Blacktopping of New 259-Space Parking Lot

Saturday morning blacktopping of the new 259-space parking lot at the new Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Dedication of the Center is set for March 30.

Warmest Holiday Wishes

Merry Christmas! May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming year. 

'Twas the Night Before Christmas: My Letter to Santa

Dear Santa, It's time for my annual Christmas letter to you, with many good wishes coming your way from the Virginia Wesleyan University community. I'm sure our fellow institutions in Hampton Roads join us in sending greetings. The request list this year (see below) is pretty reasonable. Yes, I know that higher-education presidents always want something--and not just during the holidays--but please do all you can to help us out.  But first, thank you for the gifts last year. You gave us new inspiration for keeping higher education affordable, and again, my university will freeze tuition for the coming academic year. I asked you to help foster curiosity and wonder in our students--and that seems to be working. We requested economic prosperity as our students seek jobs and skills for career flexibility. We'll see how the economy fares next year, but I'm always optimistic that thanks to their liberal arts credentials, our students will be in demand.  Finally, I put in a plea for a more peaceful, tolerant nation that relentlessly seems at war with itself. Unfortunately, Santa, I'm still waiting for that gift. Did you forget to send it?  Here's the list for this year. As always, everything I ask is for our students. They've been exceptionally good, and I'm sure they'll get around to texting greetings to you. (They're not much into email, don't you know.) First, please keep Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grants (TAGs) fully funded. They mean a lot to students at our private colleges and universities. According to the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, last year "approximately 23,000 Virginia residents received a non-need based tuition grant of $3,300 (undergraduate) and $1,650 (graduate students in health professions)." BREAKING NEWS, SANTA: According to CICV, "The Governor proposes adding $5.2M to the TAG appropriation. The TAG appropriation for FY20 would be $72.8M...The Governor stated that the additional funds would result in a $3,400 undergraduate award."  Thanks for this early Christmas gift!    I mentioned Virginia Wesleyan's tuition freeze, but you'd be proud of everything else we're doing at VWU to promote affordability: a year-round work program for financially at-risk students, summer and winter terms, the fully funded Batten Honors College, and increased fundraising for scholarships. If our students, through no fault of their own, come up short on credits for graduation, the fifth year is on the University. These aren't just stocking stuffers, Santa; rather, they represent a commitment by my administration to students and families as they make their higher-education investment.  Second, bring us some real action on preserving the natural environment, and keep those safe who are already suffering the consequences of climate change. I worry about the legacy of coastal sea rise, extreme weather, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion we are bequeathing to our children and grandchildren. They'll never forgive us if we don't take advantage of the narrowing window to reduce greenhouse gases, save species, and foster sustainability. Please leave some practical solutions under the tree, not more plastic junk. (It would be desirable to recycle the tree, too.) Third--and speaking of climate change--can you do anything about the change in America's political, social, and cultural climate? Although I have confidence in our institutions, our system of governance and laws, and the fundamental decency of our people, we're straying into a new normal of meanness and destructiveness and, worse, a willingness to accept it. Santa, even Scrooge and the Grinch were transformed and reborn, and I cannot believe that we will accept the degradation of our society any more than we would that of our natural environment. Thanks for considering all of this, Santa. I know you have a lot on your mind--from monitoring the melting of your Arctic home to making sure Rudolph's red nose is LED-efficient. You have to keep up with the latest technological toys in demand; adhere to on-time departures and landings; and worry about your relevance in a skeptical world.  Please know, however, that we all still believe in you. But go easy on the milk and cookies, and try to get in more than a single night of exercise. We need you to stick around, given your pre-existing conditions. One more thing: there's talk of imposing import fees on your toys this year. Perhaps nothing will come of it, but better give your attorneys a heads-up. Sincerely, Scott Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President of Virginia Wesleyan University

New Signage

Archbell Signs Inc. was on campus today putting up new signage at TowneBank Park/Broyles Field and Birdsong Field. The new softball complex and stands/press box at Birdsong Field are scheduled for completion within the next month. The new stands and press box at Birdsong Field will be named in honor of the Dale Foley family—proud graduates and generous supporters of Virginia Wesleyan University. 

Merry Christmas from Virginia Wesleyan University

Merry Christmas and warmest holiday wishes from 

Annie and I, and the entire Virginia Wesleyan University family. 

May peace, joy, and hope follow you into the new year.

Kollin Baer '19 Accepted into William & Mary Business School

Congratulations to Kollin Baer '19 on his acceptance into William and Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business where he will pursue his Master of Accounting degree upon graduating from Virginia Wesleyan in May! Kollin is the third member in four years of the VWU Cross Country/Track & Field team to be accepted into this program.

Honors Continue to Roll In for Student-Athlete Ann Marie Moffett

Kudos to VWU student-athlete Ann Marie Moffett of the women's soccer team who has received a number of honors for her excellent performance this season! Moffett was named to the All-State Second Team by the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID), All- Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) First Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-South Atlantic Region Second Team. Read more here.

 

VBPD Captains Hatfield and Orr

Enjoyable visit with the outgoing and incoming Captains of Virginia Beach Police Department's Third Precinct. Captain Hatfield (center) will be assuming the post beginning in January. Captain Orr (second from right) has been a valuable resource and supporter of VWU for the past three years and we thank him for his service to our campus and the greater Virginia Beach community. Also pictured: Victor Dorsey (left), Director of Security, and Keith Moore (right), Vice President for Student Affairs. 

VWU's Vox Vera Performs at the White House

Virginia Wesleyan's Vox Vera sang at the White House Tuesday, December 18, for guests during the holiday open house. I'm proud of these talented students for receiving the invitation, and appreciate them representing the University so well during their time in Washington. Read more here.

Photo Gallery: Annual VWU Holiday Party

Enjoy the photo gallery from last night's annual Virginia Wesleyan University faculty/staff holiday party: https://bit.ly/2RepkVT 

Special Annual Report Edition of the VWU Magazine

The special Annual Report edition of the Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine is now available! On the cover, Batten Honors College students Brycen Columbus '22 and Sophie Gonzales '22 set sail aboard our Ocean Explorer research vessel, owned in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. 

I invite you to read more here: https://conta.cc/2Ey02v6

Annual VWU Holiday Party

Merry Christmas from the President's Office at Virginia Wesleyan University. Pictured last night at the annual faculty/staff holiday party: (left) Jodi Bryant, Administrative Assistant to the President (Doug), and (right) Kelly Barham, Executive Assistant to the President (Edward). We had a wonderful evening with great food, fellowship, and holiday spirit. 

New Batting Cages

Work started today on the new batting cages at TowneBank Park - Broyles Field. The spacious new hitting area will include an artificial turf base and modern structure and netting. 

Progress on 259-Space Parking Lot

Site work has been completed and paving will begin in the next couple of days for the new 259-space parking lot for the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The Center is scheduled for completion in March. 

Marlins SportSplash

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the newest edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2ErsPRY

Visit with Tiffany Boyle '14

We hosted on campus today Tiffany Boyle '14, Newport News Commissioner of Revenue. A native of Miami, FL, she graduated from Virginia Wesleyan with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and went on to receive her master's degree in management from the University of Maryland University College.

Marlin Ministries Newsletter

Enjoy good news in the latest edition of our Marlin Ministries newsletter: 
https://conta.cc/2EnDnRQ

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

It's been another inspiring and outstanding year at Virginia Wesleyan University as we celebrate success on many levels--especially through two national-niche programs of distinction--which are highlighted in the just-released Annual Report edition of the Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine! Our 2017-2018 Annual Report recognizes the contributions of donors and volunteers who have continued to make Virginia Wesleyan a priority in their lives. Our gratitude goes to all who contribute financially and otherwise to our success.  As President of the University, I want you to know that your impact is truly seen, heard, and felt across campus and beyond. As you read through this special edition issue, I hope you'll see that the support we receive allows our students to maximize their experience and time at Virginia Wesleyan and make our world a better place. ET CETERA Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan University Head Men's Basketball Coach Dave Macedo on reaching his 400th basketball coaching career win--a significant milestone and achievement! We're grateful for the example of high integrity Dave sets on and off the court for his players, our students, fans, campus community, and beyond.  # # # We're saddened to learn of the recent passing of three members of the Virginia Wesleyan community: Dan Arris, Phyllis Stancil Pruden, and Carole Teague '94. We're grateful for their legacies; that they will forever be part of the Virginia Wesleyan family and history. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones.  # # # A week ago I was in New Orleans attending Presidents' Day, part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) annual meeting. During my trip, I had an enjoyable visit with successful Virginia Wesleyan University alumnus Matt Chester. Matt was a political science major and played tennis for the Marlins. He went on to earn a law degree at Tulane University and is an attorney and shareholder with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz. # # # In 28 years as a college/university president, I've concluded that The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) has been the best membership organization for private institutions. At VWU, we have benefited tremendously from our involvement with CIC--most recently the AARP grant for civic engagement and a Curriculum 4 (C4) Consortium Grant from the Teagle Foundation. In case you missed it, VWU was prominently featured in the Teagle Foundation's report, "In Search of Curricular Coherence." Included here is the recently published Annual Report for 2017-2018 which describes CIC's programs and services during the past year in support of independent higher education. # # # We look forward to hosting the 2019 Virginia Humanities Conference on our campus, April 12-13. The theme of the upcoming conference is "The Fluid Humanities" which provides an opportunity to start a dialogue about our changing world from various perspectives as well as discuss solutions to the challenges humans and the environment face today, all of which require the combined effort of all fields of study. In that spirit, all colleagues are invited to present their ideas on the topics suggested. More information about the conference and submission of proposals can be found here. Thank you to Diana Risk, Professor of Hispanic Studies, for coordinating this endeavor.  # # # From the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU): The Department of Education has released its long-awaited proposed regulations governing Title IX and campus sexual assault. The new rules appear to offer some additional flexibility and reduced liability for institutions of higher education, while also preserving supportive services for survivors of sexual assault and adding numerous procedural protections for accused students. Although some of these procedural protections may be warranted to assure fairness for accused students, there are also concerns about the impact these new procedural requirements are likely to have on sexual assault survivors and educational institutions alike. The official Title IX notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2018. The proposed regulations are subject to a 60-day public comment period, which ends on January 28, 2019. After the comment period closes, the Department will respond to the comments and issue final rules, which are likely to differ somewhat from the NPRM. # # # Positive energy filled the air in Rose Hall last weekend during the "Move Party," held to celebrate the newly updated residence hall. Complete improvements of the restrooms in Rose Hall were completed December 7 and the refurbished facilities are now available for use. Rose Hall is the first of four residence halls in Bray Village to see improvements this academic year, and I thank the residents of Bray Village for their patience as the work proceeded.  A rotation will occur with the other three buildings during the Winter and Spring Sessions. Read more here. # # # As a follow up to The Rev. Tom Berlin's recent visit to our campus, I provide some additional information on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward of The United Methodist Church. Dr. Berlin is lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Virginia, was a member of the Commission on a Way Forward and submitted the One Church Plan legislation to General Conference. Berlin spoke with UM News as part of "Seeing a Way Forward," a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission. For additional resources and discussion videos, visit "Seeing a Way Forward: The Rev. Tom Berlin" and "Leaders discuss church's future in video series." AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS The 2018 December Graduates' Recognition Ceremony and Reception was held last Sunday, December 9, where more than 40 Virginia Wesleyan University students were celebrated. Among those recognized were the University's first MBA graduates. Congratulations to all! Read more, view photos, and watch the video here. There's a new tree on campus this holiday season. A freshly planted 14-foot Leyland Cypress provided the centerpiece for this year's traditional Christmas Tree Lighting, held in a new location on campus--behind Monumental Chapel and adjacent to the recently completed Beacon. The 121-foot high Beacon continues to symbolize VWU's United Methodist heritage and the passion of those who laid our University's foundation, and also serves as a guiding light for those paving the way for our very promising future. Special thanks to Keith Moore, Jason Seward, and Kate Couch for establishing a new tradition on campus! Read more and view photos here. Our National Championship Virginia Wesleyan University softball team will look to defend its crown for another year as the back-to-back national champs have released their slate for the 2019 season. The schedule has 38 games listed with 20 against Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) opponents and three against teams ranked in the top-30 of last season's final national poll. This year the Marlins will also have a new home to play in as the 2019 squad will be the first team to play at Tom and Betty Broyles Field at TowneBank Park. Read more here. Last week I visited with Carolyn C. Carpenter, President of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. We discussed Virginia Wesleyan's current working relationship with Sentara Healthcare and possible areas of future collaboration. It was nice to visit with former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell last week when attending a dinner social at Chick's Oyster Bar in support of The Comfort Crew for Military Kids. Check out the line crew at the Virginia Wesleyan University Late Night Breakfast last Wednesday prior to the start of final exams. We had a great time! Enjoyable evening last week at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center for the annual Foundation Board of Directors Dinner. Pictured here with Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Executive Director of VAMSC, Lee Entsminger, President of the VAMSC Board of Directors, and Tom Broyles, Trustee Emeritus of both the Aquarium and Virginia Wesleyan University. Special thanks to the 2018 Faculty/Staff Campaign Ambassadors: Mat Littleton, Joyce Easter, Maynard Schaus, Jason Seward '05, Heather Campbell '04, Elaine Aird '96, Randy Lott, Bryson Mortensen, Jayne Sullivan, and Craig Wansink. The Ambassadors were recognized at a reception held for those who participated in this year's campaign and will enjoy watching the Tides play next season from a Tides Luxury Suite at Harbor Park courtesy of Norfolk Southern Corporation. Thanks to all who supported the "Your Gift is Your Voice" campaign that produced $41,636. Tomorrow, December 18, the Wesleyan Vox Vera student choir, led by choral director Bryson Mortensen, will travel to the White House to perform as part of the "Christmas at the White House" series. A special preview performance, "Sing We Now Christmas," was held December 7-8 by Vox Vera and Camerata. It was spectacular! Good luck to Vox Vera as they travel to Washington D.C. I know they will shine tomorrow as they did last weekend. Read more here. Recently I enjoyed dinner with the Student Government Association officers At Steinhilber's Restaurant in Virginia Beach. It's always a joy to spend time with our students and I'm proud of these officers for their leadership! Special thanks to Darrell Cuenca '07 for hosting a successful Alumni Gathering last Thursday at Deadline Brewing Project. Finishing touches occurred last week on the front of the grandstand behind home plate at VWU's new TowneBank Park/Broyles Field. Enjoy this early evening view of the Susan S. Goode Center for Fine and Performing Arts from the light tower at Birdsong Field. The Center is scheduled for a March 2019 completion with a dedication to be held on March 30. STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES Features News Briefs VWU Athletics Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine Faculty Focus HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING "Truth, Facts and Liberal Education in a 'Post-Truth' Era." Association of American Colleges and Universities Presidents' Trust Chair and Rollins College President Grant Cornwell writes: "What higher education leaders owe students, and what they owe us, therefore, is a commitment of seriousness of purpose and collaborative engagement with this project of liberal education. Anything less is not simply a squandering of opportunity--a kind of negligence, a failure to put privilege to good use. Our faculty members must bring forward the very best teaching they can muster and hold students to the highest standards of rigor and intellectual accountability. Our students need intentionality, an evolving sense of purpose to their being on our campuses, to pursuing a liberal education. We can't expect students to arrive with a fully developed vision of that purpose. A liberal education is a process of discovery, of making up one's mind, quite literally." Read more in Insider Higher Ed. "College orientation: Making an impact." Read about creative ways to welcome students and help ensure they stay in this University Business feature. "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accelerate Like a 'Speeding Freight Train' in 2018." Read more in The New York Times. I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications: Inside Business The Virginian-Pilot Enrollment Manager College Planning & Management President to President University Business   PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.   CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @vawesleyanprez Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez Instagram: @prezscottmiller LinkedIn: Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. Flickr: Scott D. Miller Dialogue: prezscottmiller.blogspot.com (Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) # # # Warmest wishes for a happy conclusion to the fall semester and a joyous holiday season.

