Dialogue

April 13, 2026

Good morning,

Spring Alumni Weekend remains one of my favorite traditions at Virginia Wesleyan, and this year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we look ahead to our transition to Batten University on July 1, 2026. Over the weekend, Marlin alumni, parents, and friends returned to campus for a vibrant and engaging series of events that showcased the very best of our community—joined as well by prospective students and families visiting for Admitted Student Day.

The weekend began on Friday with the Men’s Soccer Golf Outing and continued with a special alumni gathering at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, where guests enjoyed exclusive access to the museum’s new home while celebrating the Classes of 1976 and 2001 during our cherished Scroll Signing tradition.

Saturday brought a full slate of activity across campus, including alumni games, the Marlin Family Picnic, and the recognition of Virginia Wesleyan inductees to the inaugural ODAC Hall of Fame class. From athletic contests to live entertainment and opportunities to reconnect, the day reflected the energy and spirit of the Marlin community at its best.

Throughout the weekend, our campus was further energized by performances of Avenue Q in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, highlighting the extraordinary talent of our students and the dedication of our faculty and staff.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with worship, additional athletic competitions, and one final performance—bringing together faith, fellowship, and celebration in true Marlin fashion.

Thank you to everyone who returned to campus and helped make this year’s Spring Alumni Weekend such a memorable and meaningful occasion.

Read More | View Photo Gallery.

ET CETERA

With gratitude to Jane Batten, Joan Brock, and Susan and David Goode for their leadership and enduring support, we marked a memorable milestone with the ribbon cutting of the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at Virginia Wesleyan University. We are proud to partner with Virginia MOCA and look forward to the many opportunities this collaboration will create for our students, our campus, and the broader Coastal Virginia community. The event offered an inspiring first look at the museum’s inaugural installations while recognizing the donors, partners, and leaders whose vision brought this project to life.

Later in the day, students, faculty, and staff were welcomed for a special campus preview, with many taking the opportunity to explore the exhibitions, connect with Museum staff, and enjoy the new space firsthand.

As we continue introducing the region to this extraordinary addition to campus, the energy surrounding Virginia MOCA’s future here is both palpable and exciting. The Grand Opening & Inaugural Exhibition Celebration will take place Friday, April 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Guests will be among the first to experience the Museum’s new home while exploring The Pursuit of Happiness by Nina Chanel Abney and Seamless: Art and Design during an evening of art, music, and community that marks an exciting new chapter for the Museum and our region.

Learn More | Reserve Grand Opening Tickets | View Photo Gallery

I am pleased to share that Jason Seward ’05, Chief Operations Officer, has been selected for the 2026–2027 cohort of the Council of Independent Colleges’ Senior Leadership Academy, one of the nation’s premier professional development experiences for rising leaders in higher education. This highly selective program cultivates executive-level leadership through an intensive, year-long curriculum focused on strategic thinking and decision-making, financial stewardship, and the complexities of leading mission-driven institutions. Participants engage with distinguished college presidents, national thought leaders, and a dynamic peer network, gaining both the insight and perspective necessary to navigate an evolving higher education landscape. Jason’s selection is a testament to his leadership and deep commitment to Virginia Wesleyan University.

Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, was selected for the program last year.

I am proud to announce that the University has entered into a new partnership with the CIVIC Leadership Institute to support student participation in the CIVIC Scholars Program, a year-long, cohort-based experience designed to prepare high-potential students for leadership roles across Hampton Roads. Through this collaboration, up to ten Jane P. Batten Honors College students each year will engage in professional development, civic engagement, and regional leadership experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world application.

Special thanks to Mary Kate Andris, President and CEO of the CIVIC Leadership Institute, and to Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Kristin Stephens for presenting this opportunity. We are pleased to join this important initiative, which emphasizes career readiness, mentorship, and exposure to regional industries and community leaders while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline through meaningful, hands-on student experiences.

Our Athletic Director, Andrea Hoover-Erbig, has been named Athletics Director at Wilson College in Pennsylvania, not far from her hometown, and will conclude more than 20 years of distinguished service to the University in May. During her tenure, she has made a lasting impact first as a head coach and later as Executive Director of Athletics, serving as a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for student-athletes.

As head coach of the volleyball program, Andrea laid the foundation for what has become one of the University’s most successful and nationally recognized teams. Her leadership helped build a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork that continues to define the program’s identity and recent national prominence.

In her role as Athletic Director, Andrea has led with dedication, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to quality. She has strengthened the overall athletics program while emphasizing the importance of academic achievement, sportsmanship, and the holistic development of student-athletes.

While her presence on campus will be greatly missed, we are confident she will continue to make a positive impact in this next chapter of her career.

