Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center

Cutting the ribbon on the stage of the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre with guests of honor who made this magnificent facility possible. What an evening to remember and a transformational event in VWU's history. Pictured (from left): Michael Schnekser of Tymoff+Moss Architects, Board Chair David Kaufman, VWU Trustee Henry Watts, Eleanor Watts, VWU Trustee and building namesake Susan Goode, David Goode, VWU Trustee Emerita Joan Brock, Travis Malone, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, Tom Beverly, VWU Trustee Susan Beverly, VWU Trustee John Malbon and Mark Roy of Hourigan.

Arts Thrive in Norfolk and Virginia Beach

With Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander and Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer at the Goode Center grand opening and dedication. We appreciate the immense support and vital assistance both cities have extended to Virginia Wesleyan University. The arts are thriving in both cities, and because of our ideal location on the Virginia Beach/Norfolk line, we are now the epicenter for the arts and sciences for both cities. We look forward to bringing world-renowned performances to the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre at the Goode Center.

Reception in The Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Lobby and Gallery

In The Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Lobby and Gallery with Eleanor and Henry Watts and Susan Beverly '72. Just outside these windows is the Susan Beverly Grand Terrace and Pond. Henry and Susan are both VWU trustees and we are grateful for their longtime support which has helped bring this evening to fruition. Joining us for the picture is current VWU Board of Trustees Chair David Kaufman and Chair-Elect John Malbon. 

Goode Center Grand Opening and Dedication

Kicking off a very special evening with some very special people. Enjoying the pre-ceremony reception of the grand opening and dedication of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Pictured with the building's namesake, Susan Goode; David Kaufman, Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees; and Congresswoman Elaine Luria. 

The Wesleyan Review: March 29, 2019

Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/2K2MSL1

Final Touches Before the Goode Dedication

Finishing touches before the Saturday dedication include signage on the front of the new Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center (above) and a personalized visiting photo display in The Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Gallery and Lobby (below).

NCAA Division III Week at VWU

Today I was proud to sign a resolution declaring April 1-7 as NCAA Division III Week at Virginia Wesleyan University in recognition of our student-athletes’ dedication in the classroom, on the field, and within the community. Joining me for the ceremony were Gavin Steel, Chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and Athletics Management Council student representative, and Tina Hill, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Thanks to all of our student-athletes, coaches, athletic department staff, faculty-team advisors, and the many others on campus whose commitment makes our program so successful. Read more: http://www.ncaa.org/about/division-iii-week-2019

President to President: Chapter Nine

The ninth 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 "From Academic Preparation, through Skills Development, to the Knowledge Continuum" by Dr. Vistasp M. Karbhari, President of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), at president2president.com. 

Always Great to See Marlins

Delighted to see Virginia Wesleyan University alumna SuAnne Hardee Bryant, class of 1990, at the Chesapeake Rotary Club meeting this afternoon where I spoke about the exciting progress and updates occurring at VWU.

Chesapeake Rotary Club

Was the speaker at today's Chesapeake Rotary Club luncheon.Thanks to VWU alumnus Mike Kos '86 (left) for the invitation. It was nice to visit with him and Doug Davis, President of the Chapter (right).

Virginia Wesleyan, Ask Me Anything on April 3

Ask me anything about Virginia Wesleyan University! I will be answering questions from the new Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center during a Facebook Live chat at 7:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 3. 

The session will be hosted by 2005 VWU graduate Jason Seward, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. Joining me for a special guest panel will be Maynard Schaus, soon-to-be Vice President for Academic Affairs; Travis Malone, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, and Tina Hill, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Questions can be submitted in advance via email to officeofthepresident@vwu.edu (by noon on 4/2) or during the chat. 

Learn more here: https://conta.cc/2Yx56XQ

Marlins SportSplash: March 26, 2019

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in today's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2JHil55

11th Annual Strikeout Cancer

President and CEO of VisitNorfolk

Productive meeting today with Kurt Krause, President & CEO of VisitNorfolk. We discussed marketing opportunities for our area and provided some updates on our progress here at Virginia Wesleyan University. 

Sneak Preview of the Goode Center

Provided a sneak preview of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center to friends from housekeeping and student life. Jim Cooper, Vice President for Finance and Administration, joins us for the picture. Dedication and grand opening is set for Saturday night!

Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church

An enjoyable visit today with Rev. Perez Gatling, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. EBC is located on the corner of Baker Road and Wesleyan Drive, adjacent to our campus. The Church has been active in the Bayside partnership led by VWU's Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

While many Virginia Wesleyan students traveled domestically and abroad for VWU's Spring Break last week, local high school students, NATO officers, and guests traveled to VWU for the 2019 Model NATO Challenge. For the fifth time, we proudly hosted this impressive event on our beautiful campus. I applaud the 29 Student Diplomats who applied and were chosen to represent the 29 NATO Member Countries. I'm always impressed by how these students handle the challenge--a global crisis simulation, confronting real-life issues the NATO Alliance faces. The diplomats are assigned military officers from each of the 29 countries as mentors who assist in preparing the students for the challenge while teaching them about their culture, national military resources and political backgrounds. Student Diplomats are judged on their leadership and diplomacy skills and the top three finalists are awarded scholarships.

Kudos to the three VWU faculty members who served as judges--Dr. Bill McConnell, Assistant Professor of Education; Dr. Modupe Oshikoya, Assistant Professor of Political Science; Dr. Michelle Vachris, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics. Thank you to Antje Schwennicke, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the NATO Partnership, and all who made the event not only possible, but exceptional.

Since my arrival at Virginia Wesleyan in 2015, I've had the pleasure of interacting significantly with leadership at NATO-ACT and also the Norfolk NATO Festival. We are extremely grateful for these partnerships, and we celebrate the opportunity to build global relationships right here in our community. Our student body includes learners from all over the world, and we take pride in our strong commitment to global studies. 

# # #

Earlier that day, we hosted the Spring Corporate Leaders Rountable Business Meeting in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. We discussed projects, programs, and expanding our collaborations to benefit our students. The Virginia Wesleyan University Corporate Leaders Council (CLC) is comprised of business leaders who embrace, embody, and align with the University's vision and values in their management practices. Their personal and professional influence and support help to ensure that our students are strategically positioned to participate in opportunities such as internships and externships that will prepare them for meaningful lives and careers. I'm grateful to this excellent group for their support of Virginia Wesleyan and the opportunities they afford our students.

ET CETERA

My heart and prayers go out to the victims of the tragic mass shootings that occurred on March 15 at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. These horrific attacks on innocent worshipers is all too familiar and deeply troubling. Please join me in remembering the victims and their loved ones, and let us continue to strengthen our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment wherever we are and wherever we may go. Dr. Craig Wansink, the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at VWU, spoke last week at a vigil for New Zealand at the Islamic Center of Tidewater. His words truly inspired and encouraged me. 

He spoke about the importance of religious freedom, stating "because we see that as being at the very core of who we are as Americans."  As Dr. Wansink quoted, President Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged this very principle in the opening of the Islamic Center of Washington on June 28, 1957. President Eisenhower said, "I should like to assure you, my Islamic friends, that under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this Center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion. Indeed, America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience. This concept is indeed a part of America, and without that concept we would be something else than what we are."  Let's hope in another 62 years we, as a nation, have abolished the intolerance that terrorizes innocent lives for their beliefs. 

I share with you the full text of Dr. Wansink's remarks with hope that you will find inspiration and encouragement as I did. Thank you, Dr. Wansink, for your eloquent and wise sentiments, as always. 

# # #

With Spring Break behind us, it's time to sign up for Summer Session. Whether you're behind in coursework or planning to graduate early, enrolling in summer courses at VWU gives you the opportunity to accomplish your goals in a cost-effective way. Both online and traditional courses are available to accommodate your plans. It's a great opportunity to explore study-away courses, too. Destinations such as Costa Rica, Alaska, and New York are offered. Additionally, there are many internship and externship opportunities that can earn you college credit. Catch up or get ahead this summer at VWU. The list of course offerings for Summer Session 2019 is now available here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

It was nice to have Bruce Alperin, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Aramark Higher Education, back on campus last week and show him the progress on the almost-completed Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Bruce was in town from Philadelphia for the Virginia Wesleyan Corporate Leaders Council. He has worked with me on the development of comprehensive master plans during my presidencies at Wesley College and VWU. Bruce was publisher and sponsor of "Presidential Perspectives" during my 10 years as editor.

Among the finishing touches of the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center was the installation of the commemorative plaque and portrait for the Center's namesake, Susan S. Goode. The grand opening and dedication is only a few days away!

Speaking of women in the arts, a panel hosted on campus recently included Dr. Wayla Chambo, flutist and classical radio host at WHRO-FM, Karen Rudd, manager of Norfolk Arts, and Sibel Galindez, community liaison for Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach. Kudos to the Women's Resource Center for hosting this panel of professionals from the community as a tribute to Women's History Month. Read more here. 

I attended the Virginia Beach State of the City last week at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. It was great to see Mayor Bobby Dyer and Dee Oliver, Vice Chair of the Virginia Beach Planning Commission, at the event. Dee is a graduate of VWU.

