The University of Virginia, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, is a public research institution located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic Academical Village, the university emphasizes academic excellence and innovation across its schools, including law, business, medicine, and engineering. UVA operates under the governance of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is privately held in terms of stock ownership. It has expanded beyond its main campus to include the College at Wise and facilities in Northern Virginia. Over its history, UVA has achieved milestones such as becoming fully coeducational in 1970 and maintaining top rankings among U.S. public universities