Monday, July 3, 2017

The President's Letter: Summer on Wesleyan Drive

Greetings from Wesleyan Drive! Summer has arrived, and with it comes brighter days, longer evenings, and a positive, optimistic energy on campus.
 
We've just completed a successful New Student Orientation, which acclimated our incoming Class of 2021 to campus through engaging information sessions and activities (view photos). In recent years we have built an enrollment model that supports the University's long-term goals, and I am proud to report that for the 2017-18 academic year we anticipate 500 new students-400 freshmen, 100 transfers and non-traditional students.
 
I am confident that we are well on our way toward meeting our enrollment goals set forth in the 10-year Campus Master Plan, increasing on-campus residential students from 850 to 1,000, increasing full-time students from 1,300 to 1,500, and increasing headcount enrollment from 1,500 to 1,700. These numbers do not include the growth anticipated through programs for graduate students, online students and new degree-completion programs, for which we are also garnering tremendous interest.
 
Our transition to Virginia Wesleyan University is full-steam ahead, and our VWU presence is coming to life both virtually and physically. Just last week, "University" lettering was placed on the stone landmark at the entrance to campus. This original marker dates back to the institution's founding, made possible by Frank E. Brown, a Richmond businessman and philanthropist. Mr. Brown also donated the funds for our campus bell tower, or campanile, which stands near Monumental Chapel. I enjoy sharing these historic components that make our campus what it is today, and I am proud to carry these elements forward as Virginia Wesleyan continues to grow and flourish.
 
Recently I received an email from an alumna who had returned to campus for a visit. She told me that as she walked our familiar pathways, she thought to herself how lucky she is to be part of the Virginia Wesleyan community. She ended with a note of gratitude for the work being done to ensure her alma mater thrives. It means a great deal to me to receive feedback from our community. I like to know what's on your mind and I encourage you to email me anytime at president@vwu.edu. Better yet, come back to campus to see for yourself the nearly completed Greer Environmental Sciences Center, our new YMCA facility (Frank Blocker Youth Center), and construction progress on the new Betty S. Rogers Track and Field complex. And of course, while you are here, be sure to stop by my office to say hello. 
 
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We have much to be proud of here at Virginia Wesleyan University. Additional developments from the last month include:
 
Continued celebration for our NCAA Division III Softball Champions: We had a great turnout for the "Cheers with Champs" alumni gathering in June as graduates and friends came out to meet the team and have their photo taken with the championship trophy. Members of the softball team will travel to Richmond on July 27 to meet Governor Terry McAuliffe at the Executive Mansion. Be on the lookout for information about an alumni gathering in Richmond that evening.
 
Student Health Center managed by Sentara Medical Group: This academic year, we will begin offering medical care to our students through an on-campus Student Health Center managed by Sentara Medical Group. All students will be entitled to first aid and general healthcare, routine testing, and lab work through the Center, which will be staffed by an advanced medical practitioner and a medical assistant from Sentara Medical Group. A physician will also be appointed by Sentara to serve as medical director and will be available to advise the advanced practitioner as needed during business hours. Students requiring a higher level of care (or care outside of normal hours of operation) will have full access to Sentara Family Medicine Physicians located on Wesleyan Drive. We have built a strong partnership with Sentara on a variety of issues and services, and we are grateful for this relationship.
 
New Hires, Advancements and Transitions: We have advanced and added several employees and transitioned existing staff into new roles that better serve the institution from an efficiency and budgetary perspective. Changes include the advancement of Takeyra Collins to the rank of Assistant Professor and Dr. Jeffrey Toussaint to a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology/Criminal Justice. Vacant positions were filled by Lauren Frantz as University Advising Coordinator, Shawn Frazier as Visiting Instructor of Mathematics, Margaret "Maggie" Henderson as Research Librarian, Katrina Henry as Assistant Professor of Physics and Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Michelle Vachris as Professor of Management, Business, and Economics. Office transitions included the movement of Kelly Cordova to Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations and Coordinator of the Robert F. Boyd Institute, Kristi Lafoon to Loan Coordinator/Financial Aid Counselor, and Christine Pritchard to Administrative Assistant to the Birdsong School of Social Science. Everything we achieve at Virginia Wesleyan is possible because of our employees and their dedication to our purpose and mission. Our faculty and staff are the driving force behind our success, and for that I am incredibly grateful. You can read more about these personnel changes on my blog, Dialogue. 
 
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I end this month's letter with an invitation to several upcoming events. Mark your calendar for Wesleyan Wednesday on August 16 at Chick's Oyster Bar in Virginia Beach, and come back to campus September 7 for Founders Day, an all-day celebration featuring our annual Alumni Awards, Founders Day Convocation, dedication of the Batten Honors College, and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Finally, Homecoming and Family Weekend has been set for October 6-8. I'm told this year's event will include an inaugural chili cook off.
 
Whether you're a current student or graduate, faculty or staff, parent or friend, we invite you to be an active participant in the life of the campus. Each and every one of you plays a critical role in the success of this institution, and your support enhances our reputation and confirms our standing as Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences.