In his office, Michael Hubbard stands near a large photo showing UMW’s Dahlgren Campus. Hubbard recently completed a doctorate in education from Baylor University.
Michael Hubbard has proven an inspirational figure since taking leadership of the University of Mary Washington’s Dahlgren Center for Education and Research in 2019. A retired Marine, he’s an envoy between UMW and regional constituents who use the 42,000-square-foot, technologically sophisticated building for classes, conferencing and events.
A primary goal of the Dahlgren Campus is to foster innovation and technological education at all levels in King George and Caroline counties and Virginia’s Northern Neck. To this end, Hubbard has built relationships with experts at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD); elected officials; education and business leaders; and community stakeholders.
But there’s another side to Hubbard, one that sets an example of lifelong learning and also meshes with UMW’s broader liberal arts and sciences mission. Hubbard recently completed his doctorate in education with a focus on learning and organizational change from Baylor University.
His dissertation, “Mission Critical: A Qualitative Study on Improving Graduation Success for First-Generation, Black Students at Public Universities,” focuses on not just recruiting minority students but creating the immersive experiences and sense of belonging to get them to graduation. Read more.
