Dr. Michael Rao is the president of Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health System. Under Dr. Rao’s leadership since 2009, VCU and VCU Health are modeling the future of a truly public research university and health system by putting the changing needs of students and patients first with a focus on accessibility, excellence and impact. 

During Dr. Rao’s tenure, VCU has raised graduation rates by double digits, greatly increased financial aid, raised patient satisfaction by more than 17 percent, nearly doubled sponsored research funding, and brought to Richmond a comprehensive children’s hospital.  

VCU is a National Science Foundation-ranked top 50 public research university and is also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 30 most innovative public colleges in the U.S. and in the top fifth of global universities. Richmond’s VCU Medical Center is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Richmond and is among the top 100 hospitals in the nation. VCU has won the Excellence in Diversity award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for four years in a row, and VCUarts Qatar is internationally recognized for excellence in art and design. 

Dr. Rao is immediate past chair of the American Council on Education and a board member with the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, for whom he serves as representative for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.