Monday, July 29, 2019
Great Visit With Friends From TowneBank
Enjoyed updating our TowneBank partners, Morgan Davis, President and CEO, and Ellen Keeter, Executive Vice President, this afternoon. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our plans for the Coastal 61 at Oxford Village residential project and to discuss our progress over the past four years.
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
It is hard to believe that pre-season student-athletes will arrive on campus in just a few short weeks in preparation for the fall semester. We look forward to another busy week as we prepare for our largest enrollment starting point of the year with 450 new students expected.
Here are some updates from around campus:
FOUNDERS DAY SPEAKER
I am pleased to announce that Eric Nyman, a 1994 Virginia Wesleyan graduate and president of Hasbro North America, will serve as the keynote speaker for Founders Day. The Founders Day Convocation will be held on Thursday, September 5, at 11 a.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. This event will be livestreamed through the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. Eric will also be honored during the event with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, joining fellow 2019 Alumni Award recipients Candice E. Driskell '94 (Alumni Service Award), Wallace R. Driskell, Jr. '00 (Alumni Service Award), and Amari Agee '15 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award).
HIGHEST ENROLLMENT IN VWU'S HISTORY
I am pleased to share that enrollment at Virginia Wesleyan is the highest it has ever been in the University's 59-year history at 1,673 students for the 2018-19 academic year.
A major factor in the significant growth is a result of the formation of University College. The University College includes the Evening and Weekend Program, Early Enrollment programs, and our growing graduate and online programs. A summary is listed below of VWU's enrollment for 2018-19:
Undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences
Batten Honors College
Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities
Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Birdsong School of Social Science
D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies
TOTAL.........................
University College
Evening and Weekend 81
Graduate 145
-Master of Business Administration
-Master of Arts in Education
Degree Completion (online) 86
Non-Degree 29
Early Enrollment 47
TOTAL.........................
Grand Total.........................
Overall, the University received 3,169 traditional undergraduate applications and accepted 2,167 (68 percent acceptance rate) with 369 first-year and 126 transfer students enrolling. First-year students had a 3.3 cumulative high school grade point average (4.0 scale) and 1083 SAT.
The highly selective Batten Honors College enrolled its second cohort of 40 students in 2017-18. Batten Fellows had a 4.21 cumulative high school grade point average of 4.21 (4.0 scale) and 1340 SAT.
I am pleased to see this demonstrates that more students are finding a fit with Virginia Wesleyan University. This can be attributed to many factors, including the greater visibility of the University and the growing academic reputation, as evidenced by increasing numbers of out-of-state students.
The majority of VWU's undergraduate students come from Virginia, with 71 percent of undergraduate day students coming from the state. Of this figure, 40 percent come from Coastal Virginia communities.
An additional 3,000 learners enrolled/attended new non-credit programs offered through University College, including the Westminster/Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute, Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, Center for Sacred Music, and Boyd Institute. Clearly, we are becoming much more than a Coastal Virginia institution; we are becoming an institution of significance throughout Coastal Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic Region, and the nation.
Despite the University's growth, class size remains small--a hallmark of the Virginia Wesleyan educational experience. We are expanding our reach while staying true to our mission as a student-centered institution with a small student-to-faculty ratio.
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY
Each August, prior to the start of the fall semester, I deliver a State of the University Address to our campus community. The address includes highlights, initiatives and significant accomplishments from the past year, recognition of faculty and staff, points of pride, recent University news and information, current campus projects and direction for the future. The 2019 State of the University Address will take place on August 23 at 12:15 p.m. We look forward to welcoming our Trustees, faculty, staff, and many friends in person. For our students and alumni, the State of the University will be livestreamed on our VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
UNIVERSITY BRANDING STANDARDS
Virginia Wesleyan's Office of Marketing and Communications supports the mission of the University by leading our promotion and branding initiatives. The department utilizes a variety of platforms to distinguish VWU in the higher education marketplace and effectively communicate our story to key constituencies, including prospective and current students, alumni, donors and friends, faculty and staff, the broader public, and the media. They are also tasked with protecting our brand and guiding our community in using our logos and likeness appropriately. For your convenience, the University's brand guidelines are available on the Marketing and Communications webpage. Be on the lookout for a Virginia Wesleyan Athletics style guide, featuring the newly designed Marlin, in the near future. As we work with our University trademarking process, protecting our brand will continue to be a priority, and we thank you for your support of these important efforts. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Marketing and Communications staff directly.
ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE SUMMER SCHOLARS
Another very exciting happening on campus is the Virginia Wesleyan Environmental Institute: Summer Scholars. This week-long residential environmental science program designed for top-performing, rising ninth-grade girls, is in its second year. Participants take part in authentic environmental science, technology, engineering, and math (E-STEM) experiences alongside environmental science professionals in academia, industry, business, government, and non-profit organizations in order to better understand the vast amount of opportunities for women in E-STEM fields to make a positive difference in the world. I enjoyed my time visiting with the group and was impressed with the participants' presentations during Friday's closing session.
Many thanks to Dr. Bill McConnell, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Teacher Education Program, Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of January Term and Summer Sessions, and Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Campus Sustainability, for their collaborative effort leading this impactful program. I've included a link to the program blog which is updated daily.
ET CETERA
Longtime VWU Board member and graduate Gary Bonnewell '79, President of Norfolk Sister City Association, led the "60 Years of Partnership" celebration at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The program recognized the sister city partnership between Kitakyushu and Norfolk which was established in 1959. Pictured here with Gary and Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander at the tree-planting celebration in the Japanese Garden and Kitakyushu Sakura Harmony. During the reception, Mayor Alexander, Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston, and I had the opportunity to discuss important topics such as the City of Norfolk, higher education, and international collaboration. It was a great event, celebrating a special milestone.
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Thank you to Amy '89 and Eric Klann for hosting our New York City alumni gathering in their home. Pictured here with Board of Trustees member Lee Stevenson '85 and his wife Lara '88.
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I am saddened to share the recent passing of a Marlin Family member, Walter "Pete" Raines, father of Kathy Ames, VWU Lecturer in Mathematics. Please join me in keeping Kathy and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The obituary for Mr. Raines can be found here.
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)
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Have a great week!
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Start Your Online MBA at VWU this August
The next start date for Virginia Wesleyan's online MBA is August 28. Learn more about the program at online.vwu.edu.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Developing a Scientific Mindset
Great story highlighting Mayanni McCourty's multiple undergraduate research experiences at VWU. The 2019 grad plans to attend graduate school to study atmospheric science.
https://www.vwu.edu/about/news-and-events/features/story/scientific-discoveries
https://www.vwu.edu/about/news-and-events/features/story/scientific-discoveries
Talking Education
With Delegate Kelly Fowler (‘03), Delegate Stephen Heretick, and Noelle Gabriel, Chair of the Norfolk School Board.
Kim Keene '93, Owner of The Starving Artist Cafe
Our own Kim Keene, Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 1993, is the owner of a delightful restaurant — The Starving Artist — on Colley Avenue in Norfolk. Kim played basketball and majored in art while at VWU. For more info on The Starving Artist: www.starvingartistnorfolk.com.
Friday, July 26, 2019
Enjoyable Evening at Starving Artist Cafe
With U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Congresswoman Elaine Luria (H ‘19), Robert Blondin, and State Delegate Kelly Fowler (‘03). All great friends of Virginia Wesleyan University.