Monthly Column: A College President's Letter to Santa, 2018

Dear Santa, 

It’s time for my annual Christmas letter to you, with many good wishes coming your way from the Virginia Wesleyan University community. I’m sure our fellow institutions in Hampton Roads join us in sending greetings. My request list this year is pretty reasonable. Yes, I know that higher education presidents always want something—and not just during the holidays—but please do all you can to help us out. 

Read more in my monthly column in The Virginian-Pilot here.

NATO-SACT Celebration of the Italian Seasons

Thanks to Major General Stefano Salamida for an enjoyable Friday evening at NATO Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation for the celebration of the Italian Seasons. Located in Norfolk, HQ SACT is the only permanent NATO Headquarters outside of Europe and the sole NATO Headquarters in North America.

Darrell Cuenca '07

Thanks to Darrell Cuenca ‘07 for hosting a successful Alumni Gathering on Thursday night at Deadline Brewing Project. Joining us for the picture is Lori Harris ‘94, Executive Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. 

Back-to-Back National Champion Softball Unveils 2019 Slate

Our National Championship Virginia Wesleyan University softball team will look to defend its crown for another year as the back-to-back national champs have released their slate for the 2019 season. The schedule has 38 games listed with 20 against Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) opponents and three against teams ranked in the top-30 of last season's final national poll. This year the Marlins, will also have a new home to play in as the 2019 squad will be the first team to play at Tom and Betty Broyles Field at TowneBank Park. Read more here.

Collaboration with Sentara

I visited this morning with Carolyn C. Carpenter, President of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. We discussed Virginia Wesleyan's current working relationship with Sentara Healthcare and possible areas of future collaboration.

Late Night Breakfast

The line crew for the Virginia Wesleyan University Late Night Breakfast on Wednesday night.

Annual Foundation Board of Directors Dinner

Enjoyable evening at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center for the annual Foundation Board of Directors Dinner on Wednesday, December 12. Pictured with Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Executive Director of VAMSC, Lee Entsminger, President of the VAMSC Board of Directors, and Tom Broyles, Trustee Emeritus of both the Aquarium and Virginia Wesleyan University.

Chasing 400

Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan University Head Men's Basketball Coach Dave Macedo on reaching his 400th basketball coaching career win—a significant milestone and achievement! We're grateful for the example of high integrity Dave sets on and off the court for his players, our students, fans, campus community, and beyond.

The Comfort Crew

Nice to visit with former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell on Tuesday night. We were attending a dinner social at Chick’s Oyster Bar in support of The Comfort Crew for Military Kids.

VWU Faculty Focus: December 2018

Read up on the latest accomplishments of Virginia Wesleyan University faculty and staff in this month's VWU Faculty Focus: https://conta.cc/2RRBscf

Marlins SportSplash

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the newest edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2ROUNLd

Matt Chester '01

Enjoyable dinner tonight in New Orleans with successful Virginia Wesleyan University alumnus Matt Chester ‘01. Matt was a political science major and played tennis for the Marlins. He went on to earn a law degree at Tulane University and is an attorney and shareholder with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz.

Photo Gallery: 2018 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

There’s a new tree on campus this holiday season. A freshly planted 14-foot Leyland Cypress provided the centerpiece for this year’s traditional Christmas Tree Lighting, held in a new location on campus—behind Monumental Chapel and adjacent to the recently completed Beacon. 

View the photo gallery from Friday's ceremony here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskNFUR1S 

Enjoy!

