Alumni Authors

Welcome to our Alumni Authors section!  We are pleased to have this opportunity to showcase and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by Virginia State University alumni who have published books and other literary works. These writings cover a wide range of subjects and exemplify the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and learning that exist at Virginia State. We encourage all alumni, friends, and supporters of the University to lend your support to these authors by purchasing their books and then recruiting others to do the same. 

Please note that this section is a growing list and does not represent a comprehensive listing of all VSU alumni authors. Therefore, if you are a VSU alumni author please let us know so we can give some exposure to your work by featuring it here. To do so, reply to stayinformed@vsuaaonline.com and let us know what you've published, when, and the subject. Also, tell us when you graduated and what your major was. We’d also like to have a picture of you and an autographed copy of your work to showcase inside the Alumni House. Please send a copy to Virginia State University Alumni Association, PO Box 2488, Petersburg, VA 23806.

Click on the links below to learn more about the authors and how to purchase their books.

  • Nekisha-Michelle Bakre, Class of 1997

    Nekisha-Michelle Bakre (Nekisha Kee) is a 1997 graduate of the School of Liberal Arts and Education, where she majored in Social Work.

    Her book, Breaking Invisible Chains, Moving from Pain to Power and Purpose, is a self-help book that uses Nekisha's experiences, intuition, and key life practices to help and challenge others to move beyond complacency and release the fear associated with achieving great success and prosperity. Those who have the opportunity to read her message of inspiration leave knowing in their soul how to unleash their personal power, take ownership of their life and move forward with the attitude that they can achieve anything.

    Breaking Invisible Chains, Moving from Pain to Power and Purpose by visiting www.amazon.com as a soft cover or an e-book.

  • William E. Boswell, Class of 1968

    William E. Boswell is a 1968 graduate of the School of Business, where he majored in Business Administration.

    His book, Success by Instinct: Use What Animals Already Know to Boost Your Career provides fourteen practical principles to help you achieve a lifetime of personal and career success. It provides universal, practical, useful, and effective principles based on the instinctive behaviors of animals. He draws on his experience as a senior executive in corporate and government organizations, his many years of community service, and other personal experiences to present this powerful but easy to read book. Success by Instinctis a unique and useful resource for anyone seeking career or personal guidance. With pithy and stimulating lessons inspired by nature and personal accounts, this book provides a compelling and simple analysis of requirements for success with useful tips and motivational quotes interspersed throughout. It provides solutions for the challenges confronting us in our personal and professional environments.

    Success by Instinct: Use What Animals Already Know to Boost Your Career can be purchased on Amazon.com or ordered through your local bookstore.

  • Valencia Campbell, Ph.D, Class of 1975

    Dr. Valencia Campbell is a 1975 graduate of the School of Liberal Arts where she majored in Sociology.

    Her book, Advice From the Top: What Minority Women Say About Their Career Success, provides tips and advice to minority women and others wondering what it takes to succeed in careers in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds. Fourteen extraordinary women shared their stories on what it takes to succeed in their field. They include: millionaire business owners like Cathy Hughes and Eunice Dudley, former school superintendent, Iris Metts and television anchor, Andrea Roane. Aside from these women's inspiring stories, the book shares their ideas on what constitute success, the factors they consider important to their success, the obstacles they encountered and overcame and what women can do today to get ahead.

    Advice From Top: What Minority Women Say Their Career Success can be purchased on www.amazon.com. You can also visit Dr. Campbell's website at www.advicefromtopwomen.com.

  • Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Class of 1973

    Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter is a 1973 graduate of the School of Business, where she majored in Business Education.

    Her book, Africana Woman: Her Story Through Time, is a remarkable celebration of the incredible accomplishments of the Africana woman. From queens of antiquity to modern politicians, the daughters of Africa have inspired awe worldwide for their courage and will to not only survive, but to thrive in the face of their obstacles. In the first collection of its kind, scholar, professor, and alumni author Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter gathers their stories in this unique, profusely illustrated, inspiring tribute that sweeps through world history to celebrate the courage, commitment, and accomplishments that link the daughters of Africa in a 3,500-year heritage, from ancient queens to the modern Black women who command respect and renown in every field of human endeavor.

