A photo of a man from the waist up. He is facing the left and standing in front of a podium. The man is speaking into a microphone.
During his State of the University address, VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will discuss how the university is helping students adapt and thrive in the face of accelerating societal and technological change. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Jan. 27, 2025

VCU President Michael Rao to deliver State of the University address on Jan. 30

Rao will speak about how VCU is preparing students to understand emerging technologies, including AI, and excel in a rapidly evolving world.

Share this story

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will deliver his annual State of the University Address on Jan. 30 at the James Branch Cabell Library.

The event will be held at 11 a.m. in the Lecture Hall, room 303, of Cabell Library. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP to attend. For special accommodations, email UNIVevents@vcu.edu. A live broadcast will stream at vcu.edu.

During his speech, Rao will detail how VCU is preparing students to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. VCU’s fundamental mission remains steadfast – to educate students to be critical thinkers, contributors and flexible enough to adapt to the evolving world of work. In the face of accelerating societal and technological change – including artificial intelligence and its myriad applications – Rao will explain how VCU is ensuring that students are equipped to understand emerging technologies and be thoughtful about their use. In addition, Rao will discuss how VCU’s research enterprise is driving change through discoveries and innovations that improve our understanding of the world.

Members of the media who would like to attend the event should contact Mike Porter at mrporter@vcu.edu.