Hakim J. Lucas named President of Virginia Union University

(Press Release) – Virginia Union University’s (VUU) Chairman of the Board of Trustees, W. Franklyn Richardson, announced earlier this month that Hakim J. Lucas, Ph.D. has been named the 13th President of the University.

“Throughout the search process, Dr. Lucas impressed the committee with his clear vision for liberal arts education and creating an enhanced student experience,” said Richardson. “He is an energetic and wise leader and we believe that he will serve Virginia Union University well.”

Lucas brings nearly 2 decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education. His career successes include fundraising, strategic planning, and the engagement and retention of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

He has served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida since 2012.
Under his leadership, unrestricted and restricted giving rose by 30 percent and the endowment increased by 53 percent. He developed a strategic government relations plan that resulted in millions of dollars in appropriations from the state of Florida. These funds aided in the development of new academic programs and a Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. His responsibilities also included chairing the Strategic Growth and Sustainability Task-force, as well as, leading the sponsored research team that secured more than US$45 million in research grants.

Prior to his accomplishments at Bethune-Cookman, Lucas served as Director of Development at State University of New York at Old Westbury and the Dean of Institutional Advancement and Development at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. He was also a tenured lecturer and Deputy Chair of the Philosophy and Religion department at Medgar Evers College.

“Virginia Union University has a rich history of academic excellence and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this distinguished university,” said Lucas. “I look forward to joining the dedicated administrators, faculty and staff as we continue to make a difference in the academic life of our students.”

Lucas earned his Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, a Master’s degree in education from Tufts University, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. He earned his doctoral degree in education from Fordham University.
He will assume his new appointment on September 1, he replaces Joseph F. Johnson, Ph.D., who has served as Acting President since July 2016.

About Virginia Union University: Established in 1865, Virginia Union University is a historically black university located in Richmond, Virginia. The University was founded to give the newly emancipated freedmen an opportunity for education of the mind in an ethical, religious environment.
Virginia Union University embraces the uniqueness and contributions of the African Diaspora, celebrating the value of cultural and intellectual diversity.
Enrollment is open to all students without regard to racial background.
Virginia Union University provides comprehensive undergraduate liberal arts programs and graduate education for Christian ministries. To this end, a guiding principle of the institution’s educational program is a strong focus upon moral values and ethics, and students are encouraged to engage in activities that promote self-actualization.

Source: Virginia Union University