Dialogue

March 9, 2026

Good morning,

The University will celebrate retirements and employee service milestones of faculty, staff, and friends in operational services in a campus-wide celebration on Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. at DeFord Manor. Congratulations to these members of the Virginia Wesleyan family, recognizing their full-time, continuous service:

Retirees

Vic Dorsey, Director of Campus Safety and Security

Tim Lockett, General Manager, Sodexo Dining Services

I hope all faculty, staff, and friends in operational services mark their calendars and make plans to join in our celebration for these long-serving and dedicated Marlins on April 28. Watch your inbox for more information.

I am proud to share that Jane P. Batten, visionary philanthropist and Trustee emerita, and G. Robert “Bob” Aston, Jr., Executive Chairman of TowneBank and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, have been named to the 2026 Virginia Power 50 List by Virginia Business, recognizing the Commonwealth’s most influential leaders.

This distinction highlights individuals whose leadership continues to shape Virginia’s business, civic, and philanthropic landscape. Mrs. Batten’s visionary philanthropy and lifelong commitment to education and community enrichment have had a profound impact on Virginia Wesleyan and the broader region. Mr. Aston’s leadership in building TowneBank into one of Virginia’s most respected community banking institutions, along with his deep commitment to civic engagement and regional advancement, continues to strengthen communities across Hampton Roads and beyond.

G. Robert Aston Hall, home to Chesapeake Bay Academy, honors his personal generosity to the University. TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center and TowneBank Park (softball and baseball) recognize his corporate generosity.

We congratulate both Mrs. Batten and Mr. Aston on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their enduring leadership and support of the University.

ET CETERA

With Spring Break just around the corner, I want to remind our graduating seniors of an important upcoming deadline related to participation in the Spring 2026 Commencement exercises.

Students who plan to participate in the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony must submit the Commencement Fee—which includes the cost of the cap and gown—by Friday, March 13. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 and to an inspiring address from our keynote speaker, Clifford B. Fleet III, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Graduates who complete their order by March 13 may pick up their caps and gowns in the Office of Finance and Administration in Brock Commons from May 11–15 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Graduates are also invited to participate in the Graduate Giving campaign. Those who contribute will receive a coastal blue philanthropy cord to wear at Commencement, a VWU alumni t-shirt, and recognition on the Graduation Celebration Wall outside the Office of Campus Life.

Tassels will be formally presented at the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Our keynote speaker will be Rev. Brian Boettcher, Class of 2012 and Pastor of Granbury Memorial United Methodist Church. Baccalaureate is a meaningful prelude to Commencement—a service of worship celebrating lives dedicated to learning and wisdom—and all graduates and their families are warmly encouraged to attend. No tickets are required.

We look forward to honoring and celebrating the Class of 2026 at Commencement on Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. For more information, please visit our website and read the FAQs.

Recently, I spent a productive day on Capitol Hill with our good friend and visionary philanthropist Jane P. Batten; Executive in Residence Dr. David Black; and Scott Tominovich, our government relations officer.

During the visit, we met with several members of Virginia’s congressional delegation, including Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Representative Bobby Scott, as well as Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The meetings were part of our ongoing engagement with federal leaders and reflect our continued presence in conversations that shape the future of higher education and workforce development.

These visits to Capitol Hill are an important part of maintaining strong relationships with policymakers who understand the value of institutions like ours and the role we play in preparing students to lead and serve.

Once again, I must recognize Jane Batten’s extraordinary philanthropic vision and her decades of dedicated service to higher education, community enrichment, and the advancement of opportunities for future generations. Her enduring support of Virginia Wesleyan University continues to shape our institution in profound ways, guiding our mission today and as we prepare to become Batten University on July 1, 2026.

We were delighted to welcome faculty and staff from Sentara College of Health Sciences to DeFord Manor for a luncheon. As we look ahead to July 1, we are excited about formally welcoming this outstanding group into the Marlin Family and advancing the next chapter of our shared work in health sciences education.

Planning and preparation continue in anticipation of the full integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into Virginia Wesleyan University, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This partnership represents an important step forward in strengthening our academic portfolio and expanding opportunities for students across Coastal Virginia and beyond.

It is wonderful to see our Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art friends settling into their new home on campus. A recent highlight was the installation of Mille Colori, the iconic 14-foot sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly, now suspended at the end of a sunlit corridor in the Museum’s new facility. Composed of 520 individually blown glass forms and part of Virginia MOCA’s story since 2003, the vibrant work was carefully disassembled at the Museum’s former location and meticulously reassembled here by members of the Chihuly team. Watching the final element come together was a meaningful moment, symbolizing both continuity and a new beginning for this remarkable piece in its stunning new setting.

We are also pleased to celebrate the achievements of Virginia MOCA’s talented team. Deputy Director and Director of Education and Engagement Truly Matthews (pictured) has been named the 2026 Southeastern Region Museum Education Art Educator by the National Art Education Association and is being recognized this week at the organization’s national convention in Chicago. She will also be eligible for national-level consideration in 2027. At the same convention, Kendall Chandler, Studio and Community Programs Manager, is participating in a panel titled Museums as Partners in Social-Emotional Learning, exploring how museums support community-centered learning and research.

We look forward to celebrating with our partners at Virginia MOCA when the Museum opens its doors on April 18.

Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrate Women’s History Month

From honoring history to shaping the future, Women’s History Month at VWU reflects the University’s commitment to leadership, scholarship, service, and community. Inspiring lectures, civic dialogue, creative expression, and spirited competition highlight the 2026 Women’s History Month lineup, inviting Marlins to learn, connect, and celebrate together. Mark your calendars, Marlins—and join in celebrating the voices, vision, and vitality of women all month long. Learn more.

