The School of Data Science was founded in 2019, positioning UVA as a global leader in advancing efforts to benefit society through teaching and research in the powerful, emerging field of data science. The first of its kind in the nation, the school is guided by common goals: to further discovery, share knowledge, and make a positive impact on society through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education.
A generous leadership gift establishing the school was made by the Charlottesville-based Quantitative Foundation. Jaffray Woodriff (McIntire ’91) is trustee of the foundation and his wife, Merrill Woodriff (Col '98 Ed ’98), is a foundation director.
New school, new space
The School of Data Science’s vision of a school without walls will be reflected in the design of its new building. Open, collaborate spaces will transcend traditional boundaries and spark interdisciplinary connections between learners, researchers, and innovators.
The four-story, 60,000-square-foot facility at the entrance to the new Emmet-Ivy corridor will include adaptive classrooms, faculty, offices, meeting and research areas. Public spaces will be open to the University and broader communities alike. A “data informed” building, it will integrate sustainability, wellness, and space utilization.
The groundbreaking for the new building was held in fall 2021, with classes opening for students in fall 2024.
