The University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors today announced the selection of Richard V. Hurley to serve as the ninth president of the institution, effective July 1, 2010.
“Rick Hurley will continue to lead the institution. He is the right person for the job,” said Board Rector Nanalou Sauder. “Rick has the knowledge, experience and leadership qualities needed to move the university forward. The outpouring of support for his candidacy from faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community was remarkable,” said Sauder.
Hurley has spent more than three decades in higher education, including 10 years at Mary Washington. From May 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, Hurley balanced multiple duties of acting president and vice president during a period of presidential transition. He has performed the role of executive vice president since July 1, 2008, and was appointed as acting president for the second time April 1, 2010, to again cover a presidential transition period.
“I will be honored to accept the office of UMW president,” said Hurley. “I want to thank Rector Sauder, the entire board and the community for placing their confidence in me. I truly welcome the opportunity to move the university forward,” he said.
During his tenure at Mary Washington, Hurley has made a significant impact on the university. In addition to acting as the institution’s chief financial officer, he directs facilities and capital projects, public safety, human resources and business operations. He also serves as treasurer of the University of Mary Washington Foundation where he has been instrumental in developing the university’s first public/private partnership, Eagle Village.
The list of Hurley’s accomplishments during his decade-long tenure is long and varied. The Fredericksburg campus has seen a substantial expansion of facilities that support significant improvements to student life including the indoor tennis complex, the fitness center, the renovation of Lee Hall, the acquisition of Marye’s Heights Apartments, the addition of a campus parking deck, and the current construction of the Anderson Convocation Center.
Also completed under Hurley’s watch was the distinctive Campanile, which now serves as an anchor for Campus Walk, and the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, which provides an inviting home for alumni, advancement and community activities. Mary Washington’s second academic building at the Stafford campus and the planning for a new Dahlgren campus also are among Hurley’s important accomplishments.
The financial standing of the Mary Washington has also seen considerable improvements due to Hurley’s efforts. The university’s reserves have grown from $900,000 when he arrived in 2000 to more than several million dollars today. Hurley also has worked diligently to reduce university expenditures without jeopardizing the institution’s core mission. For example, he oversaw the university’s energy performance audit that resulted in annual savings of approximately $500,000.
As university president, Hurley pledges he will remain active in the Fredericksburg community. Hurley established the Town and Gown Committee and through his efforts the university’s relationships with the community have been strengthened significantly. He serves as the chair of the board of directors of the Rappahannock United Way, a director of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, a member of the board of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance and a member of the local BB&T advisory board.
Hurley came to Mary Washington in 2000 from Longwood University where he had served as vice president for administration and finance from 1985 until his departure. Prior to his service at Longwood, he spent four years at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and earlier had stints at several colleges and universities.
Hurley holds degrees, diplomas, and certificates from Harvard University, University of Kentucky, Central Michigan University, and Richard Stockton College in New Jersey.