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May 18, 2026
Good morning,
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Congratulations once again to the Class of 2026! As you move forward toward your personal and professional goals, we send our very best wishes for continued success and fulfillment in all that lies ahead.
We were honored to welcome Clifford B. “Cliff” Fleet III as our 2026 Commencement speaker. A respected historian and thought leader, Cliff delivered thoughtful and timely remarks encouraging graduates to lead with integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to civic responsibility and lifelong learning. In recognition of his distinguished leadership and service, the University awarded him an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.
A posthumous honorary doctorate was awarded to civic leader Dr. Cecelia T. “CeeCee” Tucker in recognition of her lifelong contributions to education, leadership, and community service. The degree was accepted on her behalf by her daughter, Dr. Kelly Tucker, whose presence and participation along with family and CeeCee’s fellow Rotarians was deeply appreciated.
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This year’s Commencement marked a particularly meaningful moment in the life of the University as we prepare to become Batten University on July 1. We give special appreciation to Board Chair Nancy DeFord and Trustee Emerita Jane Batten for their leadership and presence on this memorable occasion. The celebration reflected both pride in our history and excitement for the future, as graduates crossed the stage at a transformative time for the institution.
During Friday evening’s Baccalaureate service, members of the Class of 2026 gathered with family, friends, faculty, and staff for a meaningful time of reflection and celebration. The Student Reflection featured a heartfelt address by graduating senior Grace Harriman, while the Baccalaureate Sermon was delivered by Rev. Brian Boettcher, Class of 2012 and Pastor of Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church in Covington, Virginia.
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Earlier that day, graduating students in the Jane P. Batten Honors College received medallions recognizing their successful completion of this signature program. The ceremony celebrated scholarship, leadership, and academic achievement while highlighting the continued growth and impact of the Honors College within the University community, with a student keynote address provided by Sarah Richards ‘26. During the Capstone Ceremony, the University also presented the Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Faculty Award to Bill McConnell, Batten Professor of Education and Dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to teaching, leadership, and student success.
During Commencement, the University also recognized this year’s faculty honorees, including English professors Gavin Pate (Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award) and Rebecca Hooker (The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2026 Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award), along with Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Elizabeth Malcolm (Birdsong Service and Community Engagement Award). Congratulations to these outstanding faculty members whose dedication continues to shape the student experience in meaningful ways.
To the Class of 2026—our heartfelt congratulations. You have made an indelible mark on this institution during a historic year of growth and transformation, and we look forward to welcoming you back often as proud alumni of the university.
View Photo Gallery | View Program | Read More
Watch Commencement Ceremony on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network
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The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees held their Spring Meeting Wednesday in the Shafer Room (Board of Trustees Suite) in the Boyd Dining Center of Brock Commons.
Among the actions:
- Approved actions of Board Committees (February to May 2026)
- Approved the Spring/Summer 2026 Candidates for Graduation
- Accepted the endowment report of Brown Advisory
- Accepted the audited financial statements from BrownEdwards
- Approved a new Bachelor of Science in Data Science
- Affirmed signature policies for Batten University:
- Mission Statement
- Environmental Guiding Principles
- The Batten Creed
- Quality Service Pledge
- Honor Code
- Intercollegiate Athletics Mission Statement
- Approved Batten University Policy Documents (for the period beginning July 1, 2026):
- Policy and Procedure Handbook, 2026-27
- Academic Catalogs, 2026-27: Virginia Wesleyan College of Arts and Sciences, Global Campus, and Sentara College of Health Sciences
- Faculty Handbook, 2026-27
- Adjunct Faculty Handbook, 2026-27
- New Faculty Handbook, 2026-27
- Student Handbook, 2026-27
- Student-Athlete Handbook, 2026-27
- Jane P. Batten Honors College Student Handbook, 2026-27
- Accepted detailed written reports from Colleges, Schools and Departments of the University.
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During the meeting, the Board honored Tim Lockett for 25 years of dedicated service to the University as General Manager of Sodexo Dining Services. Trustees also heard from students Sarah McClean and Matthew Smith, whose reflections highlighted the importance of global engagement in broadening perspectives and enriching both the student experience and campus life.
The meeting provided a fitting and inspiring conclusion to an extraordinary academic year marked by service, partnership, and progress. Annie and I were delighted to host Trustees and their guests at DeFord Manor following the meeting, and we are deeply grateful for the Board’s continued support and bold vision as the University prepares for its bright future. Special thanks to Jason Squinobal and members of the student jazz band for providing a wonderful soundtrack to the evening.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Tradition Continues: DeFord Dunk
The DeFord Manor VIP Experience once again brought plenty of fun and tradition to Commencement Week, including the always-anticipated DeFord Dunk. This year added a new twist, as graduating seniors voted to have faculty and staff join in as well. A memorable celebration filled with laughter, camaraderie, and great Marlin spirit!
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Kiwanis Club of Norfolk Visit
I enjoyed visiting with the Kiwanis Club of Norfolk at the Town Point Club in the World Trade Center, where I shared updates on the University’s growing impact across Coastal Virginia, including the transition to Batten University, the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences, our partnership with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and the continued expansion of the Prison Education Program in Chesapeake. Special thanks to my good friend Chris Bryant, President of the Club, for the gracious invitation and warm hospitality.
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Young Minds Explore Virginia MOCA
The University’s partnership with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art continues to create meaningful educational experiences across our campus community and partner organizations. Recently, students from Tidewater Collegiate Academy at Virginia Wesleyan University spent the day exploring the galleries at Virginia MOCA, engaging with art, creativity, and conversation firsthand.
Following the visit, Wendy Scott, Founder and Director of Tidewater Collegiate Academy, shared: “We spent the day at MOCA rotating small groups through the galleries. The kids loved it. They had soooo much to talk about. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!”
Moments like these reflect the power of partnership and experiential learning across our campus community.
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16th Annual Chesapeake Bay Academy Golf Classic
We were proud to support the 16th Annual Chesapeake Bay Academy Golf Classic at the Princess Anne Country Club. This key fundraiser supports CBA’s mission. As a valued community partner located in Robert Aston, Jr. Hall on the University’s campus, Chesapeake Bay Academy provides meaningful experiential learning opportunities for our students while making a lasting impact on the lives of its own students and families. My special thanks to Dr. Keith Moore, Jason Seward, Heather Campbell, and Dr. Jill Sturts for representing the University.
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The Pharos: May Edition
The May 2026 edition of The Pharos is now available online. This issue highlights the accomplishments of our faculty and staff, recognizing their scholarly publications, professional presentations, and continued contributions across their fields.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Best wishes to the Class of 2026!
Sincerely,
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