Building a Better World Since 1882 Virginia State University, founded in 1882, is one of Virginia's two land-grant institutions, and is located 20 minutes south of Richmond in the village of Ettrick. The University sits atop a rolling landscape overlooking the Appomattox River with expansive views of Petersburg. Our 231-acre campus boasts 11 residence halls, 18 academic buildings and a 412-acre agriculture research facility.