Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

July 14, 2025

Good morning,

A collaborative working group has begun the important task of unifying Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCOHS), founded in 1892, with Virginia Wesleyan University, established in 1961. This strategic integration strengthens our standing as a National Arts & Sciences institution and deepens our decades-long partnership with Sentara Health.

The jointly appointed Integration Team recently met with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to initiate the Substantive Change process. Work is now underway on the formal documentation due September 1, and I’ll keep you informed as we progress.

As previously announced, SCOHS will become the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University, reinforcing our shared mission of excellence in education, health care, and service to the region. The team’s coordinated efforts will ensure a seamless and mission-driven transition.

Members of the integration working group:

Cynthia Banks, Dean of Academic Affairs, SCOHS

David R. Black, Executive in Residence, VWU

Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, VWU

John Groulx, Vice President for Finance, VWU

Beth Koroleski, Director of Financial Aid, VWU

Bryson Mortensen, Director of VWU Online, VWU

Chris Nelson, Associate Dean, Administration and Finance, SCOHS

Mary Ann Rivera, Director of Financial Aid, SCOHS

Maynard Schaus, Director of Accreditation, VWU

Angela Taylor, President, SCOHS

Vic Townsend, Assistant Provost, VWU

Ryan Luzak, Chief of Staff, Sentara Health (ex-officio)

Scott D. Miller, President, VWU (ex-officio)

In addition, we have established an Integration External Review Team of respected leaders who bring valuable experience, objectivity, and expertise in health sciences to our priorities, planning, and implementing:

David R. Black, Executive in Residence, VWU

Earl D. Brooks, II, Chancellor/President, Trine University

Joshua Kutney, Executive Vice President/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lakeland University

Kenton Sparks, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Eastern University

I am delighted to share that Virginia Wesleyan University, Chesapeake—our instructional sites at St. Brides and Indian Creek Correctional Centers—received formal authorization to begin offering degree programs this fall. The U.S. Department of Education has approved VWU to administer Pell Grant funding for incarcerated individuals at these facilities, a monumental step that will expand access to higher education for a historically underserved population.

This important initiative, part of VWU Global Campus, is the result of a strong partnership between Virginia Wesleyan University and the Urban League of Hampton Roads, with generous support from community leaders like Congressman Bobby Scott. The program is designed to empower incarcerated individuals through academic opportunity, preparing them for successful reentry and contributing to safer, stronger communities.

Learn more about VWU’s Incarcerated Persons Reentry Program here.

ET CETERA

I am pleased to announce members of the Leadership Council for the academic year 2025-26. 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 during the academic year to broaden discussions and promote active participation in key administrative issues. This esteemed 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 2025-26.

Regina Barletta, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator

Brad Botkin, Director of Facilities Management

Shane Boyd, Director of Institutional Research

Jennifer Cohen, Director of Student Engagement

Michelle De Rosa, Director of Counseling and Student Health

Trey DelPo, Director of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center

Sarah Guzzo, Director of Stewardship

Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics

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

Loren Loving Marquez, Associate Provost

Will McGuire, Chief Information Officer

Nikki Nieves, Director for Enrollment, Batten Honors College

Brooke Novkovic, Director of Global Engagement

Kayleigh Poggioli, Assistant to the Senior Vice President

Elyse Rosen, Director of Residence Life

Jason Seward, Chief Operations Officer

Sylvia Schelly, Associate Vice President for Finance

Michael Skipper, Director of Web Services

Bethany Smeeton, Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning

President’s Cabinet, (ex officio)

From purpose to function, the PCIC assists the institution in offering programs designed to enhance the educational value of the campus community through purposeful dialogue and celebration of differences. The council consists of the University's designated council members from key institutional areas: Academics, Athletics, Student Engagement, the Athenaeum, and the Robert Nusbaum Center.

