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 Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
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 the Academy at University College serves all VCU students, regardless of major. Learn more from the 2025-2028 VCU Academic Affairs and University College Joint 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.
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and University Curriculum Innovation
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
Mary-Chris Escobar
Director of Student Success & Life Design
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


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


Herb Hill, Ed.D.
Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Co-Director of the Institute for Transformative Learning
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Shanza A. Isom
Director of Engaged Transformative Learning
Co-Director of the Institute for Transformative Learning
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Lloyd Young
Deputy Director
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
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Advising
Christina Davis
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
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Audrina Farrar
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Richard Quarshie
Senior Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
Faculty
William Benton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Master of Product Innovation
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Zach Hilpert, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Kimberly Matthews, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
VCU Transform Faculty
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Michael Rackett, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
VCU Transform Faculty
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Associate Director
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
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Jason Vest
Instructor Faculty
Podium Education
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Staff
Caslin Applewhite
Communications Coordinator
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


Brandin Conrath
Postdoctoral Fellow
Shift Labs
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


AJ Dunn
Business Manager Liaison
Office of the Provost


Alicia Edgerton
Administrative Coordinator
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation & Shift Retail Lab
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
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Manjari Kumarappan
Program Manager
VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College


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


Allison Schumacher
Director of Academic Alchemy
Master of Product Innovation
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College

