Past Presidents

Since the Alumni Association's inception in 1889, there have been 37 National Presidents. Provided below are their names and the years they served.  The Association's immediate past president is Franklin Johnson, Jr.

  • 19th Century
     Years Served
    1. N.T. Goldsbery 1889 - 1892
    2. R. L. Fitzgerald 1892 – 1894
    3. J.T. Newsome 1896 – 1899
    4. Josie P. Harris 1899 – 1901
  • 20th Century
     Years Served
    5. C.L. Winfree 1901 - 1902
    6. William H. Hughes 1902 – 1903
    7. Milton T. Bailey 1903 – 1932
    8. Paterson R. Carter 1932 – 1934
    9. Helen Brett Hunter 1934 – 1940
    10. Dr. Samuel A. Madden 1940 – 1944
    11. Walter P. Jefferson 1944 – 1948
    12. Georgia Davis Tyler 1948 – 1950
    13. A. McKee Banks 1950 - 1952
    14. Lullian E. Oliver 1952 – 1954
    15. Reuben Lawson 1954 – 1956
    16. Richard Pegram 1956 – 1958
    17. Sumner Madden 1958 – 1960
    18. C. Shelby Rooks 1960 – 1962
    19. O.R. Johnson 1962 – 1964
    20. Leory T. McAllister 1964 – 1966
    21. James Wynder 1966 - 1968
    22. Mary Parrish 1968 - 1970
    23. Ethel Lowe 1970 - 1972
    24. Sylvester Blue 1972 - 1977
    25. Edward A. Ragland 1977 – 1981
    26. Hon. Jean W. Cunningham 1981 – 1984
    27. Elnora Burton 1984 – 1985
    28. Dr. Mildred Fitzgerald-Johnson 1985 - 1987
    29. Frank Hendrick 1987 – 1990
    30. Dr. Foster B. Miles 1990 - 1993
    31. Anne R. Pollard 1993 – 1996
    32. Marvin Parker 1996 - 1999
  • 21st Century
     Years Served
    33. J. Otis Harris, Jr. 1999 – 2002
    34. Willis E. Gay 2002 – 2006
    35. Charlyne Jackson Fields 2006 – 2010
    36. Ernest Miller 2010 – 2014
    37 Franklin Johnson, Jr. 2014 - 2021

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VSU Receives $100,000 Commitment From Newport News Shipbuilding

Virginia State University is pleased to announce that HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division has generously pledged $100,000 over five years to the university to establish the Newport News Shipbuilding Scholars Program. This program aims to provide financial assistance and mentorship to underrepresented students pursuing engineering and related degrees at VSU.

The Newport News Shipbuilding Scholars Program will provide much-needed support to students who may face financial barriers. The program will offer scholarships to cover educational expenses, as well as mentorship and internship opportunities with professionals in the engineering industry. This will help students achieve their academic goals and provide them with valuable experience and connections as they enter the workforce.

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Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan Proposes Bill To Name Petersburg Post Office After VSU's First President


Virginia State University is pleased to announce that Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan has proposed a bill to rename the Petersburg post office located at 29 Franklin Street after the University’s first president, John Mercer Langston. On Monday, February 26, an event was held outside of Langston Hall on the VSU campus to announce the bill, with remarks from university officials, Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham, and Congresswoman McClellan.

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Happy Birthday To All VSU Alumni Born In March

Here's to another year of good health and happiness. We hope it's a great day!

    VSU Makes History As The First HBCU In The Country Selected To Host A General Election Presidential Debate

    VSU has been chosen by the Commission on Presidential Debates to host a 2024 Presidential Debate.   

    Virginia State University is proud to announce that it has been chosen by the Commission on Presidential Debates to host a 2024 Presidential Debate. This is a momentous occasion for VSU, as it is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate. The debate, scheduled for October 1, 2024, is the second of three scheduled general election presidential debates.   

    “We are honored and grateful to have been chosen as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “This is a historic moment for our university and for HBCUs nationwide. Our university mantra is “Greater Happens Here,” and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to the GREATER at VSU.” 

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