Chancellor for a Day: From the Classroom to the Office at UVA Wise

On April Fools' Day, a day known for surprises, pranks and the unexpected, one switch at the University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVA Wise) was no joke. For a day, the chancellor became the student, and the student became the chancellor, offering a rare and eye-opening role reversal that went far beyond a simple April 1st twist.

For student Amanda Hayes, an upcoming 2026 graduate majoring in communication studies with a certificate in hospitality and tourism management, campus involvement and participating in events was second nature.

Hayes serves as an Office of Information Technology Student Technician and Orientation Intern while actively participating in organizations such as the Peake Honors Program, Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success and Alpha Alpha Alpha First-Generation Honor Society. She also represents the college as a Student Admission Ambassador.

Still, nothing quite prepared her for stepping into the chancellor’s busy schedule.

“I expected to learn what goes on behind the scenes, but I didn’t realize just how much the Chancellor balances in a single day,” Hayes said. “Even when it looks like a light day, it really isn’t.”

Throughout the day, Hayes attended meetings, observed planning sessions and gained insight into how decisions are made across departments. From academic discussions to marketing strategy, she saw firsthand how interconnected campus operations truly are.

One highlight for Hayes was sitting in on conversations that students rarely witness. “It was really interesting to see how different departments work together and how decisions are made with long-term goals in mind,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Donna Henry stepped into student life, trading administrative meetings for classes, conversations and the everyday rhythm of campus life from a student’s perspective. For Henry, the experience offered meaningful reminders of the core of UVA Wise, its students.

“It’s easy to get caught up in meetings and planning, but spending the day as a student brought me back to why we do this work,” Henry said. “Experiencing campus through Amanda’s eyes reminded me how important every interaction, every class and every opportunity is to the student experience.”

Throughout her day, Henry attended class, interacted with faculty and staff in a different capacity and navigated the same schedule and expectations students manage daily. “It was a great day! In addition to classes, I spent time as an admission ambassador and gave a campus tour. I also spent time working the IT Helpdesk and have a better understanding of the service to our campus community. 

She noted that even the most routine aspects of student life, like moving between classes, staying engaged and balancing responsibilities required focus and energy.

“I gained a deeper appreciation for how much our students juggle,” she said. “They are managing academics, jobs, organizations and personal commitments, all while planning for their futures. It’s impressive and inspiring.”

The role reversal also gave Henry the opportunity to connect with students in a more informal and personal way. “I was able to have conversations I might not normally have in my role,” she said. “Hearing directly from students about their experiences, challenges and successes is incredibly valuable.”

Beyond the meetings and insights, Hayes said what stood out most was the welcoming atmosphere. “Everyone I met was so open and willing to share what they do,” she said. “I also felt like my voice was heard, which made the experience even more meaningful.”

For Hayes, who says her favorite part of UVA Wise is the sense of community, the day reinforced what she already loved about the college.

“UVA Wise is the kind of place where you’re not just another student,” she said. “People know you, support you and want to see you succeed.”

For Henry, the experience echoed the same sentiment from a different vantage point. “What makes UVA Wise special is the close-knit community,” she said. “Spending the day as a student reinforced how deeply our faculty and staff care and how impactful that support is.”

Reflecting on the experience, Hayes called it one of the most memorable moments of her college career.

“This could possibly be one of my favorite days of my college experience so far,” she said. “It gave me a whole new appreciation for the administration and the work they do.”

For both Hayes and Henry, the day served as a powerful reminder that while their roles may differ, they are united by a shared goal: creating a meaningful and supportive experience for every student at UVA Wise.