2026 Virginia C-Suite Awards: DEIRDRE GONSALVES-JACKSON

Since becoming provost in 2025, Gonsalves-Jackson has led large-scale initiatives critical to Virginia Wesleyan University’s future, including the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences and the private university’s transition to Batten University, which will take effect July 1. She also co-leads 11 cross-functional teams.

Over nearly two decades at the school, Gonsalves-Jackson advanced from faculty member to department chair, then was named vice president for VWU Global Campus before her promotion to provost. In leading the global campus division, she expanded enrollment to approximately 3,500 students and led growth across online, graduate, evening and weekend, professional and lifelong learning programs, including a collaborative campus in Japan.

She also led the launch of VWU’s prison education program at two Chesapeake correctional facilities, bringing bachelor’s degree opportunities to incarcerated students.

Trained as a marine biologist, Gonsalves-Jackson relies on data and research to guide decision-making and emphasizes collaboration in leadership. A Florida Institute of Technology doctorate holder and National Science Foundation grant recipient, she says she aims to produce graduates who are not told “what to think” but instead “how to think,” equipping them with the skill set necessary for navigating a complex world.

Click here to return to Virginia C-Suite Awards categories page