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

atarroyo@vcu.edu

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

mtcrilley@vcu.edu

Mary-Chris Escobar
Associate Dean of Student Success & Life Design
University College

escobarmc@vcu.edu

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

slhart@vcu.edu

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

hhill@vcu.edu

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

isomsa@vcu.edu

Lloyd Young
Interim Executive Director
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College

youngel3@vcu.edu

Advising

Christina Davis
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College

daviscl7@vcu.edu

A woman wearing a black blazer with a white graphic T-Shirt that reads: Strong, Resilent, Indigenous

Audrina Farrar
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College

farraral@vcu.edu

A woman wearing a fark-blue denim jacket with a brown shirt and gold earrings.

Richard Quarshie
Senior Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College

quarshier2@vcu.edu

Gaby Figuero
Academic Advisor
University College

rolimdasig@vcu.edu

Gaby Figure smiling in a white floral blouse in front of a yellow background.

Faculty

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

wbenton@vcu.edu

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

zhilpert@vcu.edu

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

matthewska@vcu.edu

A woman smiling wearing a black blazer and glasses

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

rackettmr@vcu.edu

Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Program Director
Interdisciplinary Studies
University College

singhv8@vcu.edu

Jason Vest
Instructor Faculty
Podium Education
University College

vestjr@vcu.edu

Staff

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

applewhiteec@vcu.edu

AJ Dunn
Business Manager Liaison
Office of the Provost

ajdunn@vcu.edu

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

pennixar@vcu.edu

Manjari Kumarappan
Assistant Director
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College

kumarappanma@vcu.edu

Kyle Pineault
Communications Specialist
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
University College

pineaultkc@vcu.edu

Samantha Weed
Enrollment Coordinator
University College

weedsj@vcu.edu

Samantha in a red floral top in front of greenery smiling with her hair down.