Michael Rao, Ph.D.

@VCUpresident

President of Virginia Commonwealth University. Cementing @VCU’s place among the nation’s premier urban, public research universities.

Richmond, VA

Joined April 2014

3KFollowing

5KFollowers

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 10

Dr. @MichelleRPeace works tirelessly to help protect the health of young people. She and @VCUFRSC advocate for increased transparency within the vaping industry. Thank you to all of @VCU's uncommon heroes for making the world a better place! More info at vcu.edu/uncommon/.

VCUpresident's tweet image. Dr. @MichelleRPeace works tirelessly to help protect the health of young people. She and @VCUFRSC advocate for increased transparency within the vaping industry. Thank you to all of @VCU's uncommon heroes for making the world a better place!
More info at vcu.edu/uncommon/.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 2

Repping @VCU with @APLU_News in D.C. last week! #APLU helps create community for university leaders to advance the mission of public research universities. The research coming from these universities improves countless lives, and I’m honored to advocate for their work.

VCUpresident's tweet image. Repping @VCU with @APLU_News in D.C. last week! #APLU helps create community for university leaders to advance the mission of public research universities. The research coming from these universities improves countless lives, and I’m honored to advocate for their work.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jun 9

At @VCU, our professors do so much more than just teach our students. To all of our faculty members, thank you for helping our students grow into their most confident selves. You are at the heart of everything that we do at #VCU.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 23

Championing global education is one of the many things that makes @VCU uncommon! Congrats to @vcualumni and 2025-26 @FulbrightPrgrm Scholars Vishnu Alavala, Swara Chokshi, Ireolu Orenuga, Luis Campos-Santos and William Wilson. news.vcu.edu/article/2025/0…

VCUpresident's tweet card. The selections continue VCU’s upward trend of honorees in the federal cultural exchange program.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 17

#VCU’s Weeks of Welcome are just one month away! This year’s RodneyCon theme celebrates our favorite mascot with lots of fanfare. See what’s in store at vcu.campusgroups.com/wow/home/.

VCUpresident's tweet image. #VCU’s Weeks of Welcome are just one month away! This year’s RodneyCon theme celebrates our favorite mascot with lots of fanfare. See what’s in store at vcu.campusgroups.com/wow/home/.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 8

It’s amazing the kinds of tools available to students compared to when I was in college. Today, you can check out @VCU before ever setting foot on campus! Explore #VCU virtually below. And don't forget to see the magic for yourself in-person, too! vcu.exposure.co/heres-how-you-…

VCUpresident's tweet card. A collection of virtual tours and short videos that can help you get to know VCU and the city of Richmond.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 3

It’s not every day that you see a Ram headed to the @NBA! A HUGE congrats to Max Shulga on being drafted by the Boston @celtics in the second round. #RamNation couldn’t be prouder! #LetsGoVCU

VCUpresident's tweet image. It’s not every day that you see a Ram headed to the @NBA! A HUGE congrats to Max Shulga on being drafted by the Boston @celtics in the second round. #RamNation couldn’t be prouder! #LetsGoVCU

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Michael Rao, Ph.D. Retweeted

VCU@VCU · Jul 2

VCU introducing minor in AI studies that uses the humanities and sciences as a framework Read more: bit.ly/45O0t0X

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jul 1

Very proud that #VCU is ranked among the top 20% of global universities according to @usnews! Seventeen programs were listed among the world’s best, including Gastroenterology and Hepatology program, ranked at No. 9 worldwide. 🎉 Go Rams! news.vcu.edu/article/2025/0…

VCUpresident's tweet card. Seventeen VCU programs are listed among the world’s best, including Gastroenterology and Hepatology, which is ranked No. 9.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jun 24

It’s @VCU orientation season! Last week we had our first transfer student orientation, and this week we’ve got our two-day first-year orientation. We hope you’re loving campus, Rams! Congratulations on starting a very exciting new adventure.

