Measuring the Pulse of MCV Campus

Committed to the Cause

For nearly four decades, Dr. Napoleon L. Peoples has been a driving force at Virginia Commonwealth University. During his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to make multiculturalism integral to the VCU Monroe Park and MCV campuses, as well as to the greater Richmond community.

Peoples is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs for the Medical College of Virginia. Before assuming this position nearly two years ago, he held administrative positions in the University Counseling Services, University Career Center and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

At VCU, Peoples also held affiliate faculty positions in the Department of Psychology and Department of Epidemiology and Community Health. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, including; Personality and Behavior of the African American; Addictions Counseling: A Multicultural Perspective; and Public Health Issues and Interventions in Communities of Color

A natural in communicating with students and faculty, one might credit Peoples' background in psychology to his "people" skills. Or, his popularity may be attributed to his warm personality and genuine desire to help others.

"Dr. Peoples is the quintessence dean for students," said Dr. Micah L. McCreary, co- director of VCU's Counseling Psychology Graduate Program. "He has a powerful understanding of the history, legacy and mystery that is required for student success."

While attending Wilberforce University as an undergraduate, Peoples discovered psychology as his true calling. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology, and continued his education at Kent State University, receiving his master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. He later received a doctorate in counseling psychology at Kent State.

While working at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), Peoples' main objective was to help students, faculty and staff gain a better understanding of diversity and its importance to society at large.

Peoples remained at the office for five and a half years, during which time he worked with students to develop and/or enhance several programs, including the VCU Intercultural Festival, now an annual event and "university tradition" that is widely anticipated by students, faculty, staff and the community. The festival is designed to unite VCU and the community, to showcase diversity, and to raise cultural awareness and foster an environment of enjoyment and creativity on the VCU campuses.

The daylong festival is just one example of Peoples' commitment to embracing various cultures.

"I helped students to see that being different is OK," said Peoples, who was born in Philadelphia. "Society is changing, and it’s important for us to understand that we need to live and work together, while learning about each other.

After leaving OMSA, Peoples settled into the MCV campus as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, where he continues to help students. His main objective is to make sure that health science students have a positive experience while in the medical campus environment and to bridge the gap between the two campuses.

"Because of my understanding of the university, students and diversity issues, it makes the job interesting and fun" Peoples said.

On the MCV campus, Peoples continually seeks to bridge the gap between the campus and community. One initiative, the Community Health Fair, was an idea that Peoples encouraged the Student Government Association to implement when he arrived. In its third year, the fair has generated lots of interest and excitement among students, faculty, administrators and the community. It has helped students in various health-related disciplines to collaboratively work together. Through theses interactions, students have gained a better understanding of each other and the various disciplines.

Peoples also wants to make the associate dean’s office a place where students can seek support and get their concerns addressed. He serves on several university committees to further his outreach.

"His commitment and dedication is demonstrated in active participation in student activities, his availability and access," said Dr. Faye Z. Belgrave, a VCU psychology professor and director of the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention.

Even persons who report directly to Peoples are vocal in their support.

"Dr. Peoples is committed to and loves VCU which shows in every position he has been in," said Pamela Radwani, Peoples' executive secretary. "Dr. Peoples makes sure you are well informed and know what is taking place in and around the university."

Peoples’ describes himself as a visionary and problem solver, and continually brings the two campuses together to discuss issues and concerns. He also seeks to help students respect one another, and to become more aware of each others' differences.

"We need to develop the capacity to recognize, understand and appreciate others, and to have some understanding of diverse environments around the world," Peoples said. "No matter what the differences, we are all people, and deserve the same respect."

The following articles - written by VCU Journalism Students - examine the medical school's legacy, student life, programs, buildings and future. All students are from Professor Bonnie Newman Davis' MASC 303 Newswriting Course. Loren Pritchett assisted in editing the articles.