A Quarter-Century Of Unparalleled Leadership: Shenandoah University Celebrates President Tracy Fitzsimmons’ 25 Years of Service
Dr. Fitzsimmons, who recently started her 19th year as SU president, is the longest-serving current president of any single Virginia college or university
In 2025, Shenandoah University celebrated its sesquicentennial – 150 years of bold moves and resiliency that have defined the university’s legacy. A year later, Shenandoah marks another remarkable milestone.
A quarter-century ago, Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., arrived at Shenandoah University, and the 2026-27 academic year marks her 19th year as university president. After becoming dean of Shenandoah’s College of Arts and Sciences in 2001, Dr. Fitzsimmons was promoted to vice president for academic affairs in 2002, and senior vice president in 2006. On July 1, 2008, Fitzsimmons became the first female president in Shenandoah University history.
Today, Fitzsimmons is the longest-serving current president at a single two- or four-year college or university – public or private – in Virginia.
Since her arrival 25 years ago, Tracy has led with boldness, forward thinking and genuine compassion – traits that have become synonymous with Shenandoah University. As president, she has deftly guided the university through a constantly changing landscape, helping create an educational experience that meets the demands of both the present and future while fostering a culture where students are truly known and valued. As we look toward the future, all of us at Shenandoah extend our deepest gratitude to Tracy for 25 years of selflessness, passion, and unparalleled leadership. Because of her dedication, Shenandoah University continues to shine ever brighter.”
James R. “Richie” Wilkins, III, Chair of Shenandoah University’s Board of Trustees
Shenandoah has enjoyed tremendous success and growth over the past two decades.
Since 2008, Shenandoah’s enrollment has increased by more than 1,000 students — the university hit record numbers in each of the past three academic years and eclipsed 4,400 students in Fall 2025. In 2024 and 2025, the first-year student classes were Shenandoah’s largest ever, and its on-campus housing numbers were also the highest ever.
In just the last decade, SU has added undergraduate programs in engineering, animal health and science, cybersecurity, augmented reality/virtual reality design, art and design, esports management, and contemporary musicianship and entrepreneurship. At the graduate level, new programs debuted in speech-language pathology, clinical mental health counseling, public health, and nutrition and dietetics. In addition to traditional and hybrid options, Shenandoah also recently launched a significant online presence for adult learners to earn graduate degrees in business, education, public health, and cybersecurity management without disrupting their family and work lives.
Shenandoah has grown its physical footprint as well during that span.
SU opened two major facilities – the Cecil Pruitt, Jr. Health & Life Sciences Building and the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center – and renovated a historic armory into the Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the university’s Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE). The university also constructed The Village Apartments and Aikens Stadium on main campus and received three major property gifts: the Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield, on which it has established a 195-acre living classroom; the Feltner Building, which houses administrative offices in downtown Winchester; and Vaden Campus Commons, which combines residential and learning spaces.
Shenandoah University, which announced its historic $100 million Shine campaign – the largest fundraising initiative in its history – during its sesquicentennial celebration in 2025, continues to grow and will break ground on a new Center for the Arts and Performance Hall, an expansion of the Wilkins Athletics & Events Center, and a parking garage in October 2026.
During Fitzsimmons’ presidency, Shenandoah has gained the elite All-Steinway School designation, was named an Apple Distinguished School, and expanded its footprint in Loudoun County, Virginia. The university’s innovative academic programming continues to expand and evolve to prepare students for present and future challenges and meet learners wherever they are via forward-thinking programs and expanded online opportunities. By 2030, Shenandoah anticipates growing the university’s enrollment to 5,000 students, with a commensurate increase in faculty, staff, facilities and infrastructure.
