Chapter 1 Mission Statement & Institutional History
The Board of Visitors
Chapter 9.2, §§23-91.34 through 91.44, Code of Virginia,
established Mary Washington College as an independent institution effective
July 1, 1972, with a twelve-member Board
of Visitors to serve as the governing and policy-making body for
the institution. On July 1, 2004, the name of the institution was changed
to the University of Mary Washington.
The legal title of the Corporation of the University is “The Rector
and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington.” Members of
the Board are appointed by the Governor of Virginia for a term of four
years. A visitor may serve two four-year terms, in addition to completing
an unexpired term. The Rector of the Board is elected by the Visitors
from its membership for a two-year term.
Consistent with the powers vested in it by statute, the Board enacts
policies to guide the operation of the University and employs the President
of the University of Mary Washington to serve as the Chief Executive
Officer of the University with the responsibility for implementing Board
Policy.