Inside UVA

Dr. Rita Dove is one of the most acclaimed contemporary American poets. But every week a few dozen UVA students get to sit down in the classroom with her to read, write and discuss poetry. Charlottesville and UVA are honored to host Professor Dove and in this episode she discusses her early literary influences, from MAD Magazine to Shakespeare, the assignment her students live in fear of, and her experience serving as Poet Laureate of the United States from 1993 to 1995. Her latest book of poetry is Playlist for the Apocalypse.

Professor Ken Elzinga has perhaps taught more UVA students than any other faculty member. Every fall he teaches Econ 201 to nearly a thousand students, making his class the largest one at the university. He is known by his students not only for his engaging lectures but also for his commitment to their personal and intellectual development. In this conversation he talks about participating in Supreme Court cases, his faith, and some of his favorite vintage cars.

Colette Sheehy started as a Budget Analyst at UVA in 1982. These days she has a large portfolio of responsibilities that range from parking to working with the Virginia General Assembly. President Ryan asks her about her long career at the university and what it takes to manage the operations of a university during a period of immense growth.

Natalia Wilson’s (COL ’02) father told her she was his immigration lawyer at age three. It took her a few more years to get officially licensed, but these days she’s a Principal at at a family law firm in Washington, DC. President Ryan sat down with Natalia Wilson to get her perspective as an alumna on the University and the impact it’s has on her life and career.

The Honor Committee is one of UVA's most cherished and controversial institutions. The current Honor Committee Chair, Andy Chambers, says he knew he wanted to be a part of it from the first time he visited UVA. In this episode of Inside UVA, Andy Chambers and President Ryan talk about changes to the Honor System, student self-governance and what it means to live, work, and study in a community of trust. You might even learn a little bit about building your own guitar...

Even if you don't know what the Chief Operating Officer does, if you live, work or study at UVA, you've almost certainly gotten an email from Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis. She's the one who lets us know when there's a snow day or a test to the emergency system, and this past year she's sent us a lot of updates about COVID-19. Tune in to hear about how UVA upended its operations to ensure safety during COVID-19 and get to know the person behind the emails.

A lot has changed at UVA since Mr. Whitt Clement finished his undergraduate degree in 1970. And he's been around to witness and take part in that change, first as a Law Student, then serving on the Alumni Association Board, the Parent's Committee, and now on the Board of Visitors as Rector. In this episode of Inside UVA he shares stories from across his time at UVA and explains what the word "Rector" means.

Liz Magill has had a very eventful two years as the Provost at UVA. But first, do you know what the Provost actually does? Tune in to learn about this essential role at most universities. You'll also get the inside scoop on how UVA leadership made decisions during COVID-19 and maybe even learn a little bit about kickboxing.

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer Robyn Hadley has only been on the job three months. But she's already immersed herself in student life. In her new residence in one of the Pavillions on the Lawn she is literally surrounded by university life night and day. In this episode of Inside UVA, President Ryan asks the new Vice President about her time as a student athlete, what it's like to work with student organizations, and what her priorities are for this unusual academic year.

UVA Head Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall is here for more than football. His real pursuit is developing the young people on his team into leaders with strong convictions. In the inaugural episode of Inside UVA, President Jim Ryan asks Coach Mendenhall about his unconventional equestrian recruitment tradition, coaching during COVID, and, of course, the upcoming 2021 Football season. Tune in for the first of many candid conversations with President Ryan about what's going on Inside UVA.