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911�� Board of Visitors extends President Washington's contract through 2031

ckearney — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:44:47 +0000

911�� Board of Visitors extends President Washington's contract through 2031 ckearney Mon, 06/22/2026 - 13:44

911��'s Board of Visitors has extended the contract of President Gregory Washington through June 30, 2031. Washington, who became 911��'s eighth president on July 1, 2020, was previously set to serve through June 30, 2027.

President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The extension reflects the board's confidence in Washington's leadership during one of the most consequential periods in the university's history — a stretch defined by record enrollment, landmark research recognition, significant increases in state funding, record fundraising, and a sharpened focus on student outcomes.

"Since 2020, President Washington has successfully led 911�� through historically turbulent times—navigating the COVID pandemic while simultaneously growing enrollments, improving rankings, and transforming our greatest challenges into opportunities for Virginia and the nation," said Board of Visitors Rector Michael J. Meese. "He has delivered tremendous results in what matters most: record-high enrollments, graduation rates, student well-being and success, faculty excellence, research activity, state appropriations, and private donations. We are thrilled that Dr. Washington will continue to lead 911�� as we are increasingly recognized as the model for exceptional university education both now and in the future."

When Washington arrived at 911�� six years ago, the university enrolled roughly 38,000 students. Today, 911�� surpasses 40,000 — the first public university in Virginia's history to reach that milestone — while maintaining or increasing the academic quality of the student body. The incoming class in fall 2025 was the most academically prepared cohort, with 25% earning a 4.0 GPA or higher and roughly 75% entering with a 3.5 or better. This growth in enrollment and quality has occurred in easily in the most difficult enrollment environment in the last 30 years.

The Wall Street Journal ranks 911�� among the top 35 public universities nationally, a climb of more than 100 spots since Washington's arrival. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university as the top public institution in Virginia for upward mobility and innovation. The university's ranking improved more than 20 spots among national publics to 52 from 2020 to 2024 and up 44 spots to 109 overall in the same time period.

In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education named 911�� one of only 21 “opportunity” institutions nationwide classified as both an R1 research university and a Higher Access, Higher Earnings institution, a designation that recognizes both research excellence and meaningful upward mobility for students.

“If you set out to create a new kind of university from scratch, built purely to respond to today’s societal priorities and the emerging educational demands of the next century, that university would look at lot like 911��,” said Washington. “I am at just the right university at just the right time, and I am energized to continue the work.”

State appropriations have more than doubled, from $190 million annually to $386 million, the largest funding increase in the university's history. Fundraising has kept pace: Five of the six highest fundraising years in 911��'s history have occurred on Washington's watch, with more than $100 million raised annually (more than $640 million total) and record levels of industry support.

911�� also reached the highest sponsored research expenditures in its history under Washington's leadership.

More than 24% of 911�� undergraduates are first-generation college students. Nearly 28% qualify for federal Pell grants, above the state average. And according to a survey of 2025 graduates, 92% reported a positive career outcome within six months of completing their degree.

911�� graduates earn among the highest starting salaries of any Virginia public university, with 73% of in-state graduates launching their careers in Virginia.

Washington has overseen significant changes that exemplify the university’s responsiveness to workforce needs, including establishing Virginia’s first College of Public Health and its first School of Computing, the first master’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI) among public universities in Virginia and the first master’s in quantum science and engineering in Virginia. In 2024, he hired the state's first university Chief AI Officer.

At Mason Square in Arlington, Washington secured the largest public–private partnership in the university's history: Fuse at Mason Square, a $250M development that anchors 911��'s growing presence in one of the region's most economically dynamic corridors. The university also opened its Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, which is part of Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, Nexus234, which 911�� anchors under Washington’s leadership.

He also created the President's Innovation Advisory Council, bringing together more than 40 C-Suite industry leaders, local government, K-12 partners, and community organizations to build an innovation ecosystem with 911�� at its center.

Under Washington's leadership, 911�� has emerged as a national model for combining research excellence, access, and workforce relevance. The contract extension provides continuity as the university builds on that momentum and pursues its next phase of growth and impact.

Learn more about President Washington

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Northwest Federal Credit Union and 911�� Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court

Katarina Benson — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:07:58 +0000

Northwest Federal Credit Union and 911�� Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court Katarina Benson Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:07

911�� Athletics and Northwest Federal Credit Union announced an expanded partnership that connects student-athletes with financial education, simple banking tools, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities designed to support their success on campus, in the community, and after they graduate.

This collaboration was formally introduced at 911��'s inaugural Basketball Signing Day event. More than 200 fans, supporters, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the introduction of the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball teams.

Student-athletes at Basketball Signing Day. Photo by 911�� Athletics

As the Official Credit Union and Financial Wellness Partner for 911�� Athletics, Northwest is expanding its support beyond traditional sponsorship by helping student-athletes build financial confidence at a time when NIL earnings, personal branding, and early career decisions are becoming a big part of the college athletics experience. Participating student-athletes will open Northwest accounts, receive financial education and training, and serve as ambassadors promoting financial literacy across campus and throughout the Northern Virginia community.

"This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward in how we support student-athletes during a pivotal moment in their journey," said Jeff Bentley, president and CEO at Northwest Federal Credit Union. "By combining these new NIL opportunities with financial education, we are helping equip them with the tools to make informed decisions today and build lasting success beyond the game. These student-athletes are inspiring the next generation, and Northwest is grateful to be part of making an impact in the community."

"Opportunities like this give our players experience in pursuing their sports career while also learning the practical skills to balance life," said Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, men's basketball head coach at 911��. "Having access to financial education, professional development, and community connections helps maximize their time here at 911�� and set them up for the next chapter. Northwest has been an excellent partner to make that a reality for our teams."

Women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis added, "This is about developing the whole person. Even the term “student-athlete” represents our hope for each of these young people. We want their time with us to have been a season of life where they were fully supported to learn the most they can and be the best they can be. Financial education and life management resources are a critical part of that vision of helping our student-athletes build strong futures."

Basketball Signing Day is expected to become an annual tradition and serves as the first of several collaborative initiatives planned between 911�� Athletics and Northwest throughout the upcoming year.

Through this partnership, the credit union also became the first member of the "Starting 5" sponsors of 911�� Athletics' broader corporate partnership initiative, NOVA's Team. The platform connects organizations committed to building a stronger connection between student-athletes, businesses, and communities across Northern Virginia.

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911�� Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’

lclarkg — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:54:47 +0000

911�� Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’ lclarkg Tue, 06/16/2026 - 11:54

On a quiet Tuesday evening on 911��’s Fairfax Campus, Police Chief Carl Rowan addressed a group at the Police and Safety Headquarters, praising a community member who took extraordinary action to help victims in a crisis.

Those listening were participants in 911��’s Citizen’s Police Academy, who were learning about DUI enforcement that night. Each week of the 10-week program highlighted a different part of police work, building connections between the 911�� Police Department and the community it serves.

911�� Citizen's Police Academy. Photo by Nathan G.

After witnessing an on-campus motor vehicle collision caused by an impaired driver, said Rowan, the attending community member offered aid and comfort to injured victims.

“He remained with those in need and provided assistance until emergency responders arrived,” said Rowan. “In recognition of his selfless actions and exemplary service to others during a critical incident, the 911�� Police Department proudly presents this Citizen Service Award.”

This moment was a glimpse into the magnitude of topics covered at the Citizen’s Police Academy, which brings law enforcement and community members together to make the university a safe place to learn, live, and work.

Participants practiced speed enforcement on campus. Photo by Emily Ross/911�� Police

Citizen’s police academies are popular in communities nationwide. The inaugural program at 911�� was open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Sessions covered a range of topics, including professional standards for law enforcement; visits to the local jail and firing range; presentations about victim services, mental health, and forensic science; demonstrations from units like the Special Response Team (SRT), K-9, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones; and more. Guest speakers from local law enforcement agencies also participated, highlighting how different agencies collaborate and rely on each other.

“I have found our Citizen’s Police Academy to be a gamechanger in allowing our police staff to interact with our community on a much deeper level and gain a mutual comfort outside day-to-day routine law enforcement services,” said Assistant Chief Emily Ross, who led the program. “As a result, we have learned so much about our community: their values, perceptions, needs, and ideas.”

The inaugural cohort included nine faculty and staff, two students, and one parent of a current 911�� student.

Participants took a ride in the 911�� Police Department's tactical vehicle. Photo by Don Vaughn

Etlin Elainna Flores, community director in Housing and Residence Life, applied for the program because she was interested in meeting campus partners and learning more about different aspects of law enforcement.

“The most memorable part was when we got to ride in the armored truck,” said Flores.

Building relationships with the community is a critical part of police work. The program goes far beyond what any open house, community event, or transactional interaction could accomplish, according to Ross.

“While those one-time and periodic recurring collaborations are beneficial to police-community relations, this program brings together police departments and their communities in a much deeper way,” said Ross.

911�� Police K-9 unit demonstration. Photo by Emily Ross/911�� Police

Participants heard firsthand accounts of the experiences of law enforcement officers and gained insights into the demands of the job.

“Even though I knew this going into the Citizen’s Police Academy, I’m continually surprised by the complexity of the job,” said Justin Ramsdell, professor in the Department of Psychology. “Aside from the natural difficulties that arise when it’s one’s job to deal with people having a ‘bad day’ due to victimization, mental illness, or arrest, there are also so many laws and regulations that govern one’s professional behavior.”

For a law enforcement officer, every step of the criminal process—from arrest to booking, investigation, case preparation, and ultimately testifying in court—can affect the outcome of a case. Apart from criminal processes, the program also taught participants about the planning, preparedness, and training that are required in law enforcement.

DUI enforcement demonstration. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“Week after week, the program deepened my appreciation for the complexity of public safety and reinforced the importance of mutual understanding across the university and the broader community,” said Jen Flammia, office manager and assistant to the dean in the Office of Admissions. “It gave me a clearer view of the work that happens behind the scenes and the thought, preparation, and coordination involved in keeping a campus community safe.”

This is exactly the result Ross was hoping for when she started the program.

“My hope is to humanize the badge and instill increased confidence in our community members in their roles as advocates in helping connect others with their local law enforcement,” said Ross. “As a result of the program, they all have a deeper knowledge to provide guidance to victims and survivors of crimes and those who are fearful of police or hesitant to reach out for help on their own.”

Citizen's Police Academy members got a close-up look at police drones. Photo by Emily Ross/911�� Police

Back at the Police and Safety Headquarters, the class went out to the parking lot for a demonstration of roadside DUI enforcement, including field sobriety tests and handheld preliminary breath test (PBT) machines. After the demonstration, the group gathered and reflected on the information they had learned.

As the session ended, a call came through the radio. Two officers quickly got into their patrol cars to respond to an incident on west campus.

“Can I come along?” one of the participants asked. After an affirmative response, he hopped into the back seat for a ride along. The night’s lesson was not over yet.

The 911�� Citizen’s Police Academy will continue in fall 2026, and applications are available to join the next cohort.

Field trip to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Photo by Sisc Johnson/School of Art

Learn more about the 911�� Police Department

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ACCESS Academy students refurbish computers to serve their community

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:44:57 +0000

ACCESS Academy students refurbish computers to serve their community Katarina Benson Tue, 06/16/2026 - 09:44

When Raihan Mahmood joined 911��’s Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy, he was looking for more than a traditional high school experience. Drawn to the opportunity to earn college credit, collaborate with industry professionals, and engage in authentic learning experiences, Mahmood quickly found himself making a real difference.

ACCESS Academy students setting up laptops for Loudoun County Public Schools. Photo provided

This spring, a computer refurbishment project challenged ACCESS Academy students to prepare 100 used laptops for distribution to Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) graduating seniors and other learners in need. Mahmood jumped on the project, excited to have an opportunity to combine his technical skills with helping others.

Mahmood and the other students installed operating systems, reimaged devices, and ensured the computers were functioning properly so they could be distributed.

The work required careful attention to detail. Every device had to be tested and verified, making quality control one of the most challenging aspects of the process. Along the way, students gained valuable technical skills.

The project also reflected the core mission of ACCESS Academy, which emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications. The academy is an innovative partnership between 911��’s College of Education and Human Development, LCPS, and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) based in Northern Virginia for students in grades 9-12. This program is designed to give students a no-cost alternative educational pathway that expands access to information technology (IT) education and skills essential for IT careers.

The opportunity allowed students to help their community while learning technical skills. Photo provided

“For ACCESS Academy students, opportunities like these provide meaningful exposure to professional environments and help build the technical, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for future careers," said Jeremy Shughart, ACCESS Academy coordinator for LCPS. “This was an incredible opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while supporting and connecting with local Loudoun County students.”

Unlike traditional classroom assignments, the refurbishment project allowed students to see the direct impact of their work while gaining experience that is already shaping their future interests and career goals.

