Letter from the president

To the VCU and VCU Health System communities:

“Our Time. Right Now.” The rallying cry during the Rams’ fantastic run to the Final Four could not be more apt as we launch a new vision for Virginia Commonwealth University to be the nation's top urban, public research university.

The excitement, energy and pride among our students and members of the faculty and staff for our university is palpable.

The time is right for Quest for Distinction, VCU’s new strategic plan. This is a focused plan that capitalizes on the outstanding assets of the VCU experience and that truly distinguishes VCU as a major research university committed to academic quality and student success at all levels.

The process to develop Quest involved the entire university community including faculty, staff, students, administration and the Board of Visitors. Collectively, and in the face of one of the most challenging economic downturns to affect higher education, we have built a strategic framework that takes full advantage of VCU’s forward momentum: a commitment to educational quality, an environment that embraces diversity, an evolving research program and a growing alumni base. Quest also includes our pledge to human health and community engagement as we strive to serve as a model for regional impact.

VCU has already demonstrated its intellectual and creative mettle. This will serve us well as we aspire to a future of heightened excellence.

Sincerely,

Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President, VCU and VCU Health System