Innovation, Community & Reconciliation

Goal

Create and sustain an institutional infrastructure that effectively supports progress in achieving diversity and inclusion goals in the university strategic plan

University KPIs

Institutional Advancement

• Internships
• Philanthropy
• Reach & Awareness
• Alumni Engagement

Objective 1

Evaluate and expand community engagement and partnerships to increase collective impact

Strategies 2025

1. Assess existing engagement and partnerships to determine highest ROI for collaboration
2. Expand Community Engagement programming using new platforms

Milestones 2023-2025

1. W&M GivePulse data 2023-24 (to compare with 2025)
   • 16,349 hours of impact
   • 1,280 engaged users
   • 300+ opportunities

Objective 2

Evaluate and increase philanthropy in support of Vision 2026 Democracy pillar

Strategies 2025

1. With University Advancement, pursue philanthropic opportunities that advance research outcomes
2. With University Advancement, pursue philanthropic opportunities that advance the civics curriculum
3. Prepare for future campaigns by identifying high-impact areas
4. Expand on William & Mary’s track record of success in securing funding from corporate and foundation funders whose philanthropy focuses on advancing inclusive history and civics education

Milestones 2023-2025

1. Bray School Lab research fully funded via philanthropy
2. National media and glorious launch for restored Bray School
   • Washington Post front page featuring the Bray School (pdf)
   • TODAY Show - Discover Black Heritage: The Williamsburg Bray School
   • TODAY Show - Historic building dedicated to educating Black children restored

Objective 3

Advance and honor the history of African Americans in advance of the nation’s Quarter Millenium in 2026 via innovative research and outreach

Strategies 2025

1. Develop and partner across the university to advance democracy initiatives and civics education
2. Work closely with Colonial Williamsburg to launch the Bray School through research and innovative programs – creating a national destination for African American history in advance of 2026

Milestones for 2023-2026

1. Publication of The Williamsburg Bray School: A History through Records, Reflections, and Rediscovery
2. William & Mary Bray School Lab received the Table Builder Award for “Outstanding Education Organization” by Coming to the Table—Historic Triangle. January 2025.
3. Creation of a micro course focused on best practices for Descendant Community engagement, leveraging expertise from Bray Lab and multiple public history sites.
4. For 2026:
   • Visitation at partnership sites: Highland, Bray, First Baptist Church, Brafferton, etc.
   • Press coverage and media