If he had any superpower, Christian would teleport to Santiago, Chile, to explore the city and meet new people.

Sometimes the path toward a college degree can be challenging – just ask Rigby Bendele.

A recipient of the Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences Advising Award, Maggie helps students discover their true passion

Friedrich started working at VCU 17 years ago – and doesn’t want to ever leave.

With a background in English and theater, Margot’s love of the arts drew her to Richmond.

Alicia made the transition from VCU student to full-time employee in 2023.

Discovering his love for chemistry in high school, Mike is back in the lab at VCU.

Barbara may have gotten her career start in an elementary school, but she now calls VCU her academic home.

With two degrees down, and an ESL certificate on the way, Kenedy is maximizing her time at VCU.

A native of upstate New York, Ellis has embraced the Richmond lifestyle.

Katie began her VCU experience as a student and now works in the dean’s office as a fiscal tech.

Cappiello came to VCU as a student in 2014.

Greg Patterson serves as the office administrative assistant for the Department of English.

Calla Talman works as a senior academic advisor for the Departments of Physics, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, and Statistical Sciences and Operations Research.

Felicia M. Harris works in the Dean’s Office as the director of Sponsored Programs.

Long serves as the principal administrator for advising and student services for the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture.

"I think what I really love is trying to make a difference in the life of disenfranchised youth and young adults."

Murphy’s contributions to VCU were recognized recently when she received the President’s Service Excellence Award, which is awarded to four individuals who provide exceptional service and support to the VCU community.

Hairston says relationship building is one of her favorite parts of the job.

Philathea is a project coordinator in undergraduate academic affairs.

When the VCU Rams made the Final Four in 2011, Melanie Barnes jumped on the chance to chaperone students on the bus trip to Houston. Little did she know that a chance encounter would change the trajectory of her career.

“Students can feel disconnected here. VCU is a big, urban campus. One thing that advisors can offer is a touch point, whether that’s keeping students on track, coming up an overall academic plan, or just getting them across the graduation finish line.”

The path to higher education isn’t always an easy one. For Lucy Hudson (B.S. ‘04/GPA, B.A. ‘08/H&S, M.Ed. ‘11/E), who grew up in rural Emporia, the idea of attending college was exciting but nerve-racking.

Monique Morton, a graduate of the VCU School of Business, wears many hats in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences (also known as HPEX).

When asked what Kathleen Murphy, administrative coordinator in the Department of History, enjoys the most about her job, she is quick to respond.

If there is one thing Juliana Rasnic wants you to know it’s that her team does so much more than just help students pick classes.

“Grace under pressure” is Kenya Gage’s personal mantra.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Pamela Williams, executive assistant for the Robertson School of Media and Culture, knows this to be true.