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December 29, 2025
Good morning,
| | Annie and I wish you a happy new year filled with good health, optimism, and continued success. May 2026 bring new opportunities, meaningful connections, and shared progress for you and our University. | |
Art did more than document the civil rights movement—it helped shape it. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Brock Commons, the Virginia Wesleyan community is invited to Frames of Freedom: Norman Rockwell, Gordon Parks, and the Visual Language of Justice, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day program hosted by the Robert Nusbaum Center that explores how visual art has influenced public understanding of justice, dignity, and freedom.
Art Professors Derek Eley and John Rudel will lead an engaging, interactive discussion of iconic works by Gordon Parks and Norman Rockwell, examining how images have challenged stereotypes, sparked moral reflection, and advanced social change—and why their impact continues to resonate today.
As part of the program, the University will present the Mavis McKenley ’11 Award, recognizing a Virginia Wesleyan student whose commitment to justice, education, and community service reflects the enduring ideals of Dr. King.
The program also points toward the future of interdisciplinary learning at our university as we prepare to celebrate the opening of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art on campus in 2026. With Virginia MOCA as an academic and cultural anchor, students across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences will engage more deeply with issues of justice, identity, environment, and civic life—connecting creative expression with inquiry, dialogue, and action both in the classroom and beyond.
In the spirit of service, Virginia Wesleyan is partnering with Heritage United Methodist Church to collect new and gently used winter clothing for students at Bettie F. Williams and Newtown Road Elementary Schools. Needed items include coats, socks, underwear, hats, and gloves for children ages 5–10. Donations may be delivered to the Office of Wesleyan Engaged in H.C. Hofheimer II Library or brought to the program on January 20.
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We are pleased to share a new partnership between Virginia Wesleyan University and the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association to deliver professional education that fulfills the requirements of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) programs. Through this agreement, VWU will serve as the educational hub for municipal clerk professional development, hosting VMCA’s annual Institute and Academy while expanding access to online courses and microcredentials through the University’s Global Campus.
This collaboration strengthens workforce development opportunities for municipal clerks across Virginia and beyond and reflects VWU’s growing role as a leader in continuing and professional education as the University prepares to become Batten University on July 1, 2026.
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As we close out the Letters of Legacy series for 2025, I hope you enjoyed the final reflection from Dr. Nancy T. DeFord, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Her thoughtful words capture the spirit, stewardship, and shared commitment that have defined Virginia Wesleyan’s journey—and the deep sense of purpose that continues to guide our community as we look to the future.
We look forward to promoting Batten University in the new year in our community and beyond.
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Two weeks ago, I shared that the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted to advance the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into Virginia Wesleyan University, and that the University will host a visiting team in March.
Our 11 integration teams have been working tirelessly to finalize plans for full integration, and we look forward to showcasing the talent, professionalism, and dedication of our collective faculty and staff throughout this process.
Founded in 1892, Sentara College of Health Sciences brings with it a distinguished alumni network of 8,800 graduates. Together with Virginia Wesleyan’s 11,000 alumni, this integration unites two proud traditions of academic excellence and community impact—creating a powerful partnership for the future. I am excited about what this will make possible.
To learn more about Sentara College of Health Sciences, visit www.sentara.edu.
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We concluded our final 2025 construction meeting for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at Virginia Wesleyan University partnership with our colleagues from Hourigan, as work continues toward the grand opening in 2026. The meeting included Charlie Blakeley, Jo Wrenn, Justus DiPeppe, Francis Boakye, and Jason Seward, Chief Operations Officer. As Virginia MOCA prepares for its move to campus in the new year, the return of the Marlins for January Term will bring moving trucks and visible activity at the museum’s new location throughout January and early February.
