The shooting, took place just after 1.30am on Saturday, and came as students were getting ready for the new school year.
It happened near the university’s Quad Annexes, where campus police and Chesterfield County officers discovered five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside dormitories.
According to the university’s website, residence halls opened for students a week ago and classes resume on Monday. Many students had just completed the university’s “New Trojans Experience” for incoming students.
The university said in a statement: “We recognise the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends, and the broader VSU community.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”
University students were told they should monitor their email for additional safety measures and information about support services.
The university has grown in recent years while attempting to improve safety and retain its historic charm, said Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, who lives near the campus and visits regularly.
A shooting like this just as students return for classes is heartbreaking for the community, he said.
“To start a new year with this event is very tragic. It casts a shadow in the minds of all students, and for some it will be difficult to rid their minds of this term,” Mr Fridrich said.
“For those that were shot, my heart bleeds. I hope that they all mend and somehow do not let this event define their lives.”
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