March 29, 2024

President Paino Pens Inside Higher Ed Piece on Student Connection

Troy Paino

Troy Paino

UMW President Troy D. Paino offered perspective on why it’s important to make time for conversation with individual students, and revealed six actions for fostering connections more deeply in an article titled “When a Conversation With the President Fosters Human Connection,” published recently by Inside Higher Education. Read more.

When a Conversation With the President Fosters Human Connection (Inside Higher Education)

Simplifying student loan borrowing: GCC backs Spanberger bill for greater transparency (Culpeper Star-Exponent)

UMW President Troy Paino wins national award for student-centered work (Fredericksburg Today; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce)

Banned Books Week Read Out Event Illuminates

UMW President Troy Paino reads from 'Slaughterhouse-Five' during the recent Banned Books Week Read Out event.

UMW President Troy Paino reads from ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’ during the recent Banned Books Week Read Out event.

In recognition of the annual American Library Association’s Banned Books Week (September 18-24), a Read Out was held on Wednesday, Sept. 21, on Campus Walk, in front of Lee Hall, and near Katora and the Hurley Convergence Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. President Paino and other administrators, faculty, staff, and students read from selected banned and challenged books in a free, public event sponsored by the Department of English and Linguistics, Simpson Library and Katora. Simpson Library’s special collections will have an exhibit of rare banned books. The lobby area of Simpson Library has a special display related to banned books throughout the week. 

UMW president makes ‘Virginia 500’ Power List (Fredericksburg Today)

UMW President Makes ‘Virginia 500’ Power List

University of Mary Washington President Troy D. Paino

University of Mary Washington President Troy D. Paino

Virginia Business magazine has announced the Virginia 500: 2022-23 Power List, naming University of Mary Washington President Troy Paino among the commonwealth’s top education leaders.

“It’s like the Fortune 500, but instead of focusing on companies, it’s about people,” said Virginia BusinessEditor Richard Foster in the publication’s opening letter. “We strive to inventory the most powerful and influential leaders and executives in Virginia across 20 major sectors, ranging from real estate and manufacturing to higher education and government. We accept suggestions for the Virginia 500, but it is compiled based on research by our editorial staff, not through nominations.”

Likewise Paino’s profile in the publication spotlights his personal approach, citing this year’s Region III President’s Award from NASPA, the organization of student affairs administrators in higher education, in recognition of his desire to include student views in strategic planning initiatives. The listing also chronicles his leadership through the pandemic. Read more.

A Welcome Message From President Paino

Dear UMW Community,

Welcome back! For those returning to campus, we look forward to catching up where we left off and sharing the tremendous work that has continued through the summer. And for our newest members of the UMW community, we are eager to meet and get to know you.

As with every new academic year, we are excited about all of the learning opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, that our deeply committed faculty provide. Sharing knowledge and encouraging critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration are fundamental to our approach to learning. And, our staff provide essential services to help students navigate housing, student life, books and supplies for classes, dining options, financial aid, academic advising, registration for classes, and so much more.

Returning students, we encourage you to continue to enhance your relationships with faculty, advisors, and staff who genuinely want to help you succeed.  Consider new challenges; learn new skills; develop new friendships, and expand your knowledge and grow through internships, research projects, study abroad programs, student employment opportunities, etc.

New students, we are ready to share this journey with you. Our ASPIRE values of accountability, scholarship, personal and institutional integrity, inclusive excellence, respect and civility, and engagement provide a diverse, accepting, and supporting environment for everyone — faculty, staff, and students alike.

We encourage you to immerse yourself in all aspects of campus life by asking questions, introducing yourself to others, joining clubs, participating in activities and events, and exploring all that Mary Washington and the Fredericksburg area have to offer. And, I personally invite you to join me this weekend for some cherished Mary Washington traditions such as Honor Convocation and the President’s Ice Cream Social.

As a community and as individuals, it’s important that we prioritize wellness and well-being, seeking out the many, varied resources on campus as needed and taking care of ourselves and one another. And, by means of this monthly message, I’ll share news, updates, and important announcements to keep you informed about the many things on which I am working. If there are topics or issues you would like for these messages to address, please submit suggestions to president@umw.edu.

There is much to look forward to this year, and I have great hope that it will be one filled with abundant learning opportunities and personal accomplishments. I look forward to seeing you at Eagle Gathering this weekend and on campus!

Sincerely,

Troy Paino

UMW Presidential Address Ushers in the 2022-23 Academic Year

UMW President Troy Paino addresses faculty and staff before the start of the fall 2022 semester. Photo by Paige Shiplett.

UMW President Troy Paino addresses faculty and staff before the start of the fall 2022 semester. Photo by Paige Shiplett.

University of Mary Washington President Troy Paino kicked off the fall semester – and the 2022-23 academic year – Tuesday morning during an in-person address to faculty and staff.

“I haven’t been able to welcome you like this for a while,” Paino said from the stage in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.

The start-of-the-semester assembly came after what Paino called a busy summer and a very successful legislative session in which the commonwealth made a historic investment in UMW. The president spoke of plans for the funding, the launch of a new strategic vision slated to be revealed this fall, the filling of key administrative roles and – most importantly – the importance of welcoming a strong and diverse incoming class. Read more or watch the YouTube video of the entire address.

UMW Move-In Day Is No Sweat for Students, Parents

Kelly Paino, center, talks with, from left Ossie Furr, Brenston Furr Jr. and Brenston Furr Sr., during move-in day for daughter Jorja Furr, right. President Troy Paino, background, looks on. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Kelly Paino, center, talks with, from left Ossie Furr, Brenston Furr Jr. and Brenston Furr Sr., during move-in day for daughter Jorja Furr, right. President Troy Paino, background, looks on. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

By 9:15 Wednesday morning, resident advisor Max Steinbaum had already introduced himself a few dozen times, greeting the first-year students moving into Randolph Hall, their parents and a few wide-eyed younger siblings.

If a key lesson of college is efficiency, Max taught it by example on the University of Mary Washington’s first move-in morning – giving directions, answering questions and offering friendly encouragement as needed, all without breaking a sweat. Wednesday’s event was specifically for the more than 1,000 incoming students UMW welcomes this fall, including about 300 transfers; move-in for other students continues through the weekend.

Things went smoothly as carloads of families parked on the grass near the Randolph front door, unloaded bins and bags, then swept out of the way to make room for the next wave. Blue-shirted move-in helpers were there to lend muscle and knowhow.

President Troy Paino and wife Kelly greeted new Eagles, starting at Randolph and moving on to Westmoreland, Willard and Virginia halls.

It helped that August was on its best behavior, offering sunshine and 70s instead of the typical sweaty 90s. Read more.