Dr. Monica L. Baskin has made history. The nationally recognized researcher and health equity advocate has been named director of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, making her the first Black woman to lead a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Pending final approval by the VCU Board of Visitors, Baskin officially began serving in the role on Aug. 3, according to VCU Health. In addition, Baskin has also become the first woman to lead Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only 73 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. Nationally, just nine women currently direct comprehensive cancer centers.
“It is an honor to be named as the next director at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center,” Baskin said in a statement. “Massey is an exemplar, locally and nationally, on what truly matters for a cancer center, and together we will continue to be defined by cutting-edge science, compassionate care and collaboration with our community to ensure everyone has access to lifesaving cancer prevention and treatment.”
The Atlanta native has built her career around addressing health disparities, particularly in cancer prevention, early detection and survivorship. Her passion for the work was shaped by personal loss after her father died from colorectal cancer while she was in high school, followed by the deaths of other family members from the disease, reports AfroTech.
“Dr. Baskin’s robust portfolio of research publications combined with her passion and drive for community-focused cancer research has positioned her well to become the next director of Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of Virginia Commonwealth University. “Throughout her career, especially in the past year as Massey’s deputy director, she has shown dedication to Massey being on the cutting edge of cancer research. She is a champion of the community-to-bench model, and will work hard so the cancer center has a direct impact on those in its catchment area.”
Before joining VCU in 2025, Baskin held senior leadership positions at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, where she led community outreach, health equity, and research initiatives. Throughout her career, she has secured more than $70 million in National Institutes of Health funding and built a reputation for advancing community-centered cancer research, particularly for rural and medically underserved populations.
Baskin’s appointment represents more than a milestone in representation. It places a Black woman at the helm of one of the nation’s premier cancer research institutions at a time when racial disparities in cancer outcomes remain a persistent public health challenge. Her leadership signals growing recognition that scientific innovation and community engagement must go hand in hand to improve health outcomes.
As organizations continue to evaluate diversity in executive leadership, Baskin’s appointment demonstrates how Black women are reshaping leadership across STEM, healthcare, and academic research while driving innovation that directly impacts underserved communities.
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