“Throughout the search process, Dr. Lucas impressed the committee with his clear vision for liberal arts education and creating an enhanced student experience,” said Richardson. “He is an energetic and wise leader and we believe that he will serve Virginia Union University well.”
Dr. Lucas brings nearly two decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education. His career successes include fundraising, strategic planning, and the engagement and retention of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Lucas has served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. since 2012. Under his leadership, unrestricted and restricted giving rose by 30-percent and the endowment increased by 53-percent. He developed a strategic government relations plan that resulted in millions of dollars in appropriations from the state of Florida. These funds aided in the development of new academic programs and a Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. His responsibilities also included chairing the Strategic Growth and Sustainability Taskforce, as well as, leading the sponsored research team that secured more than $45 million in research grants.
Prior to his accomplishments at Bethune-Cookman, Dr. Lucas served as Director of Development at State University of New York at Old Westbury and the Dean of Institutional Advancement and Development at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY. He was also a tenured lecturer and Deputy Chair of the Philosophy and Religion department at Medgar Evers College.
“Virginia Union University has a rich history of academic excellence and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this distinguished university,” said Dr. Lucas. “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.”
Dr. Lucas earned his Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, a Master’s degree in education from Tufts University, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. He earned his doctoral degree in education from Fordham University.
Dr. Lucas will begin his appointment on September 1. He replaces Joseph F. Johnson, Ph.D., who has served as Acting President since July 2016.