Great Afternoon With VWU Environmental Institute Scholars
Thoroughly enjoyed visiting with scholars and families from our Virginia Wesleyan University Environmental Institute for ninth grade girls at the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Participants took part in authentic Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (E-STEM) experiences alongside a variety environmental sciences professionals. Pictured during the closing ceremony and poster presentation with Dr. Bill McConnell, Chair of the VWU Education Department and Director of VWUEI, and scholars Jade Robb, Lauren Schneider, and Emilia Murphy. Emilia will be a Batten Scholar at Culver Academy this fall.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
ICYMI: 2019 Alumni Awards Recipients
Congratulations to our 2019 Alumni Awards recipients—Eric Nyman ’94, Candie Driskell ’94, Wally Driskell, Jr. ’00, and Amari Agee ’15! Looking forward to honoring these outstanding Virginia Wesleyan alumni this fall during our Founders Day celebration. Read more here.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
VWU Alumni News: Alumni Awards Edition
Check out the latest VWU Alumni News! Read about the recently announced 2019 Alumni Award recipients and mark your calendars for upcoming events: https://conta.cc/2SAlBjy
VWU Alumni Gathering in NYC
Thank you to Amy ‘89 and Eric Klann for hosting our New York City alumni gathering in their home. Pictured with Board of Trustees member Lee Stevenson ‘85 and his wife Lara ‘88.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
"Virginia Beach named best big city to live in, study says"
"A recent study released by WalletHub, says that Virginia Beach is the best big city to live in! WalletHub compared the 62 largest U.S. cities based on 56 key indicators of attractiveness."
No supprise Virginia Beach was number one. Another reason why "It's a great day to be a Marlin!" Read more and view the full list here: https://wtkr.com/2019/07/16/virginia-beach-named-best-big-city-to-live-in-study-says/
No supprise Virginia Beach was number one. Another reason why "It's a great day to be a Marlin!" Read more and view the full list here: https://wtkr.com/2019/07/16/virginia-beach-named-best-big-city-to-live-in-study-says/
Monday, July 22, 2019
Collaborative Discussions
Talking City of Norfolk, higher education, and international collaboration with Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander and Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston today at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
60 Years of Partnership
Longtime VWU Board member and graduate Gary Bonnewell '79, left, President of Norfolk Sister City Association, led the "60 Years of Partnership" celebration at the Norfolk Botanical Garden this morning. The program recognized the sister city partnership between Kitakyushu and Norfolk which was established in 1959. Pictured with Gary and Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander at the tree-planting celebration in the Japanese Garden and Kitakyushu Sakura Harmony.
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
We are proud of our multiple national-niche programs here at Virginia Wesleyan, one of them being environmental sciences. When our state-of-the-art Greer Environmental Sciences Center opened its doors in 2017, our already strong program quickly rose to national prominence in teaching, research, and outreach. The Greer Center received the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's National Conservationist of the Year Award in 2018.
A focus on the environment is a priority of mine now and has been during my previous three presidencies. I was one of the original signatories of the President's Climate Commitment when it was founded in 2006. Currently, I chair the Climate Leadership Network, a select group of 440 colleges and universities who are taking action on climate and preparing students for the future through research and education to solve the challenges of the 21st century. It has been a blessing to combine my experience and passion for environmental stewardship, which allows me to recognize how significant and successful our program truly is.
With that, I am pleased to announce Virginia Wesleyan has named a Campus Sustainability Director, Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Associate Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. Dr. Malcolm has been an integral part in the growth and success of our program. She is the steward of our climate action plan, and her passion shines through in her work. Learn more about her here.
Our institutional mission embraces social responsibility and participatory citizenship as essential parts of an undergraduate curriculum in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. With our commitment to the vitality of this program, we will continue to advance the cause of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
# # #
Last week a very special project was completed with the clearing and surfacing of "The Loop" on Smith Drive and Lake Taylor trails on the south side of campus. Our now extensive trail system has been named "The Trails at Wesleyan Woods." The two main trails are ideal for walking, hiking, jogging, and biking. You can access both via the Honors Village parking lot. Directional signage will be added by the fall.
Since its founding, Virginia Wesleyan has enjoyed a rich heritage of abundant biodiversity and natural resources. Located on a picturesque, park-like, 300-acre campus bordered on the west by Lake Taylor, the University has trails, ponds and mature forests.
The scenic campus provides unique opportunities for teaching, research, health/fitness and outreach through camps and conferences, all central goals of the University's mission. Natural features include the following:
- Old-Growth Beech Forest
- Longleaf Pine Forest
- The Native Gardens at Greer Environmental Sciences Center
- Wilson Arboretum
- Renn Reserve and Pond
- Beverly Pond
- Marlin Park and Pond
- Wesleyan Woods
- Lake Taylor
- Smart Flower (solar energy)
- VWU / Old Dominion University Climate Research Station
- Apiary
The 18-acre Wilson Arboretum, with individual trees honoring retired faculty, has become a cherished part of the University. The Arboretum was established in 1995 in memory of William M. Wilson, dean of the University from 1971 to 1994.
