Chesapeake Bay Academy

Great to visit with our partners and friends at Chesapeake Bay Academy. Pictured with Judy Jankowski (next to me), Head of School, and, from left, Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Bill McConnell, VWU Chair of the Education Department. Located on the eastern side of the campus, CBA is celebrating 30 years as the only K-12 independent school in Southeastern Virginia dedicated to empowering children who learn differently. We are proud to have dual and concurrent enrollment programs with CBA.

Educational Parternship with Norfolk Botanical Garden

Enjoyable visit with Michael Desplaines, President and CEO of Norfolk Botanical Garden. Virginia Wesleyan and NBG have been educational partners over the last two years, including the care and management of our many gardens and Arboretum. 
 

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) Advocacy Center

VWU is leading the charge in support of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG). Approximately 900 Virginia Wesleyan students benefit from this program, which produces $2.4 million each year for Virginia students. AVP for Student Affairs Jason Seward and I visited with students today at the VTAG Advocacy Center in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. As part of the "Thanks for TAG" program, students, parents, and alumni communicate to Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam and members of the General Assembly how vital the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is to them, their institution, and their community.

Board of Trustees in the Marlins Esports Arena

Members of our Board of Trustees enjoyed an esports demonstration and tour of the new Marlins Esports Arena Wednesday afternoon. The program is now underway and competition will begin in January. Learn more at vwu.edu/esports. 

The Malbon Center for Technology

During Wednesday's meeting of the Trustees, it was a pleasure to announce the naming of The Malbon Center for Technology in honor of Board Chair John Malbon. The center has a physical home on campus in Pruden Hall and a virtual presence in all areas of VWU Online. We thank John for his strategic leadership of technology initiatives at VWU.

VWU Board of Trustees Fall Meeting

It was wonderful to welcome the VWU Board of Trustees in the newly renovated meeting space on campus. Thanks to support from private donors, the University updated the Board of Trustees Suite, the President's Dining Room, and Founders Foyer within Boyd Dining Center. It was a productive fall meeting and we are so grateful to our Trustees for their leadership and guidance of Virginia Wesleyan. 

Coastal 61 at Oxford Village

Construction progressing on Oxford Village on the northern end of campus. Learn more here: Coastal61.com.

Marlins SportSplash: October 29, 2019

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2q2ONoW

 

Partners from the Chrysler Museum of Art

Productive morning meeting with our partners from The Chrysler Museum of Art. Pictured with (from left) Allison Taylor (Director of Education), Erik Neil (Director and CEO of the Chrysler Museum), Seth Feman (Deputy Director for Art and Interpretation), and Travis Malone (VWU Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities). Among the many features of our relationship and collaboration efforts are the classes offered by VWU in the beautiful Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler—a unique experience for our students. 

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Work began this week on our new bike and pedestrian path leading from Wesleyan Drive to Smith Drive. Located adjacent to the picturesque entrance and treeline along University Avenue (passing the DeFord Gatehouse), the new path will connect to the existing path at Smith Drive, which was added during the construction of the Goode Center, and continues to the heart of Virginia Wesleyan's campus.

Also happening later this fall is removal of the berms--the raised banks--from the west boundary on Wesleyan Drive to the Virginia Wesleyan University sign and digital message center. Originally constructed as a security buffer, the berms are no longer necessary with recent addition of the decorative and functional columned fencing. We look forward to the further beautification and greater visibility of our magnificent campus.

All of this enhances the appeal of our scenic 300-acre park-like campus. The parks and trails at VWU provide unique opportunities for teaching, research, wellness, and reflection for the entire campus community.

Natural features include the 12-acre Old-Growth Beech Forest, Longleaf Pine Forest, native gardens at the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, 18-acre Wilson Arboretum, Renn Reserve and Pond, Beverly Pond, Marlin Park and Pond, Trails at Wesleyan Woods, the Robert T. "Bobby" Williams '75 Trail,  Lake Taylor, Smart Flower (solar energy), VWU / ODU Climate Research Station, Apiary, and according to a 2012 report, over 13 miles of biking and hiking paths and trails.

