Innovative approaches have attracted and enhanced the success of an increasingly diverse faculty and student body.
Thomas Jefferson’s vision—a public university to educate citizens for a democracy—remains central to UVA 200 years later. The imperative to represent all citizens has made Access & Opportunity a priority for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences in the Campaign.
A&S is attracting a broader mix of students and fostering their success. In the last year, the College has successfully hired a number of diverse faculty. As part of the Race, Justice, and Equity initiative that seeks scholars across disciplines with a focus on Black Studies, the College added five prestigious faculty. Six early career faculty also accepted two-year visiting positions in underrepresented fields, particularly the sciences.
Student achievement programs have included an innovative revamp of introductory chemistry that has improved academic performance and reduced underrepresented student attrition. Summer programs help prepare incoming first generation and other underprepared students interested in areas requiring strong quantitative skills.
The University announced a partnership with A&S to invest $16 million in the Carter G. Woodson Institute, home of African American and African Studies. The money will endow the Institute’s renowned pre- and post-doctoral fellowships and a new professorship. $6 million is earmarked to match donations to create three Bicentennial Professorships.
To add new projects, expand successful programs and capture the Woodson matching gift, we must secure additional endowment funds. Only with generous donors will A&S be able to fulfill Jefferson’s vision.