News

VCU announces merger of math and stats departments

July 8, 2026

The newly established Department of Mathematics and Statistics will serve thousands of students with a streamlined, collaborative approach to education.

Alex Pola said his best experiences in Paris have been spur of the moment or come from the people he has met – not by studying social media as a guide. (Contributed photo)

Postcard From … Alex Pola in France

July 7, 2026

We caught up with the VCU mass communications major for a quick report on his study abroad experience.

New technology could help researchers identify promising cancer therapies more rapidly and provide a way to test treatments on a patient's own tumor cells. (iStock)

New AI-powered platform helps researchers find promising cancer therapies faster

July 7, 2026

The approach, which could help guide more personalized treatment decisions, uses cancer cells from patients to create tiny, lab-grown replicas of tumors, known as organoids.

In her new book, “Deprived of Sense and Intellect,” VCU professor Leigh Ann Craig asks both what medieval thinkers understood a mind to be — and what signified its loss. (Contributed photo)

What do the Middle Ages tell us about mental health then and now? VCU historian Leigh Ann Craig has answers

July 6, 2026

In her new book, ‘Deprived of Sense and Intellect,’ she examines sanity, demons, the complexity of medieval diagnostics and modern tie-ins.

Matthew Tuckner’s debut full-length poetry collection, “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,” compels readers to navigate philosophy, history and ecological collapses amid the vast expanses of private grief and longings. (Four Way Books)

Matthew Tuckner wins 29th annual Levis Reading Prize for ‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’

July 6, 2026

His debut full-length poetry collection is selected by the MFA in Creative Writing program at VCU.

St. John’s Church, which was built in 1741, is the oldest church in Richmond. (Getty Images)

Understanding the role of faith and religion in the founding of the United States

July 2, 2026

American independence took root amid religious diversity and differences, VCU history professor Ryan Smith says.

Olufunke Grace Bankole’s debut novel, ‘The Edge of Water,’ is an emotionally resonant story of three generations of Nigerian women. (Tin House)

Olufunke Grace Bankole wins the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award for ‘The Edge of Water’

July 1, 2026

She will receive the prize, which is now in its 25th year, during a public event at VCU on Nov. 12.

VCU expert R. Andrew Chesnut shared his thoughts on the recent flare-up in the Catholic Church between traditionalists and the pope. (Getty Images)

Catholic Church faces flare-up this week between traditionalists and the pope

July 1, 2026

VCU expert R. Andrew Chesnut offers insight into the Society of St. Pius X and the challenge to papal authority.

Anthropology and biology major manages humanitarian work at home and abroad

June 29, 2026

Isra’a Nour (B.S.’15) serves as a program manager at Open Society Foundations, a nonprofit organization focused on human rights, equity, and justice, where she supports advocacy work.

Latino Virginia project captures untold oral history

June 25, 2026

The project, led by sociology professor Gabriela León-Pérez and history professor Daniel Morales, has collected over 140 interviews with Virginians who share a background or heritage in Latin America.