While her name and title may sound like a lot to remember, to students, she is simply known as "Val." And it is quite common for her to offer a friendly greeting and a hug to a student she knows -- or even doesn't know -- in the middle of campus. It's perhaps that personal touch that allows McCoullum -- the first African-American woman to hold her position in the Ivy League -- to successfully bring together student groups and to oversee all organizations and services that play a role in student life on and off campus. McCoullum served as acting VPUL beginning in January 1994 and officially took over the position in September 1995. Whether it be procuring a new student center, overseeing renovations or organizing alcohol-free student activities, her tasks bring McCoullum in contact with just about every campus organization.
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