Grace E. Harris

Grace E. Harris, Ph.D., was a pioneering academic and administrator at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), serving for 48 years. She held roles including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Associate Dean of the School of Social Work, and became VCU’s first African American woman Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Her legacy includes establishing the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, which fosters leadership in public service and equity.

Education:

• B.S. in Sociology (Hampton University),
• M.S.W. (VCU),
• M.A. & Ph.D. in Sociology (University of Virginia).

Research & Leadership: Her work focused on social justice, educational equity, and administrative leadership. She championed VCU’s first long-range strategic plan and advocated for multicultural initiatives. She also led community initiatives like the Richmond Women’s Bank and Gov. Warner’s transition team.

Awards: Recognized with honorary degrees, the Presidential Medallion, and induction into leadership honor societies. Grace E. Harris Hall was dedicated in her honor in 2007.

Labs/Teams: Founded the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute to nurture leaders in government, academia, and nonprofits.