Virginia Commonwealth University President-elect Mike Rao visited with students, faculty and staff on Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5, during his first return visit to the campus since his appointment was announced last month.
Rao, who takes over as president of Virginia’s largest university on July 1, was meeting both days with groups on the Monroe Park Campus and the MCV Campus. He spoke of his impression of VCU and how its diversity, the scope of research and the commitment to the community appealed to him.
“I’m very excited about the diversity of Richmond,” Rao said. “There is a unique opportunity for VCU to make connections with the community — the community is an exceptional resource. You can do what you do nationally very well and still advance opportunities in the region and at home.”
After each forum, he fielded questions regarding gender diversity of faculty, how his administration will engage with students and how he plans to move the strategic plan forward.
“I’m truly looking forward to hearing what you think we should do together to continue moving the university forward,” said Rao, calling the forums “the beginning of a really good conversation.”
Rao, 42, currently is president of Central Michigan University. At VCU, he also will be president of the VCU Health System and a tenured professor in the VCU School of Education.
He was selected to follow VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., who is retiring June 30 after 19 years at the helm. Trani will remain at VCU as University Distinguished Professor.