The university is the oldest institution of higher education for women in the nation affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA),[6][7] and it is home to the only all-female corps of cadets in the world.

[7][11] In 1963, Mary Baldwin became racially de-segregated, officially ending its policy of admitting only white women.

Four decades later, in 2017, the school began accepting residential male students, albeit not without some controversy at the time.

[13] In 1976, when Staunton Military Academy (SMA) closed, its grounds and buildings were purchased by Mary Baldwin, expanding the campus from 19 to 58.5 acres (7.7 to 23.7 hectares).

[15][16] In May 2015, the board of trustees voted unanimously to change the name of the institution to Mary Baldwin University, effective August 31, 2016, reflecting the school's range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

[20] Additionally, Mary Baldwin offers fast-track degrees, bachelor's-plus-master's-degree plans, professional school preparation and certificate programs.

Community service and study-abroad opportunities are supplied through the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement, which opened in 2007.

The institute accepts applicants annually from around the world and offers summer programs for classically trained musicians.

Founded in 1995 by request of the Commonwealth of Virginia,[26] VWIL (pronounced "vee-will") is an all-female cadet corps and four-year program preparing participants for both military and civilian leadership through academics, fitness, military training, practical experiences and co-curricular activities.

Early success of the program was greatly boosted by the women-only residential campus, which eased parental concerns, as well as exceptionally strong participation and attention by faculty in providing extra challenges and opportunities to the gifted students.

[14] VWIL continues to hold an annual SMA reunion weekend involving a parade, banquet, and awarding of several scholarships.

Women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.

Mary Baldwin began to sponsor men's sports since the university became co-educational, effective in the 2019–20 school year; beginning with cross country, soccer, tennis and track & field.