VCU news

By Mike Porter

Tomikia LeGrande, Ed.D., has been named the sole presidential finalist at Prairie View A&M University in Bryan-College Station, Texas. LeGrande, who joined VCU in 2018, serves as the vice president for strategy, enrollment management and student success.

Under Texas law, the Board of Regents names a finalist for at least 21 days before making the appointment at a subsequent meeting. LeGrande will remain at VCU until April. 

At VCU, LeGrande has led initiatives to promote making the university accessible to all and championed efforts to improve student success outcomes for students who face additional barriers. 

“Dr. Tomikia LeGrande’s good work has been vital to our mission of putting the needs of students first,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and VCU Health. “She’s exceptionally talented, a delight to work with and will certainly be a successful president. We are fortunate to have had her on our team and will miss her.”

Throughout the pandemic, LeGrande led VCU’s efforts to identify and respond to the rapidly changing ways that students engage with higher education and the enrollment process. Her work to support students has won outside recognition as well – just last year, she was named a “Champion of Change” by the Virginia Governor’s Office for creating a novel Student Financial Services Center that blends financial aid, financial literacy, mentorship and counseling in a holistic approach that supports student success. 

In addition, LeGrande was one of the key leaders of the recalibration of the new Quest 2028 strategic plan.

“I'm beyond grateful to President Rao and the VCU community of staff, faculty and students for the great things we have accomplished together. VCU is recognized as a national model for its commitment to student access and success – a testament to our programs, people and leaders,” LeGrande said. “The best is yet to come for VCU!”

VCU will launch a national search to find a new leader for enrollment and student success.