About Virginia State University
Virginia State University (VSU), founded in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, is a public historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Petersburg, Virginia, United States. As the first fully state-supported four-year institution of higher learning for Black Americans, VSU has a rich history of providing accessible education and fostering leadership. Its mission emphasizes academic excellence, research, and community service, with a commitment to empowering students from diverse backgrounds. Key achievements include strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and education, and it has produced notable alumni in politics, science, and the arts. The main campus spans 236 acres in Petersburg, with additional facilities for research and extension services. VSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs. For more details, visit the Virginia State University Website. Explore academic jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Virginia, and Academic Jobs in Petersburg.
VSU's history is marked by resilience and innovation. Established post-Civil War, it evolved from a teacher-training school to a comprehensive university. Today, it boasts a student body of around 4,000, with a focus on STEM fields and agricultural research through its land-grant status. Key departments include the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Technology, College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and College of Natural and Health Sciences. The university has received recognition for its contributions to minority education and research initiatives funded by federal grants. Campus life includes vibrant student organizations, athletics in the CIAA conference, and community outreach programs. VSU's location in Petersburg offers proximity to Richmond, providing cultural and professional opportunities. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Virginia State University, the institution emphasizes inclusive hiring and professional development.
In recent years, VSU has expanded its online and hybrid programs to meet modern demands, aligning with academic trends for 2025 that prioritize digital learning and interdisciplinary studies. The university's commitment to research is evident in centers like the Agricultural Research Station and the Center for Biotechnical Information Systems. Notable achievements include partnerships with NASA and the USDA, enhancing opportunities for faculty and students. VSU's mission to 'promote excellence in teaching, research, and public service' drives its strategic plan, aiming for increased enrollment and funding. For job seekers, this means access to professor positions at Virginia State University in dynamic fields. Discover more about academic careers at Virginia State University through resources like Higher Ed Jobs and Rate My Professor.
VSU continues to adapt to higher education trends, such as sustainability and equity in academia. Its location in Virginia positions it well for collaborations with nearby institutions. For those exploring salaries in Virginia State University academia or faculty jobs at Virginia State University, the university offers competitive packages informed by state benchmarks.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Virginia State University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Virginia State University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like agriculture, engineering, and education. As a land-grant HBCU, VSU prioritizes roles that support research and community impact. Based on 2025 academic trends, there's growing demand for assistant professors in STEM fields, with positions in the College of Engineering and Technology offering opportunities in cybersecurity and biotechnology. Lecturer roles in the College of Education focus on teacher preparation, while research jobs at Virginia State University emphasize agricultural innovation through the Cooperative Extension program. Professor positions at Virginia State University often require a PhD and demonstrate a commitment to diversity. Job trends indicate a shift toward interdisciplinary roles, such as those combining business and technology. To explore these, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Virginia State University.
Salary ranges for faculty at VSU vary by rank and department. Research from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor for 2025 shows assistant professors earning $55,000-$75,000 annually, associates $65,000-$85,000, and full professors $80,000-$110,000. These figures are influenced by Virginia's cost of living and state funding. For example, faculty in engineering may command higher salaries due to grant opportunities. Higher education jobs at Virginia State University also include administrative roles like department chairs, with salaries starting at $90,000. Academic careers at Virginia State University benefit from tenure-track paths and professional development. Check out lecturer roles at Virginia State University for entry-level opportunities. For more on research jobs at Virginia State University, see Research Jobs.
VSU's job market reflects national trends toward remote and hybrid positions, especially post-pandemic. Key departments hiring include Natural Sciences for biology and chemistry roles, and Humanities for social sciences. Rate professors at Virginia State University via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. Academic opportunities at Virginia State University extend to adjunct professor jobs, ideal for flexible careers. Salaries in Virginia State University academia are competitive within HBCUs, with bonuses for research output. Explore faculty jobs at Virginia State University in Virginia.
For job seekers, VSU offers resources like career fairs and networking events. Trends for 2025 highlight equity in hiring, with initiatives to increase diverse faculty. Professor positions at Virginia State University in agriculture focus on sustainable practices, aligning with global needs. Find detailed listings at Faculty Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering
Focus on technology innovation; salary $60,000-$80,000.
Lecturer in Education
Teacher training roles; salary $50,000-$70,000.
Research Fellow in Agriculture
Sustainable farming research; salary $55,000-$75,000.
