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Virginia State University president cites rapid enrollment growth, presses for capital funding
Summary
President Abdullah told the Senate Education Subcommittee that Virginia State University enrollment rose to about 5,600 students, that 70% are Pell-eligible, and that the university seeks capital funding including a library replacement amendment carried by Senator Deeds.
President Abdullah, president of Virginia State University, told the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Education Subcommittee that Virginia State University (VSU) has grown to almost 5,600 students and is pursuing capital improvements including a library replacement.
"At VSU, we live by the slogan, greater happens here," President Abdullah said, describing the university's role and the importance of continued investment. She said enrollment rose from roughly 4,000 students in 2020 to about 5,600 in 2024, an increase she described as "almost 40%." She added that about 70% of VSU students are Pell-eligible.
The update came during the subcommittee's scheduled higher-education briefing. Abdullah highlighted new academic programs — including an MBA, a data analytics degree and an RN-to-BSN pathway that earned five-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education — and said VSU is designated as military friendly. She also framed VSU's work in the context of statewide HBCU collaboration, noting memoranda of understanding with Hampton, Norfolk State, Virginia Union and Virginia University of Lynchburg to expand K–12 engagement, research and work-based learning.
Abdullah said the university faces an aging capital portfolio. Citing a JLARC study on higher-education institutional viability and facilities, she said VSU has very few buildings newer than the system average and needs new construction. "We're very excited that we currently have a budget amendment that's being carried by Senator Deeds to demolish and replace our current library," Abdullah said, adding the library is about 60 years old.
Senator Lucas thanked Abdullah and affirmed the committee's support for VSU and its HBCU partners. Abdullah closed by thanking the committee and noting that HBCU leaders will visit the campus January 29 to demonstrate cooperative initiatives.
The remarks were part of the subcommittee's agenda that also included staff presentations on the governor's budget amendments and Senate member budget amendments.
