Academic excellence has been a hallmark of the University since its founding in 1930. The University continues to serve as a baccalaureate institution of access for successive waves of first-generation and underrepresented students, even as it has more recently become a training ground for professionals and researchers in pursuit of knowledge in the form of credentials, certificates, and advanced degrees. These goals and strategies position the University as a leader in workforce development and experiential learning, while building innovative academic programs and a research infrastructure concomitant with its Carnegie R1 research classification. Recruiting and retaining a diverse cadre of faculty and academic administrators that mirrors the student body will foster creativity in which all viewpoints are valued and exchanged.
Serve as a leading institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia in developing and offering relevant, signature academic programs to meet regional and global workforce needs
Provide high-impact experiences for all undergraduate students through experiential learning programs
Utilize cutting-edge pedagogy and advising best practices to enrich undergraduate and graduate academic programs
Develop infrastructure to support excellence in research and scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students
Accelerate the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and academic administrators who are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, engagement, and mentorship
Serve as a leading institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia in developing and offering relevant, signature academic programs to meet regional and global workforce needs
Provide high-impact experiences for all undergraduate students through experiential learning programs
Utilize cutting-edge pedagogy and advising best practices to enrich undergraduate and graduate academic programs
Develop infrastructure to support excellence in research and scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students
Accelerate the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and academic administrators who are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, engagement, and mentorship