Messmer named vice president for outreach

By Melissa Jones

RICHMOND, Va. – A long-time member of the Virginia Commonwealth University community, Sue Ann (SAM) Messmer, has been named vice president for university outreach. VCU’s board of visitors today (May 18) approved the appointment, effective immediately. Messmer is currently vice provost for university outreach, a position she has held since 1994.

Messmer's recent responsibilities have included directing VCU's offices of undergraduate admissions, university marketing, media relations, publications and community outreach. Her former responsibilities as vice provost included international programs and enrollment services.

"The Division of University Outreach has evolved into one of the most diverse areas within the university – encompassing many of the critically important external relationships with our constituencies," said VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D. "These areas need to be represented at the vice presidential level, and Ms. Messmer is the right person to provide that leadership as we move into the challenges of making VCU much better known beyond the commonwealth."

Messmer came to VCU in 1973 as a faculty member in the department of art history, a position she continues to hold. Since 1985 she has served as the assistant dean in the School of the Arts, then associate dean and director of graduate studies in the School of the Arts. In 1992 she became the assistant vice provost for the division of continuing studies and public service, later named the division of university outreach.

"For almost thirty years, I have had the great pleasure of promoting VCU – in one way or another – to our audiences locally, regionally, nationally and internationally," said Messmer. "Now I am honored to have the opportunity to work at the vice presidential level of the university in leading VCU's marketing, communications and recruitment initiatives."

Messmer earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington.