Big Wins & Extraordinary Achievements

Dear W&M Community,

The mix of wit and seriousness at Commencement 2023 gave a fitting send-off to William & Mary’s 330th year. Our speaker, Patton Oswalt ’91, D.A. ’23, reminded us of the critical importance of the work we and our graduates share: to sustain democratic values, conserve our environment and educate ethical citizens and professionals in the age of AI. W&M’s strategic plan, Vision 2026, tackles these 21st-century imperatives directly, expanding our reach in data and computational sciences, water conservation, the history and future of democracy and career pathways for graduates.

As our video recap shows, we have celebrated major wins:

The beautiful Sadler Center Expansion and renovated Campus Living Center dedication;
W&M’s commitment to provide full tuition and fees at minimum for all in-state Pell Grant recipients, beginning this fall;
Extraordinary accomplishments from student-athletes, including W&M Football’s history-making run to the NCAA FCS quarterfinals;
Recruitment for the Class of 2027 that brought us a fiercely competitive talent pool (reflecting a 27% increase in applications since 2020);
A record-toppling 10th One Tribe One Day.

Below my signature, you will find updates on Vision 2026’s cornerstones. I look forward to the year ahead, building on this momentum.

Warm wishes to each of you for a safe and healthy summer.

Best regards,

Katherine A. Rowe
President

Data Highlights

Coordinator: Provost Peggy Agouris

Over the past spring, the CDAS steering committee led campuswide listening sessions and conducted surveys for feedback on potential structures for a new school in computer, data and applied science – fields essential to a broad liberal arts preparation for the 21st century. That committee is now preparing a report to the provost in advance of a final recommendation from her to the president and Board this coming fall.

W&M experts continue to expand the reach of our research in these rapidly growing arenas, and we invite you to explore them with us:

The spring 2023 Tack lecture challenged audiences’ understanding of AI;
A Presidential Conversation during W&M Weekend: San Francisco will focus on data revolution amid global change, featuring expertise from Tim Carroll ’87, head of Microsoft’s Climate Portfolio; Derek Aday, dean and director of W&M’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science; Suzanne Raitt, dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences; and Robert Rose, executive director of W&M’s Institute for Integrative Conservation.

Water Highlights

Coordinator: Dean of the School of Marine Science Derek Aday

This spring the university announced an institution-wide coastal resiliency initiative, led by VIMS, the nation’s leading marine science institute focused on coastal resilience. Harnessing W&M’s strengths in coastal sciences, policy, economics, conservation and law, the new initiative will expand research and address stakeholder, business and policymaker needs in Virginia. Other high-impact initiatives include:

A national project to remove derelict fishing gear from coastal waters, recommended for an $8M grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
The formation of a cross-university team of natural scientists, social scientists and humanists studying conservation and social issues in Nepal;
The Whole of Government Center for Excellence’s Annual National Security Conference focused on “Fostering Climate Resilience for a More Secure World.”

Democracy Highlights

Coordinators: Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler & Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper

Via university-wide initiatives, key partnerships and high-impact research, Williamsburg aims to be the destination for the country in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Restoration continues on the Bray School, the oldest extant schoolhouse in the United States used for the education of Black children, earning national recognition. Together William & Mary, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the City of Williamsburg will open this extraordinary site to visitors in 2024;
The Brafferton Tercentennial, launched at Charter Day, builds on 20 years of impactful research partnerships, showcasing how collaborations with our region’s tribes drive new discoveries;
W&M joined the Council of Presidents in affirming Virginia public higher education’s unwavering commitment to free speech;
This summer, W&M will cohost the high-profile NATO Youth Summit in Washington, D.C., reaching young leaders across NATO countries.

Careers Highlights

Coordinator: Chief Career Officer Kathleen Powell

W&M continues to prove that a rigorous, broad-based education is the best preparation for a rapidly changing career. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that W&M is the #5 public university for finance salaries, #9 for management consulting salaries, #11 for law salaries and #16 for tech salaries. The Princeton Review ranked W&M the nation's top public university for internships for the third year running. Building on this distinctive strength, two $1M commitments for internships and student research will infuse applied learning experiences throughout W&M undergraduate majors.