About the Distinguished Leadership Virtual Lecture Series
Join the Department of Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education for the inaugural Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series. Designed to foster meaningful dialogue and bridge the gap between universities and their communities, this monthly series — held during the fall and spring semesters — brings together renowned leaders in education, leadership, and policy.
Through thought-provoking discussions, the series creates a collaborative space where academics and practitioners unite to explore leadership challenges, share innovative solutions, and advance the well-being of the communities we serve.
Completely free and accessible online, the Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series welcomes all — students, alumni, faculty, and community leaders. Join us to connect with like-minded individuals, engage with transformative ideas, and co-create solutions to redefine how we live, learn, and lead.
Upcoming Speakers
Charles Lu, Ph.D.
Truth Over Comfort: Leadership Lessons from Three Very Different Worlds
Date | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (6-7 EST) (VIRTUAL)
Join us for a powerful and timely conversation with Dr. Charles Lu, a higher education leader, strategist, and entrepreneur whose career spans community-based nonprofits, major research universities, and the federal government. Having held senior leadership roles at institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, UC San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, and the National Institutes of Health—where he received the NIH Director’s Award—Dr. Lu brings a unique cross-sector perspective on leadership in high-stakes environments.
In this lecture, Dr. Lu will explore how leaders can navigate institutional pressures without losing sight of their values, what it means to stand firm when systems are pulling in the opposite direction, and how leadership grounded in purpose can create meaningful impact for the communities we serve. This session will push us to think critically about our own leadership and the choices we make when it matters most.
Dr. Charles Lu is a higher education leader, strategist, and entrepreneur whose career has spanned community-based nonprofits, major research universities, and the federal government. He has held senior leadership roles at the University of Texas at Austin, UC San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, and the National Institutes of Health — where he was recognized with the NIH Director’s Award for his work building equity-centered partnerships across the biomedical research enterprise. Today he works at the intersection of policy consulting and philanthropy, leading a coalition of 25 of the most influential policy and advocacy organizations in American higher education.
Higher education is under attack. Institutions are retreating, leaders are complying, and the communities these organizations were built to serve are paying the price. But some leaders are choosing a different path. Join Dr. Lu as he shares lessons from three sectors and three career-defining moments about what it really takes to lead with integrity when the pressure is on—and what happens when you do.
Video and Media Library
Arizona State President Michael M. Crow to give inaugural educational leadership talk
VCU News Article, February 14, 2025
About the Department of Educational Leadership
At the heart of Richmond and extending far beyond, our VCU School of Education Department of Educational Leadership (EDLP) is shaping the future of education and leadership across diverse fields. With more than 320 alumni leading K-12 schools and 259 others driving change in higher education, EDLP’s impact is felt across communities in Virginia and nationwide.
Whether transforming classrooms locally or championing innovation at universities nationwide, these graduates – 167 of whom are VCU employees – are committed to making a lasting impact.