We are UNDENIABLY strong when our goals align.

The strategic plan, Quest 2028: One VCU Together We Transform, sets the projected course for VCU for the years 2022 to 2028. Download the university’s full plan for additional details and success metrics.

Our administrative and academic division and unit strategic plans will serve as the implementation plans for Quest 2028.

Opportunity drives excellence

We champion uncommon excellence in all that we do and advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all individuals are valued and differences are equally respected. This theme is integral to the goals and strategies of all themes and is woven throughout the plan because it is foundational to the success and excellence of our students, faculty, and staff. 

  • Nurture an institutional culture and climate that fosters opportunity.
  • Implement an organizational infrastructure to support, sustain, and scale initiatives that infuse an appreciation of all people into clinical care, curriculum, scholarship and practice.
  • Demonstrate national and international thought leadership.

Student success

We ignite student success through curricular innovation, a holistic culture of care, and an engaged and empowered workforce.

  • Transform curriculum so that all students engage in inquiry, discovery, innovation, experiential learning, civic engagement, and creative expression to prepare them for the future of work.
  • Enhance the university culture of care and responsiveness that supports student engagement, success, and sense of belonging.
  • Retain and attract a highly qualified community of faculty and staff that reflects a culture where everyone matters and belongs, and career satisfaction and growth are supported.

Research and innovation to address societal challenges

We distinguish VCU as a vibrant public research university where researchers, educators, practitioners, and entrepreneurs innovate together to improve lives and address societal challenges.

  • Amplify VCU’s impact on society through excellence across all disciplines, knowledge creation, and transdisciplinary research.
  • Build a collaborative research culture that powers meaningful change and impact and is based on ethics, integrity, and critical and analytical thinking.
  • Implement a research infrastructure model that is scalable, nimble, and ready for growth.

Thriving communities

We deliver on our commitment to addressing social and health challenges in partnership with communities.

  • Collaborate to build an adaptive infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of VCU and communities.
  • Partner with communities to help inspire authentic gains in health, education and economic prosperity.
  • Create and leverage pathways that demonstrate that our academic and healthcare goals and innovations benefit and complement the objectives of our community partners.
  • Actively seek community partnerships and opportunities to elevate awareness and collaborative action between VCU and communities.