Here is how VCU plays an unparalleled role in training Virginia’s health care workforce
Nov. 21, 2025
The state’s top producer of health sciences graduates is treating the critical need for more providers.
How I found my research: Dickson Donu joins the battle against malaria
Nov. 19, 2025
Donu, who will earn his Ph.D. from the School of Pharmacy next month, says the most fulfilling aspect of his work is the potential to make a real-world impact.
VCU Innovators of the Year advance lifesaving aerosol therapy for newborns
Nov. 19, 2025
The collaborative work of Michael Hindle in the School of Pharmacy and P. Worth Longest in the College of Engineering has global implications.
Why VCU is pursuing the acquisition of the Altria Center for Research and Technology
Oct. 31, 2025
The 450,000-square-foot center would replace outdated facilities and accelerate VCU's groundbreaking research and cutting-edge health sciences programs.
VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 award recipients to be honored for noteworthy achievements
Oct. 21, 2025
Distinguished graduates from throughout the university will be recognized at a private ceremony Oct. 25.
RVA community invited to Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, Oct. 25
Oct. 16, 2025
Led by VCU School of Pharmacy students and VCU Police, the program highlights proper disposal of medications as well as drug education and safety.
VCU team heads to Congress for Rally for Medical Research
Oct. 16, 2025
Researchers from six VCU schools and colleges joined a national call for NIH funding.
VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence
Sept. 10, 2025
Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.
43rd annual Faculty Convocation celebrates seven VCU educators and researchers
Aug. 21, 2025
Honorees represent the School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Humanities and Sciences, and University College.
VCU summer program puts two heads together for migraine research
Aug. 18, 2025
Undergraduate Sunwoo Kim and School of Pharmacy professor Joseph McClay explore genetic angle to debilitating headaches.
Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers
Aug. 18, 2025
The 43rd annual ceremony on Aug. 20 celebrates outstanding teaching, scholarship and service.
VCU Center for Drug Discovery realigns to advance innovative therapies
May 30, 2025
Led by new director Yan Zhang and working with TechTransfer and Ventures, the center aims to commercialize treatments for sickle cell disease, opioid addiction, dementia and other conditions.
VCU inventors take a big step toward lifesaving therapy for premature infants in respiratory distress
May 16, 2025
The simple-to-use powder inhaler from Michael Hindle and Worth Longest shows strong test results and moves closer to market.
Class of 2025: Pharmaceutical sciences student from Brazil brings high-tech touch to health care projects
May 1, 2025
Silas Contaifer, who will earn his doctorate this spring, has built 3D simulation tools that use virtual reality to enhance education and training.
Class of 2025: Sunny Makwana emerges from his shell in the School of Pharmacy
April 18, 2025
In a dual-degree program, the first-generation student from a small town embraces leadership roles.
Researchers may have solved decades-old mystery behind benzodiazepine side effects
April 14, 2025
Identifying a key protein’s role could improve the common mental health medications and point to new treatments for inflammation-related diseases, VCU medicinal chemist Youzhong Guo says.
19th annual Burnside Watstein Awards highlight community empowerment
April 3, 2025
At a ceremony celebrating this year’s award honorees, the keynote speaker says ‘to go forward fully and freely and fiercely in the fullness of who we are.’
New VCU accelerated program will allow students to earn bachelor’s and Pharm.D. degrees in 7 years
March 19, 2025
The accelerated B.S. and Pharm.D. program, which starts in the fall, will help graduate more qualified pharmacy professionals sooner and reduce students’ potential debt.
VCU researchers are developing a long-acting medication for opioid addiction
March 18, 2025
Their latest preclinical study showed promising results in reducing opioid use and withdrawal symptoms.
22 VCU health sciences schools and departments rank in top 50 for NIH research funding
March 7, 2025
Among public institutions, VCU has two units — the School of Dentistry and Department of Family Medicine — in the top 10 of the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research’s 2024 rankings.
VCU student-led project supports patients in recovery from opioid use disorder
Feb. 24, 2025
From the School of Pharmacy and across VCU’s health sciences schools, students leading the Resilient Smile Project address oral health and its connection to buprenorphine.
Alzheimer’s, antennas and AI are highlighted in VCU faculty research receiving new Commercialization Fund awards
Feb. 19, 2025
Five projects are selected in the latest round of funding that helps bring campus innovation to the marketplace.
Unbreakable bonds: The philanthropic spirit helped bring Lesley and Andrew Maggard together
Feb. 14, 2025
Through the School of Pharmacy’s Galen Society of donors, the 2013 graduates are close to establishing a scholarship in memory of a fellow VCU alum and colleague.
Researchers identified 44 locations in Virginia where adding pharmacy services could benefit more than 10,000 residents
Feb. 10, 2025
The findings, published today in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, found that urban areas were more frequently pharmacy deserts than rural and suburban areas.
Christian Moon earns 2024 Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students
Dec. 16, 2024
Moon is one of seven students in the nation this year – and the first ever in Virginia – to earn the national scholarship.
Class of 2024: Nadia Tasnim Ahmed is the nation’s first to earn this degree
Dec. 13, 2024
She and VCU are trailblazers through the Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical engineering.
