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Chancellor of the College of William & Mary

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The Chancellor of the College of William and Mary is the ceremonial head of the College, chosen by the university's Board of Visitors. The office has existed since William and Mary's founding in 1693 and Henry Compton, Bishop of London served as the college's first Chancellor. The incumbent is former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Sandra Day O'Connor.

Colonial Period

The College's charter, granted in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II, provided for the office of Chancellor, and during the colonial period the Chancellor served as the College's representative to the British Crown and the British Government. Considering William and Mary's unique status as the only college in the colonies to be established by Royal Charter, the office of Chancellor during the colonial period was usually held by high-ranking clergy in the Church of England.

Post-Independence

Following American Independence, George Washington served as Chancellor, an office he held from 1788 until his death in 1789. The office remained vacant until another President of the United States, John Tyler was appointed as Chancellor, serving from 1859 until 1862. Tyler was an alumnus of the College and one of his relatives would later serve as its President.

Chancellors were appointed intermittently during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but the office has been occupied regularly since the 1940s. In recent years, Chancellors have served seven years in their position, but this is not a requirement. Among the distinguished twentieth century individuals to have held the office of Chancellor are former Chief Justice of the United States Warren Burger, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher, and former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Functions

The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head of the College and is elected by the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary. The Board of Visitors, led by the Rector of the College, determines university policy, levys tuition, and appoints a President of the College to serve as chief executive officer and manage the day-to-day affairs of the university. The Chancellor is present for major campus events, including commencement and Charter Day, celebrated every February on the anniversary of the College's founding by King William and Queen Mary. During major ceremonies, the Chancellor wears the robe, badge, and chain of office.

List of Chancellors

References

http://www.wm.edu/about/administration/chancellor/duties/index.php

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