Michael Rao (Richmond: school, university, move)

[curtisboy]

I've read alot about the Pres. of VCU this past couple of weeks. What's the story here- is VCU a good university or are they getting ready to have a major change in management. We r looking at a good school for the future.

[RVA-Jsn20]

What have you read? VCU is a great school with a great reputation in Richmond, and has been for quite some time.

[540_804]

Its not that there is going to be a "major change in management" but that the university just went through a change in "management" as Rao took over for Trani after he retired. Their will always be ruffled feathers when these types of transitions and changes take place. Rarely do major changes occur without incident.

However, as RVA-Jsn said, VCU does have a pretty good reputation locally and regionally, and increasingly on a national and even international scale.

As a VCU student, I do sometimes fear that all of the recent 'political' brouhaha may damage the credibility of the school (and therefore devalue my future degree). As VCU becomes more nationally and internationally known, my degree becomes more value (theoretically anyway). If 10 years from now the university becomes the next so-called Public Ivy, then suddenly I am a graduate of an elite school, never mind the fact that I graduated a decade before.

On the other hand, this type of negative publicity could (theoretically) hurt me; my degree could become less valuable.

I'm not really worried about it, though. VCU is a great school.

[4sankofa]

Well, there has been some controversy. There was an executive board meeting last week to discuss them - reported by local news and papers.

Some say he is slow to make changes - I think that's a wise move though
In addition - his chief of staff of one year is leaving - rumors that he does not get along with Rao's wife who also has a position there
Some are upset that critical positions have not been filled i.e provost and school deans

The last president was there for a zillion years - it take time to implement change