2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107026D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 154

Offered February 23, 2026

Commending the Virginia University of Lynchburg.

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Patrons—Walker, Clark, Cole, J.G., Cole, N.T., Griffin, Hope, McQuinn, Oates, Rasoul, Ware, Wright and Zehr

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WHEREAS, for 140 years, the Virginia University of Lynchburg, one of the nation's distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has provided a quality education to its students and prepared them to be the future leaders of their communities; and

WHEREAS, the institution that would become the Virginia University of Lynchburg was organized in May 1886 during the 19th annual session of the Virginia Baptist State Convention at the First Baptist Church at Lexington; and

WHEREAS, at the annual session of the Virginia Baptist State Convention in Lynchburg two years later, the charter for what would become the Virginia University of Lynchburg, as well as the plans, location, and specifications for its first brick building, were approved; the cornerstone of this building was then placed in July that same year; and

WHEREAS, known at the time of its charter as the Lynchburg Baptist Seminary, the school opened its doors on January 18, 1890, under the leadership of Professor R. P. Armstead and with an enrollment of 33 students; and

WHEREAS, the school has undergone five name changes in its existence; after starting as the Lynchburg Baptist Seminary, the institution became the Virginia Seminary in 1890, the Virginia Theological Seminary and College in 1900, the Virginia Seminary and College in 1962, the Virginia College-Virginia Seminary in 1967, and finally the Virginia University of Lynchburg in 1996; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia University of Lynchburg has benefited from the inspired and visionary leadership of 16 presidents over its 140-year history, from its first president, the Reverend P.F. Morris, who had introduced the resolution that authorized the creation of the school, to its current president, Dr. Kathy C. Franklin; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, the curriculum at Virginia University of Lynchburg has been grounded in Biblical principles and a do-it-thyself philosophy, encouraging the school's students to set their ambitions high and to work hard for their dreams; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia University of Lynchburg's facilities have grown and expanded over the years to accommodate interest in the institution's programs and to enhance its ability to fulfill its mission; and

WHEREAS, for 140 years, the Virginia University of Lynchburg has provided exceptional faith-informed education to countless students and future leaders, making a profound and lasting impact on the Commonwealth and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Virginia University of Lynchburg hereby be commended on the occasion of its 140th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia University of Lynchburg as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the institution's contributions to Lynchburg and the Commonwealth.