Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Government and Public Affairs was established as a division within the College of Humanities and Sciences on July 1, 2003, bringing together faculty members from multiple disciplines who shared an interest in public affairs. On May 21, 2004, the VCU Board of Visitors approved naming the school after L. Douglas Wilder, former Virginia governor and current VCU distinguished professor. Wilder’s commitment to the highest standards of governmental practice, political inclusion and independence of thought are values at the core of the school’s mission.

Faculty members in the Wilder School are committed to providing high-quality, innovative undergraduate degree programs and nationally competitive graduate and professional degrees. The school will capitalize on the wide-ranging talents of our faculty in the areas of criminal justice, political science, public administration, urban planning and community development. Students in each degree program will have the opportunity to benefit from this broad array of faculty interests.

In addition, the school will take considerable advantage of VCU’s enviable location. Richmond is located in a major metropolitan area that serves as a wonderful learning environment for our students. The university is located literally blocks from the state Capitol and a few hours by car from the nation’s capital and one of the world’s major global centers. Our students will have the opportunity to learn and to work in political campaigns, in governmental agencies and in international organizations.

Faculty members in the Wilder School are committed to producing high quality research and public service that can bridge the gap between theory and practice. They will be working on matters of significant importance to policy-makers at the local, state, national and international level. We will be studying how to help disadvantaged communities enhance their own capacities; how state governments can position themselves to succeed in a globally competitive environment; and how the international community can work more successfully to protect human rights around the globe.

The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is an intellectually exciting place committed to having a genuine impact on public policy. And we think that it will be easy for others to become as excited about this adventure as we are.