Virginia State University recently made history as the first HBCU selected in history to host a presidential debate.
In a press release released by the school last week, Virginia State University leaders announced that the Commission on Presidential Debates has made the decision to have the HBCU host a 2024 Presidential Debate on their campus.
Scheduled for Oct. 1, 2024, the debate set to be held at Virginia State University in their Multipurpose Center is the second of three planned general election presidential debates.
“This is a historic moment for our university and for HBCUs nationwide,” said the President of Virginia State University, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, per the press release. “Our university mantra is ‘Greater Happens Here,’ and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to the GREATER at VSU.”
The announcement of the HBCU’s inclusion as part of the 2024 Presidential Debate comes amidst the naming of Virginia State University as a 2023 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of State, the university was selected alongside 18 other HBCUs, including Howard University, Morgan State University, Lincoln University and Tuskegee University, as being outstanding with their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This year marked the second consecutive year that the school was recognized with this achievement.
Founded in 1882, Virginia State University was created to provide higher learning education to Black Americans. Initially known as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, the HBCU was the first “fully state supported” four-year education institution to exist in North America for Black Americans. Beginning with only 126 students and seven faculty members, the university has now expanded to include 4,000 students as part of its total population.
Breaking News!!! We have been selected as one of the 2024 Presidential Debate sites. We are honored to serve as the first HBCU to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate. #GreaterHappensHere#VSUDebate24 pic.twitter.com/nFXDi10ley
— Virginia State University (@VSU_1882) November 20, 2023
Notable alumni of Virginia State University include blues singer and activist Gaye Adegbalola, U.S. ambassador Pamela Bridgewater as well as physicist Herman Branson.
In their latest press release, Virginia State University Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, Eldon Burton, emphasized the effect that being the first HBCU to host a presidential debate can have on the institution as it highlights the efforts and story of the university.
“We have always been committed to excellence, inclusivity, and civic engagement,” said Burton. “This incredible achievement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the campus community, the university’s reputation, and the nation as a whole. Now people will know that not only does Greater Happen at VSU, but history happens here as well.”
