The University of Virginia Community
The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who outlined the institution’s purpose, designed its original buildings, supervised the construction, planned the curriculum and directed the recruitment of its first faculty. As the first Rector of the University, Mr. Jefferson presided over the school’s governing body, known as the Board of Visitors. James Madison and James Monroe were members of the Board of Visitors in the University’s early years. Mr. Jefferson designed what he referred to as his “academical village” to house teachers and students alike in four long rows of rooms, with larger components (“pavilions”) providing classrooms. The Rotunda, a half-scale version of the Pantheon, is the centerpiece of the historic Central Grounds. In 1976 the American Institute of Architects voted the Rotunda to be the outstanding achievement of American architecture. These historic buildings were named to the prestigious World Heritage List in 1988. When it opened for classes in 1825, the University of Virginia represented a dramatic innovation in American education. In an era when colleges trained students almost exclusively for teaching and the ministry, Thomas Jefferson dedicated his University to the education of leaders in practical affairs and public service.
The University offers 51 bachelor’s degrees in 47 fields, 84 master’s degrees in 67 fields, six educational specialist degrees, two first-professional degrees (law and medicine), and 57 doctoral degrees in 55 fields. The University’s 13 schools include the School of Architecture, College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, McIntire School of Commerce, Curry School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Law, School of Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Continuing & Professional Studies.
In the Fall of 2010 the total student enrollment was 21,049 students, consisting of 14,039 undergraduate students and 6,525 graduate and professional degree students. The undergraduate class consisted of 69% Virginia residents, with 43% living in university housing. Fifty-six percent identified as female and 44% as male. Approximately eight percent of undergraduate students identified as African American, 12% Asian American, 5% Hispanic American, and 2% as multi-racial. UVa students came from 48 states and 120 countries in the fall of 2010. The University of Virginia is proud to have the highest African-American student graduation rate of any public university at 87%.
Teresa A. Sullivan, a leading scholar in labor force demography and former provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Michigan, took office as the University of Virginia's eighth president on August 1, 2010. She follows the 20 year tenure of the prior university president, John T. Casteen III.
The University of Virginia is located in the city of Charlottesville in central Virginia, which, including surrounding Albemarle County, has a population of approximately 100,000. Charlottesville is located two hours from Washington, D.C. and one hour from the Richmond, Virginia’s state capitol.
Charlottesville is rich in cultural activities, including fine restaurants, an annual international film festival, and an array of musical and theatrical venues. The John Paul Jones area, completed in 2006 and home to the UVa basketball teams, also attracts many of the biggest acts in live entertainment, including Dave Matthews Band, The Police, Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Lady Gaga, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, George Strait, The Dead, Phish, Jason Aldean, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Charlottesville area is also replete with historically significant sites, such as Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, several civil war battle sites, and well-known colonial era sites such as Williamsburg and Jamestown. Charlottesville is also known for the beauty of the countryside, with the Blue Ridge Mountains one-half hour by car to the west.
Information about Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and surrounding area
Return to Internship Home Page