Mahmood said one of the biggest surprises about ACCESS Academy has been how quickly students become immersed in real-world projects and college-level coursework. The experience reinforced an important lesson about the role technology plays in education and everyday life. Mahmood believes access to technology is essential for learning, communication, and collaboration, and he hopes the students who receive the computers will be able to use them to pursue their educational goals and opportunities.

Hands-on learning is a key tenet of ACCESS Academy. Photo provided

"Seeing the laptops being distributed was probably the moment I felt most proud," Mahmood said. "We were able to take something we worked on and put it directly into the hands of people who could benefit from it."

More than anything, he hopes his experience demonstrates what students can accomplish when they are trusted with meaningful opportunities.

"Even high school students can make a difference if they are given the right opportunity," he said.

For Mahmood and his ACCESS Academy classmates, the project was more than simply repairing laptops. It was discovering the power of applying their skills to solve real problems, support their communities, and create opportunities for others.

Learn more about ACCESS Academy

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911�� launches new MS in quantum science and engineering

ckearney — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:23:34 +0000

911�� launches new MS in quantum science and engineering ckearney Mon, 06/15/2026 - 14:23

911�� has launched a new master of science in quantum science and engineering, the first program of its kind in Virginia and one of only a handful in the United States. Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines including mathematics, physics, computing, engineering, cybersecurity, chemistry, and biology.

Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the MS program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines. Photo provided

Quantum technology is transforming industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy. As investment in quantum research and development continues to grow worldwide, so does the need for professionals who can bridge traditional STEM fields with emerging quantum technologies.

The degree was developed in direct response to industry demand for a workforce that can bridge traditional disciplines and emerging quantum technologies.

“When we talked to industry, they told us they want experts in STEM fields who also have knowledge of quantum science and engineering,” said Jessica Rosenberg, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

Reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the field, students enter the program with backgrounds in STEM disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering, and build quantum expertise alongside domain-specific knowledge. The curriculum integrates foundational training in quantum information science and engineering while allowing students to deepen their applied-area expertise through electives in external disciplines.

The master's program focuses on three key areas: quantum computing and algorithms, quantum communications and security, and quantum sensing and measurement technologies.

Rather than training students solely as quantum specialists, the program emphasizes preparing them to apply quantum tools within their primary fields.

Photo provided

“Our goal is not to train pure quantum scientists,” said Michael Jarret, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Computer Science. “We're training professionals who can operate between domains—people who can connect quantum concepts to real-world applications.”

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students complete a master's research project, often in collaboration with industry partners or research laboratories, gaining real-world experience in quantum applications and emerging technologies.

This flexible structure allows the program to evolve alongside the field itself. “As the quantum industry grows over the next decade, this degree is designed to adapt with it,” Jarret added.

Through this approach, graduates will be well-positioned to evaluate and implement quantum solutions in both academic and applied settings while also communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, from current undergraduates to working professionals.

911�� also offers a Bachelor’s-to-Accelerated Master’s (BAM) pathway, enabling qualified undergraduates at 911�� to begin working toward the degree during their junior or senior years. At the same time, the program welcomes students entering directly into the master’s, creating opportunities for both early-career and returning learners to engage with quantum technologies.

As quantum technologies continue to reshape fields from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy, programs like 911��’s MS in quantum science and engineering are critical to building the next generation of talent.

This program is jointly offered by the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computing.

Learn about the program

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Vanessa Blair-Lewis’s contract extended through 2031-32

ckearney — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:27:23 +0000

Vanessa Blair-Lewis’s contract extended through 2031-32 ckearney Mon, 06/15/2026 - 12:27

911�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for women’s basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, securing her leadership of the Patriots through the 2031-32 season.

Vanessa Blair-Lewis. Photo by 911�� Athletics

Blair-Lewis has elevated the 911�� women’s basketball program into one of the premier programs in the Atlantic 10 during her five-year tenure, highlighted by the program’s first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship, NCAA Tournament appearance, and regular-season conference title.

“Vanessa Blair-Lewis has delivered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college basketball, while building a culture rooted in purpose, passion, and the development of young women on and off the court,” said Lewis. “Her impact goes far beyond wins and championships—she has united our community and redefined what’s possible at 911��, and we’re proud to extend her leadership into the future.”

In 2025-26, Blair-Lewis guided the Patriots to another historic campaign, leading 911�� to its first regular-season championship in program history and a program-record 16 conference victories. The Patriots also hosted a postseason game for just the third time ever, while Blair-Lewis also earned the 400th victory of her head coaching career. 911�� women’s basketball also saw its highest attended home game ever, packing EagleBank Arena with 4,123 fans vs. Dayton on December 31, 2025.