As March Madness is in full swing, Bob Marlin takes to blogging and reflects on his creation and recent redesign. Read what Bob has to say here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Features

News Briefs

VWU Athletics

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

Faculty Focus

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING

• A thoughtful blog post on the state of the Methodist Church by a former West Virginia Wesleyan classmate of mine: "A Good Divorce."
• Here's how Norfolk International plans on consolidating parking. Norfolk International Airport is in the process of securing funding for a "huge" new parking garage that would consolidate several lots across the airport's property. The new parking garage will cost between $60-$70 million and all roughly 3,226 spaces will be open for employee and public use. Read more.
• Colleges list priorities for Higher Education Act reauthorization. The 36 recommendations include student-level data collection, which was the subject of bipartisan bills introduced in the House and Senate this week. Read more.

REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

The Virginian-Pilot

Enrollment Manager

College Planning & Management

President to President

 

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) 

# # #

Welcome back and have a great week!

Special Guests and Judges at the 2019 Model NATO Challenge

Enjoyed visiting with special guests and judges of the 2019 Model NATO Challenge prior to the start of the event Wednesday afternoon. VWU is proud to not only host the event, but to have such significant involvement from our campus community. 

Pictured (from left) with Scott Jackson, General Manager of the Virginia Arts Festival; Bill McConnell, VWU Assistant Professor of Education and MNC Judge; Michelle Vachris, VWU Professor of Management, Business, and Economics, and MNC Judge; Admiral Manfred Nielson, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation; Modupe Oshikoya, VWU Assistant Professor of Political Science and MNC Judge; Antje Schwennicke, VWU Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of NATO Partnership; and Col Mihai Stir, Romanian Air Force, NATO-ACT, and MNC Judge.

2019 Model NATO Challenge

Honored to host the 2019 Model NATO Challenge on campus today. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with NATO-ACT. Pictured (from left) with Antje Schwennicke, Coordinator of NATO Partnership and Assistant Professor of Political Science at VWU; Admiral Manfred Nielson, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation; and Dawn Stankus, Lieutenant Commander.

Corporate Leaders Roundtable Business Meeting

Wonderful to host the Spring Corporate Leaders Rountable Business Meeting on campus this morning! I'm grateful to this excellent group of business leaders for their support of Virginia Wesleyan and the opportunities they afford our students. Pictured with (lower, from left) Tiffany Boyle ’14, Commissioner of the Revenue, City of Newport News; Julie Anderson, ’96, Executive Vice President, TowneBanks; Bruce Alperin, Associate Vice President of Marketing, Aramark Higher Education; Ben Unkle, President and CEO, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay; Rachael Johnson, Agent, State Farm Insurance; Pierre Granger, Agent, State-Farm-Granger Insurance Agency; Wendy Scott, Founder and Director, Tidewater Collegiate Academy; Anthony Walters, Chief Strategy Officer, YMCA of South Hampton Roads.

Bruce Alperin of Aramark Higher Education

Glad to have Bruce Alperin, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Aramark Higher Education, back on campus today and show him the progress on the almost-completed Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Bruce was in town from Philadelphia for the Virginia Wesleyan Corporate Leaders Council. He has worked with me on the development of comprehensive master plans during my presidencies at Wesley College and VWU. Bruce was publisher/sponsor of “Presidential Perspectives” during my 10 years as editor.

Virginia Beach State of the City

With Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, and Dee Oliver, Vice Chair of the Virginia Beach Planning Commission, at today’s Virginia Beach State of the City at the VB Convention Center. Dee is a graduate of VWU.

Marlins SportSplash: March 19, 2019

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in today's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2U3mFjf

Susan S. Goode

Among the finishing touches at the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center is the installation of the commemorative plaque and portrait for the Center's namesake, Susan S. Goode. Pictured with Eric Harrison, Hourigan Construction; Katie Nguyen, Hourigan Construction; Bobby Collenberg ‘90, Shutter Door Design; and Peyton Palmer, Campostella.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

It's hard to believe it's Spring Break at Virginia Wesleyan! We've had a lively spring semester and last week was no exception. Tuesday, March 12, was a special day in Virginia Wesleyan's history as we celebrated the dedication of Tom and Betty Broyles Field at TowneBank Park. We were honored to host Bob Aston, Executive Chairman of TowneBank, for a ribbon-cutting and ceremonial first pitch. Following the dedication, our back-to-back national championship softball team took the field for two games vs. Averett where they secured back-to-back victories. Congratulations to our Marlins on an impressive home opener! View the full photo gallery here.

# # #

I'm pleased to announce the establishment of the National Bonner Leaders Program at Virginia Wesleyan University. The program is an intensive, four-year community leadership opportunity that educates, equips, and inspires students to engage in our local community and beyond through a partnership with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation. 

