Virginia State University was founded March 6, 1882 after a bill was passed to charter the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute.1
Before this bill was passed in 1882, Alfred W. Harris founded Virginia State in 1882 but the University was not opened until 1883. Alfred W. Harris was a lawyer and state delegate who proposed the bill to create the school. On the campus of Virginia State University there is a statue of Alfred W. Harris the statue reads " I want a place where all may go and drink from the fountain of knowledge." Virginia State University's opening day was October 1, 1883, making it the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the state of Virginia. The university's first President was John Mercer Langston, he was in charge of the school for only one year. Virginia State University second president was John Hugo Johnson he served as the university president for twenty-seven years until 1914; this was the longest term ever served by a President for Virginia State University.2 Today the university President is Dr. Keith T. Miller he has been in office since 2010 and has just recently announced that he will step down as the school's President effective December 31, 2014. The school has already named Pamela V. Hammond as the interim President, making her the first female President in school history. Virginia State University has had a total of 17 presidents in its history.
History From Slavery
Virginia State University was the first public land grant institution for blacks in the United States. Parts of the underground railroad lay under the dorm of Byrd Hall a female freshman dorm on the campus of Virginia State.3
Tradition
At five o' clock everyday at Virginia State University "The Evening Song" plays on the bells of the campus.
Virginia State University in 2014 (Foster Hall)
At Foster Hall there is a logo of the mascot that is a Trojan painted on the ground many people walk around the logo because for many years students believe that there is a bad omen and that stepping on the logo will keep you their an extra year.4
Notable Alumni
*Billy Taylor (Jazz player)
*Rosalyn Dance (Politician)
*Avis Wyatt (Professional Basketball player)
*Roslyn Taylor (Politician)
*Wale Folarin (Rapper)
Virginia State University today
Virginia State University has grown into one of the best HBCUs in the United States. Today Virginia State University offers up to 55 baccalaureate programs along with a variety of master programs and certificates.5 Virginia State University is known for its Liberal Arts program and is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Virginia State University offers 16 on campus dormitories and 17 academic buildings on its 236 acre campus. Many students choose Virginia State University because of it's location being minutes away from Richmond, Virginia the capital of the state. Virginia State University is also centered near the tri-city areas of Hopewell, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Petersburg, and Prince George. These towns are home to many job opportunities for college students once they have their degrees and for summer jobs.
Virginia State University bookstore in 2
1. http://www.vsu.edu/about/index.php.
3.Tiffani Sykes, telephone interview by author, December 2, 2014
5. http://www.vsu.edu/about/index.php.