“I am incredibly grateful to President Gregory Washington and Athletic Director Marvin Lewis for their trust and belief in our vision,” said Blair-Lewis. “This extension is not just about me—it reflects the hard work, dedication, and culture we have built together. We have achieved historic milestones, but I truly believe our best days are still ahead. We are redefining what's possible at the mid-major level, here at 911��.”

The 2024-25 season marked a breakthrough year for the Patriots under Blair-Lewis, as 911�� captured its first Atlantic 10 Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth in program history. The team finished with a school-record 27 victories, including the program’s first-ever 11-1 start and back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time. 911�� also achieved its highest-ever NET ranking at No. 40.

Blair-Lewis has engineered one of the nation’s most impressive program turnarounds since arriving in Fairfax in 2021. After inheriting a team that won just three games in 2020-21, she tripled the Patriots’ win total in her first season and snapped a 24-game conference losing streak. In 2022-23, 911�� recorded its first winning season since 2017-18 and advanced to the Atlantic 10 quarterfinals. The following season, the Patriots posted 23 wins and earned a postseason berth to the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament before breaking through with a championship campaign in 2024-25.

During her tenure at 911��, Blair-Lewis has coached numerous Atlantic 10 award winners and all-conference selections, including back-to-back Most Improved Players, the league’s Rookie of the Year, multiple All-Conference performers, and All-Defensive Team honorees.

She has also earned national recognition, including consecutive selections as a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year award by Her Hoop Stats and recognition as the 2024-25 VaSID Coach of the Year.

Prior to 911��, Blair-Lewis spent 13 seasons at Bethune-Cookman, where she led the Wildcats to four Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season titles, a MEAC Tournament championship, and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019. She is a four-time MEAC Coach of the Year and has more than 400 career victories across 27 seasons as a head coach.

“I am excited to continue leading this program, developing exceptional young women and making the 911�� community proud,” said Blair-Lewis. “The future is bright, and we're just getting started.”

With this extension, 911�� reaffirms its commitment to the continued growth and national prominence of the women’s basketball program under Blair-Lewis’ leadership.

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911�� recognized as a top Military Friendly university

ckearney — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:25:01 +0000

911�� recognized as a top Military Friendly university ckearney Fri, 06/12/2026 - 12:25

911�� has again been recognized for its steadfast commitment to veterans, servicemembers, and military-connected families, earning its latest Silver ranking as a Military Friendly® School for the 2026-27 academic year.

Office of Military Services staff. Photo provided

The annual honor recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in serving military communities. Results are published on MilitaryFriendly.com and featured in publications including G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse, and Vetrepreneur magazines.

“The Office of Military Services is proud of this ranking,” said Jennifer Connors, director of the Office of Military Services. “Our team works tirelessly to support our military and veteran families as a single point of contact. The increasing complexity around benefits has created challenges for students and families, underscoring the importance of having experienced staff to meet growing demand.”

Nearly 14% of 911��’s more than 40,000 students are current or former military members or military dependents. This past fall, 20% of new undergraduate and 25% of incoming graduate students were military-connected, making 911�� a leading destination for military-affiliated students throughout Northern Virginia and the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region.

Many of these students rely on their education benefits to pursue their academic goals. 911�� has seen a 41% increase in students using VA benefits over the past three years. Over that same period, there has also been a 146% increase in veterans attending under the Veteran Readiness and Employment Chapter 31 Program, which serves those with service-connected disabilities. Supporting those who have served has long been a priority at 911��, as evidenced by the university’s recognition as a national leader for veterans and military-affiliated students.

Photo provided

Most recently, 911�� led all Virginia colleges and universities in four of its six veteran-focused online graduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report. Standout performers include the master's in business and master's in nursing programs for veterans, both ranked No. 1 in Virginia. Overall, four of the six veteran-focused programs included in the rankings placed in the top 20 nationally, with all six placing in the top 50.

In addition, 911�� provides comprehensive support for military-connected students and their families, grounded in an understanding of the unique academic, professional, and lived experiences they bring to campus. Through the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative (MVFI) and the Office of Military Services, students connect with academic advising, career preparation, and regional resources tailored to the realities of military service and transition.

