William & Mary’s Board of Visitors has recently adopted a list of peer institutions. This list will help the university set strategic goals and measure its growth competitively.
President Katherine A. Rowe led the initiative, with input from Provost Peggy Agouris and a group of university representatives known as the “tiger team.” Their discussions began last September, resulting in today’s approval.
Agouris described the list as a roadmap for the university’s future. It clarifies William & Mary’s identity as a leading institution. The collaborative effort focused on understanding what makes the university unique, which in turn helps with goal-setting and monitoring progress. By comparing itself to peers, the university can gauge its strengths and areas for growth.
The tiger team consisted of about ten experts from different fields within the university. They conducted thorough research to identify key aspects that define the school’s identity, including student enrollment, faculty performance, financial resources, and academic outcomes.
They outlined seven key areas for comparison: enrollment, financial health, geographic location, academic results, rankings, research output, and classification by the American Council on Education. Using this framework, they identified approximately 25 peer institutions that share similar qualities. Some notable schools on this list include:
- Brown University
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- University of Virginia
- Vanderbilt University
Creating this list wasn’t without challenges. William & Mary stands out for its blend of characteristics. It operates as a public university with features typical of private schools, like small class sizes, while also holding a prestigious R1 research status. This unique position can complicate peer comparisons. Evaluating potential peers requires both data analysis and a nuanced understanding of what makes each institution distinct.
Historically, the university relied on two earlier peer lists. The first was created in 2007 by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, intended mostly for faculty compensation comparisons. The second came from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), focused on academic trends. However, these lists have become outdated as the education landscape evolves.
Now, this new list will support various initiatives. It will aid in strategic planning and help track progress in crucial areas like student enrollment and research quality. As higher education continues to adapt—due to advancements in technology and changing workforce demands—having a peer reference point will be vital. This way, William & Mary can better align its goals with current trends and expectations.
The development of this peer list has garnered attention on social media, with students and alumni expressing excitement about the university’s direction. Engaging with this list can benefit faculty by providing performance benchmarks, while prospective students can assess how well they fit into the community.
In essence, this initiative represents a thoughtful approach to shaping William & Mary’s future. By clarifying its peers, the university can more effectively communicate its mission and aspirations to all stakeholders.
For further details, you can read more from the [U.S. Department of Education](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/) on educational data.
