Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. The University is the result of the merger of four institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial College, and Storer College.

Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world.

Virginia Union University is nourished by its African American heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to:

• Provide a nurturing intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning.
• Empower students to develop strong moral values for success.
• Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.

To accomplish this mission, Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences.

The Division of Academic Affairs at Virginia Union University is committed to exemplary teaching and boasts of its proud faculty, composed of talented professors, scholars, advisors, and researchers, who are dedicated to helping students become life-long learners. The Division includes four academic schools: the Sydney Lewis School of Business; the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Overall, the mission of the Division of Academic Affairs is to prepare students to successfully compete with their counterparts upon graduation for employment and admissions to graduate or professional studies, while at the same time exhibiting characteristics of the ideal Virginia Union University Graduate. The Division of Academic Affairs is dedicated to providing an overall academic environment which is sensitive, supportive, and nurturing, while simultaneously, challenging students to achieve new levels of excellence. This is done with primary emphasis on excellent teaching, research, service, and advising; a strong curriculum; and high quality Academic Support Services.

Virginia Union University (VUU) has been involved in the education of young men and women for more than 150 years and we look forward to the next generation matriculating at our institution. As a private liberal arts instituion, we offer a well rounded education. They are equipped with the skills, insight and content knowledge necessary to excel in a changing world.

We invite you to visit our campus to experience the rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and friendless of our community. The VUU Family looks forward to meeting and assisting you in your path to becoming a future Union student and proud Panther.

Our mission at Virginia Union University was first put into operation shortly after April 3, 1865, the date when Richmond, Virginia was liberated by troops of the United States Army of the James. It was then that representatives from our founding organization, the American Baptist Home Mission Society, came to the former Confederate capital as teachers and missionaries. In that same month, eleven teachers were holding classes for former slaves at two missions in the city. By November 1865 the Mission Society had established, and was officially holding classes for, Richmond Theological School for Freedmen, one of the four institutions forming the “Union” that gives our University its name.