The Virginia General Assembly honored President Richard V. Hurley for his service to the University of Mary Washington by presenting him with a Joint Resolution on the floor of the House of Delegates, Monday, Jan. 25. Hurley plans to retire on June 30, after serving as UMW’s ninth president.
The commendation is an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for Hurley’s dedication to UMW students and his contributions spanning more than three decades in the field of education.
Hurley, a native of New Jersey, earned degrees from what is now Stockton University and Central Michigan University. He worked as vice president of administration and finance at Longwood University for 15 years, then joined the University of Mary Washington. Hurley served as chief financial officer, executive vice president and acting president, before becoming president of the university in 2010.
“He earned the respect of his peers for his transparency, collaborative leadership style and responsiveness to the needs of students, faculty and staff,” according to the commendation.
The resolution also commended Hurley for successfully raising $50 million through the Mary Washington First campaign, overseeing the construction of the William W. Anderson Center, the Hurley Convergence Center—renamed in his honor–and the University Center, as well as the opening of the university’s third campus in Dahlgren. Under Hurley’s visionary leadership, according to the resolution, UMW completed Eagle Village, a public/private development featuring student apartments, a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 1, retail and office space, a parking facility and a hotel.
“Hurley has built strong relationships with Mary Washington students, actively attending student events and even helping new students on move-in day,” according to the commendation. “He has hosted dinners and ice cream socials for students at his historic home, Brompton; and has dedicated himself to enhancing the quality of life of all Fredericksburg residents.”
The resolution also noted Hurley’s numerous and varied civic and professional activities, including the formation of the University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development and the Town and Gown Committee.
Delegates Howell, Cole, Dudenhefer, Fowler, Massie and Orrock and state Sens. DeSteph, Reeves and Stuart were patrons of the commendation.
In addition to Hurley, Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle, J.D. was recognized for her service as Radford’s president since 2005. Kyle also will retire June 30.
