About the Foundation

Mission

The fundamental mission of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is to identify, attract, and nurture individuals of extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest qualities of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. We seek those with great promise, and give them sufficient financial support so they are free to develop their talents and to use them for the good of the University community.

History

During the 1980-81 academic year, the Board of Managers of the University of Virginia Alumni Association began the process of selecting the first Jefferson Scholars.

The Jefferson Scholarship competition grew out of the Board’s desire to put in place a tangible program that would reflect the educational ideals of Thomas Jefferson. The first Jefferson Scholars – twelve in number – matriculated in the fall of 1981, and were graduated in 1985.

In later years the Jefferson Scholars Foundation was formed as an adjunct to the Alumni Association. Development efforts intensified, with the goal of increasing the number and geographic reach of Jefferson Scholars. Over time, the regional competitions increased from a handful to the more than 50 currently in place. The number of nominees grew from a few dozen to over 1,000 annually, and volunteer committee participation grew to approximately 700 U.Va. alumni who take part annually in the nomination and selection process.

A milestone was reached in 1991, when Brad Ronnell Braxton became the first Jefferson Scholar to earn the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Three additional Jefferson Scholars have since earned the Rhodes. 1992 marked the graduation of Jefferson Scholar number 100; with the growth of the program, the 400th Jefferson Scholar was graduated in 2005. Jefferson Scholar Glynn Key ’86 was named to the University’s Board of Visitors in 2004.