I’m proud to share the 2025-26 members of the President’s Council for Inclusive Communities (PCIC):

Marcus Curry, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Felipe Hugueño, Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies

Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center

Chelsea Jones, Academic Support Specialist

Prashikskya Karki, Coordinator of Accreditation, Data Collection, and Reporting

Marina Maye, Administrative Assistant for Academic Affairs

Bethany Smeeton, Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning

Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, Co-Chair of PCIC (ex-officio)

Keith Moore, Senior Vice President, Co-Chair of PCIC (ex-officio)

CeeCee Tucker serves as Special Advisor to the President.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Advancing Health Science Collaboration

We had a productive discussion with Tavaris Powell, Healthcare Partner Engagement Manager with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, on the Hampton Roads Partnership for Health Science initiative. We explored collaborative opportunities in light of the upcoming integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences as part of VWU in 2026. Joining the conversation were Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson and Associate Provost Loren Marquez.

CIC NetVUE Professional Development Grant

We were pleased to be awarded a $20,000 NetVUE Professional Development Grant to support faculty and staff engagement in undergraduate vocation exploration. Funded by the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc., the grant will enhance campus conversations around vocation and strengthen VWU’s leadership in this important area. Learn more.

Strengthening Ties with Virginia Beach City Public Schools

We shared a wonderful lunch with leaders from Virginia Beach City Public Schools, including Superintendent Donald Robertson, Director of the Office of Technical and Career Education Sara Lockett, Bayside High School Principal Troy Walton (VWU Class of 2000), Assistant Principal Todd Sherman, Health Sciences Academy Coordinator Kristen Johnson, and Gifted Resource Teacher Meg Manugo.

Joining the conversation from Virginia Wesleyan were Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson, Executive in Residence David Black, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Heather Campbell, and Director of Innovative Partnerships Larry Belcher. We appreciate the opportunity to explore future collaborations in support of our region’s students.

Having Fun with Horizons Hampton Roads

Horizons Hampton Roads offers impactful academic and enrichment programs that encourage students from Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach to realize their full potential. For the second summer in a row, the organization has held their summer enrichment program on campus. Last week, Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, joined their “Teddy Bear Tea,” reading a story to kindergarteners and first graders and their parents in Harbor Grill.

Exploring Educational Connections

We enjoyed a thoughtful visit with our friends from The Hague School—Dr. Mark Fleming, Chair of the Board, and Board member Doug Smith. Joining us for the discussion was Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson, Virginia Wesleyan’s Provost and Vice President. We appreciate the opportunity to explore shared values and future collaborations in support of student success.

Building a Resilient Farm

Please enjoy the WHRO article featuring our friend Dorothy Batten's journey to build a resilient farm in Albemarle County, VA.

Vision in Action: From Celebration to Strategy

Virginia Beach Vision (VBV) closed out a successful year with a Board of Directors social hosted by Jesse Wykle, CEO of Aloha Snacks (Mahalo, Jesse!) at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere, and shared camaraderie made for a memorable evening. Pictured with Laura Chalk, Executive Director of VBV.

Kicking off the new fiscal year, the VBV Board of Directors Executive Committee held a productive meeting at The Runnymede Corporation in Virginia Beach. As the region’s leading business advocacy organization, VBV remains focused on advancing strategic priorities that strengthen our economy and community.

Rudee Park Project

Members of the Virginia Beach Vision Resort Development & Safety Task Force received a detailed briefing on the Rudee Park Project at the Oceanfront. Special thanks to Jesse Wykle for his leadership and to Clay Dills of Dills Architects and Dan Biederman of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures for an outstanding presentation outlining an exciting vision for this key area of resort development.

Wesleyan Wednesday at Ballyhoos: August 6

Mark your calendars to join us at Ballyhoos for our annual summertime Wesleyan Wednesday. The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on August 6 from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

2025 State of the University: A Celebration of The Batten Legacy - Wednesday, August 20

Each August, as we prepare to launch a new academic year, I have the privilege of presenting the State of the University Address to our campus community. This year will be different. As we mark the conclusion of my 10th year as your president, we will take a special approach to the occasion by celebrating the enduring impact of The Batten Legacy at Virginia Wesleyan. We will honor visionary philanthropist Jane Batten—widely regarded as the most transformative figure in the history of our University—and her remarkable family. The campus community and special invited guests will join us in person, and I encourage alumni, students, parents, and friends to tune in via the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. It promises to be one of the most historic days in the life of our University.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

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