University of Mary Washington president Richard V. Hurley will deliver the commencement address during the university’s 105th commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. Hurley has served as the institution’s ninth president since 2010 and has announced that he will retire in June.
During his tenure as president, Rick Hurley has been highly engaged with the students of UMW,” said the university’s rector, Holly T. Cuellar ’89. “Our students have loved having a president who connects with them on a personal level, attends their events, and regularly hosts them in his home. Graduation day is all about our students, and therefore it is especially meaningful that President Hurley speak to them from the heart at what will be his final commencement exercises.”
During his tenure at Mary Washington, Hurley has made a significant impact on the university. Among his accomplishments, he has directed facilities and capital projects, including construction of the Anderson Center, the University Center, and the Convergence Center, which has been named in his honor.
Hurley is recognized as an active community leader within the Fredericksburg area and is strongly committed to regional engagement and economic development. Hurley established the Town and Gown Committee, a group of university and city officials and citizens, and through his efforts the university’s relationships with the community have been strengthened significantly.
Prior to being named president, Hurley served Mary Washington for a decade in various positions, including executive vice president and chief financial officer and acting president. He also has served in positions at Longwood University, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the office of the chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges.
Hurley received a bachelor of science in environmental studies from Richard Stockton College, a master of arts in public administration from Central Michigan University, and certificates and diplomas from the University of Kentucky and Harvard University.
For more information about the commencement ceremonies, visit www.umw.edu/commencement or call the Office of University Events and Conferencing at 540-654-1065.
Bill Spellman says
Congratulations President Hurley and thank you for your service to the University of Mary Washington and to the public liberal arts sector. Best wishes from your colleagues at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.