August 28, 2023
Good morning, |
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Students, as you embark on a new semester with the utmost determination to do your best in the classroom while maintaining an appropriate school-life balance, I encourage you to seek out and use the wonderful campus resources at your disposal. The Learning Center, Counseling Services, Student Activities, The Lighthouse, and an array of others stand ready to help you navigate your way through classes, coursework, and extracurricular activities.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Remember that seeking help is a proactive step toward growth and understanding. Reach out – whether for academics, emotional support, or anything else. You're never alone on this journey.
Best wishes this semester, Marlins! |
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We will celebrate the special tradition of Founders Day on Thursday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Our keynote speaker will be Leighton Clarke Krips, daughter of former Virginia Wesleyan president Lambuth M. Clarke. With her rich history rooted in the University, Leighton will share the memories of the Clarke family from our University’s early days and their hopes for VWU’s future.
Our formal Founders Day convocation ceremony will include the presentation of our annual Alumni Awards. I am delighted to share more about our 2023 Alumni Award recipients, an honor the VWU Alumni Council bestows upon graduates in recognition of outstanding professional and personal accomplishments. |
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Michael R. Rawls ’91 Distinguished Alumnus Award Mike Rawls serves as Chief Executive Officer of Xome, a subsidiary of Mr. Cooper Group, the nation’s largest non-bank mortgage company. Prior to joining Xome in 2020, Mike served as the Executive Vice President of Mortgage Servicing for Mr. Cooper Group, where he held operational responsibility for the company’s mortgage servicing portfolio. Since joining the company in 2000, he has served in several leadership positions, including President of Champion Mortgage and senior roles in the company’s origination channels.
Previously, Mike held leadership roles at Banc One Financial Services and Household Financial Services.
A Virginia Beach native, Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management in 1991 while playing basketball and golf for the Marlins. He and his wife Lisa have three children and one grandson. |
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Marie I. Nicolo ‘96 Alumni Service Award Marie was a participant in the VWU Adult Studies Program where she earned her B.A. in Business Management. Marie had a very successful career with the Beazley Foundation, Inc. serving alongside Judge Richard S. Bray for many years.
Marie has dedicated her career to serving the citizens of our region. Previously, Marie served in the City Attorney’s Office in Newport News, the Development Department in Newport News, Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Chesapeake, Supreme Court of Virginia in Virginia Beach, City Attorney’s Office in Portsmouth, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Suffolk, Court of Appeals of Virginia in Chesapeake, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Portsmouth.
Marie is a member of the ROC Solid Foundation and a member of VWU’s Roundball Insiders. She is a volunteer for Packing Ready Bags and Portsmouth Catholic Regional School as a reader to first graders. Nicolo previously served on VWU’s Alumni Council and Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. Marie is an avid tennis player and adores her canine baby, Gigi. |
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Nicholas G. Hipple ‘18 Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award With a background in accounting and data analytics, Nich works for Nederlander Productions in Labor Relations, working to ensure that Nederlander’s nine Broadway theatres are staffed and trained to receive up to 5,000,000 patrons annually. The Labor Relations team ranges in scope from employee management, to health, safety, and awareness training, to negotiation of collective bargaining agreements across multiple bargaining units and more. He was recently designated one of only seven 2022 Rising Stars by the Broadway League, the national trade association representing the Broadway and professional touring theatre industry.
Nich earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and Theatre in 2018 and also holds a Master of Accounting and Information Systems from Virginia Tech.
While at VWU, Nich served as the President of the Student Government (2016-17 and 2017-18), acted in main stage and capstone theatre productions, was a member of the VWU Jazz Band and various choirs, and served in leadership capacities in more than a dozen honor societies and clubs. He now serves in a voluntary capacity on several nonprofit boards and professional advisory committees, including Virginia Wesleyan’s Alumni Council (Member), Theatre Unmasked: A Virtual Nonprofit (Partnerships Director), Pace University Design Thinking Advisory Board (Member), and Christ Church UMC Stewardship Committee (Member), among others. |
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Brandon S. Elliott ‘03 Outstanding Service to Alma Mater Award Brandon has been the Head Softball Coach since 2007, leading our squad to three NCAA Division III National Championships and nine Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships, among many other accolades. Off the field, Brandon helps coordinate VWU Athletics’ fundraising efforts, elevating the entire department in terms of support and outcomes.
