The College of William & Mary (W&M) is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II, it is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the ninth-oldest in the English-speaking world. Classified among 'R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity,' W&M offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including a prestigious law school. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education combined with cutting-edge research, fostering an environment that blends historical tradition with modern innovation.

W&M has a storied history of student organizations and traditions, dating back to the founding of the F.H.C. Society in 1750, the first collegiate fraternity in what is now the United States, and Phi Beta Kappa in 1776, the world's first Greek-letter fraternity. The campus unites around significant service initiatives, such as the Annual Alan Bukzin Memorial Bone Marrow Drive, recognized as the largest on-campus bone marrow drive in the country and the second-largest overall. Alumni established the Society of the Alumni in 1842, making it the sixth-oldest alumni organization in the United States. The university's historical ties extend to notable figures, including visits by Queen Elizabeth II, and inspire groups like the College Company of William and Mary, which reenacts 18th-century student soldiers who paused their studies to fight in the American Revolution.

As a leading academic institution, W&M continues to produce influential alumni and contribute to research across disciplines. Its location in historic Williamsburg enhances its role in preserving and interpreting American history, while its public status ensures accessibility and a commitment to public service. The university maintains strong connections to its colonial roots, including chancellors with royal ties, underscoring its enduring influence in higher education.