Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University, a private historically black university founded in 1865, stands as a beacon of educational opportunity and historical significance in Richmond, Virginia. With a current student body of 1700 and led by President Hakim Lucas, VUU upholds its powerful motto, "The Lord Will Provide," reflecting its enduring mission to empower students for purposeful lives. Its rich legacy began immediately following the American Civil War, establishing a critical institution for African Americans during a pivotal time in history.

Initially founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as the Richmond Theological Institute, its primary aim was to train African-American freedmen for the ministry. Remarkably, VUU established the very first academic library at any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the same year it was founded, underscoring its commitment to scholarly pursuit from its inception. Its vision quickly expanded beyond theology, offering a wide array of courses at college, high school, and preparatory levels, open to both men and women, thus laying the groundwork for a comprehensive educational institution.

The university's formation is a tapestry woven from several historically significant institutions. It emerged from the merger of Richmond Theological Institute (formerly Colver Institute, housed in the historic Lumpkin's Jail) and Wayland Seminary of Washington in 1899. This consolidation formed Virginia Union University. Further enhancing its academic breadth, the women's college Hartshorn Memorial College, established in 1883, became a part of VUU in 1932. Storer College, another historically black Baptist college, merged its endowment with VUU in 1964, solidifying Virginia Union's position as a robust and comprehensive institution dedicated to higher learning and community development.