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From Trumpet To Podium: Lajohn Plummer Leads With Purpose

Grace Neubia, Staff Writer October 14, 2025

During the early summer mornings, most students are still fast asleep while Lajohn Plummer stands tall at Davis Hall. The sound of his whistle cuts through the early morning air, signaling the...

Mister VSU Melvin Cooper, Jr. and Miss VSU Sarai Findlay wave to the crowd at the opening home football game on Oct. 4.

Cooper, Findlay Discuss New Leadership Roles

Ayani Raiford and Kennedy Mboma October 13, 2025

Virginia State University has welcomed the new Mister and Miss Virginia State into their positions as leaders on campus. They are Melvin Cooper, Jr. and Sarai Findlay. They sat down for interviews to unpack...

Virginia State University Achieves Nation’s Largest Climb in HBCU Rankings

Virginia State University Achieves Nation’s Largest Climb in HBCU Rankings

Amaya Collins, Contributing Writer October 5, 2025

Virginia State University has made one of the largest jumps in the US News & World Report’s 2026 Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Rankings, marking the nation’s largest...

Midfielder Skye Whiting competes in a face-off.

Women’s, Men’s Lacrosse Join New Conferences

Issac Baker, Staff Writer October 1, 2025

At the beginning of the semester the Athletics Department announced that the Women’s and Men’s Lacrosse teams would be joining two new conferences for the 2026 season. The men would join the Peach...

Marvin Leach plays a song on the keyboard while testing out the recording studio in Davis Hall. The music production technology students have several areas in Davis Hall dedicated to the recording process. Contributed photo.

Music Department Develops New Recording Label

Daniel Ivy, Contributing Writer September 28, 2025

The Virginia State University Department of Music will be launching a recording label through the Music Production Technology (MPT) program. This newly created record label will provide hands on experience...

Newly inducted members of EmpowerHer stand together for one of their first group photos during the ceremony and dinner at Gateway. (Below) Board member Cassandra Price speaks at the podium about how she has been excited to be invited to work with this group of strong women. Photos by Helania Ballou.

Women’s LeadHership Institute Inducts New Members

Helaina Ballou, News Editor September 26, 2025

The Women’s LeadHership Institute recently grew bigger by inducting their newest members. The female-led organization held the induction on Aug. 28 at Virginia State University’s Gateway Dining Hall....

Quarterback Rahsaan Matthews, Jr. roles out to complete a pass in the  first quarter against Norfolk State on Saturday, Sept. 6. 
Contributed photo.

CIAA Quarterback Of The Week Keeps Team On Track

Sydney Roberts, Staff Writer September 25, 2025

Redshirt Freshman Quarterback Rahsaan Matthews, Jr. has been having quite the season so far with 59 completions over the span of the first three games. He has also totalled 8 touchdowns and only one interception...

(Above) Newly hired Associate Vice-President of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes interacts with the Virginia State University community in a meet & greet at the Multipurpose Center on Thursday, April 3. Sykes is a graduate of Virginia State University’s mass communication program and former member of the volleyball team. Photo by Helaina Ballou.

Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes returns to Virginia State University to usher in new era

Helaina Ballou, News Editor April 22, 2025

Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes is helping to bring in a different change to the Virginia State University athletic department. Sykes was hired on Feb. 27 to fill in the role of Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate...

Scott, Lucas Set To Speak At Graduation

Scott, Lucas Set To Speak At Graduation

Ciani Sparrow, Executive Editor April 21, 2025

Virginia State University is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. The University will hold two graduation ceremonies featuring guest...

What does graduation mean to you?

What does graduation mean to you?

Ciani Sparrow, Executive Editor April 19, 2025

In just a few short weeks, a parade of graduates will once again be walking across a packed stage in the Multi-Purpose Center for Spring Commencement 2025. In recognition of this upcoming event, we spoke...

Caleb Pines plants seeds from the Alligator plant at AgFest 2025. Staff photo.

AgFest 2025 Showcases Many Sides To College of Agriculture

Isaac Baker, Staff Writer March 26, 2025

On Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Virginia State University College of Agriculture hosted their 3rd Annual AgFest event that honors the agriculture community. AgFest 2025 was located...

(Above) The primary residence hall at Richard Bland College house students on the campus of the junior college. Virginia State University students occupied some of the vacant dorm rooms this academic year due to the lack of space on Virginia State’s campus. Photo courtesy of Richard Bland’s website.

Students Return To Campus After Stay At RBC

Nakhii Young, Features Editor March 26, 2025

In Fall 2024, a group of Virginia State University students were temporarily housed at Richard Bland College due to limited on-campus housing. While VSU strives to accommodate all students, off-campus...

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