Provost pitches data and computing programs as part of sustainable curriculum

Provost Peggy Agouris told the Board the university’s Data Initiative Taskforce has developed a framework to baseline teaching, research and workforce data across William & Mary and to guide academic planning.

Agouris summarized degree trends over the past decade — an increase in STEM undergraduate degrees, stable social sciences and a decline in arts and humanities — and described the Sustainable Curriculum Initiative as fully implemented across schools to align coursework with student and market needs.

The nut graf: Using data on enrollment and degrees conferred, the Provost proposed an expansion in computing and data science offerings to meet student interest and regional workforce demand; she noted the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) has approved a graduate certificate in Data and Computer Science.

Agouris said the proposed computing/data science pathway aligns with William & Mary’s liberal-arts approach and cited demonstrated faculty strength in instruction and research as supporting capacity to expand in this area. Board members discussed how such a program compares with traditional engineering degrees and strategies for marketing the program and gaining corporate buy-in.

Provost Agouris and the Board also discussed the makeup and role of the Data Initiative Taskforce and next steps for program planning.