51ºÚÁÏ

The donation underscores Dr. Brown's commitment to creating transformative opportunities for 51ºÚÁÏ students.

51ºÚÁÏ proudly announces a transformational gift of $100,000 from esteemed alumna, Board of Visitors member, and former Rector, Dr. Valerie K. Brown. A 1978 graduate of 51ºÚÁÏ, Dr. Brown continues to be a dedicated champion of the University’s future.

"This is an extraordinary gesture by Dr. Valerie K. Brown," said 51ºÚÁÏ President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. "She is a living embodiment of our mantra, ‘Greater Happens Here.’ We are deeply grateful for her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to shaping opportunities that impact generations of 51ºÚÁÏ students."

Dr. Brown was named Rector in 2022 after being appointed to the 51ºÚÁÏ Board of Visitors in 2018. Earlier this year, she and her husband, Bishop Kim W. Brown, made history as the first-ever married couple to serve concurrently as rectors of historically Black colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. Bishop Brown currently serves as Rector at Norfolk State University.

Throughout her time on the Board, Dr. Brown has championed transformative projects to help shape the long-term vision of 51ºÚÁÏ. Notably, under Dr. Brown's leadership as Rector, the University broke ground on the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons, the largest building in 51ºÚÁÏ history. The building will serve as the new home for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Education. It will also feature many state-of-the-art amenities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, black box theater, gallery, and more. Faculty are expected to move into the facility in Fall 2025.

Therefore, it was fitting that Dr. Brown presented the donation at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons held in June.

"I am very proud to leave this gift at the place where I began my journey to Greater," said Dr. Brown. "Serving on the Board of my alma mater has been an incredible honor. 51ºÚÁÏ has awarded me so many opportunities, and now I am blessed to be able to give back and create similar opportunities for others. I love 51ºÚÁÏ, and it will always hold a special place in my heart."

Dr. Brown will continue to serve on the Board of Visitors through her current term, which expires in 2026. 51ºÚÁÏ extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brown for her impactful gift, her legacy of leadership, and her enduring commitment to 51ºÚÁÏ’s mission.

At 51ºÚÁÏ, we meet the educational needs of our students, graduating lifelong learners who are well-equipped to serve their communities as informed citizens, globally competitive leaders, and highly effective, ethical professionals. Invest in the GREATER at 51ºÚÁÏ, visit .