University of Mary Washington’s President Troy D. Paino is once again among the higher education leaders listed for their influence and accolades in the 2024 Virginia 500 Power List.
Each year, Virginia Business compiles a list of the most powerful and influential leaders in business, government, politics and education. It includes 20 major sectors, such as banking, federal contracting, health care, law and real estate. Consideration is based on staff research, factoring in career achievements, company revenue, number of employees, scope of responsibilities, personal wealth, community and industry involvement, and philanthropy.
Paino earns praise for recent philanthropic success at UMW, including a record-breaking year in 2023 and the largest gift in university history coming through a $30 million bequest from 1959 alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers. His continued commitment to students through the highest quality undergraduate education shines through the summary, with recent national awards in student affairs. Among the academic accomplishments are grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to advance AI research and applications, and two statewide grants expanding internship opportunities for students and for area employers.
Paino, who has led UMW since 2016, also serves on the boards of the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. He has been recognized in all five volumes of the periodical.