Students must apply and meet certain criteria to be selected as a Bonner Leader at VWU. Selected students will be committed to serving the community by using their gifts and talents where needed. The six pillars--or common commitments of Bonner Leaders--are civic engagement, community building, diversity, international perspective, spiritual exploration, and social justice.  Students in this program develop leadership skills by participating in meetings, training workshops, internships, and service. Upon graduation, Bonner Leaders will continue to seek ways in which they can enrich their communities through leadership of non-profits and/or direct service. 

Kudos to Dr. Brian Kurisky, Director of Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning, for his excellent work in bringing this distinctive program to VWU. Read more here.

ET CETERA

This Wednesday, 29 bright high school students from the Coastal Virginia area will represent 29 nations in scholarship competition--the Model NATO Challenge--on Virginia Wesleyan's campus. We are proud to host this important event for the fifth year in a row and of our partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-Allied Command Transformation (NATO-ACT). The Challenge is a simulation that tasks the student diplomats to respond to a real-life global crisis. Please join me in welcoming these students, their families, NATO officers, and other guests to campus this week. 

VWU's involvement in the Challenge stems from the University's formal agreement with NATO-ACT, officially signed in 2013, which offers up to 25 International Student Grants to dependents of NATO-ACT employees stationed in Norfolk. In return, NATO-ACT offers their staff's expertise to the VWU community in the form of guest lectures, internship opportunities, experiences with NATO's Innovation Hub, and NATO simulation opportunities like the Model NATO Challenge. Read more here.

# # #

Coverage continues on the vote by the United Methodist Church to prohibit LGBT clergy and same-sex marriages. As such, I granted a request for an interview with Inside Higher Ed regarding the disappointment Methodist higher education institutions are experiencing and the difficult questions we are faced with. I invite you to read the article "Dilemma for Methodist Colleges" in Inside Higher Ed.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

As I shared in a previous Nota Bene, Dr. Chris Davis has been named as the new Chief Information Officer for Virginia Wesleyan. He will officially join the Marlin family in May. Read more about Chris here.

Crews are hard at work on the finishing touches around the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The lettering was installed on the back wall of the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre. And perhaps you noticed these new banners on campus.

It was so nice to host on campus last week former Virginia Tech and NFL star Aaron Rouse. Aaron is now a Virginia Beach City Councilmember. We discussed campus updates, future developments, and opportunities for collaboration with the City. 

Last Thursday, I enjoyed attending Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander's MEAC Tournament Celebration at The Granby Theater. It was great to catch up with Mary Miller, President and CEO of the Downtown Norfolk Council.

Virginia Wesleyan is proud to host a Military Family Education and Scholarship Fair--sponsored by Virginia Beach Scholarship Sharing and the Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME)--in the Jane P. Batten Student Center on April 6 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Read more here.

The Annual Empty Bowls Charity Dinner was this past Friday, March 15, in Virginia Wesleyan's Boyd Dining Center. VWU is proud to have hosted this significant event for 20 of the 21 years it has been in existence in the Hampton Roads community. The Empty Bowls Project is held in communities across the nation to help raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. Read more here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Features

News Briefs

VWU Athletics

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

Faculty Focus

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING

• The 15-To-Finish Campaign: Putting The 'Four-Year' Back In Four-Year Degrees in Forbes. "Higher education's completion agenda features several policies designed to increase the number of students who complete college and earn a degree."
• The Mood Brightens: A Survey of Presidents in Inside Higher Ed reports: "College presidents overwhelmingly agree that Harvard University is justified in defending its use of affirmative action in admissions--but far fewer believe it will prevail in its lawsuit."
• "This makes four years in a row in which Virginia was either the best or second-best state for higher education. Schools in this state have a graduation rate of 71%, or second-highest in our study, and offer their students great long-term value. Our data shows that schools in Virginia offer a 20-year average return on investment of $417,711, or fourth-most in the study." reported Smart Asset. Smart Asset's ranking is calculated using five metrics--student-faculty ratios, average net price, graduation rate, in-state attendance rate and the 20-year return on investment. Read the full report here.
• Young adults reflect on Traditional Plan adoption in United Methodist News. Passage of the Traditional Plan by The United Methodist Church's top legislative body is either "in perfect harmony with the word of God" or "a time of grieving," depending on which young adult you ask. 
• Moody's: Slow enrollment gains raise colleges' financial risk in a news brief by Education Dive. More institutions are adding graduate and online offerings as a way to stave off impending declines in the number of high school graduates.
   

REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

The Virginian-Pilot

Enrollment Manager

College Planning & Management

President to President

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 safe and enjoyable Spring Break!