Building a Better World Since 1882 Virginia State University, founded in 1882, is one of Virginia's two land-grant institutions, and is located 20 minutes south of Richmond in the village of Ettrick. With a current student population of approximately 4,600, the University sits atop a rolling landscape overlooking the Appomattox River with expansive views of Petersburg. Our 231-acre campus boasts 11 residence halls, 18 academic buildings and a 412-acre agriculture research facility. At VSU, we are proudly committed to providing a transformative experience for our students, strategically investing in our academic programs, embracing our position as a top land-grant university, embracing our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University, and partnering together as a University to tell our story.