Carnegie Foundation Selects VWU for Prestigious Community Engagement Classification

Pleased to share that Virginia Wesleyan University has been selected to receive the Carnegie Foundation's prestigious Community Engagement Classification. VWU is among 119 U.S. colleges and universities to earn the elective designation, which indicates institutional commitment to community engagement. We hold social responsibility at the core of our values, and I take great pride in this accomplishment and in working among such engaged citizens and leaders. Read more here.

Passing of Dr. Mort Gamble

I am devastated to share that Dr. Mort Gamble, Senior Vice President, passed away late last night. As many of you know, Mort was one of my dearest friends and trusted colleagues, and I know he was close to many of you on campus. 

This is painful news for all of us, and I pray that we are able to support one another through this difficult time and take comfort in his memory. 

I will share more information in the coming days.

Passing of Longtime Trustee S. Frank Blocker, Jr.

I am saddened to share the January 25 passing of longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee S. Frank Blocker, Jr., 93, of Norfolk.

Frank was predeceased by his parents S. Frank Blocker Sr., Wilma Williamson Blocker and his cousin Kenneth Sellers. He graduated from Granby High School in 1945 and from the University of Virginia in 1950. Frank was the owner of Eastern Auto Distributors and founder of the Blocker Foundation which supports numerous charitable organizations.

Frank became a member of the VWU Board of Trustees in 1990, serving until he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2007. Frank also served as a member of the President's Advisory Council, chairing the group from 1989-1990, and as a member of the 25th Anniversary Campaign Steering Committee from 1986-1991.

Virginia Wesleyan's S. Frank and Wilma Williamson Blocker Hall was named in his parents' honor in 1992, recognizing Frank's generous contributions to the University. His generosity also funded the Frank Blocker Youth Center, which opened on campus in 2017.

Frank also served as board chairman for the Norfolk YMCA and later became the chairman of the Endowment program. His love for the YMCA and generous donations resulted in the renaming of the Norfolk Branch to the S. Frank Blocker YMCA.

Left to cherish his memory are several first cousins Steve and Carolyn Williamson, Roy and Collette Williamson; Emma Jo and Don Guest; Andy and Jeanine Williamson; JoAnn Sellers and Victoria Worrell along with their extended families.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to his dedicated caregivers Charlene Langlois, Jean Byrd along with members of the Senior Core Staff and Grace Hospice.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, Norfolk. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with a burial to follow at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Norfolk YMCA and the Norfolk SPCA. The original obituary is published and condolences may be offered to the family at hollomon-brown.com.

We are grateful for Frank's service to and support of Virginia Wesleyan University and wish his family comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Operation Smile

It was a pleasure to visit this afternoon with (center) Kathy Magee, Co-Founder and President of Operation Smile, and (left) Christabelle Fernandez, U.S. Manager of Student Programs for Operation Smile. We enjoyed discussing partnership opportunities. Headquartered in Coastal Virginia and serving communities around the globe, their mission is truly inspiring. Learn more at operationsmile.org.

"Thanks for TAG"

Virginia Wesleyan students visited Richmond on Monday as part of the “Thanks for TAG” day. Organized by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV), the meetings are in appreciate for and support of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program.

Students Ashawnte Anderson ‘23, Nick Raether ‘23, Karen Huezo ‘22, Cam Evans ‘22, and Audwin Harris ‘20 are pictured above with Delegate Alex Askew (85th House District). Below Karen Huezo ‘22 and Cam Evans ‘22 are pictured with Senator Lynwood Lewis (6th Senate District). 

Coastal Market Ribbon Cutting

Hope to see you there!

Marlins SportSplash: January 28, 2020

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/36xX18f

Now Open: Coastal Market and Harbor Grill

With the start of the spring semester, Coastal Market and Harbor Grill have opened in the newly renovated Batten Plaza of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Kudos to crews that worked long hours during the Christmas/New Year holiday and January Term to complete these wonderful new additions to campus.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Following a rigorous January Term, today begins our spring semester. I extend my best wishes for a successful term to all of our students and campus community. We are fortunate to have many resources on campus and in the community to support success, and I encourage students to utilize them. I urge students to get involved, seize new opportunities, stay informed, and communicate with both your peers and with faculty/staff. We are working toward a common goal for you to succeed and we are here for you. I am personally looking forward to watching the semester unfold. It is sure to include many special memories that will contribute to Virginia Wesleyan's story. 

