University Goals
To advance William & Mary's distinctive excellence and achieve our vision for the future, we will pursue the following high-level goals.
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Expand W&M's Reach
Address global challenges, forge dynamic partnerships to fuel positive change and model democratic ideals to extend its influence in the world.
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Educate for Impact
Reimagine the liberal arts and professional education in the 21st century to ensure the lifelong success of our graduates.
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Evolve to Excel
Embrace change to achieve our full potential in environmental and financial sustainability, in diversity, equity and inclusion, and in operational excellence.
Alma Mater of Innovation
Building on existing strengths, a new school joining computer science, data science, applied science and physics positions William & Mary as a leader in the evolution of liberal arts and sciences.
Vision 2026 Updates from President Rowe
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Key Milestones in Vision 2026
Each of our four Vision 2026 cornerstones – data, water, democracy and careers – builds on the institution's strengths in the liberal arts, sciences and professional education.
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Big Wins & Extraordinary Achievements
Our strategic plan is coming into focus with concrete initiatives in data, water, democracy and careers.
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Critical Thinking With Data
By 2026, W&M will invest in four key areas where the university already has deep strengths.
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W&M's Greatest Tradition
With each generation, W&M has graduated leaders who have served our nation and sought to perfect our democracy.
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Unprecedented, As Usual
Pride in our resilience, pride in our ability to adapt: These are inspirations for William & Mary's new strategic plan.
University Initiatives
In the next five years, we will build on our strengths and focus efforts on four cornerstone initiatives — that are pan-university and transcend all of the goals — of significant local, national and global impact.

Data
William & Mary will lead the evolution of the liberal arts and sciences by integrating computational thinking and data fluency into a bold and dynamic learning experience that advances inquiry, discovery and innovation.

Water
William & Mary will lead in finding innovative solutions to ensure the resilience of the world’s oceans, coasts and waterways.

Democracy
William & Mary will lead essential efforts to practice and promote democratic ideals in the pursuit of a more perfect union.

Careers
William & Mary will lead in the preparation of lifelong learners equipped to navigate rapid change and thrive from their first job to their last.
Vision 2026 Update
President Katherine A. Rowe led a campuswide Vision 2026 forum with leaders of our strategic initiatives in data, water, democracy and careers. Watch to get updates on key milestones, which build on W&M's distinctive strengths in the liberal arts, sciences and professional education.
Planning In
Discover specific ways units are planning in to these university goals and initiatives.