At William & Mary’s 2026 Charter Day, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns reflects on the power of authentic history, shared memory and the responsibility we all carry to shape the future.
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W&M Life
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W&M Life
Charter Day 2026: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger
At William & Mary’s 2026 Charter Day, Governor Abigail Spanberger reflected on Virginia’s history, civic leadership and the power of engaged citizens.
Research & Scholarship
New research uncovers how microbes shape ecosystem resilience
Geoffrey Zahn, assistant professor in applied science at William & Mary, studied one of the most unique “forests” in the world.
Excellence
Math Professor Chi-Kwong Li honored with internationally prestigious awards
Two of the field’s highest honors recognize his widespread contributions to linear algebra.
W&M Life
William & Mary students meet with America’s storyteller
World-renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns visits for Charter Day.
University News
Four university presidents reflect on leadership
W&M President Katherine A. Rowe moderated a panel discussion among W&M Chancellor Robert M. Gates, W. Taylor Reveley III and W. Taylor Reveley IV.
Service & Community
Burns, Spanberger help launch W&M’s Year of Civic Leadership
Ken Burns and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger spoke at William & Mary's 2026 Charter Day ceremony.
Excellence
W&M students place in top tier of international trading challenge
Out of 616 teams participating in the CME Group University Trading Challenge — an online futures trading competition that uses real-world market data and simulated funds — the W&M team ranked No. 36.
Research & Scholarship
Oysters play unexpected role in protecting blue crabs from disease
These natural filters are removing more than algae and excess nutrients.
Excellence
William & Mary announces 2026 Alumni Medallion recipients
The 2026 Alumni Medallions will be bestowed at a ceremony during Charter Day Weekend on Feb. 7, 2026.
Research & Scholarship
What can yeast and fruit flies tell us about cancer?
William & Mary students and professors use these simple organisms to investigate one of the most complex diseases.
Belonging
Strengthening civility
In polarized times, William & Mary cultivates civic leaders who can bridge deep differences.
Excellence
W&M Law School team captures national trial advocacy championship
The W&M Law School National Trial Team earned first place at the National Championships Labor and Employment Law Trial Advocacy Competition.
W&M Life
How college presidents succeed
Join Katherine A. Rowe, Robert M. Gates, W. Taylor Reveley III and W. Taylor Reveley IV for a lively discussion on leadership.
Research & Scholarship
New year, new decisions
W&M Professor of Psychology Harvey Langholtz breaks down the science behind decision making.
Research & Scholarship
Faculty affiliate uncovers Revolutionary War history with class, tour
Through rigorous research on the revolutionary era highlighted on C-SPAN, Faculty Affiliate Robyn Schroeder will launch a tour of various sites on campus in April 2026.
Excellence
W&M announces 2026 Charter Day award winners
Two students and two faculty members will be recognized at the Charter Day ceremony on Feb. 6 and a special reception on Jan. 30.
University News
W&M football alumnus Joe Brady ’13 named Buffalo Bills head coach
Joe Brady '13 was named head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Research & Scholarship
Keeping birds away from oysters could help farmers balance productivity and ecology
Researchers turn a practical problem into an opportunity for innovation.
W&M Life
Students explore finance careers in 24th annual Wall Street Program
Three-day excursion to New York City includes site visits to some of the industry’s top firms.
Research & Scholarship
Books published by William & Mary faculty in 2025
A look at books published by W&M faculty in 2025.
Research & Scholarship
Misophonia Q&A: When noise becomes intolerable
Assistant psychology professor Heather Hansen breaks down misconceptions about the rare disorder, and what people should now about how to address it.
University News
ISC4 opening marks new home for School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
William & Mary’s first new school in more than 50 years takes a major step forward with the opening of Integrated Science Center 4 for the spring 2026 semester.
University News
Governor, award-winning filmmaker to speak at Charter Day
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will speak at the Charter Day ceremony.
W&M Life
The science of snowflakes
Two William & Mary professors describe the science behind these whimsical wintry emblems.
Research & Scholarship
A quantum world
Over 100 years since the genesis of quantum physics, William & Mary scientists continue to push the boundaries of what is known.
Research & Scholarship
Can Virginia stop the blue catfish?
New research shows the Chesapeake Bay’s top invader is hard to control.
Research & Scholarship
Two leading experiments reveal combined insights into why matter exists
Two separate experiments — the NOvA collaboration at Fermilab in Illinois and the T2K experiment in Japan — may help reveal how our universe formed.
University News
AidData receives $1M for project on rebuilding global data systems
A new grant from the Hewlett Foundation will fund an AidData-led project to reimagine the data systems key to development progress.
Excellence
Students bring ‘Liquid Commonwealth’ to life at the Muscarelle
A new exhibit at the Muscarelle Museum of Art owes its existence to the students in The Curatorial Project, an undergraduate course required for William & Mary students with a concentration in art history.