How I found my research: Bao Chau harnesses cutting-edge tools in hopes of improving medication access
Nov. 7, 2024
Chau said, ‘Witnessing the hardships around the world and experiencing them firsthand is my motivation to advance pharmaceutical research and improve the quality of life for as many people as possible.’
VCU to celebrate 14 notable alumni at biennial Alumni Stars event
Oct. 28, 2024
Honorees will be recognized at a Nov. 15 event at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Drug Take Back Day event for the public is set for Saturday at VCU
Oct. 24, 2024
VCU Police and School of Pharmacy students will lead the event, which ensures and highlights the proper disposal of medication.
New listing of the world’s most-cited scientists includes 11 VCU faculty who rank in the top 50 of their fields
Oct. 17, 2024
The 2024 Stanford Elsevier report highlights the top 2% globally, and VCU’s broad presence reflects its expanding research portfolio.
Nationally recognized school superintendent among VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 Award recipients
Sept. 27, 2024
Distinguished graduates from throughout the university, including School of Education graduate Melanie Kay-Wyatt, will be recognized at a private ceremony Oct. 19.
VCU opening Pharmacy Technician Training Program this month to address pharmacy staffing shortages
Sept. 17, 2024
With a nationwide need for skilled workers, the VCU School of Pharmacy’s new part-time program will let learners join the workforce in less than a year, which could reduce wait times at pharmacies and hospitals.
Introducing the newest Rams
Sept. 13, 2024
Get to know six students who are just starting their VCU journeys and are eager to embrace the university community.
42nd annual Faculty Convocation celebrates six VCU role models
Aug. 30, 2024
Honorees included faculty members from the Schools of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Humanities and Sciences and the School of Public Health.
42nd annual Faculty Convocation will honor six VCU educators and researchers
Aug. 27, 2024
The annual ceremony, which will be held on Aug. 29, celebrates outstanding teaching, scholarship and service.
Pharmacy professor earns national award as emerging teaching scholar
Aug. 9, 2024
Cait Gibson is ‘paving the way for bringing evidence-based practices into the classroom that will improve how we educate future pharmacists nationwide,’ says pharmacy dean.
For five VCU pharmacy students, clinical rotations took them to the edge, geographically
Aug. 8, 2024
The summer stint at the Alaska Native Medical Center offered insight into America’s diverse landscape of patient care and nature.
New VCU school year features debut of 17 degrees, certificates and concentrations that are ‘future-proofing our students'
Aug. 6, 2024
The programs, including several available online, will help fill gaps in the job market and give students new opportunities to address real-world problems.
Personal and professional motivations draw pharmacy student Michelle Johnson to Ghana
Aug. 2, 2024
The Pharm.D. candidate combined a visit to her father with a three-week internship in a hospital’s OBGYN unit.
VCU Quest Fund provides grants to 21 faculty-led projects that target society’s biggest challenges
July 17, 2024
Transdisciplinary research teams are pursuing advances in health, engineering, the environment, homeland security and more.
‘VCU has been my life’: B. Ellen Byrne retiring after a half-century of commitment
July 10, 2024
Academic dean in the School of Dentistry began her campus connection as a School of Pharmacy student in 1974.
Drawing from his own VCU journey, Nick Garcia helps School of Pharmacy students navigate their paths
July 3, 2024
The new associate dean for student success earned three degrees on campus and now relishes helping future generations.
VCU Breakthroughs Fund provides grants to 10 more faculty-led projects that pursue transformative innovation
July 2, 2024
Health, equity, sustainability and the human experience are the driving forces for transdisciplinary teams that target society’s grand challenges.
VCU researchers explore a promising pathway to treating fibrosis
June 18, 2024
Collaboration between schools of Medicine and Pharmacy focuses on what may be a cellular trigger for the organ-scarring diseases.
VCU named a trailblazer in community pharmacy advancement
June 13, 2024
The recognition of the School of Pharmacy as an ACT Community Pharmacy Center of Excellence identifies the school as an ambassador for pharmacy academia.
VCU ranked in nation’s Top 100 for university utility patents for second year
June 11, 2024
The National Academy of Inventors list recognizes campus commitment to research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Virtual-reality surgical trainer earns top spot in first Pitch Day event for VCU faculty entrepreneurs
May 29, 2024
Urogynecology team led by Lauren Siff is among the inaugural cohort of the Startup Accelerator, which propels campus innovation toward commercial markets.
VCU will offer a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences that can help address medication shortages
May 9, 2024
Amid the nationwide need for skilled workers and Virginia’s growing life sciences industry, the VCU School of Pharmacy program will enroll its first undergraduate class this fall.
Class of 2024: Mohammed AlAwadh delves into the intricacies of drug development
April 24, 2024
After graduation, he will return to Saudi Arabia as a professor, teaching others the techniques he has learned at VCU.
VCU receives 10 updated top-50 rankings from U.S. News & World Report, including two in the top 10
April 9, 2024
The latest graduate program rankings from the publication place the School of Pharmacy and the School of Education among the top 25 schools in their categories in the country.
