School of World Studies

College of Humanities and Sciences

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Iman Sikandar (left) and Samantha Mendoza-Hernandez (right) didn’t know each other when they became roommates freshman year, but now they are inseparable. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: Just random roommates at first, Iman Sikandar and Samantha Mendoza-Hernandez are now united by ‘invisible string’

Feb. 14, 2025

An early falling-out helped the undergrads realize how much they’d miss without each other’s sisterhood.

Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D. and Alexandra Reckendorf, Ph.D., talked to students about political and social movements during their session in the U.S. Democracy United/Divided course. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

For the many layers of American democracy, new course taps into the many layers of VCU faculty expertise

Feb. 13, 2025

Nearly three dozen specialists in the College of Humanities and Sciences are collectively teaching U.S Democracy United/Divided this semester – and organizers think the concept will evolve.

Paige Dossett and Samuel Dobbs, who married in 2016, met as students near VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. (Contributed photo)

Unbreakable bonds: Their time at VCU was ‘a real blessing’ for alums Samuel Dobbs and Paige Dossett — even if their first date was a bit of a stretch

Feb. 11, 2025

The couple, who married in 2016, met by chance as students and never looked back.

In December, members of the VCU community organized a clinic to provide free vaccinations to uninsured residents. (Getty Images)

At free clinic, Latinx students at VCU promote good health and community

Jan. 29, 2025

The event at Richmond’s Sacred Heart Center reflects ‘an exceptional demonstration’ of care and outreach, one of its leaders says.

From turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes and green beans, international students and scholars – joined by some peers from the United States – sampled holiday classics. (Photo by Amelia Heymann)

Students and scholars from across the globe come together for Thanksgiving dinner at VCU

Nov. 21, 2024

The annual gathering from the Global Education Office has become its own popular tradition on campus.

VCU professor Rebecca Gibson’s latest book is a translation – and a critique – of 1908 medical textbook “Le Corset.” (Photo provided by Rebecca Gibson)

In ‘The Bad Corset,’ VCU author Rebecca Gibson translates – and reframes – a medical text that goes beyond a woman’s waist

Nov. 19, 2024

Anthropology professor connects past and present to explore biases and misconceptions that still influence modern health care.

Christopher Brooks, Ph.D., (standing left), Naomi Hodge-Muse (seated) and Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D., chief diversity officer and vice president for inclusive excellence, at a recent event celebrating "Tales of Koehler Hollow," a book co-authored by Hodge-Muse and Brooks. (Photo by Mylia Wentworth)

Deep roots and perseverance highlight the Black experience in Appalachia, VCU professor and co-author share

Nov. 18, 2024

In a presentation tied to ‘Tales of Koehler Hollow,’ Christopher A. Brooks and Naomi Hodge-Muse trace a rich tradition in rural Virginia.

(File photo)

A year-end review of students and alums who earned prestigious scholarships through the National Scholarship Office

Nov. 11, 2024

Recipients represent a variety of fields and backgrounds, and their scholarships will provide invaluable opportunities to deepen their studies, gain new perspectives and grow in their fields.

The Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation certificate exposes students to interpreting in medical, legal, immigration, educational and other specialized fields. (Getty Images)

Unique VCU certificate program blends Spanish translation and interpretation with real-world practice

Oct. 31, 2024

The School of World Studies offering builds practical skills and cultural competence to support medical, legal and other realms.

Samaneh Oladi’s new book is “Women, Faith and Family: Reclaiming Gender Justice through Religious Activism.” (Photo contributed by Samaneh Oladi Ghadikolaei)

Women’s faith and activism in Iran offer a lesson in using religious tradition to promote gender justice, VCU author says

Oct. 29, 2024

In her new book ‘Women, Faith, and Family,’ religious studies professor Samaneh Oladi reveals advocacy and strategies that challenge Western perspectives.