Virginia State Capitol Visit: Delegate Jerrauld "Jay" Jones

Great to visit with Delegate Jerrauld "Jay" Jones at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond today. He is the Delegate for the 89th District of the Virginia House of Delegates and is currently an attorney at Bischoff Martingayle in Norfolk.

Virginia State Capitol Visit: Delegate Kelly-Convirs Fowler

Visiting with good friend and Virginia Wesleyan University graduate Kelly Convirs-Fowler at the Virginia State Capitol today. Kelly attended Tallwood High School and received bachelor's degrees in psychology and criminal justice from VWU. Her professional experience includes working as an elementary school teacher in Virginia Beach and managing a real estate group specializing in military relocation. Credit her oldest daughter with the “photo bomb” lower right. 

Virginia State Capitol Visit: Senator Bill DeSteph

Good to visit with Senator Bill DeSteph today in Richmond. He is a member of the Virginia Senate, representing the 8th district and has been a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan University. He previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 82nd district, after serving on the Virginia Beach City Council.

Pre-VWU Alumni Gathering in Richmond

Pre-VWU Alumni Gathering At Southern Railway Taphouse in Richmond. Hope to see you here at 5:30!

Virginia State Capitol Visit: Delegate Chris Stolle

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Delegate Chris Stolle today in Richmond. He is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 83rd district, which includes portions of the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. He lives just around the corner from Virginia Wesleyan University.

Our Marlin Family in Richmond

Members of the Marlins Family are everywhere! Nice to visit with Cynthia Daiger, Legislative Assistant to Delegate Margaret Ransone, at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond today. Cynthia’s daughter, Emily Daiger, graduated from Virginia Wesleyan in 2009.

Future Marlin in Richmond

Nice to visit with current Tidewater Community College student Charleston Yancey at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond today. He’ll be joining the Virginia Wesleyan University family after graduating from TCC this spring/summer.

Advocating for Higher Education

At the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond today, making the case for Virginia higher education with friend and colleague Greg DeCinque, President of Tidewater Community College.

Visit with D.J. Dozier

Great to visit on campus this morning with former Penn State and Minnesota Vikings football standout D.J. Dozier. We enjoyed talking about common acquaintances, his amazing career, and his new book "Decide to Dominate." Joining us for the picture is Tina Hill, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at VWU.

VWU Students Taking Action

Virginia Wesleyan students took action this week to show members of the General Assembly how vital Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) funding is to our students, families, institutions, and communities. Marie Lerch ‘19, Keijon Honore ‘19, and Nick Frampton ‘20 are pictured with Senator Scott A. Surovell.

President to President: Chapter 6

The sixth chapter is now available for the 2018-19 series of President to President, a higher education thought leadership publication written by university presidents for university presidents, and edited by myself and longtime friend and colleague Dr. Marylouise Fennell. Read "Meeting the Needs of the Next Generation of Learners: The Agile University," where University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D., explains what it means to be an agile university and outlines the benefits to students, faculty, and the institution itself. He also presents key strategies that institutions can implement to become more agile. 

Marlins SportSplash

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the newest edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2Gejb6b

VWU Joins the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities

Brian Kurisky, VWU Director of Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning, proudly displaying the 21st Century Declaration of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) plaque, signifying Virginia Wesleyan University's membership in the 100 cross-sector college/university coalition. 

CUMU was formed in 1989 by leaders of metropolitan and urban institutions who realized their unique challenges and opportunities as they looked to the future of higher education. Over 60% of its members hold the Community Engagement Classification through the Carnegie Foundation. Joining us for the picture is Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

As January Term finished strong last Friday, I'm proud to share that by all accounts, it was a huge success. This was the first time first-year students were required to participate in January Term and it yielded a positive experience with impressive results. As we continue to grow as a twelve-month institution, enrollment options such as January Term offer benefits to students as well as the institution. As you read in my Nota Bene two weeks ago, it is part of our plan to make a VWU education more affordable with increased course offerings while also improving retention and cohort graduation rates. Kudos to Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Director of Summer and Winter Sessions, for her effective leadership. Read more about Winter Session here.

Looking forward, today marks the start of the spring semester. In the academic world, the start of a new semester is akin to the start of a new year. It brings new opportunities and possibilities, and the chance for a fresh start. I encourage our campus community to embrace this idea and make it our best semester yet. 

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Our campus innovation team was in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, last week to visit with colleagues at Lakeland University (LU). LU is led by Dr. David Black (VWU Scholar-in-Residence). Our two institutions discussed common topics including co-operative education, design, growth, and support of online programs and international opportunities in Japan. 

