In its inaugural year, Mary Washington’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is bringing together disciplines that reflect how people live, learn, and grow.

No one exists in a vacuum. Our health, education, relationships, and communities shape our lives. Professionals in education, nursing, health, and athletics know these connections firsthand. They understand their work is most effective when the whole person is seen and supported.

Building on Mary Washington’s strong foundation in education, CEHD prepares students to draw on knowledge across fields to train professionals that help people learn, thrive, and belong.

Your gift supports our students and the faculty and staff who prepare them to lead in classrooms, clinics, athletic fields, and communities. 

Examples of how our college lives out its mission include:

• Guiding award winning educators: Six alumni were named Student Teacher of the Year in 2026.
• Fueling classroom innovation. Each year, over 300 education students complete practicums in area schools, allowing them to build teaching skills while providing vital support for K–12 students and schools.
• Inspiring future educator leaders. Programs such as Teachers for Tomorrow help high school students explore teaching careers and prepare to return as educators in their home communities.
• Transforming regional healthcare. Our RN-BSN program has proudly prepared 319 graduates, including 130 employed at Mary Washington Healthcare.
• Launching advanced nursing leadership. We have officially welcomed 15 pioneering students into the newly launched Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.  
• Honoring scholar-athletes. This year, 57 student-athletes were inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a national student-athlete honor society, showcasing leadership in the classroom and on the field.
• Nurturing community well-being. Our college is partnering with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to support campus and regional health through critical mental health awareness initiatives, including Morgan’s Message® games to reduce mental health stigma and weekend food backpacks to address food insecurity.

By supporting these priorities, your gift powers the CEHD programs and resources that prepare students to teach, care for, and inspire future generations. Thank you for helping #MakeItPossible.

College of Education and Human Development Match:

As we celebrate our college's inaugural year, we're building something special together. Melissa Napolitano, Dean, College of Education and Human Development is going to match every gift of $100 or less to CEHD, up to $1,000! 

Every gift matters, regardless of size. Join us in preparing professionals who see the whole person, understand the whole community, and lead in classrooms, clinics, athletic fields, and beyond. 

Every gift helps move that vision forward. Let’s build momentum for CEHD’s future together.