From the Director

Welcome to the Robertson School of Communication!

It is an incredibly exciting time to engage with the media landscape. As technology and culture rapidly evolve, we aren't just adapting to change at the Robertson School; we are defining what comes next. I am absolutely thrilled you want to join us on this journey.

I am a builder by nature, and what drew me to VCU is the vibrant, "unlike any other" energy of our community and the distinct "what's next" mentality of our school. We believe that communication is action. Our mission is to prepare more than 800 undergraduate and graduate students to not just consume or create content, but to use communication as a powerful driver of human engagement, social advocacy, and ethical leadership.

As a nationally accredited program, we pride ourselves on giving you a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. Through hands-on learning, we bridge technical mastery with critical thinking. Whether you are navigating the future of the industry in our Media + AI Initiative, reporting for our award-winning news operations Capital News Service and VCU Insight, or creating real-world impact through our PR Agency and annual CreateAthon event, you will gain the experiences that prepare you to lead on day one of your career.

We operate at the doorstep of Richmond’s dynamic and innovative media market, building a powerhouse network of more than 6,000 alumni. Our graduates are making waves at top-tier organizations like CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and Reuters, as well as world-class creative agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, Mullen Lowe, The Martin Agency, and Padilla.

None of this would be possible without our exceptional faculty and staff, who are dedicated servant leaders, top-tier researchers, and seasoned practitioners. We highly value and take pride in the rich diversity of our Robertson community, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is amplified and every perspective matters.

Our namesake, Richard T. Robertson, built a legacy on the fact that our graduates are industry-ready from the moment they step into the workforce, much like he did as a VCU graduate. Together, we will continue to build on that promise, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in advertising, public relations, media production, and journalism.

Thank you for your interest in VCU. I look forward to welcoming you to the Robertson School and seeing what we can build together!

Dr. Brian G. Smith, Director
Richard T. Robertson School of Communication
Virginia Commonwealth University