During the last decade, the University of Virginia has made tangible progress toward fulfilling its founder's intention of creating a "bulwark of the human mind in this hemisphere." The institution which Thomas Jefferson founded has emerged as one of the foremost public universities in the nation. Every member of the University community can claim a share of credit for these accomplishments. At the same time we know that excellence in higher education cannot simply be achieved and held. It is a process, a mode of thinking, and an ongoing exercise in planning and improvement. We seek excellence to preserve the standing of this institution and to serve better the people of Virginia and beyond who come here to teach and learn.