At the heart of a university mission is providing its graduates with the skills and knowledge for success, but it also needs to adapt and align its offerings for the careers of the future. That is one reason behind Virginia State University’s recent launch of several degree programs that support transformational experiences for both students and its local communities.
“Our responsibility is to assist in the economic development of the regions we serve,” said Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., who was named VSU president in 2016. “We do this by conducting research that uplifts the community, providing students with the education and skills they need to compete for the jobs of the future, and being an active partner in the growth and prosperity of the area.”
As a land-grant university with a rich history of providing access to quality education, VSU is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the surrounding communities, he noted. That translates into creating life-changing opportunities for students and driving economic growth in the surrounding region.
Under his leadership, VSU has enrolled more students every year and achieved its highest retention rate in 20 years, both of which enhance its reputation as one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His vision is reflected in each of the six pillars outlined in VSU’s current strategic plan, known as “Preeminence with a Purpose.” Key initiatives include student opportunity and access, as well as academic excellence and enhancing the land-grant mission.
Introducing new degree programs put that plan into action. More specifically, these offerings will produce graduates with the business and data science skills needed to support a diverse portfolio of local companies, including manufacturers, distribution centers, unmanned systems and even next-stage data centers.
Understanding the evolving landscape was instrumental in identifying what the future workforce would need. Take the new mechanical engineering degree, for example, which builds on the success of VSU’s mechanical engineering technology program. “Our students will be prepared to contribute to the expansion of manufacturing and biopharmaceutical industries in the Gateway Region,” said Abdullah, who earned undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in civil engineering before entering higher education.
That is coupled with a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation this summer to establish the Trojan Center for Emerging Engineering Research, where students will get access to career coaching, internships, research and study abroad – all important to preparing them for today’s workforce.
As a founding member of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, along with VGR, the university is collaborating with other local partners in expanding an advanced pharmaceutical cluster in Central Virginia. With a two-year grant of $52.9 million from the U.S. Economic Development Association, the initiative includes a focus on supply chain that leverages VSU’s manufacturing degree, the only one of its kind in Virginia, to establish an academic pathway with Virginia Commonwealth University in pharmaceutical engineering.
VSU also is working with Dinwiddie County Airport on new training programs, a center of innovation for drone manufacturing and related research in data acquisitions and cybersecurity. A partnership with nearby Fort Gregg-Adams taps into military expertise in logistics to enhance research collaborations in AI and machine learning.
Another new program is a master’s degree in data analytics, which Abdullah believes will be instrumental in meeting growing demands for data-driven decision-making and automation. “As data centers and other technology-driven businesses continue to grow in the region, our graduates will be equipped with the analytical skills and expertise to drive innovation and support this economic transformation,” he said.
Recognizing the importance of providing a well-rounded educational experience, VSU also launched its first-ever MBA program (and first at a public HBCU in Virginia), further strengthening its business offerings. “We want our students to not only excel in their chosen fields but also develop the leadership and entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in the modern workforce,” Abdullah says.
Beyond the classroom, VSU emphasizes internships and research opportunities as extensions of the campus experience. “Internships allow our students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings, helping them discover their passions and prepare for their future careers,” he said. “And by engaging in research, our students gain valuable hands-on experience that complements their academic studies.”
The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is another key factor in its economic development strategy. “Diversity breeds innovation,” Abdullah asserts. “By providing access to quality education for underrepresented minorities, we are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic workforce that can drive progress and prosperity in the region.”
As VSU continues to innovate and expand its offerings, Abdullah remains steadfast in his vision of the university as a catalyst for economic growth and social mobility. “Our mission is to be a good citizen and partner in the communities we serve,” he said. “By investing in our students and collaborating with regional stakeholders, we can unlock the full potential of Virginia’s Gateway Region and create a brighter future for all.”