UVA Wise, The 2030 Plan Homepage

Honor the Future: The Campaign for the College at Wise

Like so many of our peers, UVA Wise has arrived at the proverbial fork in the road. How do we both retain the enduring characteristics of the traditional liberal arts institution and uplift it to meet the rapidly changing realities of today and tomorrow? Ahead, you will see that we have embarked on this very quest: We reimagine the college experience for the 21st century and for students to whom a college education may seem like an unattainable goal.

Through this strategic planning process, our College has designed an academic experience featuring the classical underpinnings of a liberal arts education—e.g. debate, public discourse, and enlightenment—one that wrestles with age-old questions as well as current-day dilemmas, including civic life and democracy in the social media era; post-pandemic recovery and renewal; and the intersection of economic renewal and environmental stewardship.

In addition to embracing the traditional liberal arts, the College at Wise puts forward a bold new vision. We pledge to design a curriculum that intentionally develops professional competencies in technology and research, for instance, and hones soft skills in communication and critical thinking. We define an experience that prepares graduates for their first career, or graduate school, and second and third careers—even for their golden years of retirement. We seek to empower graduates for the world they live in today and for the world they will inherit and shape in 25, 50, or, perhaps, 75 years. UVA Wise is your college for your lifetime.

Each of us serves as an indispensable part of this vision and this community ecosystem. We represent interdependent actors creating a mutually beneficial environment for growth and learning for all. Everyone’s success matters at UVA Wise: that of our students, alumni, colleagues, and members of the community, both near and far. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the importance of connectedness, resilience, and agility. We are partners on this new journey, and I look forward to what we will accomplish TOGETHER.

Best regards,

Donna P. Henry, Ph.D.

Chancellor, University of Virginia's College at Wise