Michael Rao, president of VCU and VCU Health System, speaking at a podium in front of bright STEM-related graphics.

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.

Image of handwritten signature for Michael Rao, Ph.D. Michael Rao, Ph.D.

President, VCU