Michael Rao will speak about VCU’s role as a model for higher education during State of the University Address

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will deliver his annual State of the University Address on Feb. 12 at the James Branch Cabell Library.

Seating is limited at the event, which takes place in room 303 of Cabell Library, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit go.vcu.edu/sotu to RSVP and reserve your seat. For special accommodations, email UNIVevents@vcu.edu. The remarks will also be livestreamed at vcu.edu. Members of the media are invited to cover the address and may confirm their interest in attending by emailing mrporter@vcu.edu. 

During his speech, Rao will detail how VCU is bridging discovery and learning and building connections to benefit students, patients and communities. He will speak about VCU’s commitment to being a leading university of the future and providing a model for higher education in preparing students to work across boundaries while doing work that strengthens Virginia, the nation and the world.

“VCU is a place that is of and for the public good, serving our students, our patients and our communities in the most expansive of ways – a truly uncommon university that is poised to unlock the full potential of the people we serve, educate and learn from every day,” Rao said. “The research done here is one of the most important ways we serve our public mission, using our collection of brilliant minds and abilities for discovery and innovation that will help everyone.”