Saturday, August 31, 2019
The Wesleyan Review: August 30, 2019
Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/32cbXar
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Visit with Friends: Alana Peters '18 and "Cuppy"
Great visit on campus today with Alana Peters '18. She brought "Cuppy," a mutual pal from our local Dunkin' Donuts, to see two of his best friends—me and Keith Moore (Vice President for Student Affairs). Alana worked as a Presidential Associate during her time at #VWU and pitched for our National Championship softball team. She now works as an Account Coordinator at the Davis Ad Agency in Virginia Beach.
CSRF Fall 2019 Newsletter
So many amazing things are happening VWU's Center for the Study of Religious Freedom this fall. Check it out in the latest issue of the CSRF newsletter "Understanding Religious Freedom."
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
VWU Alumna Stars in CW Series
In case you missed it, Virginia Wesleyan grad Jennifer Marshall '08 stars in "Mysteries Decoded" as the host of The CW show. Be sure to watch on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. EST.
Read more in The Virginian-Pilot feature: "From Navy to detective to lead of TV show, former local veteran has gone far."
Read more in The Virginian-Pilot feature: "From Navy to detective to lead of TV show, former local veteran has gone far."
Kicking Off the New Year!
Happy first day of classes! So glad to welcome our Marlins back to campus for the 2019-2020 academic year. Enjoy this video.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Photo Gallery: Marlin Nation Orientation 102
It's been an exciting week welcoming our newest Marlins to the Virginia Wesleyan Family! Enjoy the photo gallery from Marlin Nation Orientation 102: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGwWEzi
Lunch with Congressman Bobby Scott
Enjoyable lunch discussion with U.S. Representative Bobby Scott at the Town Point Club in Norfolk. He is the dean of Virginia's congressional delegation and currently chairs the Committee on Education and Workforce. The Congressman has been a good friend to higher education and to Virginia Wesleyan University.
ICYMI: Ask Me Anything
Behind the scenes of the production center, seconds before going live Monday evening from the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Thanks to all who submitted questions and joined us for the Facebook Live chat.
The session was hosted by 2005 Virginia Wesleyan graduate Jason Seward, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University. Joining us for the special environmentally themed guest panel was:
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The session was hosted by 2005 Virginia Wesleyan graduate Jason Seward, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University. Joining us for the special environmentally themed guest panel was:
- Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of January Term and Summer Session
- Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Campus Sustainability
- Bill McConnell, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Teacher Education Program
- Brian O'Neil, VWU/Norfolk Botanical Garden Director of Living Landscapes
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Monday, August 26, 2019
Photo Gallery: Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony 2019
View the photo gallery from the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony held recently at the award-winning Greer Environmental Sciences Center: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGtQ9ti
Photo Gallery: SOTU 2019
In case you missed it, Friday's State of the University (SOTU) highlights included record enrollment and fundraising, groundbreaking on a new housing complex, the establishment of a donor-funded program dedicated to the study of African-American history, and the addition of an eSports program at VWU.
View the SOTU photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGtQT72
View the SOTU photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGtQT72
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
Friday was another great day in Virginia Wesleyan history. During the State of the University, I was proud to announce record enrollment and fundraising, groundbreaking on a new housing complex, and the establishment of a donor-funded program dedicated to the study of African-American history. Thanks to all who attended or watched live. For those who couldn't join us, the address is archived on our VWU Broadcasting Network. Our gratitude to The Franklin Johnston Group, The Bonnewell Group at Morgan Stanley, TowneBank, Sentara, and Signature Family Wealth Advisors for sponsoring a wonderful event.
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We welcomed incoming students over the weekend, beginning with our third cohort of the Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars during the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony on Friday, and welcomed our first-year students yesterday at the First Year Convocation and Honor Induction Ceremony. We look forward to transfer students arriving tomorrow and embarking on their journey at VWU. I am pleased to share a glimpse of our newest members of the Marlin Family for the fall semester, which begins on Wednesday.
Undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences.........445
University College................................................168
--VWU Online, Evening and Weekend 83
--Non-Degree 34
--Early Enrollment/Advanced Scholars 51
Total New Students.................................................613
For the Fall Session, the University received 2,579 traditional undergraduate applications and accepted 1,960 (76 percent acceptance rate). A total of 445 new students will be enrolling in traditional programs. First-year students had a 3.44 cumulative high school grade point average (4.0 scale) and 1075 SAT.
The highly selective Batten Honors College enrolled its third cohort 2019-2020 with a cumulative high school grade point average of 4.17 (4.0 scale) and 1357 SAT.
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 our excellent academic reputation, as evidenced by increasing numbers of out-of-state students.
The majority of VWU's new undergraduate students come from Virginia, with 72 percent of undergraduate day students coming from the state.
Please note that this only includes new students through the first registration of the Fall Semester. With the addition of VWU Online and University College two years ago, the University now has six starting points each year, including two starts in the Fall Session.
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ET CETERA
Robert "Bobby" Williams '75
During Friday's State of the University, we paused for a moment of silence to reflect on the recent unspeakable tragedy that claimed the lives of 12 individuals, engaged in nothing more than their daily jobs. Among those lost was one of our own, Robert "Bobby" Williams, class of 1975, with whom we had interacted as we secured approvals for our campus construction. As I announced on Friday, in recognition of his dedicated 41 years of service to the City and to us, we will name in his memory one of the trails traversing our campus, a place where he loved to walk as a student, and he will be honored by the Alumni Council with a posthumous award for his leadership at Founders Day, on September 5. I ask that you keep Bobby's family and those of the other victims in your thoughts.
Ask Me Anything
Next up, I invite you to tune in tonight at 7 p.m. as I answer questions live from the Greer Environmental Sciences Center during a Facebook Live chat. Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and VWU graduate Jason Seward '05 will host the program with a special environmentally themed guest panel. If you are unable to watch live on the VWU Facebook page, the chat will be archived on Facebook and on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network for later viewing. Learn more about our guest panelists and submit your questions here.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker Series
As part of the Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker Series, Research Assistant Professor John Cook from George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication will be speaking at the Virginia Aquarium on September 17. Don't miss this talk which will focus on key beliefs around climate change and how we can work together to remove roadblocks to climate action. This event is free and open to the public. More information can be found here.
Campus Disc Golf Course
I am happy to share that this summer, following the completion of several campus construction and beautification projects, the University's 9-hole disc golf course is back together and ready for golfers. Our par 3 course, totaling now over 2,000 yards, provides a challenge for beginners and experts alike. While much of the course may look familiar, several targets have been updated and redesigned. The course begins just behind Clarke Hall. More information can be found here.
New Faculty
Recently, Annie and I enjoyed dinner with new faculty of the University. We welcome to Coastal Virginia and VWU Frank Futyma (Business), Greg Snyder (Library), Felipe Hugeno (Hispanic Studies), Marielle Poltava-Davignon (Biology), and Loren Loving Marquez (English).
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, August 25, 2019
First-Year Convocation and Honor Induction
Joining the Class of 2023 for a photo following the First-Year Convocation and Honor Induction in Convocation Hall of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Vice President Maynard Schaus, and Taylor Major, President of the Student Government Association, join me in welcoming the newest Marlins.
Welcome New Marlins
Today we welcomed 443 new Marlins to the Virginia Wesleyan University family with the First-Year Convocation and Honor Induction in Convocation Hall of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Pictured with the Platform Party before the Convocation (from left): Greg West, University Chaplain; Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Taylor Major, President of the Student Government Association; and Jason Seward, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Support the Marlin Athletic Fund
Our Marlin student-athletes represent Virginia Wesleyan on the field and court, in the pool, and in the classroom. As we prepare these students for lives of leadership and social responsibility, we invite you to join us in making an impact on their development.Learn more about how you can support the Marlin Athletic Fund: https://conta.cc/324NDqZ
Friday, August 23, 2019
"Growth, Innovation, Prosperity Central to Virginia Wesleyan State of the University"
During today's State of the University, I was proud to announce record enrollment and fundraising, groundbreaking on a new housing complex, and the establishment of a donor-funded program dedicated to study of African-American history at Virginia Wesleyan University. Read more here.
Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony
Today, at the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony, we welcomed the third cohort of Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars to this distinguished and highly selective program at Virginia Wesleyan University. Hailing from across the country and internationally, these students have a collective GPA of 4.17 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1357, and an average ACT score of 29.5. We wish them all the best in their academic pursuits and look forward to their continued success. Read more: http://bit.ly/2NuIDaP
Watch Live Today: 2019 State of the University
I hope you'll join us today at 12:15 p.m. for the 2019 State of the University Address. We'll be streaming live on the Virginia Wesleyan University Facebook page and also through the VWU Broadcasting Network.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
New Faculty Dinner
Annie and I thoroughly enjoyed dinner tonight with new faculty of the University, from left, Frank Futyma (Business), Greg Snyder (Library), Felipe Hugeno (Hispanic Studies), Marielle Poltava-Davignon (Biology), and Loren Loving Marquez (English). Welcome to Coastal Virginia and Virginia Wesleyan University!
Ask Me Anything
Join me on Monday, August 26, at 7 p.m., as I answer questions live from the Greer Environmental Sciences Center during a Facebook Live chat. The session will be hosted by 2005 Virginia Wesleyan graduate Jason Seward, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University, with a special environmentally themed guest panel.
You can submit your questions by noon on Monday to officeofthepresident@vwu.edu or send a direct message during the live chat to the Virginia Wesleyan Facebook page at facebook.com/vawesleyan. Read more here: https://conta.cc/31VABf8
You can submit your questions by noon on Monday to officeofthepresident@vwu.edu or send a direct message during the live chat to the Virginia Wesleyan Facebook page at facebook.com/vawesleyan. Read more here: https://conta.cc/31VABf8
VWU Alumni News
The latest VWU Alumni News is now available, complete with photos, events, class notes, and opportunities for Marlins to connect: https://conta.cc/31X1SOf
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
ODAC Commissioner
Enjoyable visit on campus today with Brad Bankston, Commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Virginia Wesleyan is proud to be part of the 15-member conference. Joining us for the picture is VWU Athletic Director Tina Hill.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Welcome 2019-2020 Alumni Council Officers
I'm pleased to welcome our new Alumni Council officers: Troy DeLawrence '93 (Chair), Rob Kohler '93 (Vice Chair), and Rob Gillikin '00 (Secretary). Joining us for the picture is Lori Harris '94, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations.
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
It's great to have many students on campus, preparing for the academic year ahead--welcome back to our student-athletes and Resident Assistants! The coming week will be full of excitement as our Batten Fellows, Shumadine Scholars, first-year, and transfer students arrive to begin their journey at Virginia Wesleyan. On Friday, I will give my annual State of the University address and share highlights from the past year and goals for the future. The program will be livestreamed and archived on Facebook and our VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. Tune in!
With the start of a new fiscal year brings a change in leadership for our Alumni Council. I am pleased to welcome our new Alumni Council officers for 2019-2020. Troy DeLawrence '93 (Quality Assurance Senior Specialist, CACI International) will continue his service and guidance to the Alumni Council as Chair. Rob Kohler '93 (Vice President, CraneTech Solutions, LLC) will transition to Vice Chair from his previous role as secretary of the Alumni Council. The Council elected Rob Gillikin '00 (Attorney, Rutter Mills, LLP) to serve as Secretary. He most recently served as Chair of the Alumni Resource Committee. The Council will welcome new members and elect new committee chairs at its first business meeting of the fall semester. View a complete list of our Alumni Council members on the VWU website.
Please join me in thanking Troy, Rob Kohler, and Rob Gillikin for their ongoing support and contributions to our campus and community, along with the other current members of this valued group of Marlin alumni leaders.
ET CETERA
As we look forward to welcoming our third Batten Honors College cohort, I'd like to share with you how some of our current Fellows and Scholars spent two weeks of their summer. BHC students traveled with Dr. Larry Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy, and Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, to Juneau and Haines, Alaska, as part of the study-away course, "Environmental and Cultural Sustainability in Haines, Alaska."
