VCU news

By Mike Porter

The Virginia Business Higher Education Council and the state’s public colleges and universities are working in partnership on a new initiative aimed at helping educate lawmakers about key issues affecting higher education and the economy. The partnership will be announced next week ahead of the upcoming governor’s election.

A press briefing will take place at 1:30 p.m., Sept. 25, in Room 2009 of Sadie Heath Cabaniss Hall, home to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing, 615 N. 8th St. 

The initiative’s goal is to grow the Virginia economy, expand access to educational and job opportunities for all Virginians and regain the state’s No. 1 ranking for business. Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and VCU Health; Dennis Treacy, president of the Smithfield Foundation, chairman of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and member of the VBHEC; and Del. John O’Bannon (R-73rd) will discuss the campaign at the event Monday. The event will also address the shortage of health care workers in Virginia.

Additional speakers include Jean Giddens, Ph.D., dean of the VCU School of Nursing; Susan Hunter, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; and Jan Gannon, HCA Capital Division chief nurse executive.

On-site parking for media is available in VCU’s Q Lot in front of the Jonah Larrick Student Center at 900 Turpin St.