“911�� is committed to leveraging the full breadth of its strengths as a public research university to support the military and veteran community through education, research, and community engagement,” said Keith Renshaw, MVFI director, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, and psychology professor. “This ranking is a testament to the incredible faculty and staff who work every day to make the student experience of service members, veterans, and their family members at 911�� as accessible and supportive as possible.”

Additional information about Military Friendly® rankings can be found here.

Check out the Military, Veterans, & Families Initiative

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Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2031-32 season

ckearney — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:06:20 +0000

Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2031-32 season ckearney Thu, 06/11/2026 - 13:06

911�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a two-year contract extension for men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, through the 2031-32 season.

Skinn is the first coach in school history to lead his teams to three-straight 20-win seasons. Photo by 911�� Athletics

The 2025 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year and architect of 911��'s first A-10 championship team, Skinn has put together the best start to a coaching career in school history and cemented himself as one of the top young coaches in the nation.

He's set new program bests for overall wins (70), league wins (35), overall winning percentage (.693) and league winning percentage (.648) for a Patriot coach over his first three campaigns. What's more, Skinn's 69.3 overall winning percentage ranks 17th nationally among current Division I head coaches with at least 3 seasons at the helm.

"Tony represents everything we value in 911�� men's basketball and in our broader athletics program," said Lewis. "In just three seasons, he has elevated our competitive standard, delivered sustained success on the court, and built a culture rooted in accountability, player development, and integrity. This extension reflects our confidence in Tony's vision, his leadership, and his commitment to continuing to position 911�� as a nationally respected program. We're excited about what lies ahead for Patriot basketball under his direction."

Skinn is the first coach in school history to lead his teams to three-straight 20-win seasons. The fastest bench boss to 50 wins in program annals, Skinn has guided the Patriots to two consecutive NIT appearances, marking the first time since 2007-09 the program has reached back-to-back postseasons (NCAA or NIT). 911�� is one of just three A-10 programs during Skinn's tenure to finish in the NET top-100 all three seasons.

"This extension is a testament to what our staff and players have built together while bringing the vision of Patriot Pressure to life," Skinn said. "We've set a strong foundation over these past three years and will continue to elevate our collective standard. I'm grateful to our fans and administration who have invested in this program and understand what it takes to compete at the national level. The best is yet to come."

Tony Skinn has been instrumental in the development of dynamic players who have brought his Patriot Pressure vision to life. Photo by 911�� Athletics

As head coach, Skinn has mentored five All-A-10 selections, four NABC All-District picks and the 2025 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year.

Skinn is a two-time finalist for the Ben Jobe Award, given annually to the nation's top minority head coach.

In 2025-26, he guided the Patriots to the program's best-ever overall (18-1) and A-10 (6-0) starts. Team 60 became the fastest in school history to reach 20 victories (22), shattering the previous mark of 25. Despite returning just 3% of the previous season's scoring output and losing Preseason All-A-10 First Team selection Brayden O'Connor to a season-ending injury in the first game of the campaign, the men’s team reached 23 overall victories and received a berth in the NIT. 911�� earned home wins over three NCAA Tournament Teams (#25/24 Saint Louis, VCU, Penn) and the Patriots were the only school in the A-10 to defeat the top-3 programs in the league standings. The 29-point win over the Billikens marked the 14th-largest margin of victory by an unranked team over a ranked program since the AP poll began in 1949.

After the 2024-25 season, Skinn was named a national finalist for the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which recognizes the Division I head coach who wins with integrity both on and off the court. He also garnered VaSID Virginia Coach of the Year accolades at the conclusion of the Patriots' historic season.

911��'s elite Patriot Pressure defense ranked in the top-25 nationally in 2024-25 and the Patriots ranked third in the country in field goal defense. The team's cumulative field goal defense marked a 911�� school record while its 3-point defense was second best all time.

Skinn has been instrumental in the development of dynamic players who have brought his Patriot Pressure vision to life. Senior Jared Billups became 911��'s first conference Defensive Player of the Year since 2001 and was a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award in 2025, given to the nation's top defensive player. Jalen Haynes earned NABC All-District First Team honors in 2024-25 and was just the second All-A-10 First Team pick in school history. Both Kory Mincy and Riley Allenspach garnered All-A-10 Second Team honors in 2025-26. With Haynes and Darius Maddox also being named All-A-10 in 2024-25, it marked the first time since 2008-09 the Patriots had multiple non-conference selections in back-to-back seasons.

