Who We Are
What Makes Christopher Newport University Special?
Christopher Newport University is a different kind of public university. We put values, community, and character at the center of the college experience. We’re a close-knit, undergraduate-focused institution where students are challenged to lead, think deeply, challenge themselves, and maximize their potential.
Our primary purpose is to form good citizens and leaders. Every student engages with our rigorous core curriculum, recognized as the strongest of any public college or university in the nation, which builds a powerful foundation in the liberal arts and sciences.
This means that every Captain is equipped with more than just a degree. You’ll learn to write and speak with confidence, reason ethically, think critically, and lead with integrity, skills that prepare you for any career and every aspect of life. At CNU, we don’t just prepare students for their first job, we prepare them for lifelong success, meaningful service, and leadership in a complex world.
How We're Moving Into the Future
Christopher Newport is charting a bold path forward with our Strategic Compass, a visionary plan that guides our next chapter. The Compass is focused on four pillars:
- Advance the power and promise of an education embedded in the liberal arts
- Connect with our community
- Create a stronger culture of inclusion and belonging
- Build a foundation to thrive
The Strategic Compass ensures that every decision we make supports our mission and enhances the student experience. We’re investing in new programs, expanding research opportunities, and deepening our impact locally and globally. The future is bright, and we’re building it with purpose.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
Anchored in excellence and focused on students, Christopher Newport University aspires to be the nation’s premier regional public university, offering an innovative education embedded in the liberal arts that advances the values of honor, service, scholarship, and leadership to empower graduates to lead lives of significance.
Mission
The mission of Christopher Newport University is to provide educational and cultural opportunities that benefit CNU students, the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.
Core Values
Our core values shape every part of the CNU experience: honor, service, scholarship, and leadership. These aren’t just words, they are lived out daily by our students, faculty, and staff. From the classroom to the community, Captains hold themselves and one another to the highest standards as they grow into thoughtful, principled leaders.
Our History
Founded in 1960, Christopher Newport University has grown from a small branch of the College of William & Mary into one of the nation’s leading public liberal arts universities. Named after the English sea captain who helped establish Jamestown, CNU has always been tied to the spirit of exploration and leadership. Over the decades, our campus has transformed into a stunning, purposefully designed environment that reflects our academic strength and bold vision. Today, CNU continues to honor its past while preparing students for a future of service, leadership, and success.
Our History
The CNU Way: Excellence On and Off the Field
Christopher Newport’s NCAA Division III athletic programs are a source of pride and inspiration. We are the winningest college athletics program in Virginia. Our student-athletes compete and win at the highest levels, with recent championships in sports like women’s soccer and men’s basketball. But their achievements go beyond the scoreboard: CNU athletes consistently succeed in the classroom, earning academic honors while serving as leaders across campus. At CNU, excellence isn’t limited to game day, it’s a way of life.
Lead Big. Start Now.
Step into your college journey with purpose by joining the President’s Leadership Program, one of the most powerful and unique leadership experiences in the country. From day one, you’ll grow as a leader, give back to your community, and build the skills that set you up for success in college, career, and life.
Foundational Curriculum in a Changing World
At Christopher Newport, we believe a strong foundation prepares you for anything the future holds. Our core curriculum combines timeless liberal arts with real-world relevance, teaching you how to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems. It’s the launchpad for every major and for a meaningful life.
Classic Campus Charm
From the stately columns to the tree-lined walkways, our campus looks like it’s straight out of a movie and feels just like home. Inspired by classical design, Christopher Newport’s architecture reflects our values of tradition, excellence, and beauty. Behind our famous cupolas lie state-of-the art facilities that offer one-of-a-kind learning opportunities. Test your skills in our new drone lab, opening in January 2026, conduct research in our labs, enjoy classes and conversation with faculty and fellow students in modern classrooms, perform on stages of varying sizes, and so much more.
CNU Leadership
Christopher Newport is guided by leaders who are passionate about student success and building a community of honor, service, and purpose. From our president to our faculty and staff, you’ll find mentors who lead by example and are ready to help you grow into the best version of yourself.
Visit CNU
There’s no better way to picture your future than to walk our stunning campus. Explore our spaces, meet our people, and see why so many students fall in love with CNU.
Student Life
Life outside the classroom is welcoming, fun, and full of possibilities. With 200+ clubs and organizations, your people and your passions are waiting.
Health and Wellness
We’re committed to supporting your mind, body, and spirit. From fitness classes and counseling to campus events and fresh dining options, we’ve got your well-being covered.