    Africana Woman: Her Story Through Time can be purchased at Amazon.com, all major bookstores, and on the National Geographic website. 

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    Dr. Carter released her second book, Freedom In My Heart: Voices from the U.S. National Slavery Musuem in October 2008.  This is the companion book to former Gov. Douglas Wilder's drive to build a national slavery museum in Fredericksburg, VA.

    Her book, Freedom in My Heart is richly illustrated and uses the remarkable artifacts, images, and documents of the United States National Slavery Musuem to trace the entire history of slavery in North America, from the societies of ancient Africa to the repercussions still faced by Americans today - and to celebrate the perseverance and utimate triumph of a people. It goes beyond the textbooks to call forth the unique voices, personal stories, and cultural contributions of slaves and their descendents, demonstrating how enslaved African-Americans remained free at heart to develop a vibrant culture in the face of unspeakable inhumanity.

    Freedom In My Heart: Voices from the US National Slavery Museum can be purchased at Amazon.com, all major bookstores, and on the National Geographic website.

  • Michael Dantley, Class of 1982

    Michael Dantley is a 1982 graduate of the School of Business, where he majored in Business Administration.

    His book, The Unwritten Rules of the Road, breaks down like this: If you can't roll with the Progressive Negotiators, stay in the slow lane! With more than a million miles on American roadways, having faced travel conditions from extreme to delightful, he makes this book difficult to put down because he says how we all have felt at one time or another while behind the wheel. This publication will inform, arrest, educate, alleviate, and indoctrinate the masses of folks who desperately need a 'Drive-By' guide for the new millennium. This book needs to be placed in the hands of anyone about to start driving, anyone who has been driving, and anyone thinking about driving one day in the future.

    The Unwritten Rules of the Road can be purchased at Amazon.com. 

  • Linda Gordon Howard, Esq,
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    Linda Gordon Howard, Esq., is a loyal friend and supporter of Virginia State University. Her ties to campus extend as far back as her early childhood years, as a student of the University's (then-Virginia State College) nursery and elementary schools that were once operated on the campus by the Department of Education. Both her parents and brother also served as VSU faculty in the Departments of Biology, Mathematics and English.

    Her book, The Sexual Harrassment Handbook, addresses sexual harassment in a practical way. Her methods have been applied successfully in large and small organizations, including the White House, The United States Senate, the New York City Law Department, The Ohio State University School of Law, and Hunter College of the City University of New York. This is the first book that gives you the insight to assess a sexual situation on the job and take effective action. This book offers practical guidance for men and women, for employers and employees, and for managers and supervisors. Many situations involving sexual harassment can be prevented or resolved - before the lawyers are called in - if you recognize what's happening and know what to do.

    The Sexual Harassment Handbook can be purchased on Amazon.com. 

  • Donna (May) Jackson, Class of 1995

    Donna (May) Jackson is a 1995 graduate of the School of Liberal Arts and Education, where she majored in English and minored in Secondary Education.

    She is the editor of a recent publication written by her father and co-owner of her family's publishing company. The book, First Black Autos, is a creative non-fiction publication on the life of Charles Richard Patterson. It tells how "C.R." and his family escaped slavery from a West Virginia plantation and escaped north to the free state of Ohio. He worked as a blacksmith until he brought out his white partner, and created the C.R. Patterson & Sons Company. His son, Frederick Douglas Patterson, ushered the company into a new era in 1915 when they built their first 2-door coupe. This story also gives the reader an idea about what African-American family life was like as it describes some of the conditions governing social relationships in America during a period and time when Blacks were not supposed to be independent and successful.

    First Black Autos can be purchased at Stalwart Publications. 

  • Dr. Che Joplin, Class of 1994

    Dr. Che Joplin, D.C., MUAC, is a 1994 graduate of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology, where he majored in Biology Research.

    He is the co-author of, I Am Hip-Hop, I Am Health,a health book which focuses on providing a voice for the Global Hip-Hop Communities on health awareness and prevention. It was written to educate the older hip hop generations (old school and the golden age) and the new hip hop generation about the health disparities plaguing our communities in a non-partisan, cross-culturally informative and entertaining way.

