William M. Anderson, Jr. President, 1983-2006 Mary Washington College (1983-2004) University of Mary Washington (2004-2006)

Dr. William M. Anderson, Jr. was born January 15, 1942 in South Boston. As a young man, besides politics, his main interests were music and sports. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master's degree in public administration from West Virginia University College of Graduate Studies, and a doctorate in higher education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, he became acquainted with Prince Woodward, a life-long mentor and eventual President of Mary Washington College, and he also met his future wife, Jane Neale, with whom he had three children. His entire professional career was devoted to higher education, beginning in 1967 when he worked as coordinator of academic programs and enrollment research for the Virginia State Council of Higher Education. Then for four years he served as director of research and planning for the West Virginia Board of Regents. In 1976 he was named Executive Vice President at Mary Washington College before becoming President in 1983.

When Dr. Anderson was appointed president of Mary Washington College in 1983, he was the youngest president of any of Virginia's four-year colleges and universities. Twenty-three years later in 2006, he retired as the longest-serving president of any public institution in Virginia. Among his major achievements at Mary Washington was the creation of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies in Stafford County, which prompted the institution's attainment of university status and an ensuing name change to the University of Mary Washington in 2004.

During his tenure, more than $120 million of capital improvements were made to the University's two campuses, including the addition of a new library, a $14 million science center, a student center, an alumni center, an art gallery, an enclosed campus walk, four new residence halls, and an apartment complex. New cultural offerings for the University and the surrounding community were added during Dr. Anderson's tenure, including programs such as the Fredericksburg Forum, the Great Lives lecture series, and the University of Mary Washington-Community Symphony Orchestra's Celebrity Series. Under Dr. Anderson's administration, the University completed the installation of a campus-wide fiber-optic telecommunications network that brought state-of-the-art data, telephone, and cable service to every classroom, office, and residence hall on campus. Also the intercollegiate athletic program was expanded and a Community Outreach and Resources program was created to promote student volunteerism.

Particularly noteworthy in terms of outreach were Dr. Anderson's efforts to create beneficial ties to the local business community. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving at its president, and at his suggestion the University started sponsoring a Business Leaders Breakfast with a visiting Executive in Residence. In addition, during his tenure the University created a Small Business Development Center to support economic development in the area by generating innovative business ideas.

During Dr. Anderson's tenure, and largely because of his energy and efforts, Mary Washington's endowment increased substantially from $1.3 million to $24.5 million, thus contributing not only to enhanced physical facilities, but also to expanded opportunities for faculty development. The result of his work was a significant elevation of Mary Washington's stature to the point of national recognition as a liberal arts and sciences college of outstanding quality, which ranked within the top ten percent nationally in terms of admissions selectivity.

On the occasion of his retirement, numerous individuals and organizations expressed their sincere appreciation for Dr. Anderson's record of achievement at the University of Mary Washington. The Celebrity Concert series at Mary Washington was renamed the William M. Anderson, Jr., Celebrity Concert Series in honor of the support that Dr. Anderson gave to the orchestra. In addition, the General Assembly of Virginia honored Dr. Anderson with a resolution recognizing him "for his long and exceptional service to the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Mary Washington and, moreover, to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia." The University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors unanimously approved a resolution naming the school's planned extension to the athletic building the Anderson Convocation Center. During his last commencement ceremony as president, Dr. Anderson was awarded the status of president emeritus and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. Also he was presented with the Washington Medallion, which recognizes extraordinary service to the University.