Virginia State University awarded 2024 presidential debate
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By: Andrew Cain, Dave Ress
Virginia State University in Ettrick has been selected to host a presidential debate in October, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates.
VSU, founded in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, says it will be the first historically Black college or university to host a general election presidential debate.
“This is a historic moment for our university and for HBCUs nationwide,” said Makola Abdullah, VSU’s president.
The debate will take place Oct. 1 in the VSU Multi-purpose Center, which regularly hosts athletic events, concerts, conferences and community events, and provides advanced audio-visual capabilities.
While the university expects hosting the debate will involve a tremendous amount of preparation, it is honored and grateful for the opportunity, Abdullah said.
Hosting the debate “will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the campus community, the university’s reputation and the nation,” said Eldon Burton, VSU assistant vice president for government relations.
Hosting the debate “will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the campus community, the university’s reputation and the nation,” said Eldon Burton, VSU assistant vice president for government relations.
The VSU event would be fourth presidential or vice presidential debate in the state since the 1970s.
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