    I Am Hip-Hop, I Am Health can be purchased at Amazon.com 

  • Fatima A. McCarter, Class of 1996

    Fatima A. McCarter is a 1996 graduate of the School of Liberal Arts and Education, where she majored in Sociology.

    Her book, First Aid For First Year Teachers: A Practical Guide for Urban Educators,is an essential tool for new teachers who empower and transform our youth in urban schools. Educators will enjoy this easy to read interactive guide that offers tips to improve success in and out of the classroom. Readers will not only have the opportunity to self-examine themselves but will also gain a better understanding of how to set urban students up for success. This educational, self-help book has practical information and suggestions that all educators, first year teachers, experienced teachers, and parents can use.

    First Aid For First Year Teachers: A Practical Guide for Urban Educators can be purchased at www.BN.com 

  • Linda Everett Moye, Class of 1976`

    Linda Everett Moye` is a 1976 graduate of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology where she majored in Psychology.

    Her book, The Pledge - Life is Eternal and So Is Love, is a "love story for modern times." It explores Moye`'s love for San Antonio, Texas, as reflected in the principle characters of her book, Thomas Manning and Latisha Edwards, who meet at Fort Sam Houston. Their relationship blossoms as they date on the Riverwalk, attend classes at St. Philip’s College, and visit the Alamo. Living ordinary lives, they travel to familiar places including New Orleans, Washington, DC, Hampton, and Orlando. This story reminds us that life and love are truly eternal, and leaves us wondering about a chance meeting with our own "soul mate" who may have gotten away.

    The Pledge - Life is Eternal and So Is Love can be purchased on Amazon. 

  • Charles L. Ray, Jr., Class of 1958
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    Charles L. Ray, Jr. , a 1958 graduate of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology where he majored in Industrial Education.

    His book, What You Should Know Before You Commit To Dating, Marrying, or Starting a Family, is a powerful work that presents a time tested recipe for creating enduring relationships between single and married couples and the family unit. The realism and the description of this work is written in an authoritative tone and indicates the Author’s broad first hand experience in exactly what he is writing about. Right from the start the information allows the reader to grasp an understanding of himself / herself and why they are who they are, and why ladies are so special. This book further delves into the six areas of special health, the power within you, the various types of power you posses, the various stages of marriage, why people cheat, and who is most likely to cheat. This information will likely save many relationships.

    What You Should Know Before You Commit To Dating, Marrying, or Starting a Family can be purchased by calling (757) 773 - 8743 or by e-mailing bilzavest@gmail.com. 

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    The Knowledge Book - How to Be, Do, Have, & Give     is the second book written by Charles Ray, Jr.

    This book delves into specific areas of human relation skills. This is a great book for high school and college students, coaches, athletes, PTA groups, entertainers, family, and employees alike as it teaches the reader how to master people skills, which are so very important in our daily communications. The book also teaches the reader how to greatly curtail and/or stamp out social and domestic abuse and violence in our homes, schools, and society. This information will practically avoid or reverse gang mentality. 

    The Knowledge Book can be purchased on Amazon or by calling (757) 773-8743 or by e-mailing bilzavest@gmail.com

  • Patricia Sizer, Class of 1968
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    In her candid and insightful memoir Third Child: Blurred Identity (Challenges within the Family, Race and Society, Patricia details her decades of personal and professional struggle against two forces beyond her control: her status as the third of her parents’ four children, and her status as a light-skinned African American woman who is sometimes assumed to be white by both the Black and White communities.

    Born in Caroline County, Virginia in the 1940s, Patricia grew up during America’s brutal Jim Crow era of “separate but equal.” Her diverse ethnic background includes a White Confederate soldier, an African slave, and an Irish farmer, among others. At a young age, she is shocked to realize the prejudice that exists within the Black community regarding skin tone. Interspersed with memorable and humorous events, she recalls the physical and verbal abuses she endured. But even within the family unit, there are tensions created by birth order. Her family struggles financially, and yet they maintain a loving home driven by discipline, hard work, and strong values.
     