Dr. Hultgren shared that students could "live the text" as they learned about climate change while walking near a retreating glacier; studied the life cycle of a salmon while rafting the Chilkat River; identified flora and fauna during a hike in the largest temperate rainforest in the world; and discussed ancient and contemporary concepts and practices of sustainability with native Tlingit people.
This course is one of the many examples of the distinctive opportunities students have in the Batten Honors College which equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an ethical and influential global citizen who understands the interdependence of society, culture, and the natural world. Read more about their Alaskan adventure and view photos here.
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I am pleased to advise that Brandi Calica, a 2014 Virginia Wesleyan alumna and a former member of the Alumni Council, will join the Advancement team on September 9 as Director of Corporate and Parent Relations. Most recently, she has worked as Events Manager for Chartway Federal Credit Union's We Promise Foundation, and has extensive fundraising, marketing, and client-services experience.
Reporting to Dr. Mort Gamble, Senior Vice President, Brandi will have additional responsibilities as a liaison to the Athletic Department for securing sponsorships, banners, and other forms of support for our teams. She will also have a portfolio as a gifts officer, in support of The Excellence Fund and other priority appeals.
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It also pleases me to announce that Joshua Wilks has been named Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach for the upcoming season! Coach Wilks is a decorated champion from his days attending NCAA Division II, Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania. He is a five-time national qualifier, three-time All-American in 800 meters, two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American and was awarded the prestigious NCAA Elite 88 Award that goes to the individual for the highest GPA in the NCAA championship meet. He holds four school records for the Griffins, was crowned WVIAC Champion six times, earned WVIAC Rookie of the Year and Runner of the Year and landed an 11th-place finish in the 800m USATFIndoor Nationals.
A 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee at Seton Hill, he has also led a remarkable turnaround in the Great Neck Middle School Track Program, where they have won the city championship three of the last four years, while he also teaches math at Great Neck. Coach Wilks earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Actuary Science and master's degree in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University. He continues to pursue his passion for running every day, and is looking forward to leading our athletes to greater heights this fall.
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We received good news that Bishop Sharma D. Lewis' return to the Virginia Annual Conference is planned for September after a six-month medical leave. As I previously shared, Bishop Lewis began medical leave in March as she underwent several surgeries. In her absence, Bishop Peter D. Weaver, retired bishop, served as the interim episcopal leader. We thank Bishop Weaver for his leadership during a vital time and we look forward to welcoming Bishop Lewis back. Read more here.
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Be sure to watch VWU alumna Jennifer Marshall '08 in the new investigative documentary series "Mysteries Decoded." A U.S. Navy veteran and real-life licensed private investigator, Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Wesleyan University with a double major in international politics and Spanish and a minor in history.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
As is our tradition at the end of summer, our Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Office hosted the annual Wesleyan Wednesday for alumni, faculty, staff, family, and friends. We had an excellent turnout at Ballyhoos in Virginia Beach where many good times were shared. Thanks to all who planned a delightful event and for those who came out! View the photo gallery from the event here.
It was a special evening at the 74th annual Norfolk Sports Club Jamboree honoring one of our own, Hanna Hull of the Virginia Wesleyan softball team. At the dinner, Hanna was presented with the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial Award denoting her as the Most Outstanding College Athlete who formerly attended a Virginia high school. Past winners of this honor include Mia Hamm, Alonzo Mourning, David Robinson, Tremaine Edmunds, Tajh Boyd and Dre Bly. Hanna is a three-time All-American, three-time National Pitcher of the Year, two-time NCAA National Champion, and Academic All-American--and still has one season to go. It was great to meet the legendary UVA and NBA star Ralph Sampson at the event and to visit with Ajee Church '16 who performed as the pianist for the evening.
Recently, I was one of 20 business leaders from Virginia Beach who was invited to attend the Virginia Beach Business Roundtable, sponsored by the NFIB and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. It was a valuable meeting with many local leaders, including Bill DeSteph (Virginia Senate 8th District), John Cosgrove (Virginia Senate 14th District), Barry Knight (Virginia House of Delegates 81st District), Glenn Davis (Virginia House of Delegates 84th District) and Chris Stolle (Virginia House of Delegates 83rd District).
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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