News

New research by Baobao Song, Ph.D., finds that celebrity endorsements from South Korean boy band BTS and other celebrities can push their fans to take action. (Photo: AJEONG_JM, Wikimedia Commons)

Celebrity endorsements can drive advocacy by fans, VCU researcher finds

March 6, 2025

Examining the popular South Korean boy band BTS and their preferred causes, the study found three factors that shape the behavior of their devoted followers.

VCU alums who won Black History in the Making Awards when they were students. Clockwise from top left: Eloise Berry, Ph.D., Fadel Allassan, Jaz-Munn Johnson, M.D., Taylor Pattie, Tonecia Brothers-Sutton and Sasha Pierre-Louis.

Checking in with VCU’s Black history makers

Feb. 26, 2025

For more than four decades, VCU has honored students with Black History in the Making Awards – and here are updates on six accomplished recipients.

Black History in the Making Award alum Taylor Pattie

Black History in the Making Award alumni highlight: Catch up with 2019 Award Recipient, Taylor Pattie

Feb. 21, 2025

For Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Black History in the Making Award recipients.

Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D. and Alexandra Reckendorf, Ph.D., talked to students about political and social movements during their session in the U.S. Democracy United/Divided course. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

For the many layers of American democracy, new course taps into the many layers of VCU faculty expertise

Feb. 13, 2025

Nearly three dozen specialists in the College of Humanities and Sciences are collectively teaching U.S Democracy United/Divided this semester – and organizers think the concept will evolve.

VCU alum Kam Black is a content creator on the social media team at EA Sports and has worked on two of the video game developer’s top titles: Madden NFL and EA Sports College Football. (Contributed photo)

In the merging of sports, video and social media, VCU alum Kam Black is a top player

Jan. 9, 2025

The Robertson School master’s graduate brings creative flair to familiar platforms, including notable games from EA Sports.

VCU students pursuing a new academic minor explored how the media cover AI – and how they often are framed together. (Getty Images)

As part of a new minor in practical AI, students explore its intersection with mass media

Jan. 7, 2025

Robertson School professor Joshua J. Smith’s class is developing a dataset that examines coverage of the technologies’ benefits, drawbacks – and the communications industry itself.

A new album produced by a VCU class seeks to “capture Richmond’s mantra.” (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

On the fast tracks: Media entrepreneurship class produces an album with Ram rhythm

Dec. 5, 2024

Robert Milazzo’s students curate and release ‘Mantra, Vol. 1’ as their semester project.

Mass communications major Hazel Hoffman will bring a radio background into their blossoming career in podcast production. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2024: Hazel Hoffman put their stamp on the inaugural Student Podcast Day

Dec. 4, 2024

From marketing to emceeing, Hoffman did a little of everything. Now, they will embark on a D.C.-based podcast internship.

A year-end review of students and alums who earned prestigious scholarships through the National Scholarship Office

Nov. 11, 2024

Recipients represent a variety of fields and backgrounds, and their scholarships will provide invaluable opportunities to deepen their studies, gain new perspectives and grow in their fields.

VCU to celebrate 14 notable alumni at biennial Alumni Stars event

Oct. 28, 2024

Honorees will be recognized at a Nov. 15 event at the Science Museum of Virginia.