As many of you may be aware, a shooting occurred this evening at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. At this point in time, we are unaware of any Virginia Wesleyan community members directly affected by this tragedy.
This news is deeply upsetting—even more so because it hits so close to home.
When tragedy occurs, it is paramount to take care of ourselves so that we may in turn take care of each other. I know we can count on the Virginia Wesleyan family to support our surrounding community as details unfold.
Please remember that our Counseling Services office and University Chaplain are available as resources, and join me as we keep those affected in our prayers.
Friday, May 31, 2019
City of Virginia Beach
Talking a wide variety of issues impacting Virginia Beach with Paul Merritt, President of Virginia Beach Vision, and City Councilman Michael Berlucchi.
Breakfast with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine
Enjoyable breakfast discussion about the Higher Education Reauthorization Act with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine at the Town Center City Club. Senator Kaine has been a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan and higher education.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
VWU Alumnus Greg Freedland '97
So nice to visit with Greg Freedland, a 1997 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan, on campus this afternoon. Greg is the Assistant Vice President for University Communications & Marketing at Millersville University in Pennsylvania.
Virginia Wesleyan Championed as a 'College of Distinction'
VWU has again been honored among the national Colleges of Distinction, with specialized recognition for our programs in Business, Education, and Career Development!
Read more: http://bit.ly/VWUCOD19
Read more: http://bit.ly/VWUCOD19
Complete 2018-2019 President to President Book
The full 2018-2019 President to President thought-leadership series, for which I serve as co-executive editor with longtime colleague Dr. Marylouise Fennell, is now available for download here. “Ten Challenges Facing Higher Education and How They Are Shaping the Future Student Experience” explored some of the most pressing issues in higher education today. Over the course of 10 chapters, university presidents share their experiences, insights, and approaches regarding the issues their institutions have faced.
We are now hard at work on the 2019-2020 series where each chapter will take a leadership-level look at some of the latest trends impacting college campuses, offering insight into "The Next Big Things" in higher education. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
The Hague School
We enjoyed visiting a new educational institution in Norfolk--The Hague School (THS). Pictured with Maynard Schaus, VWU Associate Provost; Paul Warren, THS Provost and CAO; Jennifer (Reid) Warren, THS Executive Director; and David Waggoner, VWU Vice President for Enrollment. Jennifer is a 1996 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan. Opening this fall, The Hague School will be an independent secondary school dedicated to the development of character and academic achievement through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum grounded in collaborative discourse.
VWU Alumni News
In this week's VWU Alumni News, check out the many summer programming and event opportunities at VWU--from the Arts at VWU to Athletics Summer Camps and more. And don't forget to snag the perfect Father's Day gift at the University Store! Read more: https://conta.cc/2I5XkwY
Spring 2019 President's List
Congratulations to the 84 Marlins named to the Spring 2019 President’s List, which recognizes full-time undergraduates who earned a 4.0 GPA for the semester! View the list: bit.ly/PrezListSpring19
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
Summer at Virginia Wesleyan is off to a busy start! The first segment of our Summer Session begins today and preparations are in full swing to welcome the Class of 2023 to campus next month for Marlin Nation Orientation.
As we gear up for summer and close the chapter on spring, I am proud to share the Spring 2019 President's List, which recognizes full-time students who earned a 4.0 grade point average last semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have taken nine semester hours of traditionally graded courses and have no grades of F or incomplete. This achievement signifies a tremendous amount of hard work and focus, and it is truly an academic accomplishment to be celebrated. A reception will be held in the fall to honor these outstanding students. Congratulations!