ET CETERA

VWU Honored for Sustained Distinguished Performance

Virginia Wesleyan University was recognized last week by the Elizabeth River Project for Sustained Distinguished Performance at the River Stars Model Level. VWU student and ERP employee Phoebe Murrell joined VWU's Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Director of Campus Sustainability, and Dr. Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs, for a photo as they accepted the honor on VWU's behalf.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, Legacy

Last week we joined our nation in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--one of integrity, service, leadership, and unity, along with an inspiring commitment to social justice. Congratulations to VWU senior Monique Ayers on receiving Virginia Wesleyan's first Martin Luther King, Jr., Legacy Award. Read more about our campus celebrations of Dr. King's legacy here.

Thanks to good friend Gil Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, for head table hospitality at the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Leaders' Breakfast. We heard an inspiring speech by Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Office of the Governor, followed by the recognition of three of our good friends for their community impact: Trustee Emerita Joan Brock, Trustee Howard Kern, and former Trustee Bob Aston.

National Day of Racial Healing

Last week, on the National Day of Racial Healing,I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with Lynne M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott (the slave who sued for his freedom in 1857), and Charles Taney IV, great-great-great nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger Brooke Taney (who wrote the decision that denied Dred Scott his freedom). Later that day for an "Understanding Hampton Roads" panel discussion, Lynne and Charles teamed with Keith Plessy whose great grandfather was a cousin of Homer Plessy (who in 1892 challenged separate accommodations for black and white railroad passengers), and Phoebe Ferguson, great-great granddaughter of Louisiana Judge John Howard Ferguson (who ruled against Homer Plessy). The program will focused on the U.S. legal system's history of racial bias and opportunities for healing and understanding. Sponsored by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the event offered a unique opportunity to hear from descendants of plaintiffs and judges in two landmark 19th Century U.S. Supreme Court cases--Dred Scott and Plessy v. Ferguson--that denied basic civil rights to African Americans.

AAC&U Presidents' Trust

Last week I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the annual meeting of The Presidents' Trust. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Presidents' Trust is a diverse network of about 100 cross-sector chief executive officers who are committed to advancing the vision, values, and practices that connect liberal education with the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, a global workforce, and thriving communities. It was nice to visit with leadership of AAC&U and the Trust--Lynn Pasquerella, President of AAC&U; Grant Cornwell, President of Rollins College and Chair of the Trust; Mary Dana Hinton,and President of the College of Saint Benedict and incoming Chair of the Trust--and many friends and colleagues--including Jonathan Alger, President of James Madison University; Dianne Harrison, President of California State University Northridge; Denise Battles, President of State University of New York Geneseo; and Carol Leary, President of Bay Path University.

"President to President"

The sixth chapter of the 2019-2020 "President to President" thought leadership publication is now available. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Marylouise Fennell. In "Innovating to Advance Success for Students' Diverse Needs," Webster University President Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Stroble explores how the dynamic nature of modern higher education demands innovation and flexibility to meet students' needs and support their success. She describes how her institution helps students overcome barriers and achieve their long-term goals through unique programs that provide appropriate support, resources, and guidance.

"Puffs...or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic"

Kudos to all who were involved in the Virginia Wesleyan University Theatre Production of "Puffs...or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic." Performed in the Brock Theatre of the Goode Center last week, Dr. Travis Malone, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, directed the production. View the playbill here for a full listing of the Marlin January Theatre Collective, cast, and crew. Congratulations and well done to all!

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Update

Dr. Greg Bergquist, General Secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), sends along an update, "Finding a Halo of Possibility." Read it here.

Supporting DACA Students
The following article and resource appeared last week in POLITICO: "5 ways universities can support students in a post-DACA world."  I'm proud to serve as a member of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which includes over 450 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities. Jose Magaña-Salgado, director of policy and communications for the Alliance, commented that "we are preparing for all possible outcomes as we wait for the Supreme Court decision, which is expected later this year, on whether the Obama-era program will continue." Read more here.