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

The eleventh class of the Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame has been selected. The Athletic Hall of Fame was established in March 2008 to honor those who have made a lasting impact on the University through outstanding achievement in athletics, special service to the athletic program, or significant contributions to athletics. Congratulations to the eleventh class: Scott H. Barlow '83, Norman Billups Jr. '81, Frederick Glen Pizzanello '85, Jackie Ochs-Gregory Texter '09, and the 2006 Women's Soccer Team! They will be inducted during a special ceremony on Saturday, February 9, 2019. Read more here. # # # Last week, VWU's Educational Policies Commission (EPC) voted to approve a policy which will allow students from the Virginia's Community Colleges system with an associates' degree seamlessly transfer to Virginia Wesleyan. The students would need only to take a course, Seminar Three, under the new general studies program, effective fall 2019. All other general studies requirements would be satisfied by their associate's degree. We are pleased this will eliminate barriers for students and grow our relationship with our local and state community colleges.  This is a timely accomplishment as I'm pleased to share that we now have a Virginia Wesleyan University Enrollment and Advising Office on Tidewater Community College's (TCC) Virginia Beach campus. Each Wednesday, beginning this week, representatives from Virginia Wesleyan will be working onsite at TCC to assist students who are interested in transferring to our institution and discuss opportunities with them in person. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with TCC and our mutual desire to serve our home community of Virginia Beach. Last year, we announced the Virginia Beach College Success Scholarship to celebrate academic achievement and shared values benefiting our community. Special thanks to Michael Summers, Provost of TCC, for his continued support. ET CETERA I'm proud to share that Virginia Wesleyan University is prominently featured and celebrated in Dr. Madeleine Green's report, "In Search of Curricular Coherence," on the Teagle Foundation's report of curricular reform endeavors across the country. The Teagle Foundation partnered with Dr. Green, an expert in the field of higher education with "deep experience from her 35-year career at the American Council of Education," on this initiative. The mission of the Teagle Foundation is to advance liberal arts which the Foundation views as "fundamental to meaningful work, engaged citizenship, and a fulfilling life." To support their mission, the Foundation provides grants to those who are committed to honoring this vision. VWU received a Curriculum 4 (C4) Consortium grant which included three other private liberal arts colleges with whom we worked collectively to "create more coherent and intentional curriculum whose goals, pathways, and outcomes are clear to students and other constituencies." Read the report here. # # # Last year, out of concern for how policy shift would affect our students, I joined the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. We are "an alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses and communities. We support policies that create a welcoming environment for immigrant, undocumented and international students on our campuses." The Alliance has since developed the Higher Education Immigration Policy Guide, specially created for members in coordination with partners at FWD.us with input from colleagues at NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The guide highlights current and proposed federal-level immigration policies impacting students and campuses, along with action steps and resources. The guide will be updated on a quarterly basis.   The Higher Education Immigration Policy Guide includes: DACA Public Charge (Comments Due by December 10, 2018) Unlawful Presence for F, J, M nonimmigrants Notice to Appear, Requests for Evidence, Notice of Intent to Deny Actions to Consider Taking on Campus Announced Intended Changes Other Changes Impacting Higher Education For more information, download the Policy Guide here. I hope you find this information useful. # # # The 2018-19 basketball season has shaped up to be an exciting one! I extend special thanks to our game sponsors and food providers for the first half of the season's Hospitality Suite that entertains our Marlin Athletic Fund friends during half-time of the home men's games and between doubleheaders.  Thank you to TowneBank, Astro DJ, Blue Marlin Basketball Camp, and Sentara for sponsoring. We also thank the Hospitality Suite food vendors for providing delicious refreshments: Sodexo, ShoreBreak Taphouse, Birdsong Peanuts, Jimmy John's, and Pepsi. Sponsors of future games will also include Rosenblum Plastic Surgery, the Virginia Athletic Council, American Funds/Capital Group, and BSN Sports. We deeply appreciate their support of Marlin Athletics. Go, Marlins! # # # The fourth chapter is now available for the 2018-2019 series of President to President, a higher education thought leadership publication by university presidents for university presidents. My longtime friend and colleague Dr. Marylouise Fennell and I edit this series. In "The Case for Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities," Chatham University President David L. Finegold, D.Phil., examines the broad range of issues driving colleges and universities to implement and promote sustainability initiatives on campus. In addition, he shares his university's strategies for making a measurable impact in areas such as energy, agriculture, air quality, and more. Read more here. # # # My longtime colleague Brian Mitchell, former President of Washington & Jefferson College and Bucknell  University, writes of current concerns about recruiting international students to American campuses: "The current geopolitical environment clouds this specialized pool of applicants and, as we write in "Higher Education's International Student Quandary," highlights the financial uncertainty of many institutions. The political climate has caused a sizable drop in applications to U.S. schools, while the institutions in Canada, Europe, and Australia are seeing gains at the expense of their American counterparts."  In his weekly blog, he speaks to how colleges and universities fund their financial aid models--more specifically, on how declines in international student applications and enrollment affect institutions' financial stability. I thought you'd find it interesting and hope you enjoy the read. AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS I encourage you to vote for our partners at the Norfolk Botanical Garden for USA Today's 10 Best. Please visit their website and click on the blue banner at the top of the page to vote. Virginia Wesleyan University was recognized as the 2018 Outstanding Non-Profit in Fundraising, awarded for its philanthropic achievements by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Hampton Roads Chapter during the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 28, 2018. Broad community, alumni and grant support has truly shaped a successful fundraising trend for VWU, and we thank all of our donors for their consistent and heartfelt investment of trust and personal resources. Read more and watch the video here. The Downtown Norfolk Council hosted an informative breakfast meeting last week with an update on new initiatives by Mayor Kenny Alexander. The Mayor provided an overview of development downtown and the projects and initiatives that are taking place throughout the City of Norfolk. He has been a good friend of VWU and I was pleased to attend the event which was held at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center at Nauticus.  