# # #

Following the trip to Wisconsin, I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, last week where I attended the Forum for Presidents and Foundation Leaders and the Presidents' Trust, both supported by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU). Both meetings are an opportunity to refresh and visit with colleaguescommitted to liberal learning across all sectors. It is the only meeting each year when presidents of private, public and community colleges gather to discuss common issues and the current higher education climate.

ET CETERA

As the effects from the federal government's longest shutdown in history continue to impact Coastal Virginia and the nation even after a brief, three-week reopening is promised, VWU will continue to waive tuition deposits for families that experienced federal furlough. Please visit vwu.edu for more information. In addition, non-perishable food items will be collected for a food drive organized by VWU's Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning in collaboration with local food banks. The goods will aid federal workers who are recovering from the financial effects of the furlough. 

VWU has experienced its own challenges as a result of the shutdown, including the delay in the already long-awaited start of construction on Oxford Village--our eight-building, 248-unit, mixed-use housing complex on University land, along Wesleyan Drive, on the north side of campus across from the main entrance. The project is HUD-funded which was affected by the shutdown, reports our construction partners on the project, The Franklin Johnston Group. We are hopeful the three-week reopening of the federal government becomes permanent. Read more here.

# # #

Congratulations to our good friend and VWU Trustee William "Billy" George on the announcement of his retirement, effective at the end of 2019, as President and CEO of YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Billy dedicated more than 44 years of his life and career to the YMCA, an organization that strengthens and serves our community well. 

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

We celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr., Day last Monday on campus and in the community. I enjoyed the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders' Breakfast with friends from Virginia Wesleyan University at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. It was great to see Gil Blan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR), and we thank him and ULHR for their organization of the event. Thank you to Provost and Vice President Tim O'Rourke and University Chaplain Greg West for an outstanding service where we listened to Dr. King's famous and inspiring "I Have a Dream" speech that afternoon at the Monumental Chapel on campus.

The first meeting of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Strategic Planning Committee was held on January 17. I'm proud to join the all-star group of leaders from education, business and civic organizations as we address important topics influencing schools in our community

An informative meeting of the joint Greater Norfolk Corporation (GNC)/Virginia Beach Vision (VBV) Sea Level Rise Task Force was held recently at Williams Mullen in Town Center. Henry Pollard presented on Managing Concurrent Flooding Risks: Challenges and Opportunities. I serve on the Board of both GNC and VBV.

We reviewed progress last week in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center and are pictured herein the Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Gallery and Lobby. The glass windows across the front of the building will be installed the first week in February. Here is a glimpse of the ongoing progress on a beautiful day as construction continues and we look forward to the Goode Center's completion in March. We announced last week that the first production by the VWU Theatre Department to be performed in the Eleanor and Henry Watts Theatre in the Goode Center will be "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Opening night is April 11.

The  new scoreboard was installed at VWU's TowneBank Park/Broyles Field last week and it looks excellent. 

Speaking of softball champions, kudos to our two-time All-American pitcher and two-time Player of the Year Hanna Hull. Hanna opens her junior year with another pre-season All-American ranking. 

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Features

News Briefs

VWU Athletics

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

Faculty Focus

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING

• Have you read the latest chapter of this year's  President to President thought leadership series? In "Bridging the Town-Gown Divide," Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney, Ph.D., shares ideas on how colleges and universities can develop positive relationships with surrounding communities to ensure the success of both the campus and the town in which it is located. To foster discussion around this topic, our friend Jim Jenkins, CEO Universities, North America East, recently wrote a blog for Sodexo Insights titled "Colleges and Communities: Partners in Progress," which further explores these vital connections. The article describes unique ways in which some institutions are working to bridge the gaps between students on campus and the local region, often through a heightened focus on attracting and supporting students of diverse-and sometimes non-traditional-backgrounds and helping them succeed.
• I hope you find informative the "Dewberry Study" on sea level rise in this area. The related PowerPoint presentation and the full report, given at a Virginia Beach City Council Meeting, can be accessed here.
• A 2016 report from the Parthenon Group found 800 colleges vulnerable to "critical strategic challenges" because of their small size, a much larger share than among those with enrollments over 1,000. The report lists several common attributes of small colleges that put them at risk of closure: enrolling fewer than 1,000 students; depending on tuition for more than 85% of revenue; and the absence of online education programs.
• In the new book, How to Run a College: A Practical Guide for Trustees, Faculty, Administrators and Policymakers, Joseph King and Brian Mitchell argue that colleges project themselves to fail if they continue to use their current operating models. Given projections that new technologies will displace up to 30% of the workers over the next decade, American policy planners, including higher education officials, have a serious problem. "They--and we--must ask: How does a weakened higher education community facing declines in net tuition revenue respond to this crisis?" As they explain in "Marrying the Liberal Arts to the Workforce," the rationale is simple. If the projections on workforce disruption are true, current technical skills may not prepare the workforce for future changes. Rather, it will be the foundational strength provided by a liberal arts education that will shape the creative class of future generations of workers.

