HBCU: Virginia Union Hires New President

RICHMOND
Dr. Hakim J. Lucas will become the new president of Virginia Union University on Sept. 1

Lucas has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education. Most recently, he worked at Bethune-Cookman University, where he served as the vice president for Institutional Advancement beginning in 2012.

Prior to Lucas’ appointment to the presidency at Virginia Union, Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, who is retiring, served as the acting president beginning July 2016. Dr. Claude G. Perkins, the former president, retired after seven years in the post. The new president, Lucas, 40, received unanimous approval from the board, according to press reports.

“He is an energetic and wise leader and we believe that he will serve Virginia Union University well,” Virginia Union Board Chair Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson said in a recent statement.

Richardson said Lucas will also teach history at Virginia Union. As a member of Generation X, Lucas brings youth to the president’s office.

“He’ll be able to link the baby boomers with the millennials,” Richardson said.

Of his new post, Lucas said, “Virginia Union University has a rich history of academic excellence and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this distinguished university. I look forward to joining the dedicated administrators, faculty and staff as we continue to make a difference in the academic life of our students.”

Lucas earned his bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College. He earned his master’s degree in education at Tufts University, as well as a master of divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary. He earned his doctoral degree in education at Fordham University.