RICHMOND, Va. -- Powering education across the globe is the mission of a new initiative at Virginia Union University.
It's an opportunity to reel in new learners as the university adapts to the changing landscape created by the pandemic.
Now VUU is fast-tracking plans to offer new distance learning courses.
Provost and Senior VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn explained what VUU Global entails.
"Lifelong learners all across the world can access high quality webinars, lectures, learning opportunities and continuing education credits," Strayhorn said.
VUU will soon offer new online certification courses like Life Coaching and Leadership and a certification for natural hair stylists. You don't have to be enrolled as a full-time student to take advantage of them.
"Long gone are the days where you've got to pay for tuition just to have access to that one budget class or to that one skill you are trying to learn. We are trying to meet learners where they are and deliver an innovative form of education through VUU Global," Strayhorn added.
This week, university leaders encourage the community to register for an upcoming lecture series sponsored by the VUU Center for the Study of HBCUs.
It will explore a range of topics from the future of black owned media and racial healing to entrepreneurship.
"We are striving to provide low-cost and no-cost affordable access to educational opportunities with our distinguished lecture series and there is no cost to listen," Strayhorn added.
VUU Global launches the first major initiative on Wednesday, October 21.
The Presidential Distinguished Lecture Series includes notable personalities: Journalist Roland Martin, Larry Miller who is the Former President of Jordan Brand, Nike, Inc; author Michael Eric Dyson, professor, Vanderbilt University; prominent attorney Will Stute, national gospel artist and musician Charles Jenkins; athlete and sports analyst Jalen Rose.
Roland Martin will kick off the series with two sessions held on Wednesday, October 21 and Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00 pm ET entitled "The Past, Present and Future of Black-Owned Media."
In addition to that topic, Martin will also cover politics, Election 2020, racial injustice in the U.S. and the importance of HBCUs.
The lecture series is free. The other certification offerings will have a cost. People can register now for this week's event here.
