Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1838 as the medical department of Hampden–Sydney College, VCU is one of the oldest schools of medicine in the United States. It became an independent institution in 1968, when it was renamed after the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2018, more than 31,000 students are enrolled at VCU’s two main campuses: Monroe Park Campus in central Richmond and MCV Campus just north of downtown. The university offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees through its 14 schools and three colleges.
The school colors are black and gold and its athletic teams compete as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference in NCAA Division I. The university has an endowment of $1 billion as of 2019. In 2018-19 academic year, Times Higher Education ranked VCU 32nd among U.S. public universities and 111th globally out of 1,258 institutions considered for its World University Rankings list; while QS World University Rankings placed it 351st overall out 500 featured schools globally for 2019-20 rankings.. Additionally Forbes magazine ranked it 601-650 among American colleges and universities for their 2020 “America’s Top Colleges” list.. In August 2017 Money magazine ranked VCU ninth on their annual Best Value Colleges list which assesses return on investment based on tuition costs net price earnings after graduation and career services offered by each school..
Founded as the Medical Department of Hampden–Sydney College in 1838 to train doctors to serve rural communities throughout Central Virginia hampering–Sidney was then located about 50 miles from Richmond),the fledgling school graduated its first class—comprising four physicians—in May 1840.In 1850s new facilities were built under Superintendent John Mitchell Jr., who oversaw a period marked by considerable growth despite financial difficulties during wartime Reconstruction era .Under his successor John Strachan ,the number faculty nearly doubled between 1865and 1875 reaching 36 instructors by Strachan’s retirement coinciding with opening a new hospital known today Roper Hospital .By 1890 enrollment had reached 160 students including 30 women most studying nursing making MCV one America’s earliest coeducational institutions higher learning .. The first African American student Walter Reed was admitted into School Pharmacy 1893 though he would ultimately transfer Howard University before returning to receive his degree from MCV 1896 . He would go on distinguish himself becoming an Army physician best remembered isolating yellow fever virus 1901 .. During early twentieth century continued expansion lead construction several buildings still standing campus today Eppa Hunton Library McGlothlin Court Building both completed 1909 addition Sanger Hall opened 1911 . New programs also established this time including Schools Dentistry Social Work Nursing all founded within first quarter 20th century .. Aspiring female physicians faced significant obstacles admission into medical school prior 1940s only handful women enrolled annually those who did complete their studies often found gender bias limited employment opportunities available them afterwards .. This began change late 1930s leadership Dr William Sebrell then head Department Nutrition School Medicine advocated greater numbers women be admitted order address critical shortage general practitioners especially underserved rural areas state .. His efforts finally paid off 1944 when Board Visitors raised minimum age requirements married women 21 years old unmarried females 23 thereby opening up opportunities young women like Elenore Modlin seen left who enrolled that fall become part MCV’first coeducational graduating class 1946 She later recalled her experience “I never any problems being woman there…We always felt we good enough stand own two feet with anyone” After desegregation following Brown v Board Education 1954 integration black white students accelerated 1960s over decade later 1973 African American student body president Harry Davis elected first minority president Student Council Association what now Student Government Association
During much same period saw tremendous expansion health care system anchored newly constructed Medical College Hospitals comprising seven pavilions connected underground tunnel system allowing patients move easily between various units These included Pavilion A eventually named Massey Cancer Center 1971 B frequently called Critical Care Pavilion C which housed emergency room D home radiology pharmacy E outpatient surgery center F children’hospital G facility rehabilitation services All these structures built around circular driveway creating unique complex affectionately dubbed “The Octagon” While growth hospitals continued unabated rate increase teaching faculty lagged behind Still number full time teaching rose over 1000 1970 That same year Independent City Richmond absorbed neighboring Henrico County forming present day boundaries city Today some 31000 undergraduate graduate professional students attend classes taught 2000 full time 1800 part time faculty members Based recent survey taken 2017 total economic impact attributable VCU exceeds 6 billion dollars annually supporting nearly 61000 jobs statewide With alumni worldwide numbering close 200000 strongVCU sure continue play leading role shaping future generations leaders thinkers artists