Condolences to Sue Erickson

It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I share the passing of Donald Erickson, father of VWU Director of Hofheimer Library Sue Erickson. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and her family during this difficult time. Mr. Erickson passed away on December 1, 2019, and his obituary was recently published here, reflecting that his "quick wit, positive attitude and love of learning remained with him to the end." A memorial service will be held later this spring in Massachusetts. 

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

It was nice to visit on campus recently with Rev. Todd Maberry from the Duke Divinity School. We had a productive meeting where we discussed finalizing our VWU/Duke Divinity Articulation Agreement followed by an enjoyable lunch with administrators and student leaders from across campus, including the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, Academic Affairs, Enrollment, and the Chaplain's Office.

We have a new mural on campus thanks to students in Professor of Art John Rudel's "Public Art" course. The class designed and painted the artwork during January Term in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Be sure to stop by and check it out. Kudos to these students for their efforts and creativity.

Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan student-athlete Geni Roberts of our cross country/track and field program on recently being named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Field Athlete of the Week! Read more here.

A near capacity crowd gathered in the Jane P. Batten Student Center for Wednesday night's ODAC rivalry basketball game between Randolph-Macon and Virginia Wesleyan. Special thanks to the Hampton Roads Basketball Officials Association for sponsoring the game.

We were pleased and grateful to have LifeNet Health as the corporate sponsor of a recent women's basketball game. LifeNet Health has helped to save lives, restore health, and give hope to thousands of patients each year. It is the world's most trusted provider of transplant solutions. LifeNet Health's mission has touched our campus following the tragic passing of Marlin Nancy Kelly, Class of 2015. In her honor we continue to partner with LifeNet Health to promote their mission, grow donor registration, and inspire generosity of others. We are proud to call the Executive Vice President of LifeNet Doug Wilson a member of the Marlin Family. Doug is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan, Class of 1986, and a member of the VWU Board of Trustees.

I enjoyed a recent social at the new offices of the ACCESS College Foundation in Norfolk. It was nice visiting with good friends Bonnie Sutton '99 (President and CEO) and Cheryl Jones (Vice President). The ACCESS College Foundation was founded in 1988 to eliminate barriers to post-secondary education and increase college attainment for underrepresented and low-income students. Visit accesscollege.org to learn more.

Mark your calendar for upcoming events and programs, and read the latest on the arts at Virginia Wesleyan here.

Be sure to check out the upcoming events and programs offered through Virginia Wesleyan's Center for the Study of Religious Freedom here.

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)

# # #

Be sure to reference the academic calendar for important upcoming dates and have a great week!

 

#AACU20

Productive quick trip to Washington, D.C. for the meeting of The Presidents’ Trust. The Presidents' Trust is a diverse network of about 100 cross-sector chief executive officers who are committed to advancing the vision, values, and practices that connect liberal education with the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, a global workforce, and thriving communities. Carol Leary, President of Bay Path University; Lynn Pasquerella, President of the Association of American Colleges and Universities; and Mary Dana Hinton, President of the College of Saint Benedict and new Chair of The Presidents’ Trust. A long-time colleague and friend, Carol will be retiring this summer after 25 years as president of BPU. #AACU20

New Campus Mural by VWU Students

We have a new mural on campus thanks to students in Professor of Art John Rudel's "Public Art" course. The class designed and painted the artwork during January Term in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Be sure to stop by and check it out. Kudos to these students for their efforts and creativity.

The Wesleyan Review: January 24, 2020

Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/30O26rI

AAC&U Presidents' Trust Social in Washington, DC

Good friends and colleagues visiting at Thursday night's social for The Presidents’ Trust at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Pictured with Jonathan Alger, President of James Madison University; Dianne Harrison, President of California State University Northridge; and Denise Battles, President of State University of New York Geneseo.

VWU vs. RMC

A near capacity crowd in the Jane P. Batten Student Center for Wednesday night’s ODAC rivalry between Randolph Macon College and Virginia Wesleyan University. Special thanks to the Hampton Roads Basketball Officials Association for sponsoring the game.

AAC&U Presidents' Trust

In Washington, D.C. for the annual meeting of The Presidents' Trust. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Presidents' Trust is a diverse network of about 100 cross-sector chief executive officers who are committed to advancing the vision, values, and practices that connect liberal education with the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, a global workforce, and thriving communities. Pictured, current leadership of the Trust: Lynn Pasquerella (center), President of AAC&U; Grant Cornwell (right), President of Rollins College and Chair of the Trust; and Mary Dana Hinton, President of the College of Saint Benedict and incoming Chair of the Trust.