These natural assets support Virginia Wesleyan's again being featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges: 2019 Edition, one of our most recent honors. We are recognized as one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges and one of 413 profiled schools chosen by The Princeton Review based on a 2018-2019 survey of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges about their institutions' commitments to the environment and sustainability.

The Princeton Review Editor-in-Chief Rob Franek stated, "We salute-and strongly recommend-Virginia Wesleyan University to the many environmentally-minded students who want to study and live at a green college." Read more here.

Our focus on the environment continues to be a priority. VWU is one of 440 colleges and universities in the Climate Leadership Network, an organization for which I serve as Chair, who is taking action on climate and preparing students for the future through research and education to solve the challenges of the 21st century. I look forward to the upcoming 2020 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in February. Thank you all for your shared commitment to these important issues and discussions. 

ET CETERA

Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities 

Last week I traveled to Philadelphia for the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) annual conference and Presidents' Agenda Day meeting. The conference included 475 delegates from our 104 member institutions of CUMU, including 60 leaders for the Presidents' Agenda Day meeting. VWU is a member of a select group of 104 institutions nationwide in CUMU, the longest-running and largest organization committed to serving and connecting the world's urban and metropolitan universities.

Remembering Dr. E. Bruce Heilman

Let us take a moment to remember the remarkable life of Dr. E. Bruce Heilman, University of Richmond Chancellor and former President. Bruce, a longtime colleague, was known as a pioneer in higher education throughout the 1970's and 1980's, credited with transforming the University of Richmond during his tenure as president.  After retiring, he continued as Chancellor and supported the institution and higher education in many ways. He served our country admirably in the armed forces, and like my father, Bruce was stationed in Okinawa during part of his service as a Marine. His always positive and inspiring approach struck me from the first time I met him in the 1990's. Chancellor Heilman exemplified eloquence, and I respected his position as a compelling spokesman for many important issues. We remember him fondly in Virginia as an admirable leader and strong advocate of the VFIC and CICV. Bruce leaves behind a special and lasting legacy in Richmond and across the nation. During this time of sadness, my thoughts remain with his family, the UR community, and all who knew and loved Bruce. His memorial service was held yesterday at the University of Richmond Cannon Memorial Chapel. The  service was livestreamed here, and includes a touching tribute from UR President Ronald A. Crutcher. I also share with you links to his obituary and to a special story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. 

VFIC Women's Leadership Development Summit

The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) announced the inaugural cohort of VFIC students attending the "Starting Now: 2019 VFIC Women's Leadership Development Summit" in Richmond on November 7. Congratulations to the five Virginia Wesleyan University students who have been accepted into the program: Nailah Alston-Iszard, Jessica Gurley, Diana Jackson, Chelsea Jacox, and Destiny Kinka. We are proud of you.

The three-day summit will provide the students with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, learn first-hand from leaders who have forged the way to increase the representation of women in executive-level positions, and experience what it means to prepare for a corporate internship and career. The experience also includes a tour of the Virginia State Capitol and the newly dedicated Virginia Women's Monument.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The sign has been installed on the path leading to Lake Taylor--named in memory of Robert T. "Bobby" Williams '75. We are Virginia Beach Strong.

Our Esports program was featured on WTKR News 3. It was great to have their news team visit campus last week to check out our new Marlin Esports Arena and talk with VWU freshman Brandon Kwon and Coach Chris Davis. I've included a link to the coverage here.

We had an excellent turnout for our fall Marlins Day Open House. I always enjoy visiting with parents and prospective first-year and transfer students at the opening session in the Goode Center, and throughout the day. View the photo gallery here.

Don't miss the upcoming Alumni Gathering at Wild Wing Cafe on Wednesday, November 13, from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see alumni and friends there!

Thanks to Taylor Adams, Director of Virginia Beach of Economic Development, and his team for hosting an enjoyable meeting. We discussed plans for collaboration initiatives and look forward to partnering on many exciting things to come. 

It was an enjoyable visit with Guy Tower, Virginia Beach City Council Member (Beach District), at his social at Smartmouth Brewing Pilot House. Guy has been a loyal friend of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Progress continues on the new Smithdeal Hall roof which was damaged during the storm in September. The new roof and interior improvements for the building are scheduled for completion in the next week. 

