Executive Vice President Richard V. Hurley has announced his intention to retire from the University of Mary Washington effective May 1, 2010.
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.
During his decade-long tenure at Mary Washington, Hurley has been the institution’s chief financial officer while also directing 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. At the request of the Board of Visitors, he served as acting president from May 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008. Upon her arrival, President Judy G. Hample named Hurley her second in command as executive vice president.
Hurley has had an extensive impact on the university. 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 are also 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.
Familiar to the greater 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.
Commenting on Hurley’s decision to retire from the University, Hample expressed her gratitude for his outstanding service: “Rick Hurley’s legacy of accomplishments will be forever remembered in the annals of Mary Washington. His efforts have clearly transformed our institution and enhanced students’ educational experiences. I wish him every success during his well-earned retirement.”
Nanalou Sauder, rector of the Board of Visitors, expressed her appreciation for Hurley’s notable service: “I know Rick Hurley as a person of integrity, of high competence, and of unfailing honesty; UMW is extremely fortunate that he has brought these qualities and many others to the service of the University in many capacities, including his phenomenal abilities as CFO and, particularly, his service as acting president during a very difficult time for the institution. On behalf of the Board of Visitors, I thank him for his dedicated and excellent service to the institution that we love and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
“Rick did an outstanding job as acting president and his financial acumen has been extremely helpful during these times of reduced Commonwealth funding,” said J. William Poole, former rector and current member of the Board of Visitors and vice chairman of the University of Mary Washington Foundation. “He has an outstanding reputation among his peers and his associates at the university.”
Russell Roberts, member of the Board of Visitors, said of Hurley’s accomplishments: “Rick has provided the university with incredible depth and experience both here and in Richmond. During his acting presidency he did an exemplary job under the most difficult circumstances.”
During the 2008 Commencement, Hurley received a Washington Medallion for “extraordinary service to the university that has made a lasting and indelible impact.” In addition, two alumni established a gift of an endowment to fund an award in honor of Hurley and his wife Rose. The Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation was created to recognize UMW employees who have performed “exceptionally meritorious service to the university while demonstrating strength of character and steadfast dedication to the university’s mission.”
Hurley’s future plans include spending more time with his wife and their family, continuing his work with community organizations, and exploring new opportunities.