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!

Drone Video: TowneBank Park - Tom and Betty Broyles Field

Nearing completion — TowneBank Park - Tom and Betty Broyles Field. New home of the back-to-back defending NCAA National Softball Champion Virginia Wesleyan University Marlins.

Drone Video: The Beacon

Nearing completion, the new Beacon at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Drone Video: Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center

Drone video of the recently completed Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Drone Video: Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center

Sunday afternoon drone video of progress at the soon-to-be completed Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center at Virginia Wesleyan University.

"What It's Like to Survive a Plane Crash"

Bill Brown, Director of Counseling Services at VWU, describes what it's like to survive a plane crash (and the four small miracles that saved him) in the latest Coastal Virginia Magazine. Read more here.

Kudos to VWU's Jacob Pilarski

Kudos to Jacob Pilarski of the Virginia Wesleyan University baseball team on being named to the Preseason All-America Second Team as a utility player by D3baseball.com. Jacob is a two-time, back-to-back All-American player as he earned Third Team All-American honors last season.

The Presidents' Trust Opening Session

With Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green and Lynn Pasquerella, President of the Association of American Colleges & Universities, at the opening session of The Presidents’ Trust in Atlanta. The Presidents’ Trust is a special leadership group designed to engage directly with AAC&U leaders and peers from all sectors of higher education to influence the conversations, agendas, and reforms. The Trust provides unique resources and special forums for members in order to make the case for a liberal arts education on campus and in the public square. 

Civic Engagement Initiatives

Discussing civic engagement initiatives in Atlanta with longtime colleagues Stephen Greenwald and Richard Guarasci. Stephen is former President of Metropolitan College of New York. Richard is currently President of Wagner College, Chair of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and immediate past-Chair of The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities. Richard and Stephen are now heading a group called Presidential Partners, focusing on leaders for civic impact.

Executive Director of CUMU

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Bobbie Laur, Executive Director of The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), in Atlanta today. CUMU was formed in 1989 by leaders of metropolitan and urban institutions who realized their unique challenges and opportunities as they looked to the future of higher education. Virginia Wesleyan University is a member of the 100 cross-sector college/university coalition.

Economist and President of OSU

With longtime colleague Ed Ray, economist and President of Oregon State University, at tonight’s reception for participants in the Forum for Presidents and Foundation Leaders at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. Ed has been president of OSU since 2003 and is former provost at Ohio State.

Colleagues at Post-Forum Reception

With Carol Leary, President of Bay Path University (Mass.), and Lumina Foundation’s Debra Humphreys at tonight’s reception for participants in the Forum for Presidents and Foundation Leaders at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. Approximately 80 presidents are a part of the invitation-only, cross sector program focusing on the future of liberal education in a post-truth era. 

Forum for Presidents and Foundation Leaders

Nice to visit with colleague and friend Joey King at today’s Forum for Presidents and Foundation Leaders in Atlanta. Joey is President of Lyon College in Arkansas and recently co-authored a book with Brian Mitchell, former president of Bucknell University and Washington & Jefferson College. The book, How to Run a College, from Johns Hopkins University Press.

VWU's Opening Production Announced for the Goode Center

Did you hear? The first Virginia Wesleyan University Theatre Department production to be performed in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center will be Legally Blonde: The Musical. Opening night is April 11 in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Goode Center. 

Kudos to VWU's Hanna Hull

Kudos to Virginia Wesleyan's two-time All-American pitcher and two-time National Player of the Year Hanna Hull. Hanna opens her junior year with another pre-season All-American ranking.

VWU Innovation Team Visits Lakeland University

Virginia Wesleyan University campus innovation team on a visit to Lakeland University in Wisconsin—discussing international collaboration, co-operative learning, online programs. From left, with David Waggoner (Vice President for Enrollment), Maynard Schaus (Associate Provost), and David Black.

