President's Welcome

Dear Friends,

It is an honor for me to write this letter, one of my first official acts as President of the University of Mary Washington. As I have said on a number of occasions, it brings me immense pleasure to be serving as the first female leader of this great institution. As we move into the second century together, I want to celebrate UMW’s rich heritage and to thank all the people who have made the University what it is today.

As many of you know, I have come here from a position in which I had oversight of a statewide university system. I relish the collegiality of this campus and the opportunity to work one-on-one with people in a smaller, more intimate environment.

My primary goal as President is to enhance further the quality of undergraduate academic experiences and graduate opportunities of our students. Important to these efforts will be the development of living and learning environments for students and an increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion.  In addition, I intend to do all I can to recognize our bounty of outstanding alumni and ensure that they remain exceedingly proud of their alma mater.  Alumni support will continue to be essential to the success of Mary Washington.

In the coming months, I hope to meet as many members of the UMW family as possible. I also intend to make myself known in the Fredericksburg community and on both campuses. When I am not on the road, I will be visiting offices, classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities, and the campus center as I get to know all the people who make Mary Washington the special, enduring place it is.  

I want to learn everything I can about the University -- from current students to alumni; academic programs to co-curricular activities; liberal arts roots to professional education; distinguished professors of the past to intellectual leaders of today.

As I begin my work, I want to thank the Board of Visitors and the entire community for allowing me to lead the University of Mary Washington into the second decade of the 21st century.

In a paraphrase of David McCullough’s closing words during his stirring Centennial Convocation address in March in Dodd Auditorium: On we go.

Sincerely,

Judy G. Hample
President