[7] The University of Richmond traces its history to a meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia held on June 8, 1830.

[9] In August 1830, William Allgood, the first student of this ministry school, came to Baptist's Dunlora Plantation to attend classes in "a building of three or four rooms."

President Ryland thought highly of this system as it was "improving the health, diminishing the expenses, and perhaps guarding the humility of the young preachers."

Over time, enrollment and faculty increased to a point where the education society began looking for a more suitable property than the small "Spring Farm," where dorms consisted of log cabins while the schoolrooms and the chapel were in a barn.

At this time, the society turned over the land and buildings of the school to the trustees of the newly minted Richmond College.

During the American Civil War, the entire student body formed a regiment and joined the Confederate army.

[20] Addressing a crowd of nearly 9,000, President Obama visited the University of Richmond to present the American Jobs Act on September 11, 2011.

[21] On, February 23, 2015, the University of Richmond announced to the student body via email that the board of trustees elected Ronald Crutcher as the tenth president of the institution.

He took office on July 1, 2015, and his inauguration ceremony was held at the Robins Center on October 30, 2015, becoming the first African American president of the institution.

Hallock, a labor economist, previously served as the Dean of the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University.

[22] The Henry Mansfield Cannon Memorial Chapel, North Court, and Ryland Hall were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Admission into the Robins School of Business is granted to students who have completed basic Accounting, Economics, and Math courses at the end of three semesters while maintaining a Grade Point Average of 2.7 or higher.

The school blends a curriculum of economics, history, literature, philosophy, politics, psychology, and religion so that students can learn conceptual tools that support the exercise of leadership in varied settings.

[26] It offers degree and certificate programs, enrichment opportunities, professional training, and college course work for part-time and non-traditional students of all ages.

A variety of evening programs with credit and non-credit courses make it possible for those with busy schedules to further their education or explore new interests.

In 1974, the school moved from the Columbia Building at Grace & Lombardy to the main campus in Richmond's West End.

Other general education requirements include expository writing, wellness, foreign language, and one class each in six fields of study.

[33] In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Richmond tied with Colgate University for 22nd out of 211 among national liberal arts colleges, 13th of 45 in "Most Innovative Schools", 33rd of 91 in "Best Value".

[40] Richmond was ranked eighth by SmartMoney in the category "Best Private Colleges of 2011", leaving two Ivy League Universities behind in the top 10.

In addition to research-based courses, independent studies, and practicums in most disciplines, many special opportunities exist for students to participate in close research collaborations with faculty.

[46][47] Noted University of Richmond traditions include: an honor code administered by student honor councils;[48] Investiture and Proclamation Night, ceremonies for first year men and women to reflect on their next four years;[49] Ring Dance, a dance held at the Jefferson Hotel by the junior class women;[49] and Pig Roast, a large annual event held during the spring semester which draws significant gatherings of current students and alumni to the fraternity lodges and have featured musical acts such as Flo Rida and Afroman.

[52] The University of Richmond's campus consists of 350 acres (140 ha) in a suburban setting on the western edge of the city.

[53] The institution has, with few exceptions, remained true to the original architectural plans for the campus—red brick buildings in a collegiate gothic style set around shared open lawns.

The overall effect of the gothic architecture set amid a landscape of pines, rolling hills, and Westhampton Lake, is intimate and tranquil.

[55] In early 2001, the institution finalized the purchase of 115 acres (47 ha) of land in eastern Goochland County, a short distance from the main campus.

[56] The University of Richmond campus used to be home to the Virginia Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts and Humanities during the summer.

Despite its small size, UR Downtown hosts the Richmond on Broad café (owned and operated by the institution), a mixed-purpose lower-level, art gallery spaces, offices, two classrooms, and a conference room.

The UR Downtown conference room is also home to an original 1956 sgraffito-style mural by Hans E. Gassman, created for the bank that occupied the building in the past.

Other than art, UR Downtown serves as a VITA site, providing free tax assistance to low-income families.

The Caricco Center for Pro Bono law service, the Richmond Families Initiative, and Partners in the Arts also operate out of UR Downtown.