Virginia Commonwealth University

MISSION Official VCU mission: Why we’re here Virginia Commonwealth University and its academic health sciences center serve as one national urban public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community through: - Real-world learning that furthers civic engagement, inquiry, discovery and innovation - Research that expands the boundaries of new knowledge and creative expression and promotes translational applications to improve the quality of human life - Interdisciplinary collaborations and community partnerships that advance innovation, enhance cultural and economic vitality, and solve society’s most complex challenges - Health sciences that preserve and restore health for all people, seek the cause and cure of diseases through groundbreaking research and educate those who serve humanity - Deeply engrained core values of diversity, inclusion and equity that provides a safe, trusting and supportive environment to explore, create, learn and serve VALUES What we hold dear Accountability Committing to the efficient and transparent stewardship of our resources to achieve institutional excellence Achievement Ensuring distinction in learning, research and scholarly pursuits, service, and patient care Collaboration Fostering collegiality and cooperation to advance learning, entrepreneurship and inquiry Freedom Striving for intellectual truth with responsibility and civility, respecting the dignity of all individuals Innovation Cultivating discovery, creativity, originality, inventiveness and talent Service Engaging in the application of learning and discovery to improve the human condition and support the public good at home and abroad Diversity Ensuring a climate of trust, honesty and integrity where all people are valued and differences are recognized as an asset Integrity Adhering to the highest standards of honesty, respect and professional and scholarly ethics HISTORY How we came to be Way back — we’re talking more than 175 years ago — in 1838, VCU was known by another name. We were the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney, later becoming the Medical College of Virginia. It wasn’t until 1968, when we merged with Richmond Professional Institute, that we were given the name Virginia Commonwealth University. But one thing is for sure: We have never stopped making history.