• On campus

    The University returned to nearly 100% fully in-person classes in 2021. The Class of 2025 has the highest incoming grade point average with an average of 3.71, and is one of the most diverse classes in UR history with 29% U.S. students of color.

  • New president

    Kevin F. Hallock joined the University of Richmond at the start of the 2021–22 academic year as UR's 11th president. “Our University is extraordinary and teeming with great people trying to improve the lives of young people and society,” Hallock said. “I am simply excited to do what I can to help support making this remarkable place even better.”

  • Class of 2020 celebrated

    The University celebrated Class of 2020 graduates, whose traditional commencement was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, through a weekend of events held in mid-September — including a commencement commemoration ceremony in the Robins Center Arena. 

  • Rat car reveal

    Kelly Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience, and her team study how rats learn complex tasks by teaching them to drive. In May, the team revealed the latest iteration of the small research vehicle: Rat Car II.

  • Game day

    The Spider football team played six home games, including a dominant performance by the defense, as they secured a 28-17 victory over Towson at Robins Stadium on Homecoming.

  • Spider hoops

    The University of Richmond women's basketball team won four straight in December. Still to come: a home-and-home series with crosstown rival VCU in February.

  • Goats at work

    A herd of goats returned to campus to tackle overgrown vegetation along the Eco-Corridor. Goat browsing is an environmentally friendly landscape management practice that reduces the need for herbicide and gas-powered equipment.

  • A dedication to well-being

    The University dedicated the Well-Being Center in October as a critical component of UR's overall commitment to student health and wellness.

Looking back, moving forward: Memorable moments of 2021

December 28, 2021

University News

Despite facing another year of challenges, the Spider community grew and thrived, including welcoming a new president and a highly accomplished class of 2025. See some highlights in the photo gallery above.