Strategic Priorities

The provost advances William & Mary’s mission by fostering a culture of academic rigor, innovation and impact. Faculty are nationally recognized for excellence in teaching, groundbreaking research, and meaningful service to their disciplines. Many hold leadership roles in professional associations, serve on national advisory panels, and mentor the next generation of scholars and practitioners. The office closely monitors academic rankings and peer benchmarks to guide strategic planning and spotlight areas of distinction that reflect the university’s commitment to intellectual leadership and educational quality.

The provost is committed to supporting a learning environment where academic challenge is balanced with personal well-being. In partnership with faculty, staff and student leaders, the office works to understand sources of academic stress and promote practices that foster resilience, inclusion and a sense of belonging. Through evidence-based initiatives and open dialogue, the university strives to ensure that excellence and well-being go hand in hand.

The provost supports a culture of evidence-based planning through strong data infrastructure and a commitment to transparency. Collaborating across academic and administrative units, the office uses data to guide strategic priorities, assess academic programs and enhance student success. By expanding access to timely, relevant insights, William & Mary empowers leaders to make informed decisions that align with the university’s mission and goals.

The provost champions innovation in teaching and learning to meet the evolving needs of students and society. From integrating AI tools and emerging technologies to expanding modalities of delivery, the university is reimagining how knowledge is created and shared. This includes advancing online and professional education, supporting pedagogical experimentation, and equipping faculty with resources to enhance learning across disciplines and formats.

The provost advances William & Mary’s research mission by supporting faculty scholarship, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and investing in infrastructure that enables discovery. As the university strengthens its position as an R1 institution, the office works to expand research opportunities, grow external funding, and elevate the visibility and impact of faculty and student research across fields.

The university’s presence in Washington, D.C. extends William & Mary’s reach through academic programs, research partnerships and public service. The Office of the Provost supports this strategic hub as a space for experiential learning, policy engagement, and collaboration with alumni, government and industry leaders.