Office of the Vice President forResearch and Innovation

David Oglethorpe, Ed.D, serves as the executive director for strategic communication for the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation at VCU. In his role, he helps guide the communication efforts for the university's research enterprise. Prior to his role with the OVPRI, he was director of public relations and marketing communications at VCU Massey Cancer Center where he focused on finding new and innovative ways to reach underserved populations and address equity and access for cancer care in Massey’s catchment area and beyond. Oglethorpe has more than 15 years of experience in public relations and marketing, including over a decade in the higher education field - both in student affairs and athletics communications. Oglethorpe earned his masters and doctorate degrees in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida and his bachelor of arts in strategic communication from The Ohio State University. He is a proud, adopted Richmonder and spends most of his time outdoors hiking, camping, golfing and whatever else life throws at him, his partner, Lauren, and their dog Jensen.