Andrea is married to Chris Erbig, and together they have four children: Alex, Peyton, and twins Sam and Sophie. The Erbig family has been a valued part of the University community, and we thank them for their many contributions while wishing them all the best in the years ahead.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Marlins Day of Giving: April 24

Mark your calendar for Marlins Day of Giving on April 24, 2026! Join us in celebrating the Marlin spirit and enjoy the perfect time to connect, serve, and give. Alumni, friends, and students will come together to support the experiences that make our community so special. Together, we can grow our impact and support the people and programs that make our University strong. Participate early here.

Engaging Chesapeake’s Continued Growth

With the University’s presence continuing to grow in Chesapeake—now home to three educational centers—I appreciated the opportunity to attend Mayor Rick West’s State of the City Address. The event highlighted the city’s momentum and the importance of collaboration in supporting regional advancement.

It was also a pleasure to connect with Trustee Anthony Walters, President and CEO of the YMCA, whose leadership and partnership continue to play an important role in the University’s expanding impact across the region.

Are You Free to Trade?

Garrett Wood, a professor in our MBE program, led a thought-provoking discussion in Brock Commons, challenging the campus community to reconsider what it means to be “free” in a market economy. Hosted by the Robert Nusbaum Center, the presentation explored how laws, ethics, and systems of power shape economic decision-making, revealing a marketplace defined as much by constraint as by opportunity.

By reframing everyday financial choices within a broader societal context, Wood prompted questions about who sets the rules and who benefits from them. The program reflects the University’s commitment to engaging complex issues through thoughtful dialogue and interdisciplinary inquiry. Read more.

David and Susan Goode: True Patrons of the Arts…

We are fortunate to benefit from the generosity of visionary donors whose support has helped define the ethos of the University. Among them is Susan S. Goode, a longtime trustee and benefactor whose name graces both the Fine and Performing Arts Center and the School of Arts and Humanities.

Susan and her husband, David, for whom the University’s Arts Complex is named, were also major contributors to the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. It was especially meaningful to have them with us at the ribbon cutting, celebrating the realization of that shared vision.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to visit with Sally Shedd, Dean of the Goode School, whose office is located in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

President to President: Chapter 9 Available Now

The ninth chapter of this year’s President to President thought leadership series is now available online. In "The Impact of Connection," Fairmont State University President Michael K. Davis, Ph.D., shares ideas for building relationships through small moments of connection that celebrate campus culture. He explains how leaders can make themselves seem more accessible to students by creating opportunities for personal engagement, whether that means attending campus events or handing out branded items that cultivate campus pride.

The chapter is part of this year’s President to President series, “Intentional Efforts in Belonging,” in which ten college and university presidents share perspectives on strengthening connection and community in higher education. Representing a diverse range of institutions, the contributors offer practical ideas for fostering students’ sense of belonging and encouraging meaningful personal interaction. Read Chapter 9.

Girls on the Run Launches Inaugural Race Series

We are delighted to highlight one of our valued community partners, Girls on the Run Hampton Roads, as they introduce their inaugural Miles for a Mission fundraising race series. This spring and summer initiative features three races—the Crush N’ Run 5K (April 8), the Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K (May 9), and the Twilight 5K (August 1)—all designed to support programming that empowers young girls across Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater.

Proceeds from the series advance Girls on the Run’s mission to inspire participants to be joyful, confident, and healthy. We are grateful for their continued impact in our region and encourage members of the University community to support this meaningful effort through participation and engagement. Visit www.gotrhr.org for more information.

Tourism Season Ramps Up Across Coastal Virginia

Coastal Virginia is preparing to welcome more than 14 million visitors this year as the summer tourism season approaches, with early spring activity along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront signaling a coordinated effort among city staff, local businesses, and community partners to ensure a seamless experience for guests and residents alike. From beach maintenance and staffing increases to event planning and daily programming, preparations are well underway for a vibrant season that continues to serve as a vital economic engine, generating billions in revenue, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and reinforcing Virginia Beach’s reputation as a premier destination. Read more from WHRO.

Virginia Beach Preserves Land at Pleasure House Point

The Virginia Beach City Council unanimously approved a $2.66 million investment to acquire five undeveloped lots adjacent to the Pleasure House Point Natural Area, preserving an additional 0.57 acres of environmentally significant land. Supported by dedicated open space funds and grant funding, the acquisition prevents potential residential development and strengthens protection of one of the region’s most valued coastal ecosystems.

City leaders and conservation partners emphasized the long-term impact of safeguarding this strategic parcel, which enhances shoreline access, protects sensitive marsh and forest habitats, and preserves the character of the 118-acre natural area. The action reflects the City’s sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of Coastal Virginia’s natural resources for future generations.