New Scoreboard at TowneBank Park/ Broyles Field

New scoreboard is being installed at Virginia Wesleyan University’s new TowneBank Park / Broyles Field—home of the two-time defending NCAA National Softball Champions! 

Progress on the Goode Center

Cold but beautiful day in Virginia Beach. Construction continues on the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center—scheduled for completion in March.

Marlins SportSplash

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

 

Inspiring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Service

Thanks to Provost and Vice President Tim O'Rourke and University Chaplain Greg West for an outstanding Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Service in the Monumental Chapel at Virginia Wesleyan University. 

"I Have a Dream"

"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.'" -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Feeling inspired at a special tribute event on campus today honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and legacy. Keynote remarks were given by Provost O'Rourke followed by Dr. King's infamous "I Have a Dream" speech which was played for the audience and accompanied by a slideshow of civil rights leaders. Given by Dr. King on August 28, 1963, his powerful words continue to provide hope and inspiration to our nation today. 

Urban League of Hampton Roads

With good friend Gil Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc., and Brian Kurisky, Director of the VWU Center for Civic Engagement, at the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders’ Breakfast at The Ted Constant Center. 

35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders’ Breakfast

Enjoying the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders’ Breakfast with friends from Virginia Wesleyan University.‬ 

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Today we come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It's a legacy that continues to inspire service, leadership, and unity across our nation. While we see evidence of this far and wide, we feel it right here as our campus and community unite today for the "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service." We are grateful to Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning and VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads (VHR) for this program that so aptly celebrates Dr. King's life and contributions. Additionally, the Office of Academic Affairs and Marlin Ministries have collaborated to host a special recognition event today at noon in the Monumental Chapel on campus. More information can be found here. I hope to see you there. For those able to attend, an annual tribute, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony and March, will be held at the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk at 10 a.m. All are welcome. I look forward to remembering Dr. King as I attend the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Leaders Breakfast this morning. Created in 1984 to honor the legacy of Dr. King, the event recognizes individuals and groups who promote positive images, exemplify community service, demonstrate the values that model those of Dr. King, and show evidence of the impact their contributions make on the lives of others. The Honorable Jerrauld C. "Jay" Jones, representative of the 89th district, will be sharing remarks at the breakfast. Thanks to the Urban League of Hampton Roads for organizing this event, one that VWU is glad to support.  It is a true testament to his work and vision that fifty-one years after his assassination, Dr. King is still bringing us together to improve our world. I encourage all to take time to reflect on Dr. King's life, a life that ended too soon, but one that brought everlasting change, a quest for social justice, and inspiration to think better, do better, and be better. With that, I will leave you with one of my most valued Martin Luther King, Jr., quotes; exemplifying his wisdom, character, and eloquence: "The time is always ripe to do what is right." # # # As the federal government shutdown continues to impact Coastal Virginia and the nation, VWU is taking action. We announced last week that tuition deposits for furloughed families will be waived. Vice President for Enrollment David Waggoner shared: "We know this is a difficult time for many families. This is a way we can help financially, while also ensuring that a young person's education is not interrupted."  For more information, please visit vwu.edu. On the other side of campus, Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning is working with food banks across the region to host a non-perishable food drive. Goods collected will aid federal workers across Coastal Virginia who are financially affected by the furlough. Non-perishable foods can be dropped off at the Wesleyan Engaged office in the Jane P. Batten Student Center through February 15.  Virginia Wesleyan has experienced its own setbacks due to the shutdown. The January term chemistry course "Metrology: Measurement Science," a travel course to Washington, D.C., was cancelled due to closure of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Another Winter Session travel course to D.C. was also impacted. Funding has been affected for Dr. Audrey Malagon, Batten Associate Professor of Mathematics, who is developing course materials and leading workshops for faculty across the country as part of a grant she received from the National Science Foundation. Dr. Malagon noted: "We rely on this funding to continue to make broad impacts on the teaching of undergraduate differential equations." Additionally, our partners for the construction of Oxford Village--an eight-building, 248 unit, mixed-use housing complex to be constructed on VWU property across from the main entrance on Wesleyan Drive--report that their funding for the project has been delayed in Washington, D.C., because of the shutdown.   