05/23/2025
Join us in congratulating Bro. Dr. Rodney Waller who was appointed as Interim Dean of Chapel and Director of Faith-Based Initiatives at Virginia Union University.
RICHMOND – May 23, 2025 —Virginia Union University appoints Dr. Rodney Waller as the Interim Dean of Chapel and Director of Faith-Based Initiatives. Dr. Waller brings nearly 26 years of experience in ministry and a deep commitment to spiritual development to his new role at VUU.
"I am excited to appoint Dr. Waller as the Interim Dean of Chapel and Director of Faith-Based Initatives. His deep faith, leadership, and commitment to both our students and the broader Richmond community make him an invaluable asset to VUU. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our students' spiritual development," said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas President & CEO at VUU.
Dr. Waller currently serves as the Director of Faith-Based Initiatives at VUU and as Senior Pastor of the historic First African Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, the third-oldest African American church in the United States. Under his leadership, the church has experienced significant growth in membership and expanded its outreach efforts, making a profound impact in the Richmond community.
A proud VUU alumnus, Dr. Waller earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at VUU. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg and an Executive MBA in Church Administration from VUU.
Dr. Waller’s leadership extends beyond the pulpit. He has served in various community-focused roles, including as a board member of the Children's Home of Virginia Baptist and as the current Chair. He is also a member of the Baptist Ministers' Conference of Richmond and Vicinity, where he previously served as Treasurer, and the Hampton Ministers’ Conference Executive Board. Dr. Waller's commitment to service has led him to serve on the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority, representing the City of Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico.
In his new role as Interim Dean of Chapel, Dr. Waller is dedicated to creating a space where students can explore and deepen their spiritual journeys. He aims to foster a supportive environment for spiritual growth, reflection, and community engagement at VUU.
We extend our best wishes to Dr. Richard Price, former Dean of Chapel, in his future endeavors, and look forward to the vision and leadership Dr. Rodney Waller will bring to the university's chapel ministry.
