VSU President Received Prestigious Award From Howard University

Dr. Makola M. Abdullah recognized for his Postgraduate Achievements

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA – March 4, 2021- Virginia State University President, Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. has been selected by his alma mater, Howard University, as the 2021 recipient of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement.

The Howard University Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement honors alumni who have made valuable contributions in their respective fields. Nominees for the awards are selected by a University committee that includes alumni representatives, and the final selections are approved by the Board of Trustees. All awardees hold either undergraduate or graduate degrees from Howard University and are nominated by alumni. Dr. Abdullah is a 1990 graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He was recognized for his contribution to the fields of engineering and leadership.

“Howard University serves as a harbor for the realization of students’ missions,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Therefore, it is an honor to salute this year’s honorees for their outstanding contributions to their industries and the world.”

In his nomination, Dr. Abdullah is described as an academic administrator committed to excellence as well as an internationally renowned educator recognized for outstanding research. Prior to his appointment as president of Virginia State University, Abdullah served as provost and senior vice president for Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida; provost and vice president for academic affairs at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida; and dean and director of 1890 land grant programs at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. In 2017, Abdullah was named the HBCU Male President of the Year by HBCU Digest. Under his leadership, in 2018, Virginia State University, was named HBCU of the Year. In addition, Abdullah is vice chair for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Board of Directors. He serves as a member of the executive committee for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence.   

 “I am honored to be recognized by my alma mater for this distinction,” says VSU President Makola M. Abdullah.  “This award and my professional accomplishments are a clear indication and evidence of the transformative nature of an HBCU education.” 

Other Howard University 2021 recipients include property law scholar Thomas W. Mitchell, J.D., LLM and Ward 8 public servant Mary Roach, PharmD.