VCU news

By VCU News staff

An independent survey of 400 Richmond-area residents has found that Virginia Commonwealth University is viewed as the employer with the most significant economic impact in the Richmond region, outranking major corporations and state government agencies.

The survey, conducted in November by Public Opinion Strategies, was commissioned by VCU to provide data about how Richmond-area residents perceive VCU’s contributions. It found:

• 92% of respondents believe VCU is producing important innovations in science, technology and health care that improve people’s lives.
• 88% of respondents believe VCU’s continued growth and success are important to Richmond’s future.
• 79% of respondents believe VCU is a good neighbor and a trusted partner in the community.
• 79% believe VCU makes the Richmond area a better place to live.
• 61% believe VCU has a positive impact on low-income communities in the Richmond area.

The survey asked residents about the economic impact of major employers in the Richmond region. VCU was the top choice by 37% of respondents, and it ranked among the top two choices by 60% of respondents. 

Notably, the survey found no difference between VCU alums and non-alums in believing that VCU makes the Richmond community a better place to live.

In a recent Richmond Times-Dispatch opinion article, “Data tells us VCU’s growth is key to RVA’s future,” VCU Rector Todd P. Haymore and VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., wrote that the survey results “affirm that VCU is a vital part of the Richmond community and a leader driving the region’s educational, economic, scientific and cultural progress.”

“As we look to the future, our vision for 2025 and beyond is clear. We will lead with purpose, innovate with impact and strengthen our deep ties to Richmond. VCU and VCU Health are community partners, cultural anchors and champions for progress. We also know that our success is inseparable from Richmond’s future,” they wrote.

“As the city thrives, so do we — and as we grow, we want every resident to feel the benefits of that growth,” they wrote. “Together, we can continue to build a community defined by innovation, excellence, inclusivity and unlimited possibility.”

The survey’s findings follow a presentation at the December meeting of VCU’s Board of Visitors that showed VCU generates approximately $10 billion in economic activity in Virginia. 

Additionally, the presentation explained that less than 1% (0.71%) of land in the city of Richmond is owned by VCU. VCU owns 2.3% of the total acreage of land that is tax-exempt in the city.