His commitment to excellence is demonstrated through his student-athletes’ performance on the field and in the classroom. He has coached 19 All-Americans, 6 Academic All-Americans, and has perennially placed multiple athletes on the All-ODAC, All-Region, and All-State teams with multiple members on the ODAC squad every year, including five ODAC Players of the Year and seven ODAC Pitchers of the Year. He has produced six State Players of the Year, seven State Pitchers of the Year, and three State Rookies of the Year.
He earned his bachelor's degree in communications where he was a four-year member of the Virginia Wesleyan baseball team, helping lead the Marlins to two ODAC titles. He received his master's degree in sports management in 2012 from California University of Pennsylvania. Brandon and his wife Laura (Mills), a 2005 VWU graduate, live in Chesapeake with their children Cooper and Rylan. |
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We look forward to paying tribute to our roots, recognizing key individuals who helped shape our history, and celebrating the institution's bright future on Founders Day. |
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I am pleased to announce members of the Leadership Council for the academic year 2023-24. The Leadership Council plays a vital role in our institution's collaborative governance, fostering shared processes, and enhancing communication among administrative staff members, departments, and other University constituencies.
The Leadership Council meets monthly to broaden discussions and promote active participation in key administrative issues. This group serves in an advisory capacity, ensuring that diverse perspectives and insights are considered in our decision-making process.
The following members of the Virginia Wesleyan community have been appointed to the Leadership Council for 2023-24:
Regina Barletta, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator Jeff Bowers, Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Shane Boyd, Director of Institutional Research David Brandt, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications April Christman, Director of Counseling and Student Health Jennifer Cohen, Director of Student Engagement Trey DelPo, Director of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center Ben Dobrin, Dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies Steven Emmanuel, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Dean of VWU Global Campus Marion Hibbler, Director of Lifelong Learning, VWU Global Campus Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center Alice Jones, Director of Career Development Courtney Knudsen, Registrar Beth Koroleski, Director of Financial Aid Stephen Leist, Head Librarian Tim Lockett, General Manager, Sodexo Dining Services Travis Malone, Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the Batten Honors College Loren Loving Marquez, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Crit Muniz, Executive Director of Academic Support Services Nikki Nieves, Director for Enrollment, Batten Honors College Mandy Reinig, Director of Global Engagement Antje Schwennicke, Dean of the Birdsong School of Social Science Jason Seward, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management Greg Skinner, Chief Information Officer Elyse Rosen, Director of Residence Life Vic Townsend, Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Bethany Tsiaras, Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning
Please join me in congratulating and supporting the Leadership Council members for the academic year 2023-24. I am confident that their commitment to collaborative governance will contribute significantly to the success and growth of the University. |
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I extend my gratitude for your cooperation during the recent hosting of the Virginia Beach Police Department's School Resource Officer active threat training at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. This crucial training directly aids School Resource Officers serving our 87 public schools in Virginia Beach.
The closure of the Goode Center for the entire day was necessary to accommodate this event. Throughout the day, VBPD vehicles and simulated police activities outside the building might have been noticed.
This partnership underscores Virginia Wesleyan University's commitment to supporting Virginia Beach in innovative ways. A special shout-out to the Office of Campus Life and our Security Department. |
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As we start the first full week, I'd like to highlight our dynamic campus ministries and their diverse activities.
Our strong affiliation with Haygood United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to community and spiritual growth. The thriving bond between our campus and the church is a source of pride. Gratitude goes to Pastor Beth Givens and Marie Porter, Director of Campus Ministries, for their vital roles.
Discover the enriching activities in the weekly calendar from the Office of Campus Ministries. Engaging in these events fosters personal growth and strengthens our community.
Across Wesleyan Drive, our ties with Ebenezer Baptist Church, led by Reverend R. Perez Gatling, extend beyond ministry, contributing to holistic development. Reverend Gatling's wife, Veleka Gatling, also enriches our initiatives on diversity.
