Virginia State University (VSU) is a public historically black university located in Petersburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, and it has a rich history of providing access to higher education for African Americans. Today, VSU is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as agriculture, business, education, engineering, and liberal arts.
VSU has a diverse student body, with students from around the country and the world. The university is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and it offers a range of services and resources to help students succeed. These include academic advising, tutoring, career services, and extracurricular activities.
The campus of VSU is located on a 236-acre site in Petersburg, Virginia. It features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities. The university also has a range of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartments.
VSU is known for its strong academic programs and its commitment to research and innovation. The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Environmental Studies, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship. These centers provide opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge research and to contribute to the development of new knowledge and technologies.

Virginia State University (Wikimedia)
To know more about VSU, let’s take a look at these 26 interesting facts about Virginia State University.
- It is one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
- VSU is located in Petersburg, Virginia, which is about 25 miles south of Richmond.
- The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including degree programs in agriculture, business, education, engineering, and liberal arts.
- VSU has a diverse student body, with students from around the country and the world.
- The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Environmental Studies and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
- VSU is home to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, which is named after the late businessman and philanthropist Reginald F. Lewis.
- The VSU Trojans are the university’s athletic teams, and they compete in the NCAA Division II.
- The university has a number of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartments.
- VSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- The university has a number of notable alumni, including civil rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker and football player Lamont Jordan.
- VSU is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which supports HBCUs and their students.
- The VSU campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities.
- The university offers a range of services and resources to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, and extracurricular activities.
- VSU has a number of student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and academic clubs.
- The university’s marching band, the Trojan Explosion, is known for its high-energy performances.
- VSU has a strong commitment to community service, and its students and faculty are involved in a wide range of volunteer and outreach activities.
- The VSU Gospel Chorale has won a number of awards and has performed at venues around the country.
- VSU has a number of partnerships with other universities and organizations, including the Virginia Tech College of Engineering and the U.S. Army.
- The university has a number of facilities for sports and recreation, including a fitness center and a swimming pool.
- VSU is home to the Virginia State University National Alumni Association, which supports the university and its students.
- The university has a strong tradition of academic excellence, and its graduates go on to successful careers in a variety of fields.
- VSU is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of green initiatives, including a recycling program and energy-efficient buildings.
- The VSU Foundation supports the university’s mission by providing financial resources and other support.
- VSU has a number of international partnerships and programs, including study abroad opportunities and collaborations with universities in other countries.
- The university is home to a number of cultural centers, including the Multicultural Center and the International Education Center.
- VSU is a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s system of higher education.
Virginia State University is a historic institution that has been providing quality education to students for over a century. With a commitment to academic excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, VSU is dedicated to providing its students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in their careers and make a positive impact on their communities. From its strong athletic programs to its research centers and partnerships, VSU offers a range of opportunities and resources that help its students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. As a leading HBCU in the United States, Virginia State University continues to make important contributions to higher education and to the world beyond its campus.