Richard V. Hurley (2010-2016)
Hurley came to Mary Washington in 2000 as vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer. He twice served as acting president following sudden vacancies in the presidency, first in 2007-2008 and again in the spring of 2010. The Board of Visitors appointed him president, effective July 1, 2010. Hurley is credited with restoring stability to the institution following a period of rapid leadership turnover, making significant improvements to facilities, successfully leading a $50 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, and forging strong partnerships in regional economic development efforts. Under his leadership, the institution’s third campus, the Dahlgren Campus Center for Education and Research, was developed. He also established the Center for Economic Development and fostered strong connections between UMW and the community. Other campus construction projects included renovations and/or expansions of Monroe, Woodard, and Mercer halls, as well as Randolph and Mason residence halls. Hurley provided essential leadership in the UMW Foundation’s development of Eagle Village and the Hyatt Place Hotel. Transformative facilities projects of the Hurley era are: the athletics and convocation center, named for President William M. Anderson; the information technology convergence center, designated the Hurley Convergence Center in his honor; and the University Center, built to enhance student life and dining services. Finally, Hurley oversaw planning efforts and secured funding for restoration of the amphitheater, the Jepson Science Center expansion, and repurposing of Seacobeck Hall.
A native of southern 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. Before coming to UMW, he was employed at Longwood University and held positions with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Vermont State Colleges. Hurley is retired in 2016 and resides in Richmond, Virginia.