Richard V. Hurley has served as the ninth president of the University of Mary Washington since July 1, 2010. Prior to being named president, Hurley served Mary Washington for a decade in various positions, including executive vice president and chief financial officer and acting president.
President Hurley’s career in higher education spans more than three decades. Before coming to the University of Mary Washington, he was vice president for administration and finance at Longwood University from 1985 until 2000. He previously held positions of director of administration at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and assistant to the chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges. He has also held positions at other colleges and universities.
A native of New Jersey, Hurley earned a bachelor of science in environmental studies from Richard Stockton College. He received a master of arts in public administration from Central Michigan University. He also holds certificates and diplomas from the University of Kentucky and Harvard University.
President Hurley is leading the University of Mary Washington toward its vision of being the best public liberal arts and sciences university in the nation. The university, with approximately 5,000 students, is widely recognized in national publications for its strong academics and outstanding value. UMW achieves some of the highest retention and graduation rates among institutions of its type. In addition, it is among the top schools of its size in the number of graduates serving in the Peace Corps.
During his tenure at Mary Washington, Hurley has made a significant impact on the university. Among his accomplishments, he has directed facilities and capital projects including construction of the Anderson Center convocation and athletics arena, renovation and expansion of Lee Hall student services center, and renovation of the historic Monroe Hall academic building. In addition, he oversaw the design and construction of Mary Washington’s third campus, the Dahlgren Campus center for education and research in King George County. Other recent and ongoing projects include the 72,000 square-foot Information and Technology Convergence Center and the 100,000 square-foot University Center. He serves as a board member of the University of Mary Washington Foundation where he was instrumental in the acquisition and development of Eagle Village, the university’s acclaimed public/private mixed-use development. Phase I of the Eagle Village project includes apartments housing 600 UMW students, commercial retail and office space, and a parking facility. Phase II includes a luxurious Hyatt Place Hotel.
President Hurley is recognized as an active community leader within the Fredericksburg area and is strongly committed to regional engagement and economic development. He has served as the chair of the board of directors of the Rappahannock United Way, a director of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the board of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance. Hurley established the Town and Gown Committee, a group of university and city officials and citizens, and through his efforts the university’s relationships with the community have been strengthened significantly.
Hurley is highly engaged with students on campus. He regularly attends many university events, including sports contests, plays, concerts, lectures, and student programs. As a highly visible leader, he enjoys interacting informally with UMW students, assisting with their service projects, and participating in various activities.
