About the Magazine
Each spring and fall, the VCU Wilder School publishes the Wilder School in Action magazine highlighting the work of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Spring 2025
Read the complete Spring 2025 Wilder School in Action
This edition showcases the launch of the Governor L. Douglas Wilder Library and Digital Collection. A partnership between the Wilder School’s Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE) and Virginia Union University L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Center, this initiative ensures that Governor Wilder’s groundbreaking leadership and policy achievements are not only preserved but accessible — so that his legacy can continue to inspire and inform.
This year’s Virginia Capitol Semester welcomed its largest-ever cohort. Dr. Jay Albanese is challenging global perspectives on organized crime and corruption. Governor Wilder offers his perspective on what it takes to govern as Virginia prepares for its next gubernatorial election. Dr. Luísa Nazareno’s raises questions about the AI and the future of work. Alumna Sarah Abubaker, is breaking new ground as a member of the Richmond City Council. Ashley Van Buskirk, made a bold shift to the Virginia Army National Guard, finding her calling in public service.
Finally, we take a moment to reflect on leadership across generations. Dr. Laurin Henry, the first dean of VCU’s School of Community Services — which later became the Wilder School — sat down with our doctoral students for an extraordinary conversation about governance, service and the lessons of history.
We also pause to honor the lives of two beloved members of our Wilder School community — Dr. Richard Huff and Dr. Blue Wooldridge. Both were longtime faculty members in our public administration program, distinguished scholars and deeply committed mentors.