Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 5 “As a matter of fact, my class worked on repairs to the port sponson on the U.S.S. Forestal. I believe that’s the ship where John McCain’s plane crashed. If my memory serves me right, our class did some of that repair work.” Understanding the discrimination that she might face, Lucas had the foresight to graduate from Norfolk State University. At this point, she has at degree, but also three honorary degrees from other institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth. She made bold moves when she accepted a job as executive director of Southeastern Tidewater Community Project (STOP). That was followed by her work with the NAACP. Next, she entered a world that she now practically owns: electoral politics. She was the first African American woman on Portsmouth City Council, and then a state senate seat opened up. Supported by political heavyweights, she told them, “…the best man for this job is a woman.” Lucas has proved her worth and her longevity. She won the seat in 1992 and is now first in seniority in the state senate. She reminisced about earlier days, when she worked with such legends as Hunter Andrews, Joe Gartlan, Stanley Walker, Richard Holland, John Chichester, Chuck Colgan, and Frank Nolen. “People were more collegial,” she said. “They’d go out to dinner and socialize.” Lucas said she has a good working relationship with people on both sides of the aisle. She said there was a “stretch” when “things got really partisan—I mean really partisan.” But now, she said, we’re seeing more cooperation—at least in Finance. She chairs Finance and Appropriations. And let’s not forget: Lucas is the first woman and African American to serve as President Pro Tempore. Does that pose any pressure on her? “I’ve always just been me,” she said. “I just wake up every day being Louise.” Surprisingly Affordable. Significant Impact. Offer affordability comparable to public institutions Welcome students of all ages, backgrounds, and financial means Drive Virginia’s economy by creating jobs and generating tax revenue Enrich communities statewide, including rural and underserved areas Guide students toward achieving their goals and aspirations $2.0B In associated wages & benefits delivered to Virginians VPC Institutions are a Top Employer in the State 1 of every 144 jobs in Virginia is supported by a Virginia Private College or University. Helping Sustain Underserved & Rural Communities Virginia Private Colleges provide convenient educational access to underserved and isolated areas of the state. Many of VPC institutions are located in areas of Virginia, such as Southwest and Southern Virginia, where public four-year colleges and universities have a limited presence and in areas of the state where employment opportunities are limited. They are often one of the largest employers in their communities. $2.4B Out-of-state student spending in Virgnia's economy Appalachian College of Pharmacy | Appalachian School of Law | Averett University | Bluefield University | Bridgewater College | Eastern Mennonite University | Emory & Henry University | Ferrum College | HampdenSydney College | Hampton University | Hollins University | Liberty University | Mary Baldwin University | Marymount University | Randolph College | Randolph-Macon College | Regent University | Roanoke College | Shenandoah University | Southern Virginia University | Sweet Briar College | University of Lynchburg | University of Richmond | Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Union University | Virginia Wesleyan University | Washington and Lee University | George Washington University* We Thank Our Generous Sponsors 28,291 VIRGINIANS EMPLOYED 150,000 STUDENTS ATTEND $157M TAXREVENUE $4.6 B Impact PRIVATE, NONPROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS BENEFIT NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS, BUT THE COMMONWEALTH AS A WHOLE Creating Pathways for Success for the Future of the Commonwealth of Virginia Nearly 25% degrees granted at VPC institutions are in high-demand STEM areas. Nearly 25% of Virginia Private College students are the first in their family to go to college. CICV.ORG *affiliate member Virginia Private Colleges offer key philanthropic and community based programs and services. @vaprivatecolleges The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) was founded in 1971 and currently operates as Virginia Private Colleges, a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization representing 28 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Virginia. CICV is the collective voice of Virginia nonprofit private higher education. VIRGINIA'S 28 ACCREDITED PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: CHRISTOPHER K. PEACE President Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Inc. 108 N. 8th Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 370-7708 Mobile Lucas said she considers her most consequential legislation to be Medicaid expansion, which helped people get health insurance. There are many more issues she is proud of initiating, challenging, and defending. “Because at the end of the day,” she said, “we all have the same goal in mind—and that is to do what’s in the best interest of the Commonwealth.” David Bailey has served as a lobbyist in Virginia since the 1980s. He is the President and Founder of David Bailey Associates and Virginia Capitol Connections.V
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