H. Res. 182

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

March 6, 2007.

Whereas Virginia State University, overlooking the Appomattox River in the Town of Ettrick in Chesterfield 

County, will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2007; 

Whereas Virginia State University (VSU) was founded on 

March 6, 1882, as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate 

Institute, making it the first fully State-supported 4-year 

institution of higher learning for black Americans and 

one of Virginia’s two land-grant institutions; 

Whereas since its humble beginnings, Virginia State University has responded to the needs of Virginians as a dynamic institution offering an accessible, affordable, quality education; 

Whereas with an enrollment of nearly 5,000, VSU students 

live and attend classes on a beautiful 236-acre main campus with more than 50 buildings, including 15 dormitories, 16 classroom buildings, and a 416-acre agricultural research facility; 

Whereas the first president of Virginia State University was 

John Mercer Langston, who became the first African 

American elected to Congress from Virginia; 

Whereas Virginia State University has an exemplary and 

dedicated faculty and staff, who are committed to offer-
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ing their students the personal attention that smaller institutions can offer; 

Whereas Virginia State University’s academic programs include the Bridges to Baccalaureate program for students 

transferring from 2-year colleges who want to major in 

the sciences, the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program for 

students planning to pursue doctoral degrees, and the 

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge; 

Whereas Virginia State University offers 45 baccalaureate 

and master’s degree programs within its 5 schools (the 

School of Agriculture, School of Business, School of Engineering, Science, and Technology, School of Liberal 

Arts and Education, and the School of Graduate Studies, 

Research, and Outreach), and a Certificate of Advanced 

Study may also be earned from each school; 

Whereas honors scholarships are available to entering VSU 

freshmen, including the Presidential and Provost Scholarships; 

Whereas in 2003 Virginia State University introduced its 

first doctoral program and 12 enthusiastic students enrolled in the new Doctor of Education in Administration 

and Supervision program; 

Whereas in 2005 Virginia State University began a vital new 

nursing degree program, an important initiative that will 

train nurses to meet the urgent demand for qualified 

medical professionals in the hospitals and clinics of 

Southside Virginia; 

Whereas the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach allows students, often working adults with diverse 

professional and educational backgrounds, to more conveniently continue their education on a full-time or part-
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time basis; the school also provides workshops, seminars, 

and credit courses on campus and at sites in Richmond, 

Emporia, Petersburg, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Henrico, 

and other Southside Virginia locations; and 

Whereas Virginia State University has a long and rich history 

and has grown and changed considerably since 1882, and 

it continues that growth today, enriching individual lives, 

the surrounding community, and the Commonwealth 

through excellent teaching and innovative and engaging 

programs of study: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends 

and congratulates Virginia State University on the occasion 

of its 125th anniversary. 

Attest:

Clerk.