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September 22, 2025
Good morning,
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As we progress toward becoming Batten University on July 1, 2026, it is important that we never lose sight of the people, traditions, and shared experiences that have made this institution great. While a new name signals growth and bold vision for the future, our roots remain firmly planted in the rich history and relationships that define us.
To honor and preserve these stories, we have recently launched “Letters of Legacy”—a special collection of reflections written by members of the Marlin family. These heartfelt letters capture personal journeys, transformative moments, and the deep connections that unite generations of Marlins.
These stories remind us that while our name will change, our essence will not. They celebrate the memories that shaped Virginia Wesleyan and illuminate the opportunities that lie ahead for Batten University.
We invite you to read these powerful reflections by visiting the Letters of Legacy collection online. This living archive will grow over time, offering another meaningful way to honor our past while inspiring the future we are building together.
Letters of Legacy Collection | Becoming Batten University | The Batten Legacy video
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The integration planning for Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCOHS) to become a part of Virginia Wesleyan University continues to advance. Both institutions officially launched their integration process with simultaneous kickoff meetings held on both campuses September 10, 2025. These meetings marked the start of a collaborative effort to align operations, policies, and procedures in preparation for the integration of SCOHS into VWU, effective January 2026 (pending SACSCOC approval).
To guide the process, eleven integration workgroups have been established, bringing together 56 staff members from both institutions. The workgroups are focused on critical areas of university operations, including Administration, Academics, Instructional Technology, Compliance, Operations, Information Technology, Library Services, Student Transition, Registrar, Student Accounts & Financial Aid, and Recruitment & Enrollment.
Each workgroup will meet monthly, alternating between the VWU and SCOHS campuses, to review and adapt existing policies, procedures, and guidelines. Their charge is to establish a clear foundation for decision-making and ensure a seamless transition for students, faculty, and staff as SCOHS becomes an integral part of Virginia Wesleyan University.
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The highly anticipated new home for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University is moving steadily toward completion. More than a year after breaking ground within the David R. Goode Arts Complex, the project remains on time and on budget, with significant completion expected December 17 and occupancy scheduled for February 2026.
The spring opening of this world-class cultural resource will usher in a historic new chapter for the institution, leading directly into Virginia Wesleyan’s transformation to Batten University on July 1, 2026. Together, these milestones symbolize the University’s continued growth and evolution as a regional center of creativity, learning, and community engagement.
The collaboration between Virginia MOCA and VWU represents a shared commitment to arts, education, and accessibility. Once open, the new facility will expand programmable space by 20 percent, featuring enhanced galleries capable of hosting larger, more diverse exhibitions and a reimagined ARTLab for interactive learning. The site will provide one of the region’s largest art classrooms and become a creative hub for K–12 students, university learners, and community members alike.
When doors open in early 2026, the new Virginia MOCA will host exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops—offering dynamic opportunities for creativity and connection.
For more information and updates on the Virginia MOCA at VWU collaboration and the construction of the new facility, visit www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.
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Each October, the Marlin Family Campaign for Faculty and Staff unites our campus community in a shared commitment to the students we serve. As we prepare to take our next bold step as Batten University, your participation holds even greater significance.
This campaign is about more than philanthropy. It represents leadership, pride, and confidence in our mission. Your daily contributions inspire students to achieve more than they ever thought possible, and by giving, we demonstrate our deep investment in their success.
This year’s early bird raffle features an exciting prize: four tickets to any 2025–2026 Norfolk Admirals regular season game. Make your gift before October 1 to enter. Not a hockey fan? There will be more chances to win throughout the month.
Every Tuesday in October is Marlin Family Trivia Tuesday. Test your knowledge of our community, and each correct answer will earn you another entry in the prize drawings. For a little extra fun, the campus area with the highest participation rate will see their cabinet member take the stage in the Marlin Mic Drop at our thank-you reception. Rally your colleagues—this is one performance you will not want to miss.
Thank you to our faculty and staff for all that you do for Virginia Wesleyan.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
The annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed across the United States from September 15 to October 15, honors the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month pays tribute to the generations of individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping our nation's history. Virginia Wesleyan is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of special programs from Off the Hook, Latino Student Alliance, and VWU Student Engagement.
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Affinities and Differences
The Neil Britton Art Gallery presents Affinities and Differences: A Dialogue of Abstraction in Painting, featuring works by artist James Williams, Professor of Art and Chair of the Visual Arts Department at Tidewater Community College, and John Rudel, Professor of Art, Curator of Exhibitions, and Director of Undergraduate Research and Creativity at VWU. On view through December 12, the exhibition explores the artists’ distinct yet connected approaches to abstract painting.
The public is invited to celebrate the artists at a reception on Saturday, October 4, from 3–5 p.m. in the Neil Britton Art Gallery, located in the H.C. Hofheimer II Library. Learn more.
