The staff, faculty and students of the Women’s Studies Program regret the departure of President Gene Nichol from the College of William and Mary.

President Nichol worked tirelessly for those who have historically been under-represented or under-appreciated at the College, including all women and male and female minorities. He increased the numbers of students and faculty of color on our campus; he expanded access for low-income students; he was passionate in his advocacy of hourly and classified staff at the College; and he sought to make people of all faiths feel welcome on our campus. He also supported the rights of William & Mary students to control the funding and programming of their own events. President Nichol’s presence on this campus was intellectually invigorating and many of us found him to be a truly inspirational leader. We remain committed to the values which President Nichol fought so hard to defend.

We regret the decision of the Board of Visitors not to renew his contract, and we look forward to playing a central role in all future discussions of leadership at the College.