VCU news

By Mike Porter

Melissa E. Exum, Ph.D., former vice provost for student affairs, died at her home in Richmond on April 22. She was 54.

Exum joined the VCU community in the summer of 2014 and worked until February when she stepped down due to personal and medical reasons.

She brought to VCU more than 25 years of university-level experience in a variety of student affairs leadership roles, having served as vice president of student affairs at Purdue University from August 2010 until her arrival. She also served in student affairs leadership positions at the University of North Carolina and Ohio University.

Exum earned her doctorate degree in higher education administration at Ohio University, her master's degree in medical sociology from University of Maryland-Baltimore County and her bachelor's degree in sociology from Wake Forest University.

She is survived by a brother, Wilford Eugene Exum Jr., and a number of nieces, nephews, uncles and an aunt.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. at Warren County Middle School in Warrenton, North Carolina.

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