We are pleased to welcome R. Wesley Hillyard III as the new Director of Academic Services. Wes is a 2005 graduate of UMW and majored in Business.

As the Director of Academic Services, Wes will lead our team of academic advisors and administer a portfolio of student success efforts including our focused efforts with transfer students, students in academic jeopardy and academic success programs.

Since he left UMW a decade ago, Wes has been busy working in management positions in private industry as well as in higher education. He completed his Masters in Higher Education at the University of Virginia in 2009. For the past four years, he has been at Northern Virginia Community College where he has served in multiple roles, most recently directing their Student Success division. Prior to that, he served as Residence Hall Director at James Madison University.

Wes has remained true to his alma mater, serving in several different capacities, including being a member of the Alumni Board and the Vice President of Regional Networks.

He and his wife Michele live in Woodbridge and have a 5-month-old daughter, Ali. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, amusement parks, and learning the ropes of fatherhood.

We welcome Wes on his return to the UMW family.

This summer all incoming first year students are reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot as part of the University’s first year experience program.

On Aug. 21 from 9-11 a.m., as part of new student arrival activities, first year students, upperclass peers and members of the faculty, staff, and alumni will join together in small group discussions to explore some of the book’s many lessons and insights. If you are interested in participation in these discussions, email Tim O’Donnell.

Copies of the book are available from the Academic and Career Services window in Lee Hall for members of the UMW community wishing to read the book along with our incoming first year class over the next few weeks.