    Third Child: Blurred Identity can be purchased by visiting www.PatSizer.com

  • R. L. Wynder, Class of 2004

    Ronica Wynder is a 2004 graduate of the School of Liberal Arts and Education where she majored in Mass Communications (TV,Film, & Radio).

    Her self-published book, Risque: The Erotica Short Story Novel is an addictive intoxicating piece of work, which includes 14 alluring stories guaranteed to leave you ‘jonesing’ for more than your next read. Risque extends an open invitation for you to join the world of each character and experience the same electrifying sensations as those portrayed in this spicy novel. (Subject Matter: Erotic Fiction)

    Risque can be purchased on Amazon

  • Dr. Gladys West, Class of 1952 & 1955

    Dr Gladys West Hall of Fame Dr. Gladys West is a 1952 and 1955 graduate of Virginia State College, majoring in mathematics.

    Her memoir entitled, It Began With A Dream, is the story of her life.  Born in rural, segregated Dinwiddie County, Virginia, in the midst of the Great Depression, she pursued her dream of leaving the tobacco fields and becoming the first in her family to attend college. She was hired by the Navy in 1956, serving as a mathematician and an expert in the field of satellite geodesy and global positioning.

    She is known as a “hidden figure” by many, and her contributions to the creation of the GPS impacts almost everyone throughout the world. Dr. West takes us on her incredible life journey in this heartwarming and unforgettable memoir, which may also serve as a benchmark and source of inspiration for other women and girls who have similar aspirations.  Dr. West is the only black woman to be inducted into the Air Force Missile and Space Pioneers Hall of Fame. She has also been inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

    It Began With A Dream can be purchased on Amazon 

  • Valerie D. Johnson, Class of 1989

    thumbnail VDJ Author BookValerie D. Johnson is a 1989 graduate of the School of Business, where she majored in Business Administration.

    Her book, 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm, is a children’s book about summers on Valerie’s grandfather’s farm; and it celebrates family, grandparents, farm life, and farm animals. Young readers will count their way through Granddad’s farm with animals, a vegetable garden, smells of manure, tractors, grassy fields, and two of the best people: Granddad and Grandma. In the back of the book are visual supports for counting and discussion questions to spark conversations.

    Valerie D. Johnson is an educator, entrepreneur, and author. Her superpower is making math engaging, meaningful, and fun. She started her publishing imprint, West Oak Lane Kids, to leave a legacy and something tangible for generations of young readers to cherish—math-themed books. Valerie’s mission is to ignite a love of math in all children, one book at a time!

    To learn more about Valerie, please visit westoaklanekids.com and follow her on social media at @wolkidsllc. 
    1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm can be purchased on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble.

Become A VSU Class Coordinator

The VSU Class Coordinator Program comprises a loyal group of alumni representing their individual class years. Class Coordinators are considered University ambassadors who help build a strong connection between classmates and the University.
Class Coordinators are some of the most valuable volunteers for the University. Job requirements are simple: a minimal time commitment and the interest to keep in touch with VSU classmates and friends. Being a class coordinator is a great way to remain involved after graduation, and you can be as active as your schedule allows.
Class Coordinators work with the VSU Alumni Office to:
  • Communicate regularly with classmates via letters, calls, emails, or social networking Websites.
  • Keep classmates up-to-date on VSU events and news.
  • Encourage and increase participation in alumni activities such as regional events and reunions.
  • Brainstorm additional ways to keep your class connected.
  • Serve as a reunion planning committee member in your special reunion years.
  • Promote class giving and participation 
  • Provide the University of Institutional Advancement with updated contact information for classmates
If you want to become a class coordinator, please get in touch with the VSU Alumni Relations Office at (804) 524- 5045 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
(If you don't see your class year represented, please consider becoming a coordinator)



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VSUAA - Richmond Metro Chapter

Join the VSUAA-Richmond Metro Chapter at Operation Harvest on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 3 - 6:00 PM at the Richmond Raceway.  If interested in volunteering, please contact Chapter President Holly Jackson-Conrad at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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Check out other upcoming chapter activities:  

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P.O. Box 2488
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