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Virginia State University president reports enrollment growth, new buildings and programs
Summary
Virginia State University President Abdulllah briefed the board about enrollment gains, new construction, academic program expansions and community events including hosting a gubernatorial debate and Dinwiddie High School graduation at the MPC.
Virginia State University President Dr. Makalika Abdullah told the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors that VSU’s enrollment stands “a little over 5,600 students,” the third‑highest in the university’s history and the largest in the last decade.
Dr. Abdullah described campus expansion: a nearly finished building scheduled to open for fall 2025 and a new admissions building under construction at Rogers Stadium. He said the university plans additional projects, including a residence hall, a health and wellness center and a leadership building.
On academics, Abdullah said VSU recently gained R2 classification for research activity and launched an MBA and a Master of Science in Data Science. He also announced the nursing program’s accreditation and a new master's degree in social work.
Abdullah reviewed athletics highlights and staffing: he said the men’s team won the CIAA championship and the women’s team were runner‑ups; he announced Tiffany Dawn Sykes, a VSU alumna, as the new athletic director and previewed an upcoming women’s basketball coach announcement.
He invited the board to campus events, including VSU commencement on May 11 and Dinwiddie High School’s graduation at the MPC, and said VSU will host a gubernatorial debate on campus this fall. "If you get a chance to come on campus, we'd love to have you take a look," Abdullah said.
The board thanked Abdullah and board members emphasized VSU’s role in regional economic development and workforce preparation.
Ending: Board members expressed appreciation for VSU’s outreach and highlighted opportunities to involve high school students in university events and regional workforce initiatives.