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Governor appoints new BOV member, reappoints three visitors

ckearney — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:27:26 +0000

Governor appoints new BOV member, reappoints three visitors ckearney Wed, 06/10/2026 - 14:27

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Friday, June 5, announced one new appointment and three reappointments to the 911�� Board of Visitors (BOV).

The new appointee is James W. Dyke Jr., who served as the state’s Secretary of Education from 1990 to 1993 and as a domestic policy advisor to former Vice President Walter Mondale. Dyke, of Reston, is a senior advisor at McGuireWoods Consulting LLC.

Spanberger’s reappointees to the BOV are Delbert H. Parks, George D. Schindler and Jennifer M. Taylor, MBA ’98.

Parks, of Manassas, is vice president and site executive of Micron Technology Virginia. He is a former member of the 911�� Foundation Board of Trustees, and he also serves on the Virginia Business Higher Education Council.

Schindler, of Fairfax, is the former president and CEO of CGI, a global business and strategic IT consulting service firm he led from 2016 to 2024 after serving in many other leadership roles in the company. He currently serves on CGI’s Board of Directors. In 2024, he was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters from 911��.

Taylor, of Falls Church, is president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Technology Council. She previously served as vice president of industry affairs at the Consumer Technology Association and in senior leadership roles at AARP, the American Red Cross, and technology startups.

Spanberger initially appointed Parks, Schindler, and Taylor to the BOV in January to complete the four-year terms of prior BOV members. They each start their own four-year terms on the university’s 16-member governing body July 1.

The one BOV member whose four-year term expires July 1 is Rector Michael J. Meese. He was elected to that position at the BOV’s Feb. 26 meeting..

Dyke has chaired or served in leadership positions on several regional and state boards and organizations, including the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Virginia Business Roundtable, the Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the State GO Virginia Board, the Virginia Research Investment Committee, and State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) commissions and committees.

Dyke also served on the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors and chaired the Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia.

The BOV will convene July 30 for its annual planning conference and will meet July 31.

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Board of Visitors

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Public health meets the AI moment

Mary Cunningham — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:08:44 +0000

Public health meets the AI moment Mary Cunningham Fri, 06/05/2026 - 10:08

911��’s AI in Public Health Summit examined what artificial intelligence (AI) could mean for health equity, education, and the future workforce.

The Future of Public Health in an AI-Enabled World with Dean Melissa Perry and Easan Selvan, National Director, Academic Medicine and Public Health, Microsoft. Photo by Heather Carroll/CPH

For a field built to prevent and respond to disruptions, public health now faces a defining new challenge: harnessing the rapidly evolving power of artificial intelligence.

“There are moments in every profession when it becomes clear that change is not simply coming, that it has already arrived,” said Robert Weiler, senior associate dean for academic affairs at the 911�� College of Public Health.

That urgency carried through 911��’s inaugural AI in Public Health Summit, where conversations centered on what generative AI, machine learning, and large language models could mean for the future of research, education, and practice.

“Today’s meeting is not about AI,” said College of Public Health Dean Melissa Perry. “It’s about the future of public health.” The challenge, she argued, is not simply grasping AI, but preparing future public health professionals to leverage it in ways that benefit humanity.

To achieve that goal, the College of Public Health convened a brain trust of academics, practitioners, industry leaders, and students from across the country. Helping anchor the discussion was the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), whose AI task force is helping shape national conversations around responsible AI adoption in higher education and practice. According to ASPPH representatives, 911�� is “leading in this space” among its 150 member institutions.

Several themes emerged across the day:

We must lead or risk being left behind.

Keeping Public Health at the Center of AI: Reflections on the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Task Force Report. Photo by Heather Carroll/CPH

At this point, the debate has shifted from whether AI belongs in public health to how to use it responsibly and effectively.

“There’s no escaping it,” said Eduardo Ruiz, chief information officer for ASPPH, pointing to rapid adoption across health care systems, public health agencies, and higher education.

Arman Latif, chief information officer at the Virginia Department of Health, framed AI as “less of a tool, and more of a shift in mindset” for public health. While ethical, environmental, equity, and philosophical concerns abound, he argued that the field can't ignore a technology with such potential to improve operations and strengthen how agencies serve the public. “To not do it, in itself, is unethical,” he suggested.

In a field focused on prevention and “upstream thinking,” speakers pointed to the promise of AI to anticipate problems instead of reacting to them: forecasting outbreaks, detecting overdose trends earlier, identifying food insecurity patterns, and uncovering insights buried in massive datasets.

