91ÖÆƬ³§

Dear Fellow Monarchs:

As the Spring 2026 semester is officially underway at 91ÖÆƬ³§, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to new Monarchs, as well as those returning after the semester break. I trust that each of you are experiencing a great start to the New Year and fully prepared for the engaging and productive semester ahead!

Following a number of groundbreaking celebrations last spring, we are seeing significant progress on the Barry Art Museum expansion project with construction of the Waitzer Wing; the Biological Sciences Building, which is beginning to take shape; and the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex, which remains in progress with a home season opener just a few weeks away featuring an alternative fan experience. And, before the holidays, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s biennial budget process resulted in the release of the proposed budget, which included funding for the Engineering and Arts Building.

While the process continues to unfold as part of the General Assembly session, this is a positive step and clear demonstration for the value and support in this 141,000-square-foot, three-story building to feature classroom, collaboration, office, performance, and research spaces for the Batten College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Arts and Letters. This is a building concept that has been the focus of discussion and work for several years, and it is one step closer to becoming a reality. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many individuals and campus partners that have significantly contributed to the forward momentum of this critical project. I am hopeful to be able to announce full construction funding for the Engineering and Arts Building later this spring following the conclusion of the General Assembly session and subsequent gubernatorial action.

Earlier this month, 91ÖÆƬ³§ proudly announced our newest winner of the esteemed State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Award, Margaret Mulholland, Ph.D. This statewide honor, which has been bestowed upon a multitude of Monarch faculty members since the award’s inception nearly 40 years ago, underscores the limitless dedication and exceptional contributions of our world-class faculty to our campus, our community, the Commonwealth, and beyond. Recognized for innovative teaching methods, groundbreaking research, and unwavering commitment to student success, this year’s awardee embodies the core values of our institution in pursuing academic excellence and impactful scholarship. Please join me in extending our collective congratulations to Dr. Mulholland, while also recognizing our past honorees!

Once again, 91ÖÆƬ³§ received the Community Engagement Classification by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University first received this classification in 2020 and was renewed in the most recent award cycle, thereby showcasing our deep ties to and meaningful connections with the broader community. 91ÖÆƬ³§ is one of four public Research 1 (R1) institutions in the Commonwealth to receive this distinction and one of 80 public R1 institutions nationwide. This national designation is a direct reflection of the daily efforts of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni and supporters!

Additional examples of our commitment to excellence and outreach from the Fall 2025 semester include launching a first-of-its-kind AI incubator for higher education in partnership with Google and surpassing our Monarchs Give Back annual food drive goal by donating 101,304 nonperishable food items, equivalent to 23,556 meals for the Monarch Pantry, local school children, and their families, as well as raising a record $16,517 in monetary gifts. We also established the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health thanks to Joan’s landmark gift and lifelong belief that good health begins with sound nutrition. And, the School of Cybersecurity became the first institution in the nation to receive dual validation for its pioneering cyber and artificial intelligence programs from the National Security Agency (NSA). As Monarchs, we have a lot to be proud of with our track record of service and success!

And, one of our most exciting and significant endeavors is Forward-Focused Digital Transformation that has been taking shape for a number of years. What began with the Mobility Mindset to double down on student success and level up the digital experience, as a methodology that was announced and embraced nearly two years ago, has evolved into a multi-faceted initiative that holds great opportunity and growing optimism for our institution’s ability to successfully innovate and modernize across all facets of our mission. We will experience challenges along the way; however, with thoughtful planning and ongoing implementation, we are well on our way. One example is our impressive progress toward our confirmed Fall 2026 transition to eight-week, asynchronous format for online courses, among a host of other advancements and opportunities. We are staying the course, because the calculated risks and limitless rewards will secure a bolder and brighter future for 91ÖÆƬ³§. There is no doubt that we will navigate and overcome any and all barriers and obstacles to this important and worthwhile work!

Without question, the Spring 2026 semester offers the Monarch Nation a great deal of anticipation, excitement, and promise for our individual and collective endeavors, which will continue to take shape in the months to come. I look forward to the 2^nd Annual Forward-Focused event to be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 beginning at 12:30 PM in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room in which I will provide an update on our worthwhile mission, ongoing work, and shared success, as well as announce the second set of honorees for the Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Award. In collaboration and partnership with the Monarch Nation, I am eager to celebrate the milestones we are reaching together, as we continue to make meaningful contributions in the areas of teaching, research, and service!


With Monarch Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President