Virginia Higher Education Act of 2011

Virginia State University is committed to the ideals of Governor Bob McDonnell's Higher Education Act of 2011, also known as the Top Jobs Bill.

One specific example of this commitment is through the efforts of VSU's Reginald F. Lewis School of Business, summed up thusly:

The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business (RFLSB) at VSU continues to seek out and employ innovative technology to attract students and provide them an affordable education. With textbooks estimated to add up to 25 percent to the cost of a higher education, the RFLSB found a solution to help students succeed, while making their education more affordable. The School entered into a partnership with Flat World Knowledge, an open-source textbook company, to build a revolutionary seat license agreement whereby a large percentage of the school’s core curriculum is delivered electronically. In keeping with Virginia’s Top Jobs initiative, this “Digital at the Core” initiative reduces the economic strain on RFLSB students and their families, increases access to VSU’s AACSB-accredited business school and provides the technology graduates need to compete in today’s business climate. RFLSB administration estimates the electronic delivery of curriculum is saving over $200,000 annually. In 2011 Governor Bob McDonnell honored VSU’s Digital at the Core project with the Governor’s Award for the Innovative Use of Technology in Higher Education.

For more information on Top Jobs and other important legislative initiatives, please visit

For information on VSU's legislative activities, please contact Mr. Rodney Butler, Director of Governmental Affairs, at rbutler@vsu.edu or (804) 524-5045.