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The 35,000-square-foot facility is located within the David R. Goode Arts Complex, a vibrant academic and cultural hub anchored by Virginia MOCA, the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, and Susan T. Beverly Hall. Together, these facilities define the heart of the University’s campus arts district and are complemented by affinity housing for arts and humanities students in Mary Eggleston Hall, located in the adjacent Bray Village. At the front of the complex, the Beverly Terrace and Pond provides a welcoming place for quiet reflection and contemplation. Parking at the Goode Arts Complex also supports events and entertainment at DeFord Manor, the President’s residence, located just to the west.
The University’s Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities will benefit significantly from the addition of Virginia MOCA on campus. Beyond deep academic collaboration, the museum serves approximately 7,000 schoolchildren each year through a wide range of educational and outreach programs, further strengthening the University’s role in arts education and community engagement.
Significant exterior work also advanced last week, with Winn Nursery continuing progress on the landscaping and crews completing paver installation and blacktopping along the front and east side of the building. See pictures below.
Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
CRLA Certification Achieved
We are pleased to share that the VWU Learning Center has been awarded Level I certification by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This distinction reflects VWU’s successful completion of CRLA’s rigorous peer-review process and affirms that its tutor selection, training, and evaluation meet the highest standards in academic support. Please join me in congratulating the Learning Center team on this well-deserved achievement.
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Holiday Connections
It was a pleasure to visit with Gary Bonnewell, longtime VWU Trustee and Marlin graduate, at the annual Friday Club Christmas Party and luncheon in Chesapeake. On campus, I also had the pleasure of visiting with Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, an outstanding member of the Virginia Beach City Council and founder of the Virginia African American Cultural Center. Dr. Ross-Hammond is a frequent visitor to campus and a valued supporter of our Marlins.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia
We extend our thanks to Delceno Miles, President and CEO of The Miles Agency, for the introduction to Kevin Will, President and CEO, and Adrianna Rivera, Chief Development Officer, of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia. The visit provided an opportunity to explore shared interests and potential collaboration, with Keith Moore, Senior Vice President, also in attendance.
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Access College Foundation
We welcomed to campus Damon Jiggetts, new President and CEO of the Access College Foundation, for a visit focused on shared priorities supporting student access and success. He was joined by Suzanne Savage, Foundation Vice President, along with Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success.
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VWU Partner in Progress: CompleteU
We enjoyed a delightful lunch at DeFord Manor with John Meyer, CEO of CompleteU and a valued VWU Partner in Progress. Joining the conversation was Vice President Heather Campbell.
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Jane Batten Excellence in Early Education Award
Lisa Howard, President and CEO of E3: Elevate Early Education, presented the inaugural Jane Batten Excellence in Early Education Award at E3’s Annual Board Meeting. The award honored Jane Batten, co-founder of E3: Elevate Early Education and The E3 School, and Britney Blackman, Chief Innovation and Impact Officer, for their instrumental leadership in advancing early childhood education across the region and state.
Jane Batten is a longtime benefactor and partner of Virginia Wesleyan University, whose leadership and philanthropy have helped shape educational access and excellence throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. Her work with E3 reflects the same commitment to innovation, equity, and student success that defines her relationship with VWU.
Learn more about the E3 School.
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The VA Announces New Clinic in Virginia Beach
Plans are underway for a new VA outpatient clinic in Virginia Beach to serve Hampton Roads’ growing veteran population. Located near the Norfolk Premium Outlets, the facility will expand access to health care services in a region home to one of the largest veteran communities in the nation. The announcement was reported by WHRO, with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner highlighting the clinic’s role in meeting increasing demand for veteran care.
Read more from WHRO.
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Make Your Annual Gift by December 31
Virginia Wesleyan University's ability to prosper and grow is rooted in the generosity of our alumni and donors. Your gifts are an investment in our students and will echo throughout the lives of every student touched by your generosity.
Make your tax-deductible gift by midnight December 31 to give students unique and valuable experiential opportunities that help prepare them for their lives and careers beyond the classroom.
A special thank-you to those who have already made their gift in 2025. View The Excellence Fund Honor Roll of Donors here.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
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