How nice it was to visit with  Delegate Cheryl Turpin and VWU student Heather Gonzales at Pearl and Grant Narelle's home in Virginia Beach. A political science major, Heather interned with Delegate Turpin during her campaign for the Virginia Senate. Delegate Turpin has been a strong supporter of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Program and is a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan University.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Features

News Briefs

VWU Athletics

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

The Pharos

REFLECTIONS

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

The Virginian-Pilot

University Business

Daily Press

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 great week!

The Wesleyan Review: October 25, 2019

Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/2Wm1YxC

Visit with VB Councilman Guy Tower

Enjoyable visit with Guy Tower, Virginia Beach City Council Member (Beach District), at his social at Smartmouth Brewing Pilot House. Guy has been a loyal friend of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Visit with Delegate Turpin & VWU Student

‪Great to visit with Delegate Cheryl Turpin and VWU student Heather Gonzales ‘20 at Pearl and Grant Narelle's home in Virginia Beach. A political science major, Heather has interned with Delegate Turpin during her campaign for the Virginia Senate. She has been a strong supporter of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Program and is a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan University. ‬

Progress on Smithdeal Hall Improvements

Progress continues on the new Smithdeal Hall roof which was damaged during the storm in September. The new roof and interior improvements for the building are scheduled for completion in the next week. 

Virginia Beach Economic Development

Thanks to Taylor Adams, Director of Virginia Beach of Economic Development, and his team for hosting an enjoyable meeting today. We discussed plans for collaboration initiatives and look forward to partnering on many exciting things to come. 

WTKR News Features VWU’s Esports

Great local coverage from WTKR News 3 who visited campus today to check out our new Marlin Esports Arena and talk with VWU freshman Brandon Kwon and Coach Chris Davis. Link to coverage here: https://bit.ly/2JeOKgR

Marlins SportSplash: October 22, 2019

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2MD0pbe

 

Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities

Enjoyable dinner at the picturesque Water Works on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia with presidential colleagues from the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities.  Pictured with Bob Mong, President of the University of North Texas, and Trevor Ferguson, President of Aramark Higher Education. VWU is a member of a select group of 104 institutions nationwide in CUMU, the longest-running and largest organization committed to serving and connecting the world's urban and metropolitan universities.

Join Us for an Alumni Gathering in Chesapeake!

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

We have some very exciting news to share regarding the University's dining facilities. A complete redesign of the Boyd Dining Center is in store. These improvements will feature modernized and contemporary seating with service areas intended to enhance our campus community's dining experience. This project is scheduled for the summer months with an expected completion of fall 2020. The Marlin Grille, located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, will also undergo updates this coming January. Improvements will include a fully updated appearance as well as new and in-demand dining options. Finally, we are very excited to announce plans to add a convenience store, which will meet the needs of many on campus, especially students--our number-one priority. 

On college campuses, dining facilities have come to serve as a "Third Place" for students. "Third Place," a concept first presented by sociologist Ray Oldenberg, focuses on the importance of welcoming space that cultivates essential social experiences. Third places are typically areas separate from where you sleep and work. Recognizing the impact and importance of this philosophy, we are pleased that this new project will support the development and well-being of our students.

Updates will be shared as plans progress. For a preview of the excitement to come, I invite you to view the schematics here. 

ET CETERA

Oxford Village

Progress continues on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village. Virginia Wesleyan University and The Franklin Johnston Group broke ground in June on the new eight-building, 248-unit apartment complex located on the north side of our campus on Wesleyan Drive. The luxury complex is anticipated to open in the fall of 2020. View recent photos and learn more about the project.

The Pharos

The Pharos is a monthly email newsletter celebrating the professional development successes of Virginia Wesleyan faculty and staff. These achievements include publications, performances and shows, grants, positions and awards in professional organizations, campus and community presentations, and more. Read the latest edition here.

eSports Arena Open House

Thanks to all faculty and staff who attended the Marlin eSports Arena Open House on Friday. Located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, the new facility is equipped with 17 high-end gaming PCs featuring Intel Core i7-9700K processors, ASUS Prime Z390-P motherboards, MSI RTX 2070 Armor video cards, and MSI Optix gaming monitors. The Arena is home to Virginia Wesleyan University's co-ed club eSports program, led by eSports Program Director and Head Coach Chris Davis. VWU is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), and will begin competing with local and national teams as early as January 2020. Read more here.

