VCU news

By Sathya Achia Abraham

The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors has named Stephen D. Gottfredson, Ph.D., Provost Emeritus and University Professor. The appointment of a faculty member to a distinguished professorship is one of VCU’s highest honors.

Gottfredson served as VCU’s provost from 2004 until 2010. During his tenure, Gottfredson was a co-leader of the VCU 2020 strategic plan, which resulted in the development of University College, a national model for centralizing university wide programs and resources to enhance undergraduate students’ experience and success. Other achievements include creation of the university’s Honors College, increases in freshmen-to-sophomore retention and overall graduations rates. Student enrollment also grew significantly under his leadership, including doctoral and international students.

Gottfredson came to VCU in July 1997 to serve as dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Accomplishments during his deanship include the creation of the School of World Studies and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

As a strong advocate of academic quality and student success, Gottfredson will teach in the freshman sequence in VCU University College. In addition, he will teach in the graduate program of the Wilder School and will assist the university in the development of doctoral programs.

"Dr. Gottfredson is nationally recognized as an expert in behavioral prediction and correctional policy and clearly deserves the recognition of University Professor for his cross-disciplinary scholarship in the areas of psychology and criminal justice," said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “I very much appreciate his commitment to VCU, our students and faculty.”