October 28, 2015
During my transition to Virginia Wesleyan College, I developed a special
appreciation for the Jane P. Batten Student Center. In my nearly quarter century as a liberal
arts college president, I have visited hundreds of like institutions, but
rarely have I found a student center as striking and functional as ours.
Virginia Wesleyan was
definitely a trendsetter with the addition of the Jane P. Batten Student Center
in 2002. For the last 13 years the facility has been the heart of campus
activity. Its dynamic environment promotes lifelong learning, cultural
collaboration, and a love of recreation and athletics.
Spend an afternoon in
the Batten Student Center and you may find yourself climbing the 36-foot rock
wall, lifting weights in the fitness center, swimming laps in the pool, or even
practicing yoga in the dance studio. You might even swing into the Scribner
Bookstore for a VWC sweatshirt, grab a sandwich at the Marlin Grille, catch a
special guest speaker in the Pearce Hospitality Suite, or take in a basketball
or volleyball game on the Forsyth Court in the Convocation Center.
Students, faculty and
staff can also take advantage of RecX, a top notch recreation program focusing
on aquatics, fitness, recreational sports, and outdoor activities. RecX hosts a
myriad of programs, including student intramural leagues like flag football,
fitness classes such as Zumba, outdoor exploration trips, and even an annual
spring break trip to the Florida Keys.
The Jane P. Batten
Student Center has become the meeting place for social and recreational
activity, and the center of campus life at Virginia Wesleyan
College. Special thanks to Jason Seward, Willie Harrell, Brandon Elliott,
Dr. Doug Kennedy, Kelly Keys and the nearly 100 student workers who contribute
to the success of this outstanding facility and its programs.
I encourage the entire
campus community to take full advantage of this remarkable campus hub and all
it has to offer.