Spring 2019 President's List
| Sydnie Allen | Brandon Foster | Sarah Ramsey |
| Ryan Applewhite | Kathryn Gerrish | Mickella Rast |
| Kollin Baer | Mary Gower | Justin Robins |
| Alyssa Balanta | Jayla Harris | Kristina Sabelstrom |
| Kelly Bateman | Michael Harrison | Brianna Sandy |
| Daniel Becerra | Hayley Heath | Kristina Scott |
| Alaina Bolieau | Ezekiel Herrera-Bevan | Tomika Sims |
| Aramynta Borga | Kerstin Holman | Kennedy Skala |
| Morgan Boyd | Abigail Horgan | Adam Smedley |
| Elizabeth Britton | Zachary Hubbard | Serena Smith |
| Mary Brockenbrough | Sindy Jessup | Myles Stevens |
| Katherine Burton | Ann Johnson | Jessica Suter |
| Taylor Cain | Destiny Kinka | Millie Taylor |
| Emilee Caldbeck | Ashley Kline | Emily Testroet |
| Terra Caple | Miah Kurtz | Lauren Topper |
| Jacklyn Cheely | Kelly Larson | Caroline Tryfiates |
| Annika Christenson | Skyler Lattuca | Kelci Vandiver |
| Michelle Clark | Christina Lehner | Maribel Veras |
| Taylor Coutts | Marie Lerch | Elizabeth Vincent |
| Zoe Cruz | Kelsey Malana | Keith Wallace |
| Ajanea Davis | Mayanni McCourty | Cecilia Ward |
| Daria Ellis | Amber McDonald | Gillian Warrington |
| Brooke Erickson | Kaja McKnight | Kerri Wasko |
| Haleigh Espada | Ana Dominique Nakagomi | Ashlyn Watts |
| Lora Fara | Emily Nutting | Lindsay Weitzel |
| Christopher Fegan | Stephany Pearson | Jenna Whitener |
| Meghan Fentress | Lukas Pfister | Hannah Zimmerman |
| Melissa Fisher | Alex Powers | Victoria Zuppa |
ET CETERA
Dr. Mark Hanshaw, Associate General Secretary, Division of Higher Education, General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of The United Methodist Church, sends along the following update:
This period of unprecedented upheaval and change continues to present challenges for our institutions. Over the past week, one school disaffiliated, while another resolved to remain with the denomination to offer a positive voice for change.
On May 17, the board of trustees of the University of Mount Union voted to disaffiliate from the UMC. However, the university administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintain an active religious life component of campus programming and remain engaged with peer United Methodist institutions of higher learning going forward. Read the full statement here.
During the same period, Drew University confirmed its commitment to remain affiliated with The United Methodist Church, while noting that it "will not support or enforce church policies that discriminate against anyone." Read the full statement here.
Methodist higher education has had a rocky spring. Baldwin Wallace University and the University of Mount Union have announced disaffiliation, Ohio Wesleyan University and Otterbein University have "hit pause" in their relationship with the Church, and four other UMC institutions are waiting until the fall to make a decision. Green Mountain College and Hiwassee College have announced their closures this summer, Bennett College has lost its accreditation, and Iowa Wesleyan University will soon announce a merger with another institution.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
Three longtime faculty members, Dr. Robert Albertson, Professor of Management, Business and Economics (40 years of service), Mr. David Garraty, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics (40 years of service), and Dr. Mavel Velasco, Professor of Hispanic Studies (32 years of service), were honored at a luncheon and commemorative tree-planting ceremony in the Wilson Arboretum. Read more here.
In addition to the many Commencement activities, last weekend we also hosted the Girls on the Run Hampton Roads' Shine Bright 5K Celebration on our campus.
Congratulations to two Virginia Wesleyan softball team members named All-Americans by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Hanna Hull earned her third-straight First Team mention and Julia Sinnett garnered Third Team honors. Read more here.
It was an honor to be the guest of Top Guard Security at the Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics at the Doubletree in Norfolk. Congratulations to good friends Nicole (President) and Chris Stuart (Vice President), winner of the award for businesses with over 175 employees. It was wonderful to visit with BBB President and CEO Rosemary Nye, a 1979 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University.
Last week I attended the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center President's Circle Awards Luncheon. It was nice visiting with Lee and Leslie Entsminger at the event. Lee is President of the Virginia Aquarium Foundation Board of Trustees on which I serve.
"The essence of a coach," Virginia Wesleyan's Richard "Snake" Drake has been mentoring young people for almost 70 years. Read all about "VWU's secret weapon" in The Daily Press.
As I mentioned above, our summer term begins today, and it is not too late to enroll. Let VWU help you get ahead or catch up. For more information, visit the Summer Session website.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING
Sobering commentary from my good friend John Lawlor, publisher of Lawlor Focus -- Focusing on the Art and Science of Marketing for Higher Education, in his May 2019 article "Higher Education's Price Creates Real Consternation."
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
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!
Monday, May 27, 2019
Memorial Day 2019
Today we reflect on those who have lost their lives defending our country, how valuable our freedoms are, and the freedoms we still need to improve.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Goode Jazz at the Goode Center
Mark your calendar for Goode Jazz on Friday, June 7, from 7-8:30 p.m
Goode Jazz is an informal evening of jazz standards and new works presented by Virginia Wesleyan Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Jason Squinobal (saxophone) joined by Will McPeters (bass), and Dennis Northerner (percussion). Grab a beverage, find a table, and enjoy music and conversation with friends in the glass-enclosed Watts Gallery.
Goode Jazz is an informal evening of jazz standards and new works presented by Virginia Wesleyan Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Jason Squinobal (saxophone) joined by Will McPeters (bass), and Dennis Northerner (percussion). Grab a beverage, find a table, and enjoy music and conversation with friends in the glass-enclosed Watts Gallery.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Feature Friday Project by USGBC Virginia
ICYMI, VWU's LEED Gold Greer Environmental Sciences Center was the winner of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Virginia's Leadership Award in Virginia Environments--a project seeking to address the unique environmental challenges of its location. Our Greer Environmental Sciences Center was featured on the USGBC Virginia's social media outlets with the following accolades and photos:
"The LEED Gold Greer Environmental Sciences Center was designed to be a living laboratory for Virginia Wesleyan University students. Native plantings and constructed wetlands serve as both bio retention basins and hands-on learning for students who study local flora and fauna. These wetlands and other stormwater management features, like a green roof, support the University’s goals of being a good steward of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students also have access to systems that monitor the building’s geothermal heating and cooling, solar PV array, and demonstration wind turbine. The sustainable strategies contribute to an estimated 71% energy use reduction compared to buildings of a similar use. The project was designed by VMDO Architects with PageSoutherlandPage. Dunlap & Partners Engineers provided MEP design and Dunbar Milby Williams Pittman & Vaughan provided structural engineering. Landscape architecture by Siteworks Studio. Hourigan was the general contractor and Thompson Consulting Engineers served as commissioning agent."
"The LEED Gold Greer Environmental Sciences Center was designed to be a living laboratory for Virginia Wesleyan University students. Native plantings and constructed wetlands serve as both bio retention basins and hands-on learning for students who study local flora and fauna. These wetlands and other stormwater management features, like a green roof, support the University’s goals of being a good steward of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students also have access to systems that monitor the building’s geothermal heating and cooling, solar PV array, and demonstration wind turbine. The sustainable strategies contribute to an estimated 71% energy use reduction compared to buildings of a similar use. The project was designed by VMDO Architects with PageSoutherlandPage. Dunlap & Partners Engineers provided MEP design and Dunbar Milby Williams Pittman & Vaughan provided structural engineering. Landscape architecture by Siteworks Studio. Hourigan was the general contractor and Thompson Consulting Engineers served as commissioning agent."