Class of 2024: Former Miss America Camille Schrier adding a new title: Doctor of Pharmacy
April 2, 2024
She credits the VCU School of Pharmacy for crucial support before, during and after her reign, and she continues to promote STEM to young people.
Recipients of 2024 Burnside Watstein Awards demonstrate service to LGBTQIA+ community and VCU
March 29, 2024
From marriage equality to pharmacy work, the honorees have championed diversity and inclusion.
Chemical designed by pharmacy professor launches as tool for cholesterol research and future drug discovery
March 14, 2024
Youzhong Guo, Ph.D., and his team developed the chemical CHEAPS as part of ongoing research on membrane proteins as drug targets.
VCU Staff Senate Awards recognize service to students, patients, colleagues and community
March 13, 2024
This year’s honorees reflect broad and deep impacts on the academic and medical campuses.
19 VCU health sciences departments and schools ranked in top 50 for NIH funding for public institutions
March 11, 2024
New rankings for biomedical research reflect the university’s growth as a national leader in science and medicine.
VCU’s new Startup Accelerator will propel university research that has market potential
March 6, 2024
Program to ‘fast-track’ emerging companies reflects how innovation and entrepreneurship are growing as VCU sets funding records.
National Academy of Inventors names two VCU faculty as senior members for their research into treating diseases
March 1, 2024
Richard T. Marconi of the School of Medicine is developing new innovations for testing and preventing Lyme disease, and Martin K. Safo of the School of Pharmacy is targeting sickle cell disease.
Renowned medicinal chemist, mentor and lyricist of VCU alma mater Lemont Kier dies at 93
Jan. 12, 2024
‘A stalwart’ in his field and the community, Kier developed pioneering scientific concepts while emphasizing student achievement – and embodying the spirit of ‘We Gather Here.’
VCU recognized as first Pharm.D. program of merit by the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education
Dec. 21, 2023
The designation, which recognizes excellence in gerontology and geriatrics education, stems in part from a 30-year relationship with the Department of Gerontology in the College of Health Professions.
Class of 2023: Doctoral student Samuel Holmes combines medicinal chemistry and computational modeling at a small scale
Dec. 19, 2023
Exploring the shape of heparin chains, he hopes his research could point to molecular designs for cancer treatment.
Expanding pharmacists’ role for patients with hypertension could prevent 15 million heart attacks and save $1.1 trillion over 30 years, VCU-led study finds
Nov. 3, 2023
The study details how pharmacists’ ability to treat patients with hypertension could have a positive impact on both Americans’ quality of life and the U.S. health care system.
VCU announces first class of faculty scholars honored for ‘exceptional accomplishments’
Oct. 11, 2023
National/International Recognition Award will reward faculty members who personify the uncommon excellence that can be found across VCU.
VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 award recipients to be honored for noteworthy achievements
Sept. 27, 2023
Distinguished graduates from throughout the university will be recognized at a private ceremony Oct. 21.
Excellence – and commitment – celebrated at VCU Faculty Convocation
Sept. 7, 2023
Seven educators and researchers are highlighted at 41st annual ceremony, where President Michael Rao links education and empathy.
Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers for excellence
Aug. 31, 2023
Annual ceremony on Sept. 6 highlights teaching, scholarship and service.
More than ever, startups at VCU are turning ideas into businesses
July 11, 2023
Where science meets commerce, TechTransfer and Ventures is helping inventors find an audience beyond campus.
Five new Blick Scholars reflect how VCU junior faculty are making their mark in medical research
June 20, 2023
From longevity and neuroscience to asthma and health equity, these assistant professors are rising stars in their fields.
Fighting fentanyl
May 17, 2023
VCU researchers are spearheading efforts to reverse the toxicity of the potent synthetic.
DNA methylation markers for increased risk of schizophrenia identified for first time in newborns
May 15, 2023
Research will continue to develop potential future clinical biomarkers that will allow early detection and intervention, according to one of the VCU investigators who led the research team.
Celebrating its 125th birthday, VCU School of Pharmacy hits its stride
April 19, 2023
Much has changed since 1898, but the pharmacy school’s mission remains focused on health and community.
Virtual VCU worlds used to train, teach and treat in the real one
April 4, 2023
How researchers and faculty are building virtual reality applications to face society’s grand challenges.
Tiny nanoparticle could have big impact on patients receiving corneal transplants
March 23, 2023
In VCU-led studies, using nanoparticles to encapsulate eye medication decreased graft rejection while requiring fewer and smaller doses.
Drug delivery, new therapies, AI, VR: Array of VCU inventors receive Commercialization Fund awards
Feb. 28, 2023
Cholesterol drug may help treat eye disorders.
Kelechi C. Ogbonna on health, medicine and becoming the first African American dean of the VCU School of Pharmacy
Feb. 23, 2023
Ogbonna, who was named dean in December and joined the faculty in 2012, said “health care is at a pivotal juncture.” He said his efforts as dean will include “a hyperfocus” on student success.
NSF director visits VCU and calls it one of the U.S. universities that ‘matter for the future’
Feb. 7, 2023
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Rob Wittman spent Monday at VCU seeing how VCU is advancing science and innovation and helping to expand diversity in STEM.