Newly elected Governor Abigail Spanberger, the first female governor elected in Virginia, visited Virginia State University on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2026.
Governor Spanberger’s visit focused on learning more about VSU’s College of Agriculture, which included a tour of Randolph Farm led by Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Katie Frazier, and watching a presentation given on the school’s agricultural initiatives and student’s agricultural achievements by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and current Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh.
After Dr. Bronaugh’s presentation, Governor Spanberger made a few remarks.
(Issac Baker)
“Virginia State University has always welcomed me, from my time in Congress to today,” Gov. Spanberger said. “Having served on the House Agriculture Committee and having watched Dr. Bronaugh do incredible work at USDA, I know you have extraordinary people here who are focused on the success of students. It is wonderful to see her back home in the Commonwealth and here at VSU.“
She also took some time out of her busy schedule to speak to a small group consisting of students from our Student Government Association, Royal Court, and faculty, including President Abdullah.
“It is always an honor to be on any college campus. It’s always an honor to be with students who are planning for their next steps towards the future, but particularly being here at the Virginia State University, a place that students come to excel, to pursue their next steps,” she said to the group.
She briefly touched on her experience at Randolph Farm, saying, “Secretary Grazer and I were just over visiting Randolph Farm and learning about all of the new research, or I would say re-upping our knowledge, because we’ve both spent time here before, of the work that’s done here at this extraordinary and historic university.”
She ended her speech with words of encouragement for students watching.
“As Governor, I am delighted to have the opportunity to be here to greet you all, to say thank you for taking some time out to make sure that we know the value and the strength of what this institution is for you all, but also so that we get excited about what the future holds when you all are the ones in the positions of leadership that we hold for this brief moment in time. So we look forward to passing the baton off, and I look forward to seeing the things that you all will do. But again, thank you for welcoming me. I’ve certainly spent my fair share of time here on this campus, and I always, always leave happier than when I arrive.”
Afterwards, she took photos with all of the students attending and even recorded a segment for VSU’s WVST 91.2 FM radio station before leaving campus.
After her departure, Eldon Burton, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, had much to say about her visit. “It was an honor to welcome Governor Spanberger to Virginia State University. Her visit reflects the importance of strong partnerships between higher education and state leadership. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the transformative work happening across our campus and to engage in meaningful dialogue with our students about leadership, service, and the future of the Commonwealth.”
