Dialogue: February 2023

February 27, 2023

Good morning,

Virginia Wesleyan University is starting three new academic programs in the fall of 2023.

The University is now enrolling for two new online graduate programs—a Master of Environmental Studies and a Master of Arts in Human Services. The Master of Environmental Studies (MEnvs) is designed to prepare students for careers in the environment and sustainability fields by combining a rigorous academic foundation in environmental studies with coursework that develops practical real-world skills in the field including environmental problem solving, environmental policy and justice, sustainability assessment, and more. The Master of Arts in Human Services (MA Human Services) is designed to prepare current and aspiring human services professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to further their growth and development in areas such as social services and community resource and policy programs, and community-focused, health-related, public safety, and administrative positions. Courses for both programs will start in August and students with degrees in any major are welcome to apply.

Additionally, Virginia Wesleyan will offer an associate's degree program aimed at adult learners looking to start or complete their journey in higher education. This program is entirely online and offers a flexible path for working adults to gain college experience and credits that will help to advance their careers and create new opportunities. Enrollment for the Associate of Liberal Arts (AA) program is now available.

ET CETERA

I always enjoy visiting with alumni, but it is particularly special to meet one who has so closely aligned her Virginia Wesleyan liberal arts education with her passions.

At Marlins Day earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit with Meghan (Betz) Ashburn from the Class of 2007. Meghan is the author of the new book “I Will Die On This Hill—Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World.” Her book, co-authored with Jules Edwards, is available on Amazon.

Meghan earned her degree at VWU in elementary education. She is an educator and advocate for autistic children and adults and their families, working to bridge understanding between autistic adults and parents of autistic children to work toward a common goal.

Meghan returned to VWU as a Marlin parent. Her son has committed to study and play soccer at VWU this fall.

The Arts at Virginia Wesleyan are thriving, connecting our campus to our greater Coastal Virginia community and beyond.

Last Wednesday, Virginia Wesleyan partnered with the Virginia Symphony to host internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a masterclass with students from local high schools. Performers in the masterclass were selected by video audition with the Virginia Symphony and performed a variety of challenging sonatas and concertos for the masterclass. The house was packed with observers from educational institutions across Hampton Roads who watched as Yo-Yo Ma worked with each student on their performances.

Last Thursday and Friday, Virginia Wesleyan hosted an a cappella festival with Deke Sharon (music producer for "Pitch Perfect," "The Sing Off" and more). In addition to working with Wesleyan Vox Vera on several arrangements (pictured with Deke in the center, top row), the a cappella festival welcomed over 180 students from Peasley Middle School, Denbigh High School, Monacan High School, Jamestown High School, Lake Taylor High School, Appomattox Regional Governor's School, Tidewater Community College, and Regent University. Each group got individual coaching from Deke and joined in a celebratory concert to conclude the festival in front of a wonderful crowd in Brock Theatre.

Additionally, from now through May, a VWU Art Faculty Exhibition (pictured) will feature paintings, digital drawings, stoneware, and more from VWU Professors Phil Guilfoyle, Joyce Howell, John Rudel, and Sharon Swift in the Neil Britton Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public to view the works of our talented artists and educators.

My thanks to the team of faculty and staff that come together to make these incredible opportunities available for VWU and local students to learn and grow and for the entire campus community to enjoy.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

A Busy Day in Richmond

Last week, I visited many of our state legislative representatives in Richmond to advocate for issues pertaining to private higher education in Virginia. While there, I was greeted by Kameron Clarke ‘21, Legislative Assistant to Delegate Angelia Williams Graves (far left). The busy day continued with meetings with (center left, clockwise from top left) Lionell Spruill (5th Senatorial District); Jackie Hope Glass (Delegate, 89th District); Bill DeSteph (8th Senatorial District); and Glenn Davis (Delegate, 84th District). Then I finished the day with our good friend Aaron Rouse (Senate District 7, center right). My thanks to Robert Lambeth, retiring President of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, and Sabena Moretz, CICV Director of Government Relations, for a great day of advocacy in Richmond (far right). I serve as Chair of Virginia Private Colleges.

Celebrating our Final Four Women’s Soccer Team

It was wonderful to celebrate the women’s soccer program for their run to the NCAA National Tournament Final Four at DeFord Manor last week. This is a very special group of student-athletes who have performed admirably in the classroom (their average GPA is 3.52) and on the field. Congratulations, once again, on an incredible season!

Esports Collision on the Coast

VWU hosted “Collision on the Coast,” an in-person Rocket League tournament, on Saturday for a great crowd in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. The event was covered by the local media. The Marlins finished fourth overall in the tournament of 17 teams. Congratulations!

VWU Joint Nursing Program is Taking Off

Our joint nursing program with Sentara College of Health Sciences is flourishing. VWU students in the program are enjoying their challenging nursing courses at SCHS while keeping all the benefits and privileges of VWU Marlins. Recently, juniors Jordan Hudson and Anna Milligan were offered a tour of the Sentara Healthcare Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance, a fully functional critical care unit inside of a helicopter. Exposure to the many different types of nurses in the medical field helps students like Jordan and Anna decide where they’d like to focus their nursing careers.

"Hollywood, Teach Us to Pray"

The film from Dr. Terry Lindvall, C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair in Communication and Christian Thought and Professor of Communication, and Dr. Stu Minnis, Professor of Communication and Chair of Communication, debuts at VWU on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Prior to this event, from 6:30–6:45 p.m. there will be a preview of the student film "LIfe is a Cabaret" by Erness Anne Deseo. The film showing is free and open to the public.

INTEL Hosts 13th Annual Love Liberally Symposium

The 13th annual “Love Liberally” symposium celebrated love as it relates to the liberal arts. The event was coordinated by Dr. Takeyra Coats, assistant professor of sport and recreation professions and chair of Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL). The 2023 symposium featured several faculty presentations including: "The Archaeology of Love in Archaic Greece," a virtual lecture by Associate Professor of Classics Ben Haller; "Love for the Dismal Science: Understanding Humanity through Economics" with Assistant Professor of Management, Business, and Economics Garrett Wood; "Love for Pets" with Professor of Sociology Kathy Stolley; and culminates with a screening of "Hollywood, Teach Us to Pray" on Tuesday (discussed above).

Chat & Chews Continue

We had a wonderful Chat & Chew with staff members last week in the President’s Dining Room. Joining this week’s event were (pictured clockwise from top) Beth Koroleski, Director of Financial Aid; Malleri Santiago, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment; William Harrell ‘98, Director of Recreation and Wellness; Brooke Novkovic ‘18, Director of Enrollment, Batten Honors College; and Gregory Snyder, Technical Services Librarian.

Construction Update: Watts Field House

Construction of the D. Henry and Eleanor Watts Field House is underway! We are excited to offer locker rooms for our three-time national championship and restroom facilities for spectators on-site at Tom and Betty Broyles Field of TowneBank Park.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

The Pharos

REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

University Business