William & Mary will soon usher in a new chapter for its largest academic division.
The university’s Board of Visitors voted Friday to rename the Faculty of Arts & Sciences to the College of Arts & Sciences, a change that reflects both tradition and transformation.
This change affirms Arts & Sciences’ central role in the university’s academic mission and strengthens its national visibility across higher education and beyond. Implementation will follow pending final review and approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), anticipated later this summer.
“This action accentuates our place as a national leader of liberal arts and sciences education. This is the core of the William & Mary educational experience, and a strong liberal arts foundation has never been more important to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” said Rector Charles E. Poston, J.D. ’74. “We are grateful for the extensive process leading us to this decision, and for those who have worked to ensure this transformation supports both our students and the broader community.”
Why ‘College’?
Renaming Arts & Sciences as a college will more accurately reflect its central role at the university and the breadth of its academic mission. William & Mary was chartered in 1693 as a “perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts & Sciences.” Today, that original “College,” known as Arts & Sciences, spans a wide range of disciplines and research, including award-winning STEM departments. Rooted in the origins of the university, Arts & Sciences delivers undergraduate and graduate education that prepares students to think critically and lead lives of meaning and purpose. Renaming the College will also complement the structure of William & Mary’s professional schools — including law, business, education and coastal & marine sciences — affirming the distinct but interconnected roles each plays in the broader academic ecosystem.
“This step fits William & Mary’s structure with our distinctive mission as the Alma Mater of the Nation,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “William & May’s arts and sciences core played a key role in launching U.S. democracy. We remain staunchly committed to strengthening that foundation as we play an even greater role in shaping the future of our republic.”
The change also brings William & Mary in line with national and international peers, where “college” is the standard term for divisions offering broad, interdisciplinary education. While “faculty” refers primarily to the instructional body, “college” conveys the full scope of academic life, including teaching, research and applied learning in the arts & humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The new name will enhance visibility and understanding among prospective students, faculty and partners.
Provost Peggy Agouris shared, “This transition reflects William & Mary’s deep foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, and affirms our commitment to innovative, impact-driven scholarship. It strengthens and advances W&M’s leadership in interdisciplinary academic excellence.”
The change honors centuries of tradition while embracing a bold vision for the future. “The College of Arts & Sciences reflects both who we’ve always been and where we’re headed,” said Dean of Arts & Sciences Suzanne Raitt. “This is an investment in our future and in the lifelong value of a liberal arts and sciences education.”
A unified vision for the future
As universities across the country adapt to evolving workforce and societal needs, a strong liberal arts and sciences identity is more important than ever. In response to this pivotal moment, a committee was convened to conduct research and engage with the campus community to understand how Arts & Sciences could best move forward. Following the committee’s feedback, the Arts & Sciences faculty voted in favor of the change in March 2025.
The timing of the change also aligns with other major academic transitions at William & Mary including the new School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (CDSP), formed from four departments previously housed in Arts & Sciences, and the recent announcement of the newly named William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences.
What’s next
Upon SCHEV approval, the name change will be phased into university materials, communications and records, with updates expected to begin as early as fall 2025.
“Our departments, programs and governance remain the same,” said Raitt. “What’s changing is how we tell our story to the world.”
For more about this process, visit the Renaming Arts & Sciences webpage, which includes a full list of FAQs.