The 12-acre Beech Forest, a rare example of an old-growth stand of beech trees, was designated a Natural Heritage Resource by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1992. According to a 2012 report, the campus features over 13 miles of biking and hiking paths and trails. I encourage you to take advantage of these treasures and enjoy!
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ET CETERA
It was my pleasure to recently announce the recipients of the 2019 Alumni Awards, an honor our Alumni Council bestows upon graduates of the University each year in recognition of outstanding professional and/or personal accomplishments in any field of endeavor. The Alumni Awards will be presented during our annual Founders Day festivities on Thursday, September 5, as a way of paying tribute to our roots, recognizing key individuals that helped to shape our history, and celebrating the institution's bright future.
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It is with sorrow and a heavy heart that I share the passing of two members of the Virginia Wesleyan Family.
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With the lively, worldwide debate continuing in the United Methodist Church, I thought you'd find this infographicinteresting and informative.
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You may have read about the recent Ellucian Banner data breach where "hackers may have accessed sensitive student data from over 60 colleges as the result of a security flaw in Ellucian's widely used enterprise resource planning software." I want to reassure you that our students' data are secure and Virginia Wesleyan was not affected. We are an Ellucian institution, but do not subscribe to this particular product, Banner, that was compromised.
While we are glad this did not impact our students, this is a good time to remind everyone to please stay vigilant in the cyber world. Higher education institutions are a target for hackers, as exemplified in the recent cyberattack on Monroe College. We are all vulnerable to these attacks, and I ask that you remain cognizant of phishing emails and scams. Always verify the email address and check with the sender in person if something seems unusual about an email you've received. Please report any suspicious activity to VWU's Office of Information Technology at helpdesk@vwu.edu.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
Virginia Beach was ranked number one best big city to live in! In WalletHub's "2019's Best Big Cities to Live In" study, researchers compared the 62 largest U.S. cities based on 56 key indicators of attractiveness. Read more here.
We recently welcomed 23 students from China to the Virginia Wesleyan University family. For the remainder of the summer, they'll live in the International Housing Village in Williamsburg while studying as a part of our American Culture and Tourism Management Program (ACTM). Students take classes full-time in American Culture and Tourism from the Recreation and Leisure Studies program at Virginia Wesleyan, and complete an internship at Busch Gardens.
It was great to see Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, new President of Norfolk State University, at the Slover Library recently and welcome her to Coastal Virginia. "Dr. J" was senior vice president at The Ohio State University before coming to NSU in June.
In case you missed it, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads (VHR), a valued partner of ours in the not-for-profit community, has moved its entire operation to the Virginia Wesleyan campus. We welcome VHR Executive Director Stephanie Gorham and her team, and look forward to expanding our partnership. Read more here.
Work began last week on piping the storm water runoff area along Smith Drive. The Goode Center parking lot and Smith Drive both run into the culvert which will be piped and covered. The water will run into the wetland area between Virginia Wesleyan and Norfolk Academy that ultimately filters into Lake Taylor.
Construction is nearing completion on the improvements to residence hall space in Bray Village. With work in Eggleston Hall scheduled to wrap up in late July, all four residential buildings will be complete. Each floor will have new restroom and shower facilities, complete with rain-style showerheads and other attractive fixtures. Utilities, including ventilation and HVAC units, are also being upgraded.
The buildings of Bray Village are some of the institution's oldest and have served the University well over the years. The four buildings house 240 residential students on eight floors. The Village is also home to several classrooms, faculty offices, and the Office of Campus Security. Incoming first-year students, arriving in late August, will be among the first to enjoy the enhanced spaces. Other improvements in Bray Village during the summer include classroom and office upgrades in the Education Department, and creation of a new office across from the Center for Information Technology.
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)
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Have a great week!
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