Dialogue

November 9, 2026

Good morning,

We hope you’ve made plans to join us for our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza behind Godwin Hall. We are honored to welcome Captain Chad K. Upright, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the NROTC Consortium, as our keynote speaker. The ceremony offers an opportunity for our University community to come together in gratitude and recognition of those who have served our nation.

It was an honor to accept the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s Innovation Award on behalf of Batten University at a special recognition event held at Rivers Casino Portsmouth. My thanks to Shawn Avery, President and CEO, and his team for recognizing the University’s commitment to innovation, education, and workforce development. Our expanding Prison Education Program, integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences, and partnership with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art reflect our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and responding to the evolving workforce needs of Coastal Virginia. I was pleased to be joined by Larry Belcher, Director of Innovative Partnerships and Enrollment, and Lora Fara ‘20, Director of Business and Corporate Development, whose contributions, along with the efforts of many colleagues across the University, have helped make this recognition possible. This is a meaningful honor for our entire Batten University community.

Congratulations to Dr. Bill McConnell on receiving the 2026 Libby and Hiter Harris Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC). I was pleased to introduce Bill at the Harris Family Faculty Awards Luncheon, where Hiter Harris (pictured) presented the award. Held at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, the event was also attended by Provost Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson. Batten University values its longstanding partnership with VFIC, which champions Virginia's independent colleges and universities through advocacy, scholarship support, and programs that recognize faculty excellence. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of Bill's commitment to our students and the quality of teaching that distinguishes a Batten University education. Event Photos | VFIC Press Release

ET CETERA

An engaging evening at DeFord Manor brought together regional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons for a conversation about the future of healthcare education in Coastal Virginia. Co-hosted by Linda H. Kaufman, a longtime friend of Batten University and daughter of the late Henry Clay Hofheimer II, the reception was made possible with the assistance of Dr. Deepak Talreja, who helped bring together this distinguished group of medical professionals. Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Megan Hunsinger, Dean of Sentara College of Health Sciences, shared insights into the College's integration with Batten University and plans for our new $35 million, 52,000-square-foot Health Sciences Center. The physicians' perspectives on the region's evolving healthcare needs and opportunities for collaboration were especially valuable as we work to expand educational pathways and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. I am grateful to Linda, Deepak, and all who participated for their thoughtful engagement and encouragement.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month

November is National Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native peoples. We celebrate the diversity of these communities, their enduring influence on our nation, and the many Native American veterans who have served and sacrificed in defense of our country.

Family Fest at Virginia MOCA

Virginia MOCA invites families to enjoy a free day of art and creativity on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Inspired by the museum’s current exhibitions, Family Fest will feature hands-on artmaking, creative activities, live entertainment, special guests, food trucks, and an outdoor artist market, all in a sensory-inclusive atmosphere. Registration is encouraged.

Fall 2026 Edition of Excelsis Highlights Honors College Achievements

The latest edition of Excelsis, the biannual newsletter of the Jane P. Batten Honors College, highlights student research, experiential learning, and achievements across the Honors College community. Features include McKenna Howenstine's nationally recognized living shoreline research, the Ryan Research Symposium, international study experiences, and faculty distinctions. The issue also introduces the inaugural Honors College class under the Batten University name. Learn More.

Get Out the Vote Rally at the Goode Center

The Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center was the site of a Get Out the Vote rally featuring Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman Bobby Scott H’22, former Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, State Senator Aaron Rouse, Delegate Cliff Hayes, State Senator Angela Graves, Gaylene Kanoyton, and Alveta Green. The gathering brought civic leaders and community members together in Virginia Beach to encourage voter participation and engagement in the democratic process.

Batten University Honored with Civic 50 Achievement Award

Batten University received the Civic 50 Achievement Award from Volunteer Hampton Roads in recognition of our commitment to community service and civic engagement. Keith Moore, Senior Vice President and Chair of the Volunteer Hampton Roads Board of Directors, accepted the award at The Beaumont 759 and is pictured with Tage Counts, President and CEO of Volunteer Hampton Roads. Special thanks to Arin Shatto, Director of Civic Engagement, and our students for their contributions to this recognition.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Visits Campus

It was a pleasure to welcome our good friend Jonathan Zur, President and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), to campus for his presentation, “The Things That Actually Bring People Together—and the Things That Don’t.” His remarks offered valuable perspectives on fostering understanding, strengthening relationships, and building inclusive communities. Also pictured are Robyn Pratt, Director of VCIC Hampton Roads Programs, and Jason Seward ’05, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy.

Stewardship of a Growing Endowment

Our Board of Trustees' Endowment Committee held a productive meeting with Thad Glowacki and Colin Chandler of Brown Advisory, the University's outsourced chief investment officers. I appreciate Trustee and Endowment Committee Chair John F. Malbon H'22 for his leadership and stewardship of these important resources. Our endowment now exceeds $140 million, with long-held investments bringing the total to $194 million, further strengthening Batten University's financial foundation.

Exploring the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

I enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the new tunnel at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, gaining valuable insight into one of our region's most significant infrastructure projects. Following the tour, I joined Jeff Holland, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel; Trustee John F. Malbon H'22; and Jason Seward '05, COO and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy, for lunch and conversation about this impressive undertaking.

Hampton Roads Chamber Honors Local Leaders

Congratulations to Jason Seward ’05, Batten University's Chief Operating Officer and VP for Enterprise Strategy; Heather Beatty, General Manager of Sodexo Dining Services; and Emily Archer, Economic Development Director for the City of Virginia Beach, on their recognition at the Hampton Roads Chamber's New Executive Welcome at the Chrysler Museum of Art's Perry Glass Studio. We appreciate the Chamber's efforts to connect regional leaders and foster partnerships that strengthen Coastal Virginia.

Fall Meeting of the President’s Council

Our fall President's Council meeting at DeFord Manor provided a valuable opportunity to share University progress, discuss strategic priorities, and explore partnerships that benefit our students and the region. Members also enjoyed a special presentation by Batten University senior Jahki Emmons-Mayo. I appreciate the perspectives, leadership, and continued engagement of these distinguished business and community leaders.

Celebrating the Pruden Family Legacy

I enjoyed welcoming Peter, Claudia, Jon, Tucker, and Mead Pruden to campus, celebrating a family whose commitment to the University spans three generations and is recognized through the naming of Pruden Hall. Jon also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2022 to 2025. Jason Seward '05, COO and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy, and Sarah Guzzo, Director of Stewardship, joined us for lunch. I am grateful for the Pruden family's enduring friendship and commitment to Batten University.

Strengthening Our Partnership with The Blocker Foundation

It was a pleasure to welcome Whitney Saunders, President of The Blocker Foundation, to campus and reflect on the Blocker family's longstanding commitment to Batten University. We visited Frank & Wilma Williamson Blocker Hall, where the Foundation's support has helped advance laboratory and classroom improvements for our expanding health sciences programs. I value this important partnership and its lasting impact on our students.

Welcoming Tim Lockett to the Emeritus Club

I was delighted to welcome Tim Lockett, longtime General Manager of Dining Services, to the Batten University Emeritus Club. Retiring in May after nearly three decades of service, Tim leaves a lasting legacy of hospitality, genuine care, and dedication to generations of students and colleagues. We thank him for his exceptional service and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

Virginia MOCA’s Truly Matthews Named to Top 40 Under 40

Congratulations to Truly Matthews, Deputy Director and Director of Education and Engagement at Virginia MOCA, on being named to the Virginian-Pilot's Inside Business 2026 Top 40 Under 40. This well-deserved recognition celebrates her contributions to arts education, community engagement, and the cultural vitality of Hampton Roads.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

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