University of Virginia and Charlottesville: Thriving Together

A strong relationship between UVA and the communities of Central Virginia enhances life for all.

By Teree Caruthers on November 9, 2023

University of Virginia

Communities with colleges in their backyard benefit from access to innovative research, the ability to attend art exhibits and sporting events, and the impact that those students have on their region even after they graduate. Such is the case with the Central Virginia region and the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville. 

Bridges to Community 

“We’re a nationally recognized research institution, and we have a rich tradition of scholarship here. We have so many bridges to the community,” says Jody Kielbasa, vice provost for the arts and director of the Virginia Film Festival at the University of Virginia. 

Ranked the No. 3 top public university in 2022-23 by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Virginia is not only a top contributor to the region’s talent pool but also bolsters the region’s quality of life through its diversity, arts and culture, health care, and recreational opportunities. 

“The arts and the public-facing programs that we have are [a bridge], and certainly, athletics is another that galvanizes our community and brings them to the campus in support of the Virginia Cavaliers. UVA Health offers extraordinary job opportunities and health care advantages for anyone living in Central Virginia.”

“Finally, our School of Education works very closely with K-12 schools throughout Central Virginia as well. These are just four of what I consider to be major bridges to the broader community — Charlottesville and throughout Central Virginia.” 

At the Art of It All 

With a minority population that is over one-third of the undergraduate student body, as well as a robust international student program, the University of Virginia cultivates racial diversity on campus and in the local community, and assets such as the International Center promote cultural opportunities for students and the community. 

The university’s arts programs also often extend beyond the Grounds and into the community. 

“Our public-facing arts programs like the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia perform throughout the year, both on the Grounds and in the community. It’s an exceptional symphony that is a hybrid in that it has community members as well as UVA students and faculty performing together,” Kielbasa says. 

Other examples include the Virginia Film Festival, which averages around 25,000 in annual attendance. The President’s Speaker Series for The Arts gives residents and students a front-row seat to everyone from Tony-Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. to alumnus Tina Fey. The newly named Virginia Theatre Festival, which has been in existence for 46 years, hosts a full season of productions, using actors from the local community. 

Offering free admission, the Fralin Museum of Art is also on Grounds, with a comprehensive collection of more than 14,000 artworks and artifacts that are viewed by more than 5,000 K-12 students each year. 

Another UVA-connected museum that is open to the public is the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, the only museum outside of Australia dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art. Located in a historic home on the eastern side of Charlottesville, the museum comprises five galleries as well as an interactive activity space library and classroom. 

Dan Addison

Root for the Home Team 

“Go Hoos!” is a common phrase around town, often heard from the stands on game day and displayed on neighborhood signs. 

Athletic programs at the University of Virginia offer a variety of teams for fans and supporters to follow. In spring 2023, women’s swimming and diving and men’s tennis won NCAA team national championships, bringing the university’s total NCAA titles to 33. 

“We work hard to make the game day experience enjoyable for everyone in attendance. The student-athletes at UVA are fantastic ambassadors for the university and the area,” says Jim Daves, assistant athletics director for athletic communications. “Having local teams where fans can build affinity is a wonderful asset for a community and its quality of life.” 

Daves says the number of home athletics events is also a positive factor for the local economy. 

“There are many out-of-town fans and families that come to Charlottesville and the immediate area for events. Charlottesville and the university have so much to offer in terms of activities, coming to a sporting event is often just part of that experience,” he says.