards**

* Research studies using VCU Health System services

** All sponsored research across the university and health system; includes other project types, such as training, public service and instruction

TRAUMA CARE

4,387 Total admissions (including Pediatrics and Burn)