We were pleased to host on campus the newest member of Virginia Beach City Council, David Nygaard. We toured our campus facilities and discussed plans for the future. Demolition began last weekend on the walkway and terrace surrounding Monumental Chapel and The Beacon at Virginia Wesleyan University. When completed, the area will be a beautifully landscaped entrance to the Chapel and a place for quiet reflection. We're seeing good progress on the new grandstand area behind home plate at the new Virginia Wesleyan University TowneBank Park/Broyles Field. You can see progress from center field in this picture. Crews finished the stands and press box, and the bullpens and batting cages will be added this week along with an artificial turf "ring" from third base to first base. The Auxiliary Building being constructed for the softball program is nearing completion. Construction began last week on the hammer/discus throw venue at the new Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center, and progress was made on the new Auxiliary Building at the Center.  Despite a little snow and mixed rain last Wednesday, a crane put in place the new press box and observation deck at Birdsong Field. The new "NBA style" lockers have arrived for installation in the men's and women's locker rooms in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Special thanks to the donor who made the gift to renovate and beautifully furnish these facilities.  I enjoyed visiting before last Wednesday's basketball doubleheader with University of Mary Washington head coach Marcus Kahn. Marcus was a stellar graduate student and assistant basketball coach at Wesley College during my tenure as President there. He has had amazing success as a head coach with the University of Mary Washington, Cabrini College, and University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg. Special thanks to Jill Sturts, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, and the students from her "Rec 204" class as we co-hosted "Brunch With Santa"--for children and grandchildren of the Virginia Wesleyan University community. Nice to meet our new online recruiter Craig McLeod. He joins Kelly Connors, Regional Field Manager of Online Programs, in providing a presence for Virginia Wesleyan University and VWU Online in the Hampton Roads community.  It was another enjoyable basketball afternoon at the Jane P. Batten Student Center as Virginia Wesleyan University advanced to 2-0 in the ODAC with an 87-77 win over Washington and Lee University last weekend. Special thanks to Blue Marlin Basketball Camp for sponsoring that game and to ShoreBreak Taphouse, Birdsong Peanuts, and Sodexo Catering for refreshments in the Friends of the Marlin Athletic Fund area. It was great to visit with State Representative Kelly Convirs-Fowler (Virginia's 21st House of Delegates district) at the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Kelly is a 2003 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University. During the meeting, I also visited with John F. Reinhart, CEO of The Port of Virginia, and Mark Buzby, Maritime Administrator. STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES Features News Briefs VWU Athletics Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine Faculty Focus HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING "What will it take to build an analytics-driven campus?" In a recent survey, only one percent of higher education leaders said they are not considering an analytics program. Learn how priorities, barriers to implementation, and level of investment vary by title and institution type here.  "With Amazon coming, Va. schools look to boost computer education." Virginia Tech promised to build a $1 billion, 1 million-square-foot technology-focused "Innovation Campus" if the company came to town, reports University Business. Read more here. "The Higher-Education Legacy of George H.W. Bush." Read this article in The Chronicle of Higher Education. "Trump administration approves seismic tests that could harm thousands of Atlantic dolphins and whales." Read more in The Washington Post. "Seniors Think What They've Learned Will Help Them Do Their Jobs. Do Employers Agree?" This article in the Chronicle of Higher Education Teaching Newsletter reports, "Another way students Another way students encounter real-world problems is through a group of experiences collectively called High-Impact Practices. They include internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research; their educational power is thought to come from their ability to present students with ill-defined problems that have consequential though often imperfect solutions. One of these practices, service learning, was the most popular, as it often is; 62 percent of seniors reported engaging in a service-learning project during college." Read more here. "Since 2007, the amount of student loan debt held by the federal government has tripled, from about $500 billion to an estimated $1.5 trillion, according to the federal government's top education official. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos warned an audience in Atlanta that this is a national problem," reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.   "Three industry leaders share details of Hampton Roads' economy's foundation." The military, tourism, and The Port of Virginia are the three economic engines of Hampton Roads, reports Inside Business. Read more here. Six democratic senators wrote a letter to U.S. News & World Report asking that it give more weight in its annual college rankings to institutions that try to help students from underrepresented backgrounds. "Virginia moves up to No. 4 on Forbes magazine's Best States for Business List." Virginia moved up from number five in last year's annual Best States for Business List.  Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The 2018 National Survey of Student Engagement found, among other things, that most college seniors are highly confident in their career and post-graduation plans. REFLECTIONS  I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications: Inside Business The Virginian-Pilot Enrollment Manager College Planning & Management President to President University Business   PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.   CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @vawesleyanprez Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez Instagram: @prezscottmiller LinkedIn: Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. Flickr: Scott D. Miller Dialogue: prezscottmiller.blogspot.com (Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) # # # Have a great week!