Our Faculty & Staff
Our team is deeply passionate about reimagining the future of higher education. Like our students, we work collaboratively and across disciplines to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. We’re dedicated to preparing students to thrive in a complex, global world—equipping them with the skills to navigate difficult conversations, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and drive meaningful change.
Leadership
Andrew T. Arroyo, Ed.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Interim Dean of the University College
Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Arroyo leverages the scope of academic affairs and collaborates with academic deans from all VCU schools/colleges and other VCU academic leaders to ensure that University College serves all VCU students, regardless of major. Learn more from joint 2025 Strategic Plan.
Dr. Arroyo is accepting students now for his VIP, "AI and Swift Futuring." Please contact him directly for more information. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students.


Mariah Crilley, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Provost for University Interdisciplinary Programs
Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs
University College
Mary-Chris Escobar
Director of Student Success & Life Design
University College


Stephanie L. Hart, Ed.D.
Director of Finance, Shared Services
Office of the Provost


Herb Hill, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Co-Director, Transformative Learning
University College


Shanza A. Isom
Director of Engaged Transformative Learning
Co-Director, Transformative Learning
University College


Lloyd Young
Interim Executive Director
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College
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Advising
Christina Davis
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College
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Audrina Farrar
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College


Richard Quarshie
Senior Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College


Gaby Figuero
Academic Advisor
University College


Faculty
William Benton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Program Director
Master of Product Innovation
University College


Zach Hilpert, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College


Kimberly Matthews, Ph.D.
Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
VCU Transform Faculty
University College


Michael Rackett, Ph.D.
Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
VCU Transform Faculty
University College


Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Program Director
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College
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Jason Vest
Instructor Faculty
Podium Education
University College


Staff
Caslin Applewhite
Communications Coordinator
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College


Brandin Conrath
Postdoctoral Fellow
Shift Labs
University College


AJ Dunn
Business Manager Liaison
Office of the Provost


Alicia Edgerton
Administrative Coordinator
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation & Shift Retail Lab
University College
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Manjari Kumarappan
Assistant Director
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College


Cael Parker
Program Manager
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation & Shift Retail Lab
University College
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Kyle Pineault
Communications Specialist
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College


Samantha Weed
Enrollment Coordinator
University College
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