Newsroom

Marina Pugh (B.A. ’20) uses professional and volunteer experience to enhance political campaign operations

Oct. 17, 2025

The School of World Studies and Department of Philosophy alumna worked in political campaigns across Virginia and served in the Peace Corps in Kosovo.

Marcel Cornis-Pop, Ph.D., a longtime English professor at VCU, died in September. Of Cornis-Pop, a former colleague said, “No one relished new ideas with more enthusiasm. And no one communicated that enthusiasm to students more genuinely.” (File photo)

Marcel Cornis-Pop, a leader in VCU humanities education, dies at 79

Oct. 16, 2025

The Romanian-born scholar served as chair of the Department of English and established the interdisciplinary doctoral program in media, art and text.

One thing Matt Balazik, Ph.D., has learned from a career studying Atlantic sturgeon is that there is always something new to discover. “Don’t think everything’s figured out,” he says. (Photo by Jamie Brunkow, James River Association)

He is bringing the Atlantic sturgeon back from the brink

Oct. 16, 2025

VCU conservation biologist Matt Balazik strengthens the future for a prehistoric fish – in the James River and around the world.

Andrew Alli, who became the superintendent of the James River Park System this year, graduated from VCU’s environmental studies program in 2011. (Photo by Max Posner)

Meet-a-Ram: Andrew Alli’s path to James River Park System leadership came through VCU

Oct. 10, 2025

The new superintendent (and blues musician) found formative experiences on campus.

Mikaela Romanelli (M.S. ’14) protects her community using forensic chemistry

Oct. 9, 2025

The Department of Forensic Science alumna continues to use her training from her graduate program as a senior forensic chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration

VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability professor Chris Gough has been named the new executive director of the Rice Rivers Center, the university’s field station along the James River. (Photo by Megan May)

VCU ecologist Chris Gough named new Rice Rivers Center executive director

Oct. 8, 2025

As the field station marks its 25th anniversary, he shares three top goals as it expands its footprint.

Clint McCown, an author of poetry, fiction and nonfiction, taught creative writing at VCU until his retirement in 2024. (Contributed photo)

Clint McCown looks back on a rich and storied career

Oct. 7, 2025

From working as an actor to investigating organized crime, the VCU professor emeritus, who retired last year after 45 years of teaching, has followed his curiosity to compelling places, helping to fuel his ‘vivid and cinematic’ writing.

The student team documenting the trees across VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses include Margaret Pletcher, Declan O'Donnell, Daniella Asnicar and Kaleb Rezac. (Contributed image)

How many trees are on VCU’s campuses?

Oct. 2, 2025

Student interns with the Rice Rivers Center are counting trees, and the comprehensive inventory could highlight the environmental and financial impact of the urban forest.

As one of two states this year with a gubernatorial election, Virginia is at the forefront of the national political conversation. (Getty Images)

VCU experts available to discuss Virginia election topics

Oct. 1, 2025

Political science educators Alex Keena and Jatia Wrighten can offer analysis and perspective on voting, voter turnout, campaign finance and more.

Adriene Marshall (B.S. ’91, M.T. ’94) is making mathematics more accessible for K-12 students

Sept. 29, 2025

The Maryland-based educator works in every level of the state’s education system to decrease students’ anxiety around mathematics