Energy and Humor in Higher Ed

Grant Heston | June 13, 2024

I’ve long believed that universities that embrace spirit, fun and humor have an advantage over those who play it straight. I'm delighted to work for a boss in VCU President Michael Rao who feels the same way.

In this new video, Dr. Rao took time out of his super busy schedule to film a short promo for our new VCU license plate. The new plates — featuring a bold, modern design — are a shared revenue partnership with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with $15 of each plate sold going directly to VCU for need-based student scholarships through the VCU Affinity License Plate Scholarship.

VCU has fewer than 3,000 license plates throughout Virginia; increasing that is a huge opportunity The plates are mobile billboards that promote VCU and support an excellent cause.

For those who know me, this is not my first time redesigning a black-and-gold university license plate. That one was a success, too.

And check out this other fun video of the president we made last fall. He truly is a good sport!