VCU and VCU Health have announced a strategic plan called Quest 2028: One VCU Together We Transform. It's a collaborative effort to address the "changing needs of students, patients, and the community."

The university and the health system have four shared goals to focus on through 2028.

1. Increasing the number and diversity of students. There are now about 29,000 students enrolled, and 45.7% are white. 45% of students graduate in four years.

2. Enrolling and graduating students in a timely manner. Every undergraduate degree requires 120 class credits.

3. Increasing access to VCU hospitals and clinics. There are 71 clinics, hospitals + emergency care centers across VA under the VCU Health name.

4. Focusing on impactful research.VCU was ranked No. 58 of all public universities in terms of federally funded research.

The university and health system also shared their individual future goals and feedback at a forum Tuesday.

The Quest 2028 plan outlines several metrics involving the city's economic benefit — which could be of interest to Richmonders who might not be Rams.

Increase vendor contracts with local minority and woman-owned businesses, as well as staff trained in DEI practices
Connect student and employee recruitment to local workforce opportunities
Hold a citywide dialogue and lecture series with partnered organizations
Develop a process to identify targeted partnership neighborhoods

The Quest 2028 plan is in line with the university's VCU ONE Master Plan, which seeks to unify its campus centers across the city. This includes the demolition and replacement of the Commons and Temple Building, the renovation of Cabell Library + the development of green spaces at Monroe Park and the MCV campus on Clay and 11th Streets.

This physical transformation surrounding downtown will alter Richmond's streets for prospective students, patients, and residents daily.