A signature event of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, the Wilder Symposium is an annual forum hosted by the school’s namesake, Governor L. Douglas Wilder. The event highlights everything from local policies to state and national politics and has become a vibrant platform for activism, discovery and critical discussion in the Commonwealth.

L. Douglas Wilder Symposium "Elections 2024: The Importance of Listening to the People"

Watch the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs 2024 Wilder Symposium, “Elections 2024: The Importance of Listening to the People.” Held on Sept. 17, 66th governor of Virginia, L. Douglas Wilder, the nation’s first elected African-American governor, discusses the critical importance of leadership by listening and responding to the needs of the people and explores the importance of strengthening people-first democracy. 

Joining him as panelists are Virginia’s leading political analysts, Dr. Bob Holsworth, managing partner of the consulting firm DecideSmart and founding director of the Wilder School; Dr. Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics; Dr. Susan Gooden, dean of the Wilder School; and Dr. Robyn McDougle, associate dean of research and outreach at the Wilder School.

Supporting the Wilder Symposium

For additional information, please contact:

Stevan Dozier
Senior Director of Development
(919) 961-2528
doziers2@vcu.edu