Virginia State University (VSU) proudly welcomed back accomplished media personality and entrepreneur, ShaDonna “Mo” McPhaul, as a Guest Instructor in the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. Hosted by Jonathan M. Young, Director of Corporate Relations, this special engagement aligns with VSU’s continued commitment to enriching student experiences with real-world knowledge and leadership rooted in ethical and professional excellence.
Known for her influential platform “The Mo You Know,” McPhaul has made a lasting impact across the fields of media, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Her return to VSU marks a special full-circle moment, where she shared career-defining insights and life lessons with students at this prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
During her session, McPhaul offered students a behind-the-scenes perspective on covering the HBCU Honors “Blue Carpet” event at Howard University—an exclusive feature aired on Black Entertainment Television (BET). Drawing from this experience, she discussed the importance of brand building, media literacy, and how young professionals can position themselves in competitive global markets while remaining grounded in service and integrity.
“Our goal at VSU is to graduate students who are not only academically prepared but also community-minded and career-ready,” said Jonathan M. Young. “ShaDonna ‘Mo’ McPhaul exemplifies the kind of transformative leader our students can learn from, and we were honored to have her share her journey.”
In addition to her guest instruction, McPhaul is also spearheading efforts to support youth employment initiatives. Her work connects students to real job opportunities and workshops focused on workforce readiness—another testament to her philosophy of paying it forward.
Virginia State University continues to strengthen partnerships with notable alumni, thought leaders, and corporate influencers to offer dynamic programming that equips students for the challenges of the 21st century. Guest lectures and practical workshops led by professionals like McPhaul serve to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry application.
With this engagement, VSU invites other HBCUs and corporate partners to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly those focused on developing future-ready leaders through engaging, hands-on instruction. By integrating the voices of professionals who reflect the lived experiences and aspirations of the student body, institutions like VSU provide an unmatched educational environment.
For more information about programming at the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business or to inquire about future workshop partnerships, please visit www.vsu.edu/business.
About Virginia State University:
Virginia State University is a leading public HBCU committed to graduating lifelong learners who are globally competitive, community-focused, and ethically grounded. The Reginald F. Lewis College of Business fosters innovation and leadership through academic excellence and real-world engagement.
