Dr. Makola M. Abdullah began his Virginia State University career in February 2016, bringing with him an unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. Upon his appointment, he outlined his core beliefs that became the foundation of his work for VSU: beliefs in God, family, the transformative nature of education, and in Virginia State University. With that foundation in mind, Dr. Abdullah and his newly appointed administration began planning the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Preeminence with Purpose to chart the University's path to continued growth and excellence. His plan set forth the next chapter for VSU, which focused on six areas: Student Opportunity and Access, Academic Excellence, The Holistic Experience for Students, Enhancing the Land Grant Mission of the University, Advancing the VSU Brand and Financial/Operational Effectiveness.

Under Dr. Abdullah, VSU has experienced yearly enrollment growth and the highest retention rate in over twenty years. The University also increased the 4-year graduation rate to the highest recorded rate in the University's history. In 2023, VSU made history as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate. That same year, the University announced a new Employee Degree Attainment Program (EDAP) offering tuition assistance for higher education to VSU employees. Dr. Abdullah strongly supports the career development of faculty and staff at VSU.

Dr. Abdullah's leadership has helped VSU gain a reputation as one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country. In 2023, VSU was ranked as the #1 HBCU in Virginia by Washington Monthly Magazine and as the #13 HBCU nationally by College Consensus. VSU also ranked in the top 20% in the "Performers on Social Mobility" list by U.S. News and World Report and in the top 27% of Best Value Universities for International Students, according to Study Abroad Aide, the most comprehensive database of universities in the world. In recent years, the University has extended its academic offerings with newly added undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Additionally, the University offers fully online programs/degrees and a free tuition program for students from area high schools.

Since Dr. Abdullah's appointment, Virginia State University's year-end financial reserves have more than tripled. The University also received a $30 million gift—the largest single donor gift in the University's history—aiding the University in growing the investments from approximately $40 million to $80 million. In addition, under Dr. Abdullah, VSU has newer infrastructure happening concurrently than at any point in the University's 140-year history. This includes a new 30,000-square-foot admissions building, a research and cooperative extension facility, improvements to Rogers Stadium, and a new $120 million Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons—the largest building ever constructed on the VSU campus. In 2021, VSU also renamed four buildings to honor Black women who have made significant contributions to the University.

In 2018, under Dr. Abdullah's guidance, Virginia State University successfully completed its reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The University was reaffirmed for 10 years with no recommendations. Dr. Abdullah has led the launch of several major initiatives since taking office. These include the establishment of the John Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership to assess, develop and empower African American leaders; the establishment of The Center for Policing Leadership and Social Justice to address the critical divide between law enforcement and communities of color; and the establishment of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on campus to promote good relations toward and support those who may be subject to discrimination.