History
Marymount University was founded in Arlington in 1950 as a women’s college by Mother Gerard Phelan, general superior of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, with the blessing and support of Peter J. Ireton, then bishop of Richmond. Thirteen students entered the first year, and nine of them comprised the first graduating class in 1952.
In 1960, the institution was incorporated as Marymount College of Virginia, an independent college governed by an autonomous board of directors. Enrollments steadily increased, and the physical plant and facilities expanded to serve a growing student population. From the original property, which included a mansion, stone guest house, and two cottages — all comprising the residence of Rear Admiral Presley M. Rixey, White House physician to Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt — the institution has grown to be a modern residential campus.
From 1950 to 1972, as a junior college, Marymount offered only the associate degree. Marymount’s first male students were admitted into the nursing program in 1972, and then in 1973, Marymount became a senior college offering bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 fields. In 1979, Marymount introduced coeducational graduate programs, and then in 1986, the institution responded to its changing student profile by becoming coeducational at all levels and changing its name to Marymount University.
In 1992, Marymount acquired the distinctive “Blue Goose” building in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood to house its growing graduate programs.
In 2005, Marymount was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer its first doctoral degree, the clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy.
In 2009-10, the University launched its second doctoral program, the clinical Doctor of Nursing Practice. The University also responded to its dramatic enrollment growth by acquiring new buildings near the Main Campus and increasing accessibility through a shuttle service.
In 2016, Marymount began redevelopment of its Ballston campus, demolishing the iconic “Blue Goose” building to make way for the Marymount Ballston Center.
In 2022, Marymount was ranked for the first time on U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of “Best National Universities,” marking a transition from its previous classification as a regional university.
An independent institution related to the Roman Catholic Church, Marymount University is governed by a board of trustees that includes corporate and professional executives, members of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and Marymount University alumni.