ET CETERA I'm proud to share that a team of Virginia Wesleyan students will compete in The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) 20th annual statewide collegiate Wells Fargo Ethics Bowl. Our team will deliberate ethics and social justice in the form of case studies, competing against other highly qualified teams from Virginia's 15 leading independent colleges and universities. Notable individuals from career fields including business, law, finance, education, and journalism will serve as judges, listening to presentations and offering reactions. The VWU team includes: Brandon Foster, Anitra Howard, Alex Powers, and Brianna Sandy. While the location rotates among the VFIC institutions, this year's will be held at Roanoke College, February 10-11. Dr. Steven Emmanuel, VWU Professor of Philosophy, and I serve on the Ethics Bowl Committee. Many thanks to Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson, Professor of Communication, for her service as the faculty coordinator for the team.  # # #  As the conversation continues about inclusiveness for all in the United Methodist Church, I was interviewed by The Washington Post as a spokesperson on this national issue. You can read the article, "United Methodist university leaders call for LGBTQ acceptance by church," in The Washington Post. This truly is "a pivotal moment in the Methodist Church and a pivotal moment in Methodist higher education." In case you missed it, additional coverage can be found in Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle of Higher Education's Daily Briefing, and in The Laredo Morning Times. Read more here. # # # After just one year, Virginia Wesleyan University Online is attracting attention in national rankings. VWU was named to the U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Online Bachelor's Programs. Read more here. # # # I hope our Virginia Wesleyan alumni and friends in the Richmond area are making plans to join us on Thursday, January 31, at Southern Railway Taphouse for an Alumni Gathering. Learn more here. AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS It was great to see our friends from the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) and other member institutions on January 12 as Virginia Wesleyan hosted part two of the VFIC STEM education workshop series. The workshops are meant to provide a foundation for a long-term initiative in this area. Host institutions were selected in part to highlight some of the recently completed facilities among VFIC institutions. The VWU workshop was held in our award-winning Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Many thanks to our talented faculty who participated and coordinated the workshop, including: Chris Haley, Katrina Henry, Maury Howard, Elizabeth Malcolm, Bill McConnell, and Maynard Schaus. We were proud to welcome Matthew Shank, new president of the VFIC, to campus for the workshop. Read more here. Great to host for a visit on campus longtime colleague and friend Kevin Manning, former president of Stevenson University in Baltimore. Kevin was one of the great transformational presidents in American higher education during his tenure there, and I'm sure his many talents and contributions will be long remembered. We hope you can join us on Saturday, February 9, as we hold a special induction ceremony for the eleventh class to become members of the Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame. A large crowd is expected. Please RSVP to secure your spot. Event details and registration information can be found here.  During what is the largest January term in Virginia Wesleyan history, students are accelerating their studies through unique courses, including study-away experiences. Read about the wonders of Winter Session 2019 and view the incredible photo gallery here. Enjoyable evening last Monday at the beautiful new Zeiders American Dream Theater in Town Center as the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors celebrated VBV's 25th Anniversary.  With the home opener just over a month away for the two-time defending NCAA Champion Virginia Wesleyan University Marlins softball team, construction of the new scoreboard is underway and finishing touches are being done to the dugouts, stands, fencing warning tracks, field, bullpens, and batting cages at TowneBank Park / Broyles Field. The new auxiliary building is progressing nicely at Birdsong Field. Sidewalks went in on the west side (adjacent to the parking lot) of the new Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center last week. STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES Features News Briefs VWU Athletics Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine Faculty Focus HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING "What Does the Future Hold for Liberal Arts Graduates?" Voices of America reports: "Since their earliest days, American colleges and universities have based their study programs around what is known as the liberal arts. A liberal arts education does not require students to intensively study only one subject. Students choose a major like history or psychology for a liberal arts education. But they also take classes in other subjects that may not directly relate to their major. This is meant to give students a wider understanding of their world by showing them how different fields are connected." Read more here. "Slover Library makes administrative break from Norfolk Public Libraries," reports The Virginian-Pilot. "Sources say the Slover will operate as its own department and its director will report to the chief deputy city manager, Wynter Brenda." Read more here. The 2018 State of the Commonwealth Report says many upbeat things about how economic growth in Virginia has picked up.  The article "Think the Federal-Aid Process is Crazy? Here's Some 'Bureaucratic Sanity,'" in The Chronicle of Higher Education reports:  "New guidance from the U.S. Education Department will ease the 'verification' process for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to give colleges more flexibility to verify students' financial information." "Changes in Pell Grants and other financial-aid programs may be adding to hunger and poverty on college campuses, according to a new study from the Government Accountability Office," reports The Chronicle of Higher Education. Read more here. "A survey of more than 4,000 faculty members about teaching materials shows an increasing awareness of open educational resources. But in the absence of institutional help, many professors have to devise their own solutions to make course materials more affordable for their students," reports The Chronicle of Higher Education. Read more here.   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!