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August 25, 2025
Good morning,
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Welcome home, Marlins! Today we officially begin a new fall session, and campus is alive with energy as students, faculty, and staff return to classrooms and community life. A special welcome goes out to our first-year and transfer students, who are beginning their journey as Marlins. We look forward to seeing you make your mark, build lasting friendships, and embrace all the opportunities that lie ahead.
Here’s to a year of learning, discovery, and new beginnings.
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Last week, we announced that, effective July 1, 2026, Virginia Wesleyan University will become Batten University. This milestone represents both a tribute to the Batten family’s extraordinary legacy and a bold step toward our future. The news has naturally sparked pride, gratitude, and conversation across our community, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this transition.
The new name reflects our exciting vision for the future, the transformational progress of the past decade, and the enduring philanthropic leadership of the Batten family. Guided by our 2015–2025 master plan, we have expanded academic programs at every level, built a strong presence in global education, pioneered prison education and regional workforce initiatives, and welcomed respected cultural and professional institutions to our campus: the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and Sentara College of Health Sciences. These advances reflect the momentum that has brought us to this moment and position us for continued distinction on both national and international levels.
At the same time, the heart of our mission remains unchanged. In an editorial from The Virginian-Pilot, the article affirms that “university’s name will change, but its commitment to improving lives throughout the region remains steadfast.” These reflections are echoed in my opinion piece, also in The Virginian-Pilot, where I shared, “This renaming does not mark a departure from our heritage; it signifies the next logical step in our evolution.”
Our ties with the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church continue to grow, as evident in the news release from the Conference. Strengthened by representation on our Board of Trustees and active ministry partnerships at both the district and local church level, these connections enrich our community and affirm our Wesleyan identity.hurch level. These connections enrich our community and affirm our Wesleyan identity.
As we prepare for this exciting transition, we do so with deep respect for our history, gratitude for our partners and friends, and great anticipation for the opportunities ahead. We will continue to celebrate the proud legacy of Virginia Wesleyan while embracing the promise of Batten University.
Learn more about Virginia Wesleyan University becoming Batten University on July 1, 2026.
Read more Virginia Wesleyan University Will Be Renamed Batten University in 2026.
Read President Miller’s 2025 State of the University year-in-review to celebrate the initiatives and accomplishments of the 2024-25 academic year.
Read community news coverage of this exciting milestone:
Inside Higher Ed: Virginia Wesleyan to Become Batten University
The Washington Post: Virginia Wesleyan University is getting a new name: Batten University
Virginia Business: Virginia Wesleyan University to be renamed Batten University
Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church: VWU set to change name
WAVY-TV10: Virginia Wesleyan University to be renamed Batten University
WHRO: Virginia Wesleyan will become Batten University in 2026
WTKR-TV3: Virginia Wesleyan University to be renamed ‘Batten University’ in 2026
WVEC-TV13: Virginia Wesleyan University to be renamed Batten University
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Since its establishment in 2016, Founders Day has become a cherished tradition for Virginia Wesleyan—an occasion to honor our past while celebrating the people and milestones that continue to shape our future. This year’s ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 4, at 12:00 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
We are pleased to welcome Joseph P. “Joe” Ruddy ’83 as our keynote speaker. A leader in the maritime industry, longtime trustee, and past Distinguished Alumnus honoree, Joe will reflect on his professional journey, the influence of VWU in his life, and the enduring legacy of our University. During the program, he will also be recognized with The Wesley Award for his remarkable contributions to Coastal Virginia.
In addition, we will proudly recognize the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards, honors given by the Alumni Council to graduates whose lives exemplify the mission and spirit of Virginia Wesleyan:
Jaclyn B. Ruelle ’03 — Distinguished Alumna Award
Glynn F. Goodrich ’82 — Alumni Service Award
Asha J. Richards ’21 — Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
Founders Day reminds us that our alumni are not only part of our history—they are also vital to our present and future. Their leadership, service, and accomplishments extend the reach of Virginia Wesleyan well beyond our campus, and their stories inspire the next generation of Marlins.
We look forward to gathering as a community to honor our heritage, celebrate our alumni, and reaffirm the values that continue to guide us forward.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Breakfast Gathering to Greet International Students
We had a wonderful time hosting many of our new international students for breakfast in the H.C. Hofheimer II Library on Friday. The year’s group, hailing from 22 different countries, brings a rich diversity of cultures and perspectives that will greatly enrich our campus community.
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Batten Honors College Welcomes New Scholars
The Batten Honors College welcomed its newest members with the traditional matriculation ceremony, marking the beginning of their journey at Virginia Wesleyan. Pictured are BHC students with Dr. Travis Malone, Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the BHC; Dr. Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean of the BHC; and Dr. Craig Wansink, Batten Professor of Religious Studies and Leadership and Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Nusbaum Center.
This newest BHC cohort also attended the State of the University event last week where it was shared that the Batten Honors College would become the Jane P. Batten Honors College on July 1, 2026. The group was excited to meet Mrs. Batten at the event.
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Project SEED Brings Budding Chemists to Campus
This summer, Virginia Wesleyan’s chemistry labs were filled with discovery as high school students stepped into the shoes of real chemists. As part of VWU’s first Project SEED grant, students from across the region spent 10 weeks conducting hands-on chemistry research across local university campuses, including Virginia Wesleyan’s.
Launched by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Project SEED was created to open doors for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through hands-on summer research experiences. Two rising high-school seniors, Natalie Fisher and Aniya Clark, spent their work week at VWU doing research guided by Dr. Kevin Kittredge, VWU’s Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Treasurer of the ACS Hampton Roads local chapter.
Learn more here.
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Men’s Basketball Combines Culture and Competition Abroad
Our men’s basketball team embarked on a 10-day international journey to Portugal, combining competitive play with immersive cultural experiences. The Marlins went 1-1 in their two games abroad—facing the University of Manitoba and NCR Valongo. More than a basketball experience, the trip strengthened team chemistry while providing unforgettable cultural and educational enrichment.
Read more about the team’s international adventure here.
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24th Annual Golf Outing Opens Homecoming Festivities
Be sure to mark your calendars for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 3-4, 2025! Kick off the festivities at the 24th annual VWU 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.
Visit vwu.edu/golfouting for registration and sponsorship information.
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Virginia Wesleyan University Welcomes New NACU Partners
Virginia Wesleyan University joins the New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) in welcoming the University of Redlands (California) and the University of Evansville (Indiana) to the selective national innovation consortium. NACU president Sean Creighton said both institutions exemplify “forward-thinking, values-driven education” rooted in liberal learning, civic purpose, and innovation. Their membership coincides with NACU’s 30th anniversary, underscoring the consortium’s momentum and its commitment to preparing students for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Welcome home, Marlins!
Sincerely,
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