Friday, May 24, 2019
The Wesleyan Review: May 24, 2019
Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/2HSauO0
Thursday, May 23, 2019
"VWU's Secret Weapon"
"The essence of a coach," Virginia Wesleyan's Richard "Snake" Drake has been mentoring young people for almost 70 years. Read all about "VWU's secret weapon" in The Daily Press: https://bit.ly/2HymjtC
Richard Drake began coaching track in 1950 and he is still coaching. Drake, who turns 92 this month, helps coach hurdlers with the Virginia Wesleyan track team.
Photographed Wednesday, May 8, 2019. (L. Todd Spencer/Staff; Daily Press)
Richard Drake began coaching track in 1950 and he is still coaching. Drake, who turns 92 this month, helps coach hurdlers with the Virginia Wesleyan track team.
Photographed Wednesday, May 8, 2019. (L. Todd Spencer/Staff; Daily Press)
President’s Circle Awards Luncheon
With Lee and Leslie Entsminger at today’s Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center President’s Circle Awards Luncheon. Lee is President of the Virginia Aquarium Foundation Board of Trustees, a Board I serve on.
Retiring Faculty Honored
The longtime careers of Professor of Management, Business and Economics David Garraty (left), Professor of Hispanic Studies Mavel Velasco (center), and Professor of Management, Business and Economics Robert Albertson (right) were celebrated recently at a special luncheon and commemorative tree planting in the Wilson Arboretum.
Read more here: https://vwu.edu/about/news-and-events/features/story/retiring-faculty-honored
Read more here: https://vwu.edu/about/news-and-events/features/story/retiring-faculty-honored
Hull & Sinnett Take Home All-America Honors
Congrats to two Virginia Wesleyan softball team members named All-Americans by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA): Hanna Hull earned her third-straight First Team mention and Julia Sinnett garnered Third Team honors. Read more: https://bit.ly/2HBTIE1
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics
Honored to be the guest of Top Guard Security at today's Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics at the Doubletree in Norfolk. Congratulations to good friends Nicole (President) and Chris Stuart (Vice President), winner of the of the award for businesses with over 175 employees. Joining us for the picture is BBB President and CEO Rosemary Nye, a 1979 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University.
Marlin SportSplash: May 22, 2019
Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in today's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2HNC1Qp
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
What a week it's been!
Last Wednesday, we welcomed the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees to campus for their spring meeting. During the meeting, we heard two informative presentations--the first by Jason Seward, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, on the meaningful work of the Opus student-work program; and by Dr. Travis Malone, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School for Arts and Humanities, on the programming and impact of the Goode Center. The 2019 President's Award recipient Brandon Foster '19 made a heartfelt presentation about his Wesleyan experience, and on behalf of his fellow graduates, presented the senior class gift to Board Chair David Kaufman and me. Thank you, Class of 2019!
We honored David Kaufman's three years of dedicated and faithful service as Chair. It has been a personal and rewarding pleasure for me to work with David in this capacity, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his counsel. We also recognized Jonathan Pruden, Vice Chair, and Cindy Rodriguez, Secretary, who are finishing their three-year terms as officers on the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. We thank them for their valued engagement with the University as they continue to serve as Trustees and for their leadership during these exciting times at Virginia Wesleyan.
It was an honor to bestow upon O.L. "Butch" Everett the designation of Trustee Emeritus. Butch is retiring from the Board this spring after 20 years of service, including serving as Chair from 2010 to 2013. We also celebrated retiring Trustee Billy George for his six years of service, and Rev. John Peters who has served faithfully as the Bishop's representative to our Board for many years.
This is a bittersweet time as we prepare for transitions within our academic administration. We recognized Dr. Chris Haley as his term concludes as the founding Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the Joan P. Brock School for Mathematics and Natural Sciences. As they each prepare for retirement this spring, Board Chair David Kaufman and I had the pleasure of bestowing emeritus status upon two very special friends--Provost and Vice President Dr. Timothy O'Rourke (Vice President Emeritus), who has served as chief academic officer at VWU for 12 years, and Debbie Hicks (Dean Emeritus), Assistant Provost and Director of the Learning Center, who has been a part of the Marlin Family since 1989. We are tremendously grateful for their meaningful and lasting contributions to our campus and our community.
