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November 24, 2025
Good morning,
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As we enter Thanksgiving week, I am reminded of the remarkable community that defines VWU. This is a time to reflect on the many blessings we share: exceptional students, dedicated faculty and staff, an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees, and alumni and friends who continue to strengthen our mission and momentum. I am grateful every day for the opportunities this University provides for our region and for the meaningful work we pursue together.
As a reminder, classes will not be held and the University is closed Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28.
Annie and I wish each of you a safe and joyful holiday as you gather with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
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I am pleased to share that the University has received a significant new commitment from the Epworth Foundation, which has pledged to endow the University’s Campus Ministries. Upon completion of the grant, the program will be named Epworth Campus Ministries, honoring the legacy of the historic Epworth United Methodist Church in downtown Norfolk. The church, founded in 1850 and long recognized as a landmark of community service and Christian witness, held its final worship service on January 5, 2025, after 130 years at its current location.
The newly endowed Epworth Campus Ministries will continue Virginia Wesleyan’s tradition of welcoming students of all faiths to explore spiritual wellness through worship, fellowship, and service. Monumental Chapel and Beazley Recital Hall serve as the primary home for Campus Ministries, complemented by additional gathering and community space in the Noland Campus Ministries Lounge in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. The program operates as a collaborative ministry of the University and Haygood United Methodist Church, located just minutes away on Wesleyan/Haygood Drive.
Led by Director of Campus Ministries Marie Porter, the program offers interdenominational Christian ministry while also supporting students of diverse religious backgrounds in forming meaningful spiritual communities on campus. The Epworth Foundation’s gift ensures that this vibrant ministry, rooted in hospitality, discipleship, and service, will continue to flourish for generations to come.
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As we head into the Thanksgiving season, I am especially grateful for our dedicated Implementation Team, whose hard work since the announcement has kept every aspect of the transition on schedule. I am particularly thankful to Jane Batten and her family, who have believed in and supported this institution for so many years. Their commitment continues to shape a strong and vibrant future for our University. As part of our promise to honor our heritage, we encourage you to explore the Letters of Legacy (Letters of Legacy collection online) collection—personal reflections from alumni and friends celebrating what Virginia Wesleyan has meant to them. You can learn more about the transition and its progress by visiting our Becoming Batten University page here.
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As preparations continue for the 2026 integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into the University, significant progress is being made across campus. My thanks go to the 11 integration teams diligently managing every aspect of this historic merger. Their careful coordination is essential to ensuring a seamless transition that enhances both our academic and clinical programs. I extend special appreciation to David Black, Executive in Residence, and Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, for their leadership of the academic component, and to Jason Seward, Chief Operations Officer, for guiding the extensive facility planning. When completed, this integration will position the University to more effectively educate the next generation of healthcare professionals while deepening our service to the region.
Several construction projects are well underway to support this transition. On the second floor of the H.C. Hofheimer II Library, work is nearing completion on the expanded Stephen S. Mansfield Special Collections and Archives. The redesigned facility will triple existing archival space, strengthen preservation efforts, and prepare for the incorporation of the Sentara College archives. Within the John A. Trinder Center for Advancement in Godwin Hall, a former meeting room is being transformed into a dedicated Sentara Heritage Room, located alongside our Virginia Wesleyan–themed alumni space. In addition, several areas across campus are being renovated into new office space to accommodate the growth associated with the integration and to ensure faculty and staff have the resources they need to support expanded programs.
Founded in 1892, Sentara College of Health Sciences brings an alumni network of 8,800 graduates. Together with Virginia Wesleyan’s 11,000 alumni, this merger will unite two proud traditions of academic excellence and community impact—creating a powerful partnership for the future.
To learn more about Sentara College of Health Sciences, visit www.sentara.edu.
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As construction on the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art building enters its final phase, excitement continues to build for what this transformational partnership will mean for both the museum and the University. With work expected to conclude over the next two months, the finishing touches are being placed on what will become one of Coastal Virginia’s most significant new arts and culture destinations.
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This milestone comes as VMOCA simultaneously prepares to close a meaningful chapter in its historic home near the Virginia Beach Convention Center. That space has long served as a creative hub for exhibitions, programs, and community gatherings—including last week’s opening of Where We Meet, a vibrant celebration that drew nearly 600 attendees. It was especially gratifying to join so many friends, colleagues, and champions who have worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.
Thanks to the leadership of Alison Byrne, Executive Director of VMOCA, and her dedicated team—as well as the active collaboration and solid teamwork of Sally Shedd, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, and Travis Malone, Dean of the Batten Honors College—this project has advanced with remarkable energy and shared purpose. Their collective efforts have been essential in bringing this partnership to fruition.
Looking ahead, the first opening in VMOCA’s new home on the Virginia Wesleyan campus will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The modern, purpose-built facility will enhance the museum’s ability to showcase innovative artists, expand educational programming, and deepen engagement with students, faculty, and the wider community. Momentum is strong, and anticipation continues to grow as we prepare to welcome VMOCA to campus in 2026.
Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Center for Neurodiversity and Career Development
We were pleased to celebrate the launch of the Center for Neurodiversity and Career Development with Neurodiversity Resource Specialists Meghan Ashburn ‘08 and Jules Edwards. Made possible with support from Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, this new initiative represents an important step in advancing resources and opportunities for neurodivergent people in Coastal Virginia.
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Darden Awards Celebration
I enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Darden Awards with proud members of the Marlin Family, including alumnus and Trustee Gary Bonnewell '79 and his wife Debbie, Trustee John Malbon, and Frank Batten, president of the Landmark Foundation. This year’s event, presented by TowneBank, honored Aubrey L. Layne, Jr. with the Individual Darden Award and recognized WHRO with the Corporate Darden Award for its outstanding contributions to our region.
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Visit from Former Norfolk Academy Leader
It was a pleasure to welcome John H. Tucker, Jr., former Head of School of our neighbors at Norfolk Academy, back to campus. Norfolk Academy, chartered in 1728, is recognized as the oldest private school in Virginia and remains an important educational partner in our region. Norfolk Academy has been a good neighbor since the mid 1960s when we both moved to our current location.
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Marlin Business Conference Highlights
Last week, the Marlin Business Conference opened with an engaging keynote from Jody M. Wagner, founder and president of Jody’s Inc., former Secretary of Finance for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and member of the VWU Board of Trustees. Her remarks, delivered after a reception in Brock Commons, drew on her extensive experience in both entrepreneurship and public service and set the tone for this fall’s theme, “Progressing from Paychecks to Passion.”
The conference concluded with a visit from recently reelected Delegate Michael Feggans, who spoke with students about leadership, civic engagement, and the connection between business and public policy.
View Photo Gallery
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A Perfect Frenzy: Andrew Lawler Visits Campus
Journalist and author Andrew Lawler drew a full audience to Blocker Auditorium for a compelling look at the turbulent events in 1775 Virginia that helped ignite the American Revolution. Drawing from A Perfect Frenzy, he explored Lord Dunmore’s proclamation promising freedom to enslaved people who sided with the British and the “perfect frenzy” it unleashed across the colonies. The lecture was part of the Robert Nusbaum Center’s 2025 fall series and concluded with a book signing.
Learn more | View Photo Gallery
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SACSCOC Visits VWU–Chesapeake
A team from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges visited campus last week completing the review of our new Prison Education Program in Chesapeake. A defining expression of our commitment to access, VWU-Chesapeake operates at St. Brides and Indian Creek Correctional Centers, where our faculty deliver coursework that meets the same rigorous standards as our main campus. Students receive full advising and success support services, reinforcing our belief that education transforms lives, improves reentry outcomes, and strengthens communities.
Special thanks to Dr. David Black, Executive in Residence; Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President; Dr. Drian Glyde, Dean of Global Campus; and Beth Koroleski, Assistant Vice President for Student Financial Planning, for their leadership in advancing this mission-driven program.
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Cool Down P-Town Community Tree Planting
Students, faculty, and staff joined community partners for the Cool Down P-Pown tree planting at First Baptist Church on Elm in Portsmouth. Supported by a competitive grant, the Cool Down P-Town initiative brings together the City of Portsmouth, the Virginia Department of Forestry, First Baptist Church, and the Center for Sustainable Communities to address extreme urban heat through research-driven, nature-based solutions.
Faculty members Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences; Dr. Chris Haley, Professor of Earth Science; Dr. Maynard Schaus, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science; Dr. Bill McConnell, Batten Professor of Education; and Dr. Annika Quick, Batten Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, along with student volunteers, have been working with partners to identify local heat-stress patterns and expand tree canopy in vulnerable neighborhoods. Their efforts reflect our mission of scholarship, service, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, and highlight the growing impact of collaborative work across the region.
Learn more | View Photo Gallery
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Marlins Shine at 25th Anniversary WorldQuest
Students and faculty proudly represented the Marlin community at the 25th-anniversary WorldQuest competition on November 13 at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads, the event brings together teams from across the region for fast-paced global affairs trivia.
VWU fielded two teams captained by Assistant Professor of History Dr. Tyler A. Lehrer, with student participants from the Batten Honors College, Tidewater Collegiate Academy, and majors across the University, and faculty from History, Political Science, Earth and Environmental Science, and English.
The evening offered students a dynamic opportunity to apply classroom learning, collaborate under pressure, and engage with regional partners dedicated to international awareness. VWU’s ongoing involvement with the Council continues to enrich global education and strengthen our presence in the region’s international community. Read more here.
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Nominate a Deserving Student for The Mavis McKenley ’11 Award
Each year, the University presents an award on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a student who practices the ideals set forth by Dr. King—courage and conviction in valuing differences, commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion, compassion for humanity, and/or commitment to social change. In 2021, the award was named The Mavis McKenley ’11 Award in honor of our esteemed graduate and Trustee.
Nominations due by December 1.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Happy Thanksgiving, Marlins!
Sincerely,
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