b'I M P A C T R E P O R T - 2 0 2 32 5 GRE AT ER achievemen tsNotable Academic AchievementsAt Virginia State University, academic excellence is not just a goalit is our standard. This years accomplishments reflect the dedication of our faculty, the resilience of our students, and our unwavering commitment to innovation, research, and transformative learning experiences. Dr. Tia A. MinnisVSU Provost and VP for Academic AffairsVSU Achieves Prestigious Carnegie R2 Research DesignationVirginia State University is now a Carnegie R2 Research Institution due to our significant growth in research and graduate education. At the time of the designation, only 139 institutions and fewer than 15 HBCUs qualified for R2 status. With this achievement, VSU can increase its impact in key research areas such as agriculture, health outcomes, computer and data science, advanced manufacturing, and STEM education.VSU Online Nursing Program Earns First-Ever National AccreditationVirginia State Universitys online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has earned a five-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This historic milestone marks the first time in VSU history that our nursing program has been nationally accredited. The accreditation is retroactively effective October 30, 2023, lasts through 2028, and can be extended.VSU Chosen As Only HBCU For 2025 NASA Lunabotics ChallengeOf the 38 teams invited to the 2025 NASA Lunabotics Challenge in Florida, Virginia State University was the only HBCU selected. The VSU Lunabotics Team designed and built a versatile robot capable of navigating and completing tasks on simulated lunar terrain. Representing HBCUs with distinction, VSU demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and technical skill.VSU Earns Third Consecutive Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader RecognitionVirginia State University has been named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for three consecutive years. This esteemed honorhighlightsVSUsunwaveringsupportforglobaleducationanddiversity.FulbrightHBCUInstitutionalLeaders consistentlydemonstrateoutstandingsupportforFulbrightexchangeparticipantsandeffectivelypromoteFulbright program opportunities on campus.VSU Ranks High As A Best Value University For International StudentsVirginia State University ranks among the top 27% of Best Value Universities for International Students, according to Study Abroad Aide, the most comprehensive database of universities in the world. The rankings are based on the Universitys commitment to offering high-quality and affordable education to students from different countries.VSU Awarded $3M For Research Center For Engineering StudentsThe National Science Foundation awarded Virginia State University $3 million to establish the Trojan Center for Emerging Engineering Research. The center enhances the academic journey of VSU undergraduate engineering/computer science P G E 1 4 A students and better prepares them for the Engineering-Computer Science (ENG-CS) workforce. It also strengthens the Universitys research efforts and increases the number of ENG-CS graduates with improved competency and marketability while also realigning the engineering curriculum with innovative technologies.'