UMW Inaugurates 10th President

President Troy D. Paino wears the University of Mary Washington chain of office, also known as the presidential collar, as he leads a procession along Campus Walk after the installation ceremony. The chain incorporates symbols important to the history of Mary Washington including dogwood blossoms, oak leaves, and the university seal. (Norm Shafer)

President Troy D. Paino wears the University of Mary Washington chain of office, also known as the presidential collar, as he leads a procession along Campus Walk after the installation ceremony. The chain incorporates symbols important to the history of Mary Washington including dogwood blossoms, oak leaves, and the university seal. (Norm Shafer)

The University of Mary Washington marked a milestone occasion Friday, April 21, with the inauguration of its 10th president, Troy D. Paino. A crowd of nearly 1,000 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members packed George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium for the momentous event.

Recounting the rich history of the university, which rose from Civil War ashes in 1908 to prepare female teachers, Paino spoke of its transformation from a normal school to the premier public coeducational liberal arts and sciences institution it is today. He reflected on Mary Washington’s trailblazers who, empowered with a liberal arts education, paved the way for pursuing challenging careers in science, government, industry, and education.

“Mary Washington is at its best when it is reminded of its mission to serve,” Paino said. “Mary Washington thrives when it understands that its very existence is an investment in hope – a hope in the students we educate and a hope in our republic’s future. Mary Wash is Mary Wash when it engages the whole person – head, heart, and soul – and creates an intimacy that is born out of our sense of common purpose.”

Since taking UMW’s top role on July 1, 2016, Paino has made a point to listen to the UMW community and formulate thoughts about how to achieve the school’s public liberal arts and sciences mission of creating academic excellence, engaged citizens, and social uplift.

As it has for more than a century, the university will continue to prepare the very best citizens, strive to reflect on increasing the diversity of the republic, and offer an education that empowers students to change the world, Paino said.

“Here at Mary Washington, we understand that we are bound together through mutual respect and our values of honor, leadership, and service.”

– Marty Morrison

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