Petersburg, Va.  – If you step on the campus of Virginia State University (VSU), you would notice an influx of students. This is due to the fact that this year’s number of first-time freshmen (1,139) is nearly 50 percent larger than the number of first-time freshmen two years ago (766).  In addition, this year’s number of first-time freshmen is 10 percent larger than last year’s number of first-time freshmen, which was 1,037.

University officials attributed the increase enrollment due to the University’s noteworthy accomplishments, the support of the alumni with recruitment, and the University’s presence on social media.

“We are excited to welcome another class of outstanding students from around the country to the University,” said Rodney Hall, executive director of Enrollment Services. “From Alaska to Massachusetts, as students learn more about Virginia State University through social media, our successful alumni or numerous university wide accomplishments, they want to be a part of the excitement.”

Jujuan Peel Jr., a first-time freshman from Philadelphia, Penn., expressed what made him choose VSU.

“I chose Virginia State University because of the family atmosphere which I felt when I was accepted on the spot at a college fair in Philadelphia,” said Peel, whose major is business management. “I had gotten accepted to six other schools that same day and all of the schools gave me high fives but the VSU representatives came out from behind the table and gave hugs. They had never met me before that moment, and on top of that I had never even heard about VSU. After I left the college fair, I went home and did my research on VSU. I found out that I had been accepted to a university that has the best business program among other historically black colleges or universities.”

Freshman Ajsa Sowemimo, who is from Alexandria, Va., chose VSU because of the academics.

“During my campus tour, my mother and I spoke to Mr. Derrick Robinson in the engineering building and he gave me great insight about the computer engineering program,” said Sowemimo. “While visiting the campus, I felt like I was home already. I was sure I was where I wanted to spend my next four years. I believe that this is the right HBCU for me.”

President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. shared his thoughts on what makes VSU unique in attracting students to the University.

“First, I would like to thank faculty, staff and alumni for all of their hard work in making Virginia State University Virginia’s Opportunity University,” President Abdullah said. “Since the start of my presidency, I implemented several key areas that focus on providing a transformative experience for our students. During these past two years, that experience and excitement has been seen by numerous people from coast to coast and through our accolades of achievements and through the various media platforms in particular social media that Virginia State University is a place to thrive and succeed.”

Contact:  

Pamela Tolson Turner
Director of Communications
804.524.3085 Office
804.481.2304 Mobile
ptolson@vsu.edu