University of Mary Washington

School mission (as provided by the school):

The University of Mary Washington, founded in 1908, is recognized as one of the nation's premier public, liberal arts institutions. The University, with a total enrollment of nearly 5,000, is highly respected for its commitment to academic excellence, strong undergraduate liberal arts program and dedication to life-long learning and professional development. The new colleges of business and education complement the University's existing college of arts and sciences, and its location halfway between Virginia's capital city of Richmond and Washington, D.C., puts Mary Washington in a unique position to extend the classroom experience beyond Fredericksburg. UMW's talented and intellectually curious students work closely in small, interactive classes with innovative and accessible master teachers, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Fulbright scholars, who motivate them to think critically, engage meaningfully and communicate effectively. The UMW experience is based on rigorous academics, a culture of honor and dedication to community and global service, exemplified in the 2011 Peace Corps ranking of Mary Washington as the nation's top volunteer producer among small colleges. The university greatly values diversity among its students and faculty, and it promotes sustainability on campus and in the community. An education at UMW, with multiple opportunities for student research and service learning, prepares graduates for outstanding careers or for advanced study. The University offers one of the nation's leading historic preservation programs, a concentration in creative writing and one of the top debate programs in the country. Other strong majors include political science and international affairs, English, biology, psychology, earth and environmental science, history, visual and performing arts, economics and business. With its classic Jeffersonian architecture, beautifully manicured grounds and sweeping campus walk and dorms located amidst traditional lecture halls, UMW offers an unparalleled American college experience. At the same time, a premium residential and retail complex, centrally located student services and 2,000-seat convocation center provide students with superb facilities. The campus is just an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va., making national monuments, museums, government facilities and a vibrant social scene easily accessible. These two capitals also serve as a rich resource for undergraduate student internships as well as a promising job market for graduates. The university's host city, historic Fredericksburg, Va., bustles with distinctive stores, great restaurants, quaint bookstores and coffee shops, all typical of a lively college scene and within easy walking distance from campus. One of Virginia's newest and largest shopping and entertainment complexes is minutes away. The Fredericksburg campus brims with activity throughout the school year. More than 100 student organizations and clubs provide opportunity for leadership but also are active in arranging events for the entire student body. Activity abounds whether students are listening to acoustic acts and other live entertainment at The Underground snack bar and night spot or tossing a Frisbee on the lush green at Ball Circle. UMW Eagles teams regularly compete at the championship level in NCAA Division III, and numerous intramural and club sporting activities are available for students to compete at all levels. Getting to and from the Fredericksburg campus and around the area is easy. The local FRED bus service serves the campus and the surrounding area, the Amtrak station is located downtown, and international airports near Washington D.C., and Richmond connect the university with the rest of the world.