Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of Virginia Union University
“More and more now, everybody needs a pathway to access generational wealth, and we believe this initiative will help do that, especially for those not interested in pursuing a four-year education,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of VUU.
VUU’s two-year initiative will start in June 2022 and grant an associate’s degree or certification in specialized studies. Advanced Placement high school students and graduates can apply to complete an associate’s degree. Students can then choose to continue studying at VUU for a bachelor’s degree.
Dr. Terrell L. Strayhorn, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs as well as professor of urban education at VUU, said the initiative came about partially from responding to the pandemic.
“While pivoting online, we started hearing the demand of adult learners, of otherwise vulnerable populations, and of employers across industries,” said Strayhorn. “We’re really now seeing students’ decision-making is remarkably career-oriented. What the pandemic may have done is expose the vulnerability of us all, especially in the workforce.”
Strayhorn said this initiative can also be a pipeline to VUU while meeting the needs of students seeking more flexible learning pathways. He mentioned VUU not only offers a certificate but a master's degree in public health. Both programs tackle urban health disparity issues.
“We’re doing market studies before building the architecture for these programs, and that allows us to recruit new students who haven’t come to the university in the past,” said Strayhorn. “We’re not just filling enrollment gaps from the pandemic. We’re actually expanding enrollment, primarily in graduate education and workforce development.”