# # #
Commencement Weekend began Friday evening with the 2019 Baccalaureate Service at Haygood United Methodist Church. Wesleyan Vox Vera performed a moving pre-service concert, followed by scripture readings, student reflections, greetings from the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, and the presentation of tassels. Jonathan Zur, President and CEO of Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, gave a powerful Baccalaureate Sermon. Not only is VCIC's mission "achieving success through inclusion," but Mr. Zur truly embodies the ideals of inclusiveness, service, and citizenship. We presented him with The Wesley Award for his contributions and dedication to humanity. In addition to the spiritual component of the evening, the essential message to our graduates and their families at Baccalaureate is one of celebrating their milestone achievement, inspiring them to be humane and responsible citizens, and enriching the memorable experience of Commencement Weekend. View the Baccalaureate photo gallery here and watch the video of the servicehere.
Saturday morning was a special day in the life of Virginia Wesleyan as we celebrated the culmination of our students' hard work and dedication at our 2019 Commencement Ceremonies. It was a day of firsts--the first to be held on University Commons in front of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and the first graduating class to include masters-level graduates in the history of Virginia Wesleyan. Read more in The Virginian-Pilot.
We welcomed U.S. Congresswoman Elaine Luria back to campus as our 2019 Commencement keynote speaker who shared a memorable message with the class of 2019: "Be Good and Do Good Work." Rep. Luria, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur, represents Virginia's Second Congressional District. We bestowed upon her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
It was a privilege to present the very special distinction of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, to David Kaufman. During his 13 years as a member of the University Board of Trustees, Mr. Kaufman has been a driving force for transformation, integrity of our institutional mission, and strategic competitiveness. He has provided exemplary service not only to the Board but also to the wider mission and purposes of our institution.
Congratulations to our very well-deserved 2019 faculty award recipients, announced during Saturday's Commencement Ceremony: Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award--Professor of Theatre and Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities Travis Malone; The Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award--Assistant Professor of Music Bryson Mortensen; The Service and Community Engagement Award--Professor of History Clayton Drees; and The United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher Award--Professor of Hispanic Studies Mavel Velasco. Drs. Malone, Mortensen, Drees, and Velasco are most deserving of these prestigious awards, and we appreciate their fine work at Virginia Wesleyan!
We are proud to welcome all of our graduates to the ranks of Virginia Wesleyan alumni as accomplished scholars. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!
A special and heartfelt thank you to the Virginia Wesleyan University Commencement Committee led by Assistant Provost Debbie Hicks and University Marshal Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson. Thanks to all who made the outdoor ceremony a success.
Read more about the weekend and view the photo gallery here. You can also relive the magic by watching the Commencement Ceremony video on-demand through the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
# # #
ET CETERA
Following the Commencement Ceremony, we held an Army ROTC Marlin Company Commissioning Ceremonyfor graduate Gavin Steel who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. We congratulate Gavin on this tremendous accomplishment and thank him for his service to our country.
We are glad to welcome Liz Hudy to the Marlin family as Head Women's Basketball Coach! She's an established winner on the court (as a player and coach), in the classroom, and considered one of the brightest young coaches in the profession. Read more about Coach Hudy at vwuathletics.com.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
It is such an honor to be named to the 2019 Inside Business "Power List" along with many distinguished friends and colleagues, including VWU Trustee Howard Kern and alumnus Taylor Franklin. The listing recognizes those who, in the opinion of Inside Business, are important to the future of Hampton Roads.
Last Monday was a powerful evening with an inspiring group of people! It was my pleasure to attend and speak at the Ramadan Iftar Dinner, sponsored by the Muslim Communities of Hampton Roads in collaboration with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) and the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom (CSRF) at VWU.
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
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!
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