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Virginia State University Achieves Nation’s Largest Climb in HBCU Rankings
Virginia State University Achieves Nation’s Largest Climb in HBCU Rankings
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
2025 Career Expo Brings Employers To Campus
2025 Career Expo Brings Employers To Campus
Scott, Lucas Set To Speak At Graduation
Scott, Lucas Set To Speak At Graduation
Caleb Pines plants seeds from the Alligator plant at AgFest 2025. Staff photo.
AgFest 2025 Showcases Many Sides To College of Agriculture
Drum Major Lajohn Plummer entertains the crowd at the halftime show by the Trojan Explosion on Saturday, Oct. 4.
From Trumpet To Podium: Lajohn Plummer Leads With Purpose
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
Alantra is a rising star from Augusta, Georgia. Her journey in music began with her days as a child growing up in the church. Contributed photo.
From vision to vibes: Alantra’s journey as a rising star
Spring Fling provides week of celebration
Spring Fling provides week of celebration
Film Club Members Hone Skills With Competition
Film Club Members Hone Skills With Competition
Coach Kiera Howard steps forward as her head coach and other assistants joke with her.
Coach Howard Begins Collegiate Coaching Career At Virginia State University
Midfielder Skye Whiting competes in a face-off.
Women’s, Men’s Lacrosse Join New Conferences
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
Paulette Walker Johnson, founder of the Woo Woos, stands with generations of Woo Woos from 1974 to the present, showcasing the enduring legacy of empowerment, leadership, and community spirit. Contributed photo.
Leaving A Legacy Since 1974
(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
The 2025-2026 Virginia Statesman newspaper staff after a Monday staff meeting.
Why Is Journalism Important Now?
What does graduation mean to you?
What does graduation mean to you?
Opinion: The Importance of Sexual Assault Awareness
Opinion: The Importance of Sexual Assault Awareness
Why is style important as a Trojan woman?
Why is style important as a Trojan woman?
Breast Cancer screening can save lives with early detection
Breast Cancer screening can save lives with early detection
Message From The Virginia Statesman
Message From The Virginia Statesman
How To Succeed At University Life
How To Succeed At University Life
New Ideas Brewing Up At The Virginia Statesman
This Is A Student Paper
This Is A Student Paper
Editorial: Early registration vital to students
Editorial: Early registration vital to students
Staff Editorial: Welcoming the Class of 2026, the largest incoming group in years
Staff Editorial: Welcoming the Class of 2026, the largest incoming group in years
Staff Editorial: Welcoming the Class of 2026, the largest incoming group in years
Staff Editorial: Welcoming the Class of 2026, the largest incoming group in years
Staff Editorial: Attending Commencement gives ‘Greater’ perspective
Staff Editorial: Attending Commencement gives ‘Greater’ perspective
If students can’t help, greater deterrent may be needed
If students can’t help, greater deterrent may be needed
Editorial Cartoon for February
Editorial Cartoon for February
Feature photographer Charnese Small celebrates ‘Black Resiliency’ in gallery
Feature photographer Charnese Small celebrates ‘Black Resiliency’ in gallery
Zodiac signs apparent in students' portraits
Zodiac signs apparent in students’ portraits
The Virginia Statesman needs your input
The Virginia Statesman needs your input
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
Alumni Reflect On Importance Of Homecoming
Alumni Reflect On Importance Of Homecoming
Photo Gallery: Dr. Wesley Bellamy Inspires Convocation
Photo Gallery: Dr. Wesley Bellamy Inspires Convocation
Members of Injoy Ministries Jamea Thompson, Sierra Stewart, Zamir Hunley, I’Reail Smith, and Janae Spates recruit new members at the Spring 2024 Org Bazaar held on April 10, 2024, and located at Rogers Stadium parking lot. They are a Christian based ministry seeking to present and represent Christ to all. The students gathered to take photos in front of their table to advertise what they do on campus and for the community.
Spring Fling entices students to celebrate
Nasya Bugg of Truth Village Farms educated those present on the uses of bamboo as their farm grows fresh bamboo stalks.
Farmer’s Market returns with new vendors
Greek Night graces the MPC court
Greek Night graces the MPC court
Photo Gallery: Dr. Wesley Bellamy Inspires Convocation
Photo Gallery: Dr. Wesley Bellamy Inspires Convocation
Images from Commencement 2024 at the Multipurpose Center on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Photo Gallery: Trojans receive diplomas in Commencement 2024 ceremonies
Members of Injoy Ministries Jamea Thompson, Sierra Stewart, Zamir Hunley, I’Reail Smith, and Janae Spates recruit new members at the Spring 2024 Org Bazaar held on April 10, 2024, and located at Rogers Stadium parking lot. They are a Christian based ministry seeking to present and represent Christ to all. The students gathered to take photos in front of their table to advertise what they do on campus and for the community.
Spring Fling entices students to celebrate
Word On The Hill Podcast - Episode 4
Word On The Hill Podcast – Episode 4
Greek Night graces the MPC court
Greek Night graces the MPC court
Photo Gallery: Dr. Wesley Bellamy Inspires Convocation
Photo Gallery: Dr. Wesley Bellamy Inspires Convocation
Images from Commencement 2024 at the Multipurpose Center on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Photo Gallery: Trojans receive diplomas in Commencement 2024 ceremonies
Members of Injoy Ministries Jamea Thompson, Sierra Stewart, Zamir Hunley, I’Reail Smith, and Janae Spates recruit new members at the Spring 2024 Org Bazaar held on April 10, 2024, and located at Rogers Stadium parking lot. They are a Christian based ministry seeking to present and represent Christ to all. The students gathered to take photos in front of their table to advertise what they do on campus and for the community.
Spring Fling entices students to celebrate
Photo Gallery: Honors College Week: Fashion Show
Photo Gallery: Honors College Week: Fashion Show

The Virginia Statesman

The Virginia Statesman
All content by Ayani Raiford
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
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