William & Mary recently issued an “Insider’s Update,” written by Matthew T. Lambert, the school’s senior vice president for university advancement.
It provides a behind-the-scenes lens on the news from across the wider world of higher education.
In his update, Lambert, who graduated from William & Mary in 1999, reflects on the 332 years of history of William & Mary, sometimes called the alma mater of the nation.
He quoted the words of Judge John Charles Thomas, the first African American and youngest appointee to the Supreme Court of Virginia. In his address to this year’s graduates at William & Mary, Thomas said:
“I depend on this class, not just the undergraduates but also on the graduates who studied here, that when you leave this place and go out into the world, that you will understand that with the skills of freedom, you are meant to be builders of the best that America can be.”
Lambert noted that those words deeply resonated with him as William & Mary celebrated its recent anniversary, a year filled with milestones, challenges and achievements.
“At the core, what gives our community strength through the tumult of the world is a focus on building a stronger nation and the world, using the skills we cultivate and community we build at William & Mary,” Lambert wrote.
He reiterated that William & Mary remains laser-focused on three critical areas: providing a transformative student experience, preparing students as 21st-century citizens and professionals, and ensuring graduates will have secure, meaningful and well-paid employment after they leave the university.
Lambert pointed out that William & Mary is committed to low student-to-faculty ratio — 13:1, among the lowest of any public university in the nation. This ensures personal, impactful learning experiences. W&M is continuously evolving the curriculum to meet the demands of global citizenship and professional life.
In addition, there is a guarantee that every undergraduate has access to a funded internship or other applied learning experience. William & Mary provides real-world experience and mentorship. In fact, 84% of the undergraduates are engaged in mentored research, with over two-thirds participating in study abroad programs and a significant majority involved in community-engaged learning.
“WM is ranked in the Top 25 in the nation for educational experience, carrying forward our long-standing tradition of creating well-rounded critical thinkers ready to enter the career market,” Lambert wrote. “By focusing on these priorities, we ensure that our graduates are well prepared for whatever comes next, setting them on a clear path for lifelong success.”
William & Mary was the first in the nation to implement an emphasis on constructive conversation and thoughtful discourse across curriculum. Based on the Aspen Institute’s “Better Arguments Project,” the concept guided William & Mary students to engage confidently and constructively with one another around difficult issues.
“While protests roiled campuses nationwide, we upheld our values, fostering dialogue and understanding within our community,” Lambert stated.
In his “Insider’s Update,” Lambert pointed out that the very existence of William & Mary as a university is a testament to the generosity of those who believe in its mission.
“At crucial junctures, impactful donors have transformed our university, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements.”
Lambert listed a series of milestones when private donations made it possible for William & Mary to enhance not just the university’s physical landscape, but to also implement “Vision 2026,” a strategic plan that provides a roadmap for the future, with cornerstone initiatives such as the School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics.
“Increased scholarship funding, career readiness and internship programs, higher levels of excellence in our academic offerings and campus environment ready for the next 100 years are just the beginnings,” Lambert wrote. “There is excitement and determination in the air as we plan for these future opportunities. As we look around the landscape of higher education more broadly, we need the power of our people now more than ever.”
Frank Shatz is a Williamsburg resident. He is the author of “Reports from a Distant Place,” the compilation of his selected columns. The book is available at Bruton Parish Shop and on Amazon.com.
