Founded in 1842, Hollins was the first chartered womens college in Virginia. Today it is a small university with an undergraduate liberal arts program for women and an array of graduate programs for men and women. Some of Hollins distinctions include a nationally ranked creative writing program, one of the oldest study abroad programs in the country, and extensive opportunities for internships and faculty/student research. Through the universitys Batten Leadership Institute, students can earn a certificate in leadership studies through an innovative program that combines classes, skills-building groups, and leadership projects on and off campus. Hollins program of seminars for first-year students is designed to encourage creative problem solving and to introduce students to the universitys collaborative learning environment.