Virginia State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Virginia State University (VSU), a historically Black land-grant university in Ettrick, Virginia, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1882, VSU has a long-standing tradition of fostering excellence, and its alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in politics, business, arts, sciences, and more. The university's motto, "Greater Happens Here," reflects its commitment to empowering students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world. This article celebrates some of the most notable alumni who exemplify the VSU spirit of excellence.
Trailblazers in Politics and Public Service
VSU has a strong legacy of producing leaders who have shaped the political landscape.
- Lucy McBath: A graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science (1982), McBath serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 7th congressional district since 2023, previously representing the 6th district from 2019 to 2023. Driven by the tragic loss of her son to gun violence, McBath has become a prominent advocate for gun control and a voice for change in Congress. Before entering politics, McBath worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines.
- Jennifer Carroll Foy: A lawyer and politician, Carroll Foy represented Virginia's 2nd House of Delegates district.
- Rosalyn Dance: An alumna of VSU, Dance served in the Senate of Virginia from 2014 to 2020, after serving in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2005 to 2014. She was also the mayor of Petersburg, Virginia, from 1992 to 2004.
- Yvonne B. Miller: A Virginia educator and politician, Miller was the first African-American woman to serve in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly.
- Bobby Orrock: A member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 1990, representing the 66th district.
- Antwan McClellan: An American Republican Party politician who has represented the 1st Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since January 14, 2020.
These alumni have demonstrated a commitment to public service, advocating for their constituents and working to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Pioneers in Business and Finance
VSU has also produced successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable success in the corporate world.
- Reginald F. Lewis: A 1965 graduate with a degree in economics, Lewis was a trailblazing businessman and financier. After earning his J.D. from Harvard Law School, he founded Wall Street's first African-American law firm. Lewis later acquired Beatrice International Food, making it the first Black-owned company to generate over $1 billion in annual sales. He was recognized as one of the wealthiest Americans by Forbes. The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at VSU is named in his honor, a testament to his legacy.
- William R. Harvey: The longest-serving president of Hampton University, Harvey also made history as the first African-American owner in the soft drink bottling industry when he and his wife purchased a Pepsi-Cola Bottling franchise.
- Dzigbordi Kwaku-Dosoo: A Ghanaian entrepreneur, speaker, media personality, and consultant.
These alumni have demonstrated exceptional business acumen, leadership skills, and a commitment to innovation, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
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Stars in Arts, Entertainment, and Media
VSU has nurtured the talents of many individuals who have achieved recognition in the arts, entertainment, and media industries.
- Wale: An American rapper known for his hit songs and collaborations with top artists.
- James Avery: An accomplished actor known for his role as Philip Banks in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," as well as voice work as Shredder in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
- 2 Chainz: An American rapper and actor who gained recognition as one-half of the hip-hop duo Playaz Circle.
- Ray "Misster Ray" Cummings: An award-winning producer, host, author, actor, and TV personality. He is recognized as BET’s first openly gay on-air talent.
- Black Cobain: An American rapper.
- Thomas Miller: An American graphic designer and visual artist.
- Camilla Williams: An American operatic soprano who performed nationally and internationally and was the first African American to receive a regular contract with a major American opera company, the New York City Opera.
These alumni have used their creative talents to entertain, inspire, and challenge audiences, making a significant impact on popular culture.
Champions in Athletics
VSU has a proud athletic tradition, producing talented athletes who have excelled in various sports.
- Al Bumbry: A former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. He was the 1973 American League Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and a World Series champion. Bumbry is an inductee of the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
- Larry Brooks: An American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL).
- Avis Wyatt: An American retired basketball player.
- Clay Rapada: A Filipino American former professional baseball relief pitcher.
These alumni have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, sportsmanship, and dedication, representing VSU with pride on and off the field.
Innovators in Science and Technology
VSU has also produced accomplished scientists and engineers who have made significant contributions to their fields.
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- Gladys West: A mathematician known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth and her work on the development of satellite geodesy models, which were later incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS). West was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Christine Darden: An American mathematician, data analyst, and aeronautical engineer who devoted much of her career at NASA to researching supersonic flight and sonic booms.
- Herman Branson: An American physicist and chemist, best known for his research on the α protein structure, and was also the president of two colleges.
- James H. Stith: Earned his BS and MS degrees in physics from Virginia State College in 1963 and 1965, respectively.
These alumni have pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge, developing innovative technologies and solutions that have benefited society.
Leaders in Education and Academia
VSU has a long-standing commitment to education, and its alumni have made significant contributions to the field.
- Mary Alice Franklin Hatwood Futrell: Received her degree in business education from Virginia State College in 1962. In 1983, Futrell became the president of the National Education Association.
- Rodney Robinson: Named Virginia Teacher of the Year in 2018 and National Teacher of the Year in 2019.
These alumni have dedicated their careers to educating and inspiring future generations, shaping young minds and making a lasting impact on their communities.
Military Service
- Captain William E. Bailey: Inducted into the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society's Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016.
- Deshauna Barber: An American motivational speaker, beauty pageant titleholder, and captain in the United States Army Reserve.
- Charles R. Hamilton: A former United States Army general.
- Dennis L. Via: A retired United States Army four-star general.
- Ruppert Leon Sargent: Was a United States Army officer and a recipient of America's highest military decoration-the Medal of Honor-for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Other Notable Alumni
- Justice Coleman: Justice Coleman was the first African-American to serve on the (N.J.) Supreme Court.
- ABilly S. Jones-Hennin: Was an American LGBT rights activist based in Washington, D.C.
- Delores Goodwin Kelley: Is an American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party.
- Amaza Lee Meredith: Was an artist, architect and educator.
- Gaye Adegbalola: Enrolled in Virginia State University In 1978 graduated with Master of Education Occupations photographermusiciansingerlecturerguitarist.
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