Class of 2026: Syasia Anderson is VCU’s first Richmond Talent Pathway graduate

By Brian McNeill

As a mentor in the Richmond Talent Pathway program, Syasia Anderson provides support to a cohort of Virginia Commonwealth University students who, like her, graduated from Richmond high schools and are pursuing a degree in a variety of disciplines that include STEM, healthcare, education and public service.

"It's a little bit like a family - it makes them feel comfortable, and they know they have a safe place on campus," Anderson said. Because she and the other mentors came from the same high schools and have a similar background, she says, "it kind of helps us connect."

This spring, Anderson - and Richmond Talent Pathway - mark a milestone as she becomes the scholarship program's first recipient to graduate from VCU.

Anderson came to VCU in fall 2023 after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond Public Schools. That academic year, she received a scholarship from VCU's newly launched Richmond Talent Pathway, which aims to recruit, support, train and retain diverse student populations in high-need career fields in Central Virginia. The program provides wraparound services to students in the five comprehensive high schools in Richmond Public Schools, in addition to providing scholarships and support to participating students who attend VCU.

"I was one of the first 15 students to receive the scholarship," Anderson said. "It just gives a lot of support to the students in the high schools and when they come to VCU."

Anderson is graduating in such a short amount of time because she came to VCU after having already completed 60 college credits through the Early College Academy, a partnership between RPS and Reynolds Community College that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college classes at Reynolds. All of Anderson's 60 credits were transferrable to VCU.

She initially planned to pursue an undergraduate degree in dental hygiene at the VCU School of Dentistry, but as her interest grew in healthcare administration and leadership, she switched to the health services program of the College of Health Professions. This fall, she will enroll in its Master of Health Administration program.

"Syasia Anderson embodies the promise of the RTP program excellence, leadership and transformation," said Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success. "From arriving with 60 credits to becoming our first RTP graduate and continuing into VCU's MHA program, her journey reflects what's possible when talent meets opportunity. We are incredibly proud of her and excited for what lies ahead."

Yoruba Butler, director of Richmond Talent Pathway, called Anderson a "change agent" and scholar who is thoughtful, kind and intentional.

"It has been an honor to work with her and watch her mature into the young lady that she is," Butler said. "Without a doubt, Syasia will be a graduate to watch out for."

Butler added that Anderson's success underscores how the program's coaching and support benefit students at all levels.

"By providing educational resources and guidance to students in the five comprehensive high schools in RPS prior to their postsecondary enrollment, we have the honor to assist them in minimizing some educational barriers that they may otherwise experience," Butler said. "Because of this program, we are able to offer more than a scholarship; we are able to assist our best and brightest in the city of Richmond with a pathway to a rewarding collegiate experience."

In addition to her involvement with Richmond Talent Pathway, Anderson's time at VCU included service-learning work with Richmond-area nonprofit organizations, most recently at Art for the Journey, which mobilizes art instructors and volunteers to deliver visual art programs to under-resourced communities across Central Virginia.

"It's been great. I've met a lot of cool people, and there have been a lot of networking opportunities," she said. "They have programs in a lot of different places. … On Friday, I'm going to a church to do after-school activities with students and get them involved with artwork."

Anderson is excited about continuing her studies at VCU this fall and then advancing her career in healthcare administration and leadership.

"I'm really interested in making an impact on the operational aspect of healthcare," she said. "I really want to change the way we do things, make the systems more efficient and patient-centered."

For students currently in Richmond Public Schools and interested in pursuing degrees in STEM, education, healthcare or public service, Anderson encouraged them to get involved with Richmond Talent Pathway and consider attending VCU.

"I highly encourage coming to VCU, not just because it's a good school but also because this program is tailored to them. It was created for them," she said. "It's a great opportunity for them to come here and be around people who have similar stories and come from similar backgrounds. And it'll also just help them be or help them feel more at home. It gives them a place of comfort here on campus."