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Inspiring Kickoff to The Norfolk Forum’s 2025-26 Speaker Series
We enjoyed a wonderful evening on the rooftop at The Assembly in Norfolk with Jenna Bush Hager, President of The Norfolk Forum Blythe Scott, and CEO of the Greater Norfolk Corporation & Norfolk Innovation Corridor Linda Peck. Also joining us were Dean of the Batten Honors College Travis Malone and BHC scholars. Jenna, host of TODAY with Jenna & Friends and bestselling author, kicked off The Norfolk Forum’s 2025-26 speaker series, which promises an exciting lineup of thought-provoking speakers throughout the season.
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Connecting with Junior Achievement
I was delighted to meet with Jean Galliano, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads, along with Heather Campbell, VWU’s Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, to explore opportunities for collaboration and shared initiatives that support student growth and success.
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Virginia Beach Vision Board Meeting
The VBV Board of Directors welcomed Bill Kelly, Resort Administrator for the City of Virginia Beach Resort Management Office, as guest speaker for the monthly meeting. Bill shared updates on current initiatives and opportunities, including efforts to expand the city’s presence in the action sports sector. Pictured with Laura Chalk, VBV Executive Director and CEO.
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Constitution Day
We were pleased to have author William C. Wooldridge join us for VWU’s Constitution Day program, sponsored by the Robert Nusbaum Center. Through his presentation, Three Visions of Virginia, Wooldridge used historical maps to explore how geography, ambition, and power shaped perceptions of Virginia from the 1500s through the Civil War. His talk offered a fascinating perspective on the Commonwealth’s evolving identity and its connections to the U.S. Constitution. Learn more.
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Celebrating Creativity and Leadership
It was a wonderful evening at the Zeiders American Dream Theater as we celebrated Travis Malone, Dean of the Batten Honors College, recipient of the Z Creativity Arts Leadership Award. Joining in the celebration were (from left) Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean of the Batten Honors College; Becky Malone; and Sally Shedd, Dean of the Goode School of Arts and Humanities.
The celebration of creativity continues on campus—check out the fall events calendar for The Arts at VWU, including details about the upcoming fall theatre production, The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe.
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World Suicide Prevention Day
Students, faculty, and staff joined the Office of Counseling and Student Health for an Awareness Walk and Memory Chalk in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day. Together, our community walked in solidarity, shared messages of support and remembrance, and learned about resources available to promote mental health and well-being.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped raise awareness!
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Remembering 9/11
The Marlin family gathered in the campus Peace Garden to observe and honor the memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The event was hosted by Craig Wansink and the Robert Nusbaum Center, bringing our community together in reflection and unity. As the Marlin community joined together in remembrance, the enduring pledge was reaffirmed: we will never forget.
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Save the Date: “The Art of Healing” Exhibition
The inaugural Bobby Levin Art Exhibition, curated by BHC scholar Sarah Richards and entitled “The Art of Healing,” will open on Friday, November 7, at 5:30 p.m. in the Barclay Sheaks Gallery of the Henry Clay Hofheimer II Library.
The Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship was established this past spring as a tribute to the late Bobby Levin and his lifelong passion for the transformative power of art. The program supports academically talented juniors and seniors who are pursuing the combined coursework in studio art and psychology required for admission to accredited master’s programs in Art Therapy. Levin Scholars, like Sarah, will curate exhibitions featuring works created by individuals using art therapy to navigate pain, trauma, and other challenges—gaining invaluable real-world experience while helping others find healing through creative expression. Learn more.
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CBA Announces New Head of School
Our valued campus-based partner, Chesapeake Bay Academy, has announced that Krishna R. Davda will become its next Head of School, effective July 1, 2026. Krishna brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in schools serving students with learning differences, with previous roles at The Overlake School (WA), Perkiomen School (PA), and Franklin Academy (CT).
We extend our gratitude to Dr. Jankowski for her remarkable leadership and to the entire CBA community for their partnership with Virginia Wesleyan as we continue to work together to serve students and families across our region.
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In Memoriam: Robert “Bob” Fletcher
We are saddened to share that Robert “Bob” Fletcher, former President and CEO of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, passed away on September 7, 2025. A devoted leader and advocate for higher education, Bob retired in 2024 after 13 years of service and had recently returned as interim president. Our prayers are with his wife, Debbie, and their family.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Board of Trustees has named the Rev. Cara Stultz Costello as Interim President and CEO, effective immediately. She will serve through 2025 as the board completes its search for a permanent leader.
Rev. Stultz Costello has served on the UMHEF Board since 2021 and is currently Vice Chair. She will serve as interim president while continuing her role as District Superintendent of the Central Valley District of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.
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The Countdown is On: Homecoming 2025
Make plans to join us for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 3-4, 2025! Kick off the festivities at the 24th annual Joanne Renn golf outing on Friday, October 3, at Cypress Point Golf Course, supporting Marlin softball, baseball, and men’s lacrosse. Then head to campus for a weekend full of celebration, connection, and Marlin spirit among alumni, parents, students, and friends.
Check out the 2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend full schedule here.
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VAACC Fall Festival Returns
The Virginia African American Cultural Center will host its 6th annual Community Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 744 Hampshire Lane, Lake Edward Park in Virginia Beach. The festival site is the future home of the VAACC. The free event is produced annually and open to the public to celebrate African American culture.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Sincerely,
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