Outstanding Virginian Award

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia established the Outstanding Virginian Award to honor recipients whose distinguished contributions, outstanding achievements and dedicated leadership serve as an inspiration to all civic-minded citizens. The award was first presented to United States Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. in 1983.

The Outstanding Virginian Committee, on which the dean of the Batten School currently serves, hosts an annual award ceremony to honor the year’s recipient in a celebration that includes their family members, friends and close colleagues.

Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership

Each Founder’s Day, UVA and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello join together to present the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals, recognizing the achievements of luminaries who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson excelled and held in high regard.

Tadler Fellowships

Since 2019, thanks to a generous gift by Richard and Donna Tadler, Batten has dramatically increased the number of UVA students interested in and learning about the economic conditions, challenges and opportunities in Appalachia and rural America. Through the Tadler Fellowships, more than 180 students have traveled to the region to intern with impact investors working to get capital to the social entrepreneurs pushing forward new industries, creating new career pathways, and building an alternative to poverty and addiction.

Learn more about the Tadler Program on Impact Investing in Appalachia