William & Mary Board of Visitors approves new academic programs, degrees and professional certificates
Filmaker Ken Burns and Governor Abigail Spanberger receive honorary degrees at recent meeting
The William & Mary Board of Visitors met in early February for a series of committee meetings, joint sessions, and its full board meeting, concluding with Charter Day weekend celebrations.
The board convened Wednesday, February 4, for committee meetings covering compensation, academic affairs, athletics, student experience, and administration. That evening, members attended a social dinner at The Entrepreneurship Hub.
On Thursday, February 5, the board joined the William & Mary Alumni Association Board and the William & Mary Foundation Board for a joint session at Miller Hall. Presentations covered milestones for Vision 2026, alumni survey results, strategic planning, enrollment strategy, and the university’s brand hub. The board briefly entered closed session to discuss institutional fundraising before reconvening. That evening, attendees gathered at the Glenn Close Theater for a “Presidential Conversations: Lessons in Leadership” panel featuring Chancellor Robert M. Gates, William & Mary President Emeritus W. Taylor Reveley III, and Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley IV, moderated by President Katherine A. Rowe.
The full board meeting was held Friday, February 6, called to order by Rector Charles Poston, who highlighted the launch of the Year of Civic Leadership. President Rowe noted the university’s 333rd birthday and shared recent accomplishments, including a national trial team championship for the Law School, a successful winter storm response, and an upcoming ten-year reaccreditation site visit from SACSCOC scheduled for March 2026.
The board took several actions during committee reports. In academic affairs, members unanimously approved the award of academic tenure, new certificate programs at the Law School and Business School, and a new PhD in Data Science. The administration, buildings, and grounds committee reviewed capital project status ahead of an expected Annual Capital Plan approval in April. The athletics committee received updates from Athletics Director Brian Mann on personnel and the new Mackesy Sports Performance Center, known as “The Mack,” along with a presentation on data analytics in athletics.
The audit, risk, and compliance committee received a preliminary unmodified opinion on the university’s 2025 audit from the Auditor of Public Accounts, along with updates on internal audit activity, HR risks, and Title IX compliance. The financial affairs committee discussed transitioning key performance indicators to actionable metrics, financial aid and pricing strategy, and reserve policies. The compensation committee began discussions on succession planning.
Student, faculty, and staff assembly representatives each addressed the board. Student representative Zoe Wang highlighted an upcoming undergraduate survey, a multi-university student advocacy network, and wellness initiatives including Narcan funding. Faculty representative Dr. K. Scott Swan emphasized student visa support, academic freedom, and the strategic implications of artificial intelligence. Staff representative Adam White reported on the Development Support Fund, a joint food drive, and recognized essential workers for their response during recent adverse weather.
The board unanimously approved honorary doctorates for filmmaker Kenneth Lauren Burns and former congresswoman Abigail Davis Spanberger before adjourning at 10:08 a.m.
Charter Day weekend concluded with the dedication of The Mack Sports Performance Center, the Gates Hall Topping Off Ceremony, and the Alumni Medallion Ceremony on Saturday, February 7.
The writer used AI tools and these sources:
Board of Visitors - February 4-6, 2026 Meeting Agenda Packet
WILLIAM & MARY BOARD OF VISITORS FEBRUARY 4–6, 2026 MEETING MINUTES
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