News

VCU poet and assistant professor Edgar Kunz is the author of two books, with a new project in the works. (Photo by Ariana Mygatt)

VCU poet Edgar Kunz named a Guggenheim fellow

April 15, 2026

Kunz, an author of two books whose work has appeared in The New Yorker and The Atlantic, is pursuing a new project exploring his time in a medieval anachronist organization.

Tomika Ferguson, associate dean of student affairs and community engagement in the School of Education; Cristina Stanciu, director of the Humanities Research Center; Ashley Shoell-Gonzalez, program service coordinator for the Ryan White Program; John Jones, assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability; VCU President Michael Rao; Aarushi Khanna, a student in the School of Nursing; and Christopher Brooks, professor in the School of World Studies, at this week’s PACME ceremony. (Skip Rowland)

This year's PACME honorees are committed to the success of the VCU community

April 14, 2026

Tomika Ferguson of the School of Education earned the capstone award of the program, which recognizes contributions among students, faculty and staff that support cross-cultural relations and a welcoming environment.

Amaria Ford “has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, initiative and excellence. She excels at every task she does,” according to a faculty mentor. (Contributed image)

Class of 2026: Amaria Ford connects biology, psychology and youth development

March 24, 2026

She has been a standout in undergraduate research, supporting the Empower Youth Lab led by Chelsea Williams.

A group of inmates wearing white uniforms with 'Alabama Dept. of Corrections' written on the back, walking across a prison yard towards a building

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'The Alabama Solution'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

A woman in 19th Century dress looks up towards Frankenstein's monster

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'Frankenstein'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

Patty Smith stands between two students wearing caps and gowns

Creative writing MFA and former VCU instructor leads Appomattox Regional Governor’s School English Department

March 9, 2026

Patty Smith (M.F.A.’01) incorporates what she learned and taught at VCU into her curriculum as Appomattox Regional Governor’s School’s Department of English Chair.

Bryant Mangum's rare book collection features first editions of the works of Alice Adams and F. Scott Fitzgerald, two authors he has studied with particular interest during his career. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Bryant Mangum devoted his career to literature and now he’s sharing his life’s work with VCU

March 5, 2026

Mangum, who taught for 51 years at VCU, is donating not only his personal papers but a collection of rare books, including highly sought-after first editions of the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Cael Sinclair

Five Questions with Department of English graduate student Cael Sinclair

March 4, 2026

Sinclair is obsessed with old books, a topic he plans to explore more fully in a doctoral program after graduation.

hibbs hall at v.c.u.

M.F.A. Spotlights: Spring 2026

March 3, 2026

The Department of English is excited share the recent accomplishments of our M.F.A. in creative writing program students, faculty and alums.

The panel discussion accompanies an ongoing exhibit at Cabell Library, “Voices of Change: Student Advocacy and Action from the Archives.” (Photo by Isiah Mejia, VCU Libraries)

‘Voices of Change: Stories from Alumni’ to highlight campus activism

Feb. 16, 2026

The Feb. 26 panel discussion accompanies an ongoing exhibit at James Branch Cabell Library on VCU’s history and legacy of student activism.