Latest News

This is a photo of an excerpt from the Declaration of Indepence

Research & Scholarship

What Jefferson really meant by the ‘Pursuit of Happiness’

Few phrases are more closely associated with the Declaration of Independence than Thomas Jefferson’s assertion that all people possess an unalienable right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Susan Corbett | June 22, 2026

People wearing life vests sit on a boat.

Research & Scholarship

Novel study defines ‘vertical marine heatwaves’ in Chesapeake Bay

A new study out of William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS is redefining how we visualize and track marine heatwaves in estuarine systems.

Patrick McGettigan, W&M's Batten School & VIMS | June 17, 2026

An illustration shows people in silhouette through a window.

Research & Scholarship

W&M alumni historians reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States

William & Mary alumni discuss the university’s role as the Alma Mater of the Nation in this momentous year.

Annie Powell, University Marketing | June 16, 2026

People hold nets while standing in a river.

Research & Scholarship

‘Roanoke Roundup’ pushes students out of comfort zone, into world of Appalachian freshwater fish

For 56 years, the Roanoke Roundup has immersed scientists and students in the tributaries of Southwest Virginia.

Ethan Smith, W&M's Batten School & VIMS | June 15, 2026

Stefan Romero, creator of the America's Tapestry project, consults with volunteer embroiderers completing one of the 13 panels

W&M Life

The fabric of a new nation, told stitch by stitch

Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, the nation’s founding story comes together in “America’s Tapestry,” on view June 19-Sept. 6 at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary

Susan Corbett | June 12, 2026

Research & Scholarship

Holmes named W&M Libraries Faculty Scholar

Marcus Holmes has been named the next William & Mary Libraries Faculty Scholar.

Tami Back, W&M Libraries | June 11, 2026

This is a photo of a rare piano recently donated to William & Mary's Music Arts Center

University News

A stunning addition to W&M’s Music Arts Center

The latest addition to the Historic Keyboard Room within William & Mary's Music Arts Center is is a nearly 150-year-old Lindeman Cycloid piano, a gift from Crissy Hawthorne.

Annie Powell, University Marketing | June 10, 2026

Teachers sit at several tables and stare at a presentation hosted by a man and a woman.

Excellence

Launch of lilyPD beta provides custom development tools for national educators

Over the course of the grant, the team behind lilyPD will develop a minimum of 15 courses over three years, the equivalent of 75 hours of professional learning, focused on history, civics and democracy.

William Oster | June 9, 2026

Four people pose with prop in front of a Juneteenth backdrop while someone else takes a photo.

Belonging

Local artists lead W&M Juneteenth celebration

This year’s Juneteenth celebration at William & Mary will take place on June 18.

Kate Hoving, Reves Center for International Studies | June 9, 2026

A weathervane can be seen through trees.

University News

Four leaders appointed to William & Mary Board of Visitors

Four business and civic leaders have been appointed to William & Mary’s Board of Visitors, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced on June 5.

Staff | June 9, 2026

A graphic shows the Potomac River and Washington DC skyline with text that says W&M Weekend 2026 Washington D.C.

W&M Life

William & Mary wins in D.C.

William & Mary Weekend brought 1,000+ alumni and friends to Washington, D.C., to connect, discover and celebrate.

Claire De Lisle, University Marketing | June 8, 2026

University News

Laura Gariepy named dean of William & Mary Libraries

Laura Gariepy, a longtime library leader dedicated to supporting student and faculty success, has been selected as the next dean of university libraries at William & Mary.

Erin Jay | June 4, 2026

Research & Scholarship

Chesapeake Bay blue crabs rebound; scientists urge continued caution

The annual Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey shows improved juvenile recruitment, but adult female abundance remains low.

John Wallace, W&M's Batten School & VIMS | June 2, 2026

A panel of speakers sits in front of a projected image that reads "Military Spouse Symposium." Several attendees sit at tables in the foreground.

Service & Community

Symposium to highlight military spouses throughout history for America’s 250th

The symposium will recognize the legacy of military spouses and foster strong community ties through workshops and collaboration.

William Oster | May 28, 2026

W&M Life

A global ambassador for W&M Esports

Jordan Whitaker M.P.P. ’14, director of Esports at William & Mary, might have to add “ambassador-at-large” to his job description.

Kate Hoving, Reves Center | May 28, 2026

The Reves Center for International Studies

Research & Scholarship

Reves Center announces 2026 faculty fellows

The Reves Center for International Studies has announced the 2026 Reves and Drapers’ Faculty Fellowships.

Kate Hoving, Reves Center for International Studies | May 27, 2026

An aerial photo shows discoloration in a river with a bridge going across it.

Research & Scholarship

Scientists forecast milder Chesapeake Bay dead zone in 2026

Below-average nutrient runoff is predicted to result in better conditions for Chesapeake Bay life.

John Wallace, W&M's Batten School & VIMS | May 27, 2026

Eelgrass is visible under the surface of a large body of water.

Research & Scholarship

Harnessing ‘microbiome matchmaking’ for coastal seagrass resilience

Geoffrey Zahn, an assistant professor of applied science at William & Mary, is pioneering new methods to ensure coastal defenses survive.

Eva Kalajian, School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics | May 26, 2026

W&M Life

Video content:
Celebrate: 2026 Commencement recap

Celebrate the pride, joy and unforgettable moments of William & Mary's 2026 Commencement.

Staff | May 22, 2026

A person holds a jar up with a marine specimen inside of it while two people point.

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

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

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

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

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

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