UVA Wise Celebrates New Class of 2026
Today, UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry welcomed new and returning students at the College’s annual convocation ceremony, which kicks off the academic new year.
“At Wise, you will learn skills to graduate, succeed and become citizen-leaders in your communities,” said Henry at the ceremony held at the David J. Prior Convocation Center.
Chancellor Henry offered a challenge to the incoming Class of 2026, which brings together new students from as far away as California, Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and, of course, Virginia. International students are joining from Serbia, Paraguay, Hungary, Portugal, Kosovo, Mexico, United Kingdom and Canada. Exchange students from Germany, France and Spain also join the new cohort.
“I want you to manifest your graduation,” Henry said. “When you hit a hurdle, think about graduation. See yourself in the robes with the cap walking like you did this morning to the convocation center, and visualize yourself graduating—that is your end point. Get the support and help you need along the way.”
University of Virginia President James E. Ryan also shared a personal childhood story of facing his fear of riding the Space Mountain roller coaster at Disney World to encourage students to face their own challenges.
“If you really want to do something, don’t let your fear of the unknown prevent you from trying. College may be your own personal Space Mountain, which is why I’m so glad to see you here and congratulate you on making it this far,” Ryan said. “The point is to inspire you to overcome difficulty so you grow as a person. That is the job of all of us: to support you and also challenge you.”
Taking advantage of the entire College experience is a student’s job, he said.
“Use your time here to reach out to those whose lives and experiences have been different from yours. Reach out to someone who looks nothing like you and don’t shy away from engaging with ideas you disagree with or the people who espouse them. Don’t shy away from taking that interesting class that seems difficult. Don’t be afraid to cross the bridge and get on the ride.”
Two UVA Wise students took their oaths of office as leaders on campus. Chancellor Henry inducted junior Kallie Berry as the 2022-2023 UVA Wise Student Government Association President. She gave her new fellow students some welcoming advice.
“One of the main reasons that Wise is so special are the relationships between the faculty and students. The professors will know you on a first name basis. They want you to succeed as an individual beyond just passing their class, and they want you to grow as a whole person more than just getting an ‘A,’” Berry said.
She also told students it’s okay not to know what you want to do for a while, and shared that she started as a biochemistry major, changed to nursing and finally became an English major.
“I did all of this, but I am still going to graduate on time. You will have the opportunity to change your mind here. Do not pursue something you hate for the people you love,” Berry said. “There are many resources on this campus that are available for all students. We have free counseling, a tutoring and writing center, peer mentors and countless faculty who care more about you than just your success in the classroom. Get involved. Go to every social event because that is where you will meet your people. Go to roller skating night in Cantrell Hall or take that children’s literature class just for fun so you can read Dr. Suess and get a grade for it.”
Trisha Folds-Bennett, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, inducted Sarah Moore as UVA Wise Honor Court Chair. Moore then led her peers in reciting the College’s Honor Code.
Mark Clark, Kenneth Asbury Professor of History and dean of faculty affairs, introduced several new, full-time faculty including Marion Young, in social sciences; Robert Arrowood, in psychology; Suresh Mummadi, in natural sciences; Eddie Shen, in education; and Heather Hannan as library director.
Current faculty taking on new roles include Jason Borgus, who is now an assistant professor of chemistry; Misty Stratton, who is a new assistant professor of art; and James Veenstra, who, after serving as an adjunct instructor for many years, is now a full-time instructor of art.
“The beginning of the new academic year is the time to renew our commitments and plans for the future. We are excited to set the foundation on which you can plan your future,” Folds-Bennett said.
Anthony Cashio, associate professor of philosophy and faculty senate chair, added an aspirational message to faculty and students.
“We have many challenges and adventures ahead of us this year and I hope that we can meet them with bravery and kindness. Students, do those things that scare you: take classes outside your major, join a club, be in a play, ask questions, say yes to opportunities and go to your instructors’ office hours,” Cashio said. “We all want to get to know you, answer your questions and help you succeed. Only by coming together can we all become our best selves.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional singing of the College’s alma mater, “Dogwood and Rhododendron.”
Recessional music was provided by The Wise Guys, who also provided the processional for the ceremony.
After Convocation, a campus-wide picnic and student activities fair was held. At the fair, students interacted with many area businesses and organizations, and learned about on-campus student organizations they could join.