University of Virginia
History
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, who envisioned it as the "academic village." The university's original governing Board of Visitors included former Presidents of the United States Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Monroe was the sitting President of the United States at the time of its foundation and earlier Presidents Jefferson and Madison were UVA's first two rectors. Jefferson conceived and designed the original courses of study and original architecture.
Academics
UVA offers a wide range of programs in various fields of study. It is organized into twelve schools, each of which offers undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs. The largest school by enrollment is the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, which includes the humanities, social sciences, and physical and biological sciences. Other schools include the School of Architecture, Darden School of Business, School of Education and Human Development, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
Campus
The University of Virginia's campus is renowned for its Jeffersonian architecture and place in U.S. history, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centerpiece of the university's campus is The Lawn, a grand, terraced green space surrounded by residential and academic buildings in the Neoclassical architectural style, which is widely considered to be a masterpiece of American architecture.
Student Life
UVA has a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations, Greek life, and athletic events. The university's athletic teams, known as the Cavaliers, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have won numerous national championships.
Notable Alumni
The University of Virginia has produced many notable alumni in various fields, including law, business, politics, and the arts. Notable alumni include President Woodrow Wilson, novelist Edgar Allan Poe, and former U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy.