W&M News

People in caps and gown are seen in silhouette against the Wren Building.

W&M Life

William & Mary celebrates Class of 2026 on the national stage

Francis Fukuyama encourages Class of 2026 to embrace their roles as civic leaders.

Erin Jay | May 18, 2026

Two people embrace while standing among others.

Service & Community

A tradition of generosity

At Traditions Weekend, the 50th Reunion Class celebrated the largest class gift ever.

Claire De Lisle, University Marketing | May 20, 2026

Excellence

Outstanding members of W&M community honored at Commencement

Graduates and members of the William & Mary community were recognized at the 2026 commencement with awards for their dedication to the university and its values.

Staff | May 19, 2026

An aerial view of fields shows encroaching waters.

Research & Scholarship

Sea level rise is swallowing Mid-Atlantic farmland faster than expected, study finds

Ghost forests have become haunting symbols of sea level rise overtaking land along the Mid-Atlantic coast. But a new study points to even more dramatic land losses in the region’s coastal farmlands.

Joseph Caterine, W&M's Batten School & VIMS | May 19, 2026

Latest News

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Excellence

VA SEA recognized as a premier science education program

The Virginia Scientists & Educators Alliance is administered as a partnership between the Office of Outreach & Engagement at William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS and Virginia Sea Grant.

Ethan Smith, W&M's Batten School & VIMS | May 21, 2026

W&M Life

William & Mary Libraries announces Sadeqa Johnson as writer-in-residence

William & Mary Libraries has selected Virginia author Sadeqa Johnson as its 2026-2027 writer-in-residence.

Tami Back, W&M Libraries | May 14, 2026

Excellence

Caligiuri and Cascone win spring 2026 Values in Action awards

The Values in Action awards recognize staff and faculty at William & Mary who exemplify the qualities the university holds in highest regard: belonging, curiosity, excellence, flourishing, integrity, respect and service.

Susan Corbett | May 14, 2026

Robert Gates gestures while speaking in front of a backdrop that says W&M and Global Research Institute.

University News

Robert M. Gates Initiative in American Statecraft launches at William & Mary

Inspired by the legacy of Chancellor Robert M. Gates ’65, L.H.D. ’98, the Robert M. Gates Global Policy Center and William & Mary are launching a signature center for foreign policy teaching and research.

Mary Trimble, Global Research Institute | May 13, 2026

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Highlights

People with backpacks walk along a brick pathway toward a brick building.

Excellence

Forbes names W&M a ‘New Ivy’ for second time

For the second consecutive year, Forbes has counted William & Mary among “The New Ivies” for the university’s excellence in career readiness.

Erin Jay | April 13, 2026

Excellence

William & Mary earns highest honor as a ‘Military Friendly’ institution

The university has been reaffirmed as a Gold-Level Military Friendly School by MilitaryFriendly.com, the highest honor a university can receive.

William Oster | April 2, 2026

Video

A person takes a photo of two people holding signs in front of the Wren Building.

W&M Life

2026 Day for Admitted Students

A person speaks at a podium while his image is displayed on a large screen.

W&M Life

Charter Day 2026: Ken Burns

A person speaks while standing at a podium.

W&M Life

Charter Day 2026: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger

William & Mary and Homecoming banners hang from a ceoling of a large tent, in which people dance.

W&M Life

Celebrate together: Homecoming 2025

A person wearing a hardhat and safety vest writes on a notebook.

Research & Scholarship

Uncovering layers of history

A person holds a Welcome Home sign while standing in a large crowd.

W&M Life

Welcome home: W&M’s 2025 Convocation ceremony

Excellence

In W&M’s Year of Civic Leadership, Saylor Barnes ’26 shows how it’s done

Saylor Barnes '26 made herself invaluable to William & Mary’s Civic and Community Engagement office, leading voter engagement efforts during her undergraduate years.

Susan Corbett | May 13, 2026

People wearing academic regalia take a photo together outside of the W&M Alumni House.

Excellence

The combined power of cutting-edge research and authentic connection

2026 Plumeri Awards celebrate the achievements of W&M faculty and staff.

Annie Powell, University Marketing | May 12, 2026

Judi Starkey stands in a museum gallery.

Service & Community

A passionate arts proponent

Judith ‘Judi’ Starkey to be named an honorary W&M alumna.

Sadie Downing '26, University Marketing | May 11, 2026

Chelsea Smith stands near a brick wall in an outdoor location.

University News

Chelsea Smith honored with Shirley Aceto Award

The award recognizes her exceptional commitment to the university’s core values, outstanding individual service, and leadership working with students, faculty and staff.

Mandeep Singh Brar Ph.D. ’28, W&M School of Education | May 11, 2026