Exchanging Backpacks and Perspectives : Chancellor for a Day 2025

Students at UVA Wise this spring had the unique opportunity to submit a video on what they would do if they were Chancellor for a day. Justyn Colón Rodríguez, a sophomore at UVA Wise was chosen to be Chancellor for a Day for 2025. Colón Rodríguez is a Spanish major with a secondary education minor and plans to be a Spanish teacher when graduating. He is also a Smith scholar at UVA Wise. 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to trade places with Chancellor Henry. I expect to get a new perspective on how the College is run each day. As students, I don’t think we understand or think much about how or who makes our education possible. I’m excited to see behind the scenes,” says Colón Rodríguez.

The Chancellor for a Day program is designed to foster student engagement, leadership development and an enhanced understanding of the administrative side of university life. Colón Rodríguez was able to step into the shoes of Chancellor Henry, attending key meetings and experiencing the responsibilities that come with overseeing the institution.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity,” said Donna P. Henry, who typically serves as Chancellor of UVA Wise but instead spent today as a student, assuming Colón Rodríguez’s schedule.

“It’s important for students to understand how decisions are made that impact their education and university experience. These experiences go a long way in helping students shape the future of our college. I also get to experience the day in the life of a student, which is always eye opening.”

Colón Rodríguez began his day by exchanging schedules and backpacks with Chancellor Henry and then made his way to the Chancellor’s Office for a day of meetings and decision making, while Henry, now the student, made her way to class. 

As Colón Rodríguez was settling into his role as Chancellor for a day, Henry was attending her first class of the day, an Advanced Spanish course at Zehmer Hall. 

"Class was fascinating! I enjoy seeing the students engaged and learning. Advanced Spanish was a treat to get to sit in since I minored in Spanish in college myself. It was a great experience to interact with professors and polish my skills in languages today.”

As Chancellor Henry was attending class, Justyn took up his post as Chancellor by meeting with administrative assistants to look over his schedule for the day. He soon learned he was to meet with Valerie Lawson, vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement as well as Gary Johnson, UVA Wise provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. He was eager to meet with the Provost to discuss furthering graduate studies at the College, something that he had expressed interest in on his video submission. 

“One of my goals if I were Chancellor would be to expand the growth and reach to non-traditional students through online courses and to expand graduate studies. Speaking with Provost Johnson was a great opportunity to see how that could be accomplished here at UVA Wise,” says Colón Rodríguez.

After meeting with several vice chancellors and discussing the future of the college, Colón Rodríguez then sat down to lunch with the Marketing and Communications Department, discussing a plan to market and expand the current programs. 

Meanwhile, student Henry still had a full schedule of classes to attend including History of Western Civilization and French as well as a Student Government meeting right after. 

“Switching places with a student is always fun and challenging. It gives me a better understanding of how long their days can be and how much they are investing in their own education and futures. Justyn had a busy schedule today with a variety of classes and then conducted a E-Board Meeting and an SGA meeting. The SGA meeting is always very professional. They have accomplished a lot this year. It was a long day, but a great day to be a Highland Cavalier!” says Henry.

“I hope the Chancellor enjoyed her day as much as I enjoyed mine. It was a great opportunity, and I got to speak to all the right people to help me better understand the future of the College and how to make it grow. I would encourage fellow students to apply next year and give yourself a chance to be heard,” says Justyn. “I felt like my entire day was meeting the right people and them giving me the chance to be heard.”