University Advances Liberal Arts And Economic Growth

Citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia are blessed with a richer array of quality public colleges and universities than perhaps any other state in the nation. Each of our state-supported institutions features its own unique character, history, and mission -- yet together they form an unparalleled mosaic of educational excellence. Each year, Virginia schools routinely appear in numerous prestigious guidebooks and rankings of America's best colleges and top tuition values.

As the newly appointed president of the University of Mary Washington, I am excited to assume the leadership of a unique and very special member of Virginia's great panoply of higher education.

Having served for the past seven years as chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and previously as chancellor of the Florida State Higher Education System -- both very large, complex, and centrally administered systems -- I truly appreciate the exceptional variety of institutions in Virginia and the distinctive role that UMW plays within the commonwealth.

Mary Washington is unlike any other college in America. First, it is the only public university in our nation named to honor a woman -- a woman who not only gave birth to our nation's first president and instilled in him the essential character traits for which he is renowned, but who was also an extraordinary individual in her own right.

Defying the customs of that era, Mary Washington demonstrated unusual tenacity and independence by continuing to operate the family farm long after the untimely death of George's father. I am proud to be the first woman president of the university that carries the distinguished name of this key historical figure.

Since its founding 100 years ago, UMW has achieved a solid reputation for academic excellence and for developing individuals of integrity -- this well-deserved reputation is what initially attracted me here. We believe that the best college education is characterized by small classes and personal attention from faculty scholars.

In many ways, the educational experience offered to UMW students rivals that of the very best private colleges in the country -- and I commend the Virginia public higher education system for fostering a high degree of institutional autonomy and self-determination that has allowed such a distinctive state-supported institution to flourish.

UMW's liberal arts and sciences undergraduate programs reflect the best classical tradition in the arts and sciences, yet they are constantly evolving to meet the needs of contemporary students.

Hands-on, experiential learning through career internships, community service, independent research, and global studies prepares today's students for the challenges and opportunities they will face in tomorrow's complex and diverse world. And Mary Washington's commitment to a strong honor system underpins a community of trust and helps forge citizens who will serve their state and nation with honesty and integrity.

I was also attracted to the University of Mary Washington because it is a forward-looking institution, responsive to the needs of the commonwealth and the fast-growing Fredericksburg region in which it is located.

The university's College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS), located in Stafford County, was created within the past decade to provide expanded educational opportunities to the region's working adults and to partner with the business and educational community as an engine for economic development.

CGPS has already awarded nearly 1,200 master's and bachelor's degrees in professional fields, enabling its graduates to advance their careers. And UMW is about to embark on another new venture with a third campus located near the naval research facility in Dahlgren to deliver technical and engineering programs to meet the needs of that workforce.

Since arriving in Virginia just a few short weeks ago, I have been asked many times about my "vision" for the university. It is my belief that the role of a leader is to shape a shared vision for the future, engaging in that effort many key stakeholders -- faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university.

Consequently, we will be embarking on a far-reaching strategic planning process this year to result in a comprehensive plan for charting UMW's course. Together, we will develop strategic goals, objectives, and measurable benchmarks to monitor and document our progress.

Since we are a public institution, the university's strategic plan must be in alignment with the needs of the commonwealth and the statewide strategic plan developed by the State Council of Higher Education.

UMW is and will remain committed to providing access to the citizens of Virginia by working closely with high schools and community colleges to provide information and pathways to our institution.

We are also committed to remaining affordable to students and their families, keeping tuition and fee increases as low as possible and working to expand scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

The University of Mary Washington will also continue to serve an important role in the area of economic development for our region. Through CGPS and the newly developing Dahlgren Campus, we will work closely with the business community and employers to determine what programs are needed and then develop and deliver those programs to meet the workforce needs.

UMW will work to become a more diverse institution in terms of our student enrollment as well as our faculty and staff employment. In order to prepare our graduates to live and work in a multicultural world and to engage in a global economy, they must experience living and working with individuals from many backgrounds and experiences.

Diversity is a critical element of educational excellence, and achieving a campus environment rich in diversity is an important goal.

It is very exciting to be taking the helm of an institution that looks to a bright future from a position of considerable strength. I am honored to have the opportunity to become a part of this great university and to join such a prestigious statewide system of higher education.

While I realize that we will all face challenges in the current economic climate, I remain certain that Virginia's public universities will continue to be the envy of the nation. I look forward to becoming part of this great tradition.
Judy G. Hample is president of the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Contact her at .