VCUpresident's tweet image. It’s @VCU orientation season! Last week we had our first transfer student orientation, and this week we’ve got our two-day first-year orientation. We hope you’re loving campus, Rams! Congratulations on starting a very exciting new adventure.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jun 17

Kudos to @VCU Life Sciences for getting students into the field! I’m a huge proponent of learning outside of the classroom, whether that’s in an office or in the forest. Students NEED real-world work experiences like these before they graduate! news.vcu.edu/article/2025/0…

VCUpresident's tweet card. Two recent environmental studies courses reflect how hands-on learning – sometimes far from campus – is at the heart of the new School of Life Sciences and Sustainability.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jun 11

I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, Dr. Lucille Brown. Her 38 years with Richmond Public Schools (@RPS_Schools) and lifelong dedication to community service will leave an impact on our region for a very long time.

VCUpresident's tweet image. I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, Dr. Lucille Brown. Her 38 years with Richmond Public Schools (@RPS_Schools) and lifelong dedication to community service will leave an impact on our region for a very long time.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jun 4

Exciting news! @VCU is launching a new minor in AI Studies within @VCUCHS. AI already touches so many parts of our lives, and I’m looking forward to students exploring the unexpected places where AI might benefit us. news.vcu.edu/article/2025/0…

VCUpresident's tweet card. Students can delve into the historical, ethical and critical implications of artificial intelligence.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · Jun 2

It’s so exciting to walk by and see the progress being made on the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation building. Some of our most innovative @vcuarts programs will be together under one roof, preparing students to be leaders in industries that don’t even exist yet today! #VCU

VCUpresident's tweet image. It’s so exciting to walk by and see the progress being made on the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation building. Some of our most innovative @vcuarts programs will be together under one roof, preparing students to be leaders in industries that don’t even exist yet today! #VCU

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · May 30

Tomorrow is Provost @Fotis_Sot's last day at @VCU. Since being hired in 2021, he’s led #VCU’s academic transformation and helped prepare our students for real-world success. Thank you, Fotis, for your leadership, innovation, and impact. VCU is better because of you.

VCUpresident's tweet image. Tomorrow is Provost @Fotis_Sot's last day at @VCU. Since being hired in 2021, he’s led #VCU’s academic transformation and helped prepare our students for real-world success. Thank you, Fotis, for your leadership, innovation, and impact. VCU is better because of you.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · May 29

Many thanks to Maya Rogers for her incredible leadership as @VCU Staff Senate President this past year. People thrive where they feel seen and valued, and our staff members feel that thanks to Maya’s dedication in uplifting and celebrating them every day.

VCUpresident's tweet image. Many thanks to Maya Rogers for her incredible leadership as @VCU Staff Senate President this past year. People thrive where they feel seen and valued, and our staff members feel that thanks to Maya’s dedication in uplifting and celebrating them every day.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · May 28

#VCU is always proud to support our international students. Thank you to Sarath, Jackline, and Ali for sharing why @VCU feels like a home away from home. And thank you to the Global Education Office, especially Jill and Nicol, for uplifting our students every single day.

VCUpresident's tweet image. #VCU is always proud to support our international students. Thank you to Sarath, Jackline, and Ali for sharing why @VCU feels like a home away from home. And thank you to the Global Education Office, especially Jill and Nicol, for uplifting our students every single day.

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Michael Rao, Ph.D.@VCUpresident · May 23

James Farinholt is a former @VCU Rector and was a member of our BOV in the ‘90s. He’s been a #VCU supporter ever since. It’s truly special to have long-standing relationships with people like Jim, who have watched VCU grow and evolve throughout the years.

VCUpresident's tweet image. James Farinholt is a former @VCU Rector and was a member of our BOV in the ‘90s. He’s been a #VCU supporter ever since. It’s truly special to have long-standing relationships with people like Jim, who have watched VCU grow and evolve throughout the years.

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