Latest news with #VSU

Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
HBCU debuts new academic building with pool, gym and theatre
Virginia State University, one of the nation's leading HBCU institutions, is preparing to unveil a major addition to its campus-the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons. This modern, multipurpose facility will soon serve as the new home for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Education. Replacing the demolished Harris Hall and former campus gymnasium, the new academic commons is more than just a classroom building. It will feature a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a fully equipped theatre, and an exhibition gallery, reflecting VSU's commitment to holistic student development-both inside and outside the classroom. The approximately 174,000 square feet building will be the largest on campus. University President Dr. Makola Abdullah emphasized the role the new space will play in supporting student growth at the HBCU. 'The number one thing that we love to see is students learning,' Abdullah said. 'We love to see students chasing their dreams and becoming a better version of themselves so they can go out in the community and make a difference. And we believe VSU-and this building-is going to help them do that.' Faculty and staff are expected to move into the building this August, with classes set to begin there during the spring semester. VSU said it opted for the ribbon-cutting now instead of closer to the beginning of the school year so that members of the Board of Visitors who are rotating off July 1 could take part in the festivities. The Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons is poised to become a cornerstone of academic and cultural life at the historic HBCU. The post HBCU debuts new academic building with pool, gym and theatre appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia State University students excel at FBLA National Leadership Conference
Virginia State University students won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s National Leadership Conference. The event May 31-June 2 in Dallas drew over 1,000 college students, educators and volunteers. At the NLC, the VSU Chapter of FBLA showcased exceptional talent. The chapter, according to a news release, was consistently visible on the leaderboard and maintained a high level of networking and participation throughout the conference. VSU's Sakara Calhoun-Bey was the top-performing attendee. She exhibited her strong networking ability, and received the top position on the leaderboard for the FBLA application. Other top performers were Jenayah Loveless, Amiyah Ponton, King Maxwell, Elijah Adams, Renee Ogoh, Jasmine Fallen and Tania Outland. The VSU students represent what it means to be committed to the core values of FBLA: To collaborate, to compete and to lead. The NLC provides education, competition and networking opportunities centered on business. Through determination, hard work and efficient teamwork, VSU students placed in the top 10 of their competitive events. Remarkable achievement VSU excels at Future Business Leaders of America competition. What's next for students? Nayima Green and Nylan Taylor — 1st place in Management Case Elijah Adams, Nylan Taylor and Camron Cooper — 1st place in Marketing Case Abigail Rancy — 3rd place in Parliamentary Procedure Shane Roach, King Maxwell and Elijah Adams — 5th in Emerging Business Issues Makayla Robinson and Sakara Calhoun-Bey — 6th place in Hospitality Management Case Recipients dual-enrolled AdvanSix presents $2,000 STEM Scholarships: Read where students see themselves in 20 years More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 U.S. states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in 60 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities and employers. Additionally, student members heard from Astad Dhunjisha, vice president of human resources and talent acquisition at AT&T, who shared his insights on change and innovation in the business world as well as what students can do now to prepare for a rapidly shifting job market. In response to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business's victory involving over 1,000 student participants from nearly 150 institutions, Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, professor of Computer Information Systems and dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, shared a reflection on the significance of the achievement and what it means for VSU. 'To win a national competition against nearly 150 schools that, between them, fielded over 1,000 student contestants is not just an affirmation of the caliber of undergraduates at the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business but also proof in the pudding that at Virginia State University, Greater Happens Here. If anyone needed any additional quantifiable evidence of what is being achieved at this Historically Black College and University, they need not look any further,' Omojokun said. 'This year's National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,' Jennifer Woods, FBLA President and CEO, said. 'From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow's workforce. These college students leave Dallas not only with well-earned recognition but also with new connections, confidence and a clearer path toward their future careers.' FBLA, a nonprofit education association, has over 200,000 middle school, high school and college members worldwide. Dr. Aurelia Donald, Computer Information Systems Professor and FBLA Chapter Advisor, stated, "VSU couldn't be prouder of bringing home the big win!" 'Reach the stars' Petersburg: Young entrepreneur spreads positive vibes via her first business Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@ follow @KHiggins_PI on X and@socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please . This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: VSU students celebrate, excel at FBLA National Leadership Conference


The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Vikrama Simhapuri University student participates in Global Youth Summit in Karnataka
Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU) student and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteer B. Yugandhar Reddy represented Andhra Pradesh at the Global Youth Summit – 2025 held at Yenepoya University in Mangaluru during June 5-6. He is currently pursuing an Integrated Biotechnology course at the university. The summit was organised by the State NSS Cell of Karnataka under the sponsorship of the State government. Around 700 young leaders from various parts of the world participated in the event. The discussions were held on various topics such as youth leadership, social responsibility, and global citizenship. VSU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Allam Srinivasa Rao on Monday expressed happiness over the participation of an NSS volunteer from the university in an international event. On the occasion, Registrar, Principal of the University College, NSS Programme Coordinator, NSS Programme Officers, along with faculty members and students from various departments conveyed their wishes to Yugandhar Reddy.


The Hindu
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Vikrama Simhapuri University implements dual major programmes
The Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU) is implementing the New Education Policy-2020 by transitioning from a single-major programme, to a dual-major model. According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Allam Srinivasa Rao, the move will equip students to gain skills in two distinct domains, significantly enhancing their career prospects. Prof. Rao chaired a coordination meeting on Monday at the university campus. The meeting was attended by principals of affiliated and constituent colleges offering Degree, PG, MBA, MCA, Physical Education, Education, and Law programmes. The V-C highlighted the effective implementation of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system, a digital platform that allows students to store credits obtained from various educational institutions across the country. He said: 'The system increases academic flexibility and supports skill development.' As part of the Yogandra 2025 initiative, the V-C suggested speeding up student enrolment by registering their details and maintaining data in digital format. He stressed the need for efficient coordination with affiliated colleges to streamline the process. VSU Registrar Dr. K. Sunitha said: 'Affiliated colleges will play a key role in implementing the restructured academic programs introduced by the university. Every institution must actively participate in the successful execution of these changes. It is essential to have a thorough understanding and effective implementation of the dual major programmes, the ABC system, and Yogandra 2025's enrolment procedures.'

Miami Herald
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU Graduation flexes with Boots on the Ground dance
Virginia State University's 2025 commencement ceremonies turned into unforgettable celebrations of HBCU culture and unity on Saturday as graduates in both ceremonies broke into the viral "Boots on the Ground" dance-sparked by a surprise moment led by VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. The university held two commencement exercises inside the VSU Multipurpose Center. The morning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. honored graduates from the College of Education and the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. The afternoon ceremony at 1:30 p.m. celebrated those graduating from the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering & Technology, College of Natural & Health Sciences, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. In both ceremonies, just after the turning of the tassels and before students crossed the stage, President Abdullah invited graduates to look beneath their seats. There, they found handheld fans-placed intentionally as a nod to the popular lyric from 803Fresh's hit: "Where them fans at?" What made the moment even more adorable on the livestream of the event was the sign language interpreter getting in on the action and dancing on screen. President Abdullah encouraged the new HBCU graduates to dance along or simply enjoy the moment. As the beat dropped, students erupted into movement, clapping the fans in rhythm and performing the viral "Boots on the Ground" dance. The celebratory interlude lasted about 1 minute and 20 seconds, capturing the joy, pride, and cultural richness of the VSU Class of 2025. The post HBCU Graduation flexes with Boots on the Ground dance appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025