Theresa Sullivan
In 1818, Thomas Jefferson wrote to his colleague Joseph Cabell about his life-long desire to create “a system of general instruction, which shall reach every description of our citizens from the richest to the poorest.” Jefferson believed education is the great human equalizer and the foundation of personal advancement. We have seen this play out repeatedly over the years, as many students have come to UVA from disadvantaged backgrounds and, empowered by the knowledge they acquire here, go on to positions of prominence and leadership in their careers and communities.