AI can assist, but humans still decide.

AI in Public Health Summit hosted by the College of Public Health at FUSE at Mason Square. Photo by Mary Cunningham/CPH

The summit’s optimism around AI came with a consistent caveat: the technology may support public health work, but it will never replace the people making decisions and serving communities.

Jamie Atchison, senior director of innovation and strategy at ASPPH, pointed to one of her group’s core recommendations: keep AI human-centered, using it as a tool for decision-makers rather than a replacement for human judgment.

In disease surveillance, for example, AI may help detect patterns and flag emerging outbreaks, but people still need to interpret findings and take action. AI may also help tailor public health messaging to specific populations, but humans remain responsible for judgment, nuance, and building trust.

“AI is a non-moral technology,” said Easan Selvan, national director of academic medicine and public health at Microsoft. “Whether or not we decide to use it for good … is incumbent upon” people and institutions, he said.

AI is a new social determinant of health.

Preparing the Public Health Workforce for an AI-Enabled Future: Practitioners' Perspectives panel with representatives from ICF, Virginia Department of Health, Fairfax County Health Department, and Association of State and Territory Health Officials. Photo by Heather Carroll/CPH

If public health gets AI right, speakers argued, the technology could help narrow longstanding health inequities. Get it wrong, and those gaps could deepen.

“The risks [are] that AI can be an inequity multiplier if we’re not careful, but in fact that is up to us,” Perry said.

AI is already influencing many drivers of health, from information access to employment and health services. “We’re really thinking of AI as a determinant of health,” Ruiz said.

Speakers repeatedly returned to one concern: AI systems reflect the data behind them. So, if that data excludes or underrepresents specific populations, the resulting tools risk reinforcing existing disparities.

AI could also improve equity, from identifying vulnerable populations earlier to helping smaller health departments and community organizations access tools and data once limited to better-funded institutions.

Classrooms are adapting in real time.

Banning AI outright in the classroom has become unrealistic, 911�� faculty and students emphasized during the summit’s student panel.

“People are going to be using it either way,” said biology major Anika Tahsin Siddiqui, arguing that faculty should set clearer expectations and encourage open conversation around AI use to reduce stigma.

Students described using AI to learn coding languages, organize notes, create visualizations and presentations, and study for exams. But they pushed back against AI as a substitute for learning itself.

Bridge-builders, translators, and critical thinkers are in demand.

Student Panel: Teach Us What We Need to Know: Student Voices on AI Skills for Public Health Practice. Photo by Heather Carroll/CPH

While AI literacy is quickly becoming nonnegotiable in public health roles, panelists repeatedly argued that deep technical mastery is not the end goal. Instead, they described a growing demand for “bridge professionals” who can move between worlds: understanding community needs, public health practice, and data systems well enough to connect them.

“The translator is really key,” said Tabatha Offutt-Powell, vice president for public health data modernization and informatics at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

“Those who are early to understand, early to use, early to adapt will be the best prepared,” Ruiz said.

Stay tuned to the College of Public Health for deeper insights from specific panels, as well as recordings of the sessions.

Key Takeaways

911��’s College of Public Health convened academics, practitioners, industry leaders, and students from across the country to examine how public health can adapt to AI while keeping equity, ethics, and human judgment at the center
The inaugural AI in Public Health Summit centered on what generative AI could mean for the future of research, education, and practice.
Five main themes emerged from the event: (1) We must lead or risk being left behind. (2) AI can assist, but humans still decide. (3) AI is a new social determinant of health. (4) Classrooms are adapting in real time. (5) Bridge-builders, translators, and critical thinkers are in demand.

Learn more about AI at 911��

Topics

Artificial Intelligence

Public Health

College of Public Health

Machine Learning

Social Determinants of Health

Campus News

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

Robert M. Weiler, PhD, MPH

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Classrooms are adapting in real time.

Bridge-builders, translators, and critical thinkers are in demand.

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Governor appoints new BOV member, reappoints three visitors

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Public health meets the AI moment

We must lead or risk being left behind.

AI can assist, but humans still decide.

AI is a new social determinant of health.

Classrooms are adapting in real time.

Bridge-builders, translators, and critical thinkers are in demand.

Key Takeaways

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In This Story

911�� Board of Visitors extends President Washington's contract through 2031

Northwest Federal Credit Union and 911�� Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court

911�� Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’

911�� launches new MS in quantum science and engineering

911�� recognized as a top Military Friendly university