Our relationship with the Church is important. Virginia Wesleyan College was founded by the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church and chartered in 1961. We continually seek to strengthen the relationship between the College and the Church in order to maintain that strong historical connection that is important to our affiliated ministry.
The Presiding Bishop of the Virginia Conference and four area district superintendents serve as ex-officio members of the VWC Board of Trustees. The Church provides significant financial support to the College for scholarships, programs and operations.
Likewise, our involvement with NASCUMC appropriately connects us to the 119 schools, colleges and universities in the United States recognized by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church. The University Senate is an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.
NASCUMC and the University Senate exist to:
- Advance the work of education and scholarship in member institutions.
- Work cooperatively with conferences, boards and agencies of The United Methodist Church to address issues of mutual concern to the church and the academy.
- Work in partnership with the church to educate students for leadership and service to the global community.
- Foster and encourage the common good of member institutions;
- Strengthen the collegiality and camaraderie among member presidents, deans and heads of school.
We have a talented, energetic chaplain in Rev. Greg West who has many exciting programs planned for the upcoming academic year. We are fortunate to have him as part of our campus community. As you most likely know, his office is located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
I hope you'll take time to learn about our church relatedness and support these mission driven programs.