Associate Professor in Business
Entrepreneurship focus; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Why Work at Virginia State University
Academic careers at Virginia State University are appealing due to its HBCU legacy, offering a supportive environment for diverse faculty. Research opportunities abound in agriculture and STEM, with access to grants from USDA and NSF. Career prospects include tenure tracks and leadership roles, enhanced by professional development programs. Unique benefits include tuition remission, health coverage, and community engagement. VSU's location in Petersburg provides affordable living and proximity to Richmond. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice. Faculty enjoy collaborative research centers and student mentoring. Salaries at Virginia State University academia are competitive, with emphasis on work-life balance.
Working at VSU means contributing to equity in education, with programs addressing social justice. Notable for its small class sizes, faculty build strong student relationships. Research from 2025 trends shows VSU leading in minority STEM advancement. Benefits include retirement plans and sabbaticals. For professor positions at Virginia State University, the rewarding culture stands out.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Virginia State University
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Virginia State University reflects its status as a public HBCU in Virginia. Based on 2025 data from AAUP and state reports, average salaries range from $55,000 for assistant professors to $100,000+ for full professors. Factors include experience, department (e.g., engineering higher than humanities), and location in Petersburg, where cost of living is moderate. Tenure-track roles often include benefits boosting total compensation. For instance, in the College of Agriculture, salaries average $70,000 due to grant funding. Compared to national averages, VSU offers competitive pay for HBCUs. Visit Professor Salaries for more.
Detailed ranges: Assistant Professor: $55,000-$75,000; Associate: $65,000-$85,000; Full Professor: $80,000-$110,000; Lecturers: $50,000-$70,000. These are influenced by performance metrics and state budgets. In 2025, trends show increases for STEM faculty amid talent shortages. Salaries in Virginia State University academia also factor in union negotiations and merit raises. For academic careers at Virginia State University, understanding these helps in negotiations. Research jobs at Virginia State University may include stipends for fieldwork.
Location plays a role; Virginia's economy supports higher pay in tech-heavy departments. Faculty with publications or grants earn more. Compared to private universities, VSU provides stability through state funding. For highest paid professors at Virginia State University, look to engineering and business. Explore University Salaries.
Additional factors: Experience adds 5-10% per rank advancement. Departments like Natural Sciences offer lab incentives. Overall, salaries support a comfortable lifestyle in Petersburg.
| Rank | Salary Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $55,000-$75,000 | Education |
| Associate Professor | $65,000-$85,000 | Engineering |
| Full Professor | $80,000-$110,000 | Agriculture |
| Lecturer | $50,000-$70,000 | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Virginia State University
⭐ Discover top educators at Virginia State University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics rate professors at Virginia State University, aiding course selection and recognizing excellence in programs like engineering and agriculture. Ratings highlight teaching quality, clarity, and helpfulness.
Dr. Dawit Haile (Engineering)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for innovative tech courses.
Dr. Michelle Corley (Agriculture)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in sustainable farming.
Prof. Keith Williamson (Education)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Engaging pedagogy specialist.
Dr. Shirlene Holmes (Humanities)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Focus on cultural studies.
Dr. Paul Hill (Business)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Entrepreneurship mentor.
Career Progression at Virginia State University
Career progression at Virginia State University follows a structured path from assistant to full professor, with tenure after 6-7 years. Salaries increase by rank: assistant $55k-$75k, associate $65k-$85k, full $80k-$110k. Research funding supports advancement, especially in agriculture. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice. VSU emphasizes mentorship for junior faculty.
Tenure-track roles involve teaching, research, and service. Strengths in STEM provide grant opportunities. Career guide for Virginia State University highlights interdisciplinary paths.
Research and Innovation at Virginia State University
🔬 Research at Virginia State University focuses on agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental science. Trends for 2025 include sustainable farming and AI applications. Centers like the Agricultural Research Station drive innovation with USDA funding. Collaborations with industry enhance opportunities. Explore Research Jobs.
Major areas: Food security, engineering tech, and health disparities. Faculty secure grants for impactful projects.
Resources for Virginia State University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via faculty workshops and grants.
- Union support through AAUP chapter for negotiations.
- Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Virginia State University
Student life at Virginia State University features diverse programs, clubs, and athletics. Career outcomes are strong in education and STEM. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include advising and internships.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and research involvement.
