With UVA’s recent acquisition of Sycamore Hill, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies will transform a historic facility into a dynamic center for academic innovation, leadership development and community engagement. These grounds provide a momentous step for the School, blending Jefferson's enduring vision of lifelong learning with a contemporary interpretation of creating a residential living and learning community that is accessible for adult learners.
With 13 expansive acres, the 1950s property was formerly the Thomas Jefferson Inn and became home to the Federal Executive Institute in 1968. Now, multiple classrooms and 49 guest rooms - a portion of the overall residential capacity - will enable the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to expand its offerings of high-quality in-person, hybrid and immersive learning experiences across programs, anchored by the Center for Public Safety and Justice.
“This strategic addition creates an environment where public safety leaders can learn together, live together, and grow together, immersed in a setting designed to strengthen leadership, foster collaboration, and prepare them to meet the complex challenges of modern public safety.”
Ben Haiman, Executive Director, UVA Center for Public Safety and Justice
More broadly, Sycamore Hill affords greater access to varied learning modalities across degrees, certificates and professional programs for adult learners throughout the nation in liberal arts, government, business, health care, and technology. Such experiences will enrich cohorts by cultivating a strong sense of community, fostering collaboration and establishing enduring professional networks.
In partnership with the University, the School is completing a robust schedule of renovations, and is already using the space for networking, community building and programmatic events and conferences. UVA’s ROTC students are beginning to utilize Sycamore Hill’s new, dedicated indoor athletic facility and classroom space for training, supplementing the ROTC classrooms on Grounds.
In the near-term future, students in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies' Certified Public Manager certificate program, National Criminal Justice Command College and numerous professional enrichment programs and conferences will utilize Sycamore Hill classrooms and residential spaces.
Students throughout the School will benefit from enhanced learning and community opportunities ranging from social and networking events to condensed, in-person courses.
“Sycamore Hill will advance our School’s mission of transforming lives through education by bringing the Jeffersonian, living-learning experience to our students, faculty, staff and community,” shared UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies dean, Melissa M. Lubin. “We eagerly anticipate program expansion and partnership opportunities in exciting new directions.”