Community Engagement

The Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture supports the VCU and Richmond communities through student internship placements, research partnerships and more.

We recognize that professional and community connections create opportunities. Students, alumni and friends are invited to experience and get involved with the programs and services that make the Robertson School unique.

Communications Support

Our school and students believe in using our talents and skills to create impactful communications for local organizations. 

Agency

A course for senior public relations students, Agency provides PR and communications support to area organizations who request assistance creating a communications plan or campaign.

employees working collaboratively around a conference table

CreateAthon

This senior-level course matches teams of students with local nonprofits to create impactful advertising and communications that move the missions of the organizations forward during a 24-hour creative marathon.

v.c.u. students working on laptops during creatathon

Our Advisory Board

We're honored to benefit from the guidance of a distinguished advisory board. The board is currently chaired by Chester G. "Chet" Wade, owner of AftonRock Communications and former vice president for corporate communications at Dominion Energy.

Comprised of industry and academic leaders representing each of the programs offered in the Robertson School, the board provides input on curriculum development, faculty development, strategic planning and fundraising. When near campus, members make guest appearances in our classrooms. We are grateful for the commitment from these outstanding professionals to make our school one of the nation’s best.

2021-22 Members

  • Doug Burford, alum
    President, Burford Advertising, Inc.

  • Sergio Bustos, alum
    Regional Manager, Report for America

  • Linnie Carter, Ph.D., alum
    Vice President, College Advancement, HACC; President and CEO, Linnie Carter & Associates LLC

  • Christina Dick, alum
    Founder, TFB Agency

  • Brian Ellis
    Executive vice president, Padilla

  • Taya Jarman, alum
    Population Health Communications Director, Virginia Department of Health

  • Nancy Kent-Smith, alum
    Principal, Media Solutions LLC;  Regional news director (retired), Raycom Media

  • Kirk Laughlin, alum
    Managing Director, Nearshore Americas

  • Trina Lee, alum
    Assistant Vice President for Public Relations and Communications, CarMax

  • Cameron McPherson, alum
    Director, The Hodges Partnership

  • Paul Pritchett, alum
    Sales Operations Manager, Printpack, Inc.

  • Richard T. "Dick" Robertson (Chair Emeritus), alum
    Senior adviser (retired), Warner Bros. Television Group

  • Danny Robinson
    Chief Creative Officer, The Martin Agency

  • Jesse Vaughan, alum
    2013 VCU Alumni Star, 30-time Emmy award winner

  • Chet Wade (Chair)
    Principal, AftonRock Communications LLC; Vice president for corporate communications (retired), Dominion Energy