Kudos go to Craig Wansink, the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center and Chair and Professor of Religious Studies, for nurturing our religious life. Academic partnerships with Duke, Emory, and United Theological Seminary promote intellectual growth and dialogue on faith.
Recently, I engaged with the Virginia United Methodist Church leadership, discussing plans for the Virginia United Methodist Foundation. Amid global changes, the positive atmosphere of the retreat and the Church's progressive stance indicate a promising future. Thanks to Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and Peter Weaver for their contributions.
As we proceed in the academic year, active involvement in campus ministries and fostering relationships will uphold our growth, understanding, and unity. Here's to a transformative semester ahead. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Reminder: VWU Open on Labor Day Classes are in session and administrative offices will be open on Labor Day (Monday, September 4, 2023). |
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VWU Magazine: Fall 2023 Edition Available Now The Fall 2023 edition of the Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine is available online. This new edition showcases the results of Transformation Now!, the University’s eight-year capital campaign, launched in 2015. In addition, it shares the latest news for academics, campus life, athletics, and alumni. Enjoy!
Larry Hultgren in the News As Dr. Larry Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy and longtime esteemed faculty member, begins his 55th and final year at Virginia Wesleyan, a number of local news sources have taken an interest in his remarkable journey. Our thanks to WHRO for shining a spotlight on Larry’s career and accomplishments. |
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Robert Nusbaum Center Newsletter: Fall 2023 |
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Passing of Sodexo Senior Vice President Carty McMullen Our hearts reach out to the family, friends, and campus partners of Carty McMullen, a long-time Senior Vice President at Sodexo. Carty passed away suddenly last week, leaving a huge personal and professional hole for many on our campus and across campuses nationwide. Carty had visited VWU frequently and was known for her warm personality and positive attitude. She will be missed. |
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Alumni Charity Challenge: A Canned Food Drive for Feed More Virginia Wesleyan is proud to join alumni chapters from over 40 institutions across Virginia and the nation in the Alumni Charity Challenge, a canned food drive in support of Feed More. The Challenge’s 2023 goal is to raise 200,000 pounds of food, which will take this event to the 1 million pound mark since its inception.
Alumni and friends are invited to drop off canned food in the marked boxes in the lobby of Godwin Hall or join us at the Challenge event at Richmond Kickers Stadium on September 13 from 5-8pm. |
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Norfolk Botanical Garden Scholarship Opportunity Our partners at Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity. The NBG President’s Council on Inclusion and Diversity Scholarship will be awarded for educational pursuits of underrepresented minority students in green industries or related fields including but not limited to garden cultivation and management, Environmental Sciences, Botany, Horticulture, the Environment and Sustainability Studies, Agriculture and Landscape. More information and the scholarship application form can be found here. We would love to see many Marlins take advantage of this scholarship opportunity.
Climate Change Is Coming for a Chesapeake Bay Island. Is It Worth Saving? Cameron Evans ‘22 was featured in an article from The Wall Street Journal about the challenges facing his hometown of Tangier Island due to rising sea levels. |
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"Frankly Speaking: The Story of Frank Blocker, Jr." Highlights Life and Generosity of Late Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee "Frankly Speaking: The Story of Frank Blocker, Jr." is now available for readers to delve into the life of an extraordinary individual whose contributions continue to inspire. Whether connected to Virginia Wesleyan University or simply seeking inspiration from a life well-lived, this book offers a heartfelt and comprehensive account of Frank Blocker, Jr.'s journey. |
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United Methodist News Regarding LGBTQ Inclusion and Disaffliation According to United Methodist News, a number of U.S. United Methodist annual conferences passed resolutions supporting the removal of church bans related to homosexuality. Meanwhile, the Lewis Center for Church Studies has done a second study comparing U.S. congregations disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church with those staying. |
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Make Plans to Come Home: October 6-7 Our Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration will take place on campus on October 6 and 7. Make your plans to join us for collegiate and alumni games, our annual picnic, and much more! |
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STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES |
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I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications: |
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CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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Have a great fall semester, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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-- Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: 757.455.3215 |
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