DACA Update

As I shared last week, Virginia Wesleyan joined an amicus brief in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the case before the Supreme Court. In September 2017, the administration rescinded DACA, an initiative that provides work permits and protection from deportation for upwards of 700,000 undocumented students, often known as "Dreamers." Oral arguments on this rescission will be held at the Supreme Court on November 12. Virginia Wesleyan is committed to inclusiveness and acceptance of all, especially those seeking academic and life success at our institution and others across the nation. To show our support for DACA and immigrant students, we were proud to join this "friends of the court" brief. 

Breaking news this past week included three preliminary injunctions against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS') public charge rule, being issued by federal judges in New York, California, and Washington. The injunctions temporarily blocked the public charge rule, which sought to bar millions of immigrants from obtaining legal status and chill the use of state and federal benefits among immigrant households, from taking effect on October 15. 

Generations Uniting to Address Climate Change

In case you missed it, Virginia Wesleyan University and The Gunn Group are hosting a one-day conference, "Generations Uniting to Address Climate Change," on Friday, November 8, at 1:30 p.m. in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. This event is open to our entire campus community, but is being designed to help students understand how climate change is altering our environment and what they can do to make a difference. To help guide the conversation, we are conducting a survey to gauge which topics you would like covered. Share your input here: https://bit.ly/2M7OfXK. More information about the conference can be found on the VWU website.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

It was an engaging discussion of regional branding with leaders of the Virginia Beach business community led by John Martin, President and CEO of the Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc. (SIR).  SIR is a 48-year-old market research company headquartered in Richmond that has conducted over 13,000 research studies utilizing focus group, ethnography, and survey research to help organizations identify their unique selling propositions, formulate strategies, explore new products and services, and measure the overall effectiveness of marketing programs. Thanks to Paul Merritt, President of Virginia Beach Vision, for hosting the event at Aldo's Ristorante in Virginia Beach.

Congratulations to John Rudel, Professor of Art at VWU, who will be represented by the Linda Matney Fine Art Gallery with his new artwork to be featured in the CURRENT Art Fair at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center in Richmond from October 24-27. 

Our monthly meeting of the Athletics Management Council (AMC) was held last week. The AMC provides strategic oversight of all academic matters related to intercollegiate athletics and all policies that impact student-athlete academic success and welfare. Pictured here with fellow 2019-20 Council members Larry Hultgren (NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative), Sue Larkin (NCAA Faculty Representative), Megan Sherman '20 (Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), Amber Matalus '20 (President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), Andrea Hoover-Erbig (Academic Integration Coordinator), and Tina Hill (Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics). Learn more here.

Kudos to VWU student Javonni McGlaurin, author of the Natural Travelista blog, who hosted "Wearing My Kinks and Curls Around the World" on campus recently. This session included a panel of students who have studied abroad, and an interactive DIY table for participants. Thanks to the Black Student Union, Naturalista, and The Lighthouse for organizing a wonderful event which was featured in The Virginian-Pilot. 

A new HVAC system was installed on the roof of the Jane P. Batten Student Center recently and a new roof for Smithdeal Hall at Virginia Wesleyan is in progress.

I enjoyed a productive meeting on campus with colleagues from Montero Medical Missions, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, and Virginia Wesleyan University.

At the Chrysler Museum of Art last week, Kaufman and Canoles celebrated their 100-year anniversary. It was a wonderful celebration of the legacy they have built. Congratulations to our many friends at the firm.

Robert A. Crum, Executive Director of HRPDC, recently discussed Regional Transportation Priority Projects during the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Regional Board and Trustee Meeting at The Main.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Features

News Briefs

VWU Athletics

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

The Pharos

REFLECTIONS

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

The Virginian-Pilot

University Business

Daily Press

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 great week!