Though I shared many points of pride during the address, I was especially pleased to note that we will begin our new academic year with two new nationally prominent additions that speak to our innovative spirit, an understanding of our enrollment potential, and the power of philanthropy. With the opening of the Batten Honors College and the completion of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, we have expanded our teaching, research, and service toward the vital goals of studying and preserving the natural environment.
Additional accomplishments highlighted during the address include:
- Our transition from Virginia Wesleyan College to Virginia Wesleyan University.
- Approval by our institutional accrediting body to become a graduate-level institution with two new graduate programs—online Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Education (2018)—and an extensive online program at the undergraduate level.
- Implementation of a comprehensive enrollment model, including new international partnerships and addition of early- and dual-enrollment programs.
- Initiation of the highly selective Batten Honors College, a competitive academic program that will provide a transformative experience for high-achieving students.
- Academic updates from the University’s three schools—the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Birdsong School of Social Science—and a special announcement on the 2017-2018 launch of “University College,” which encompasses the operation of all for-credit programs outside of the traditional undergraduate program as well as non-credit, continuing-education offerings.
- Overview of the recently completed 10-Year Campus Master Plan and updates on major improvements to campus infrastructure, including:
- Completion of the state-of-the-art Greer Environmental Sciences Center, a world-class facility that will provide unprecedented opportunities for students while fostering regional collaboration with organizations such as the Brock Environmental Sciences Center/Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center, and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science.
- Completion of the Frank Blocker Youth Center, a cooperative facility to be used during the academic year by Tidewater Collegiate Academy and in the summer months by the YMCA Camp Red Feather.
- Construction of the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center (to be completed this fall), and plans for the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center (to be completed in late 2018) and Oxford Village (to be constructed in 2018).
- Continued collaboration with on-campus partners, Volunteer Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay Academy, and with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
- The winning of the NCAA Division III National Championship in softball, among many other successes in the University’s athletic program.
The State of the University address may be viewed in its entirety at: https://boxcast.tv/view/state-
