FACULTY FORWARD
CAMPAIGN PRIORITES
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Hire, retain and develop the next generation of star professors.
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Preserve and strengthen our transformational learning experience.
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Grow Darden’s infrastructure for thought leadership.
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Invest and promote ideas that change the world.
The Darden School isn't just a place; it's a feeling, a sense of purpose that resonates with those who walk our halls.
Our alumni have propelled the Powered by Purpose campaign beyond expectations, raising more than $400 million and achieving our first milestone two years ahead of schedule. This generosity has transformed our faculty, with more than $136 million, including UVA matching dollars, enabling the creation of 28 new professorships and numerous funds to honor Darden legends.
But our journey isn't over. As we approach the campaign deadline of 30 June 2025, we're focusing on our next ambitious milestone: Faculty Forward.
Our faculty aren't just educators; they're life-changers. They architect the aha moments that transform lives.
Dean Emeritus Bob Bruner captures this sentiment: "The most meaningful part of my experience at Darden over my 40 years here is the look of 'aha' in the eyes of the students. As they grasp that calculation, that dilemma presented in the case, the application of that concept to the wider world becomes clear. They see the difference they can make in the world using that idea. From that classroom, from that moment, that's an extraordinarily important impact on the lives of our students."
We're at a pivotal moment, on the brink of joining the ranks of the world's elite business schools, thanks to our faculty — the heart of Darden. But this heart needs care.
We face challenges: filling new faculty positions, offering competitive salaries, and providing the resources our faculty need to excel. The cost of inaction isn't just financial; it's risking what makes Darden unique.
Faculty Forward isn't just a campaign slogan; it's a call to action. It's a movement to ensure our future remains extraordinary.
Through a dedicated endowment for faculty excellence, we're not just revitalizing the Faculty Office Building; we're setting the stage for groundbreaking collaborations and research. This strategic investment magnetizes the world's leading educators, reinforcing Darden's position as a global powerhouse in business education.
With the Business Institute for Data and Intelligence, Darden emerges as the trailblazer in ethical and innovative tech applications in the business landscape.
A visionary endowment for the Institute for Business in Society propels Darden to the forefront of business ethics and societal impact, pioneering initiatives in DEI, ESG and sustainability.
Transforming the Mayo Center for Asset Management into the Institute for Global Capital Markets, Darden boldly steps into the future of finance, exploring realms like venture capital, private equity and real estate, setting new standards in the financial sector.
The Center for Transformational Learning is set to redefine Darden's teaching legacy for the modern era. This center is designed to supercharge faculty development, revolutionize curriculum, pioneer advanced case writing, and harness technology for state-of-the-art coaching and feedback.
Professor S. “Venkat” Venkataraman says it best: “It’s not just about great teaching. It’s about teaching great things.” Our faculty consistently deliver the best educational experience, intertwining leading-edge research and practical ideas. The opportunity is right in front of us. Let’s reciprocate the life-changing investment our faculty made in us by elevating Faculty Forward. Let’s ensure Darden continues to set the standard for excellence, where heart and mind coalesce and teaching and ideas are inseparable. Let’s ensure the heartbeat of purpose at Darden never falters.
Darden is a beacon of transformative learning experiences, a testament to our faculty's relentless passion for teaching and groundbreaking research. With a visionary $55 million endowment for faculty excellence, we're not just maintaining our standards; we're setting the stage for a new era of academic brilliance. This investment is a leap forward, amplifying our global academic footprint and ensuring Darden remains a trendsetter.
Attracting the World's Brightest Minds
The academic landscape is evolving, and so are we. This endowment is a powerful magnet, drawing the world's leading educators to Darden. With robust resources, unparalleled research support and enticing incentives, we're not just competing; we're leading. This proactive funding approach ensures that Darden is the first choice for visionary educators, fostering groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary innovations and the creation of next-gen educational content.
A new endowed faculty chair creates opportunity for one of Darden’s rising faculty stars.
Six Darden professors who define faculty excellence demonstrate how philanthropy drives their impact.
“ Darden was built on the shoulders of its faculty, and faculty remain Darden’s most valuable asset. ”
At the heart of our vision is the transformation of the Faculty Office Building. While it holds memories of the past, it's time for it to reflect Darden's vibrant future. More than just a space, it's where ideas are born, collaborations flourish and students connect with mentors. The allocated $15 million from the endowment is an investment in our future, turning this space into a living embodiment of Darden's progressive ethos. The revamped building will be a nexus for innovation, collaboration and community, ensuring every corner resonates with Darden's commitment to excellence and student-centricity.
Top-Ranked Faculty
A Tradition of Teaching Excellence
Bloomberg Businessweek has ranked the University of Virginia Darden School of Business the No. 3 business school in the United States in its new Best B-Schools 2023-24 ranking. The ranking, which measures Full-Time MBA programs, is the highest the publication has ever given the School and up six places from the prior year.
Darden remains the No. 1 ranked business school among public universities, according to Bloomberg. This latest accolade comes just seven months after the School secured the most Top 10 rankings of any business school in The Princeton Review’s annual assessment.
Darden has long been known for excellence in teaching, garnering the top U.S. ranking for educational experience for 10 straight years in the now-retired MBA rankings published by The Economist.
Elevate and Innovate Teaching Excellence
Elevate and Innovate Teaching Excellence
Elevate and Innovate Teaching Excellence
Elevate and Innovate Teaching Excellence
Elevate and Innovate Teaching Excellence
Elevate and Innovate Teaching Excellence
Be a part of Darden’s fulcrum moment.