The General Assembly of Virginia changed the college's name to University of Mary Washington in 2004 to reflect the addition of graduate and professional programs to the central undergraduate curriculum, as well as the establishment of more than one campus.

On March 14, 1908, Virginia Governor Claude A. Swanson signed into law legislation for the establishment of the new State Normal and Industrial School for Women.

Since that time, the Prize has gone to David Lowenthal, Roy Rosenzweig, Elizabeth Blackmar, Mike Wallace, Richard Longstreth, Francoise Astorg Bollack, Catherine Fleming Bruce (the first African-American awardee) and Thomas Hubka, among others.

[6] The General Assembly of Virginia enacted legislation changing the college's name to University of Mary Washington on March 19, 2004,[7] to reflect the addition of master's degree programs and the establishment of more than one campus.

NORESCO also installed low energy light fixtures, occupant sensors, HVAC controls, and completed replacement of leaking condensate piping.

By statute of the Code of Virginia, University of Mary Washington is governed by a Board of Visitors, one member of which is elected every two years to serve as Rector.

The UMW Board of Visitors is composed of twelve members appointed by the Governor of Virginia and confirmed by the General Assembly.

[13] Prior to coming to UMW, Paino served for six years as president of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri.

Similarly, Eagle Gathering is a candlelit celebration on Ball Circle that marks the start of the year and officially welcomes the newest class to UMW.

Spirit Week is a series of student events that lead up to Homecoming and the return of UMW alumni to the university for athletic contests and tailgating.

In 2018, Peace Corps named UMW was a Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities for the tenth year in a row, ranking it fourth among small schools.