MISSION & VALUES

1.Mission

Through excellence in teaching, personalized attention, and a commitment to individual growth, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world.

2.Values

Public Liberal Arts Identity

We embrace our identity as a public liberal arts institution. We are inspired by the world of ideas and a diversity of perspectives. We encourage all members of our community to seek understanding beyond the boundaries of their current knowledge, to deepen understanding through critical reflection and analysis, and to share understanding through clear and persuasive communication.

Affordability & Accessibility

We believe in the transformative power of higher education for all individuals. We prioritize affordable access to an excellent, inclusive, and comprehensive college experience. We are committed to degrees that open doors to a range of careers, create economic and social mobility, forge a path to global citizenship, and serve as a conduit for a fulfilled life.

Commitment to the Individual

We value the unique contributions of all members of our community, who represent diverse populations and rich cultural heritages. We are committed to creating a culture of listening that opens minds to new perspectives and fosters the habit of reflection that deepens self-awareness. Through our actions, we seek to be engaged citizens who work for positive impact in our community.

Engagement with the Community

We respect the history and culture of our home in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. We aspire, through teaching and scholarship, to deepen our understanding of the unique characteristics of the region and to apply and share that knowledge broadly. We partner with organizations and individuals to develop strategies for health and wellness, economic growth, job opportunity, and community vitality through the arts, education, culture, sports, and recreation. We are committed to stewardship of the community’s resources and trust.

3.How did we get here?

In February 2020, Chancellor Henry charged a broad committee with charting the path forward for UVA Wise through their work with this Strategic Plan. Chaired by Trisha Folds-Bennett, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Mark Clark, Kenneth Asbury Professor of History, the Steering Committee included individuals from more than a dozen departments at the College.

Now, the work of the new Strategic Plan is powerfully impacting work across campus, building momentum that touches each individual on campus. Ongoing and new committees and working groups carrying this work forward include, but are not limited to, the:

• Liberal Arts Core Committee
• Strategic Enrollment Management and Retention Committee
• Wise and Ready Career Discovery and Planning Committee
• Vibrant Communities Committee
• Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Tech Talent Initiative

Working Groups on:

• Student Retention and Success
• First and Second Year Communities
• Faculty and Staff Recruitment and Retention
• High Impact Practices and Experiential Learning

This list is not exhaustive, but reflects the significant breadth and depth of progress now happening.