VWU Faculty Featured in “SHIFT” Exhibition at Norfolk Academy

Professors of Art Derek Eley and John Rudel are featured in SHIFT: Endangered & Extinct Languages, a new exhibition exploring the evolving power of language as a lens for identity, memory, and culture. The exhibition, presented in the Perrel Gallery at Norfolk Academy, highlights the work of the two Virginia Wesleyan faculty members whose artistic practices examine how language shapes meaning and self-definition.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with Artists’ and Curators’ Talks beginning at 6 p.m. The project originated through the vision of Norfolk Academy Global Affairs Fellows Jane Earp and Ella Stufflebeem, who collaborated with gallery curator Betsy DiJulio to bring the concept to life and connect the exhibition with artists from Virginia Wesleyan University. Learn more.

BHC Hosts Spring Scholars Competition

The Batten Honors College recently welcomed an impressive group of prospective scholars and their families for its spring competition. Students traveled from Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, and the Dominican Republic, reflecting the growing national and international reach of the College.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in academic and leadership activities, connected with faculty and current scholars, and explored the College’s mission of preparing students for lives of purposeful leadership grounded in environmental stewardship and global engagement.

Our appreciation extends to the faculty, staff, student ambassadors, and members of the Batten Honors College community who ensured a thoughtful and welcoming experience for all. Pictured with Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the BHC Dr. Travis Malone, Assistant Dean of the BHC Dr. Jill Sturts, and BHC Scholar Sarah Richards.

Sodexo Employee Appreciation: Special Kudos to Tim and Smee

Congratulations to Tim Lockett, General Manager of Sodexo Dining Services, and Matt “Smee” Smith, Operations Manager, on the career milestones recognized at today’s Sodexo Employee Appreciation Event. Tim shared that he will be retiring in May after 25 years of dedicated service to Virginia Wesleyan University. After eight years on campus, Smee is moving on to serve as the new chef with Sodexo at ADP in Norfolk. Thank you both for your years of commitment to our campus community. We wish you every success and happiness in the next chapter.

Virginia Beach State of the City Address

It was a pleasure to join community leaders and friends at the Virginia Beach Convention Center for the 2026 State of the City address. Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer and City Manager Patrick Duhaney shared a forward-looking vision for Virginia Beach, highlighting key business developments, community priorities, and goals for the city’s future. The program marked the first in a series of regional leadership conversations hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber. It was also nice to visit with Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander and Chesapeake Mayor Rick West during the event.

Leadership Council Meeting

The University’s Leadership Council convened for its monthly meeting, bringing together Cabinet members and campus representatives to strengthen shared governance and collaboration on key administrative matters. We are grateful for the dedication of colleagues across campus who work together to support our students and advance the mission of the University.

VBV Executive Committee Meeting

We had a productive meeting of the Virginia Beach Vision Executive Committee. It was my first time sitting at this end of the table in several years after serving as President and Chair. Many thanks to my good friend Brad Martin for his strong leadership as he guides the organization forward.

Emerging Artist Honored at Westminster Canterbury

Congratulations to senior art major Sharice Puryear on receiving Honorable Mention in the Fifth Annual Black History Month Emerging Artists Exhibition at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Sharice was recognized for one of four submitted works during the February 25 awards program, where more than $2,500 in prizes were presented. Fellow Marlins Jeremiah Boateng and Carlton Grimes also participated, reflecting the depth of artistic talent across our campus community.

Our longstanding partnership with Westminster-Canterbury through the Westminster/Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute—an initiative of Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus—strengthens these connections. By engaging residents and students through shared learning and cultural experiences, we continue to create meaningful opportunities that extend the impact of a Virginia Wesleyan University education beyond our campus.

Women’s Flag Football Kicks Off Inaugural Season

I am proud to see VWU’s launch of its inaugural varsity women’s flag football season, the first collegiate program of its kind in Hampton Roads. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jamaar Hawkins, our Marlins took the field for the first time last weekend, gaining valuable experience and momentum with each snap.

With 11 student-athletes on the inaugural roster, this team is laying the groundwork for those who will follow. Their commitment, resilience, and pioneering spirit reflect the very best of VWU. I invite you to watch WTKR News 3’s recent feature highlighting this exciting new chapter for Marlin Athletics.

America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy

Another timely and substantive program hosted by valued Partner in Progress World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads explored “America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy.” The discussion featured Ambassador Piper Campbell, inaugural Chair of the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security at American University’s School of International Studies, and Dr. Susan Colbourn, Associate Research Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, with moderation by Dr. Richard Maass of Old Dominion University—a wide-ranging exchange about the second Trump administration’s foreign policy from diplomacy and democracy to alliances and grand strategy.

A Milestone Evening for CBA

Congratulations to our friends and partners in progress at Chesapeake Bay Academy on the success of their 30th Annual Auction & Gala. The evening marked an impressive milestone, generating more than $300,000 in support of their mission.

The gala also provided an opportunity for Dr. Craig Jackson, Dean of the Birdsong School of Social Science, and Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, to recognize and celebrate retiring Head of School Dr. Judy Jankowski. Also pictured is Dr. Dave Levin, Chair of the CBA Board.

CBA’s steadfast commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for deserving children across Hampton Roads strengthens our entire region. We are proud to stand alongside them in advancing that important work.

Chesapeake Bay Academy is a separately incorporated nonprofit school located in Aston Hall on the east side of campus.

President to President: Chapter 8 Now Available

The eighth chapter of this year’s President to President thought leadership series is now available online. In “Closing the Distance: A Playbook for Humanizing the College Presidency,” Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D., shares strategies for making leaders seem more approachable and encouraging open dialogue. From carrying small items that serve as conversation starters to hosting informal coffee hours, he has found a variety of ways to encourage open, honest communication that helps students and staff feel like valued members of an interconnected campus community. Read Chapter 8.