VWU Honored by the Elizabeth River Project

Virginia Wesleyan University was recognized today by the Elizabeth River Project for Sustained Distinguished Performance at the River Stars Model level. Pictured from left: Phoebe Murrell (VWU student and ERP employee), Elizabeth Malcolm (VWU Director of Campus Sustainability), and Maynard Schaus (VWU Vice President for Academic Affairs).

Duke Divinity School

Nice to visit on campus today with Rev. Todd Maberry from the Duke Divinity School. We had a productive meeting where we discussed finalizing our VWU/Duke Divinity Articulation Agreement followed by an enjoyable lunch with administrators and student leaders from across campus, including the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, Academic Affairs, Enrollment, and the Chaplain's Office.

VWU Men's Basketball

Come out tonight (January 22) at 7 p.m. to cheer on the VWU men's basketball team at home.

Kudos to VWU's Geni Roberts

Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan student-athlete Geni Roberts of our cross country/track and field program on being named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Field Athlete of the Week! Read more here: https://bit.ly/36bql4p

National Day of Racial Healing

Today on this National Day of Racial Healing, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with Lynne M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott (the slave who sued for his freedom in 1857), and Charles Taney IV, great-great-great nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger Brooke Taney (who wrote the decision that denied Dred Scott his freedom). Tonight, for an “Understanding Hampton Roads” panel discussion, they’ll team with Keith Plessy whose great-grandfather was a cousin of Homer Plessy (who in 1892 challenged separate accommodations for black and white railroad passengers), and Phoebe Ferguson, great-great granddaughter of Louisiana Judge John Howard Ferguson (who ruled against Homer Plessy). 

 The program will focus on the U.S. legal system's history of racial bias and opportunities for healing and understanding. Sponsored by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the event will offer a unique opportunity to hear from descendants of plaintiffs and judges in two landmark 19th Century U.S. Supreme Court cases—Dred Scott and Plessy v. Ferguson—that denied basic civil rights to African Americans. Learn more: hamptonroadscf.org/About/Events

Marlins SportSplash: January 21, 2020

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/3availf

Virginia Wesleyan Honors Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we join our nation in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.— one of integrity, service, leadership, and unity, along with an inspiring commitment to social justice. Congratulations to VWU senior Monique Ayers on receiving Virginia Wesleyan’s first Martin Luther King, Jr., Legacy Award. Read more about our campus celebrations of Dr. King’s legacy here.

36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Leaders' Breakfast

Thanks to good friend Gil Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, for head table hospitality at today's 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Leaders' Breakfast. We heard an inspiring speech by Janice Underwood (new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Office of the Governor) and saw three of our good friends being recognized: Trustee Emerita Joan Brock, Trustee Howard Kern, and former Trustee Bob Aston.

President to President: Chapter 6

The sixth chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought leadership publication is now available. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Marylouise Fennell. In “Innovating to Advance Success for Students’ Diverse Needs,” Webster University President Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Stroble explores how the dynamic nature of modern higher education demands innovation and flexibility to meet students’ needs and support their success. She describes how her institution helps students overcome barriers and achieve their long-term goals through unique programs that provide appropriate support, resources, and guidance. Read it here.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Today our nation honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His legacy is one of integrity, service, leadership, and unity, along with an inspiring commitment to social justice. We will celebrate that legacy today on campus with a program at 11 a.m. in the Watts Gallery of the Goode Center. It will be my privilege to share remarks at that time, and I hope to see you there. Additionally, Virginia Wesleyan is working to better our community through acts of service as part of our annual "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service." We are grateful to campus leaders who collaborated on these programs that so aptly celebrate Dr. King's life and contributions.

Prior to these recognition events, I will begin my day remembering Dr. King as I attend the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Leaders Breakfast. Created in 1984 to honor the legacy of Dr. King, the event recognizes individuals and groups who promote positive images, exemplify community service, demonstrate the values that model those of Dr. King, and show evidence of the impact their contributions make on the lives of others. Several good friends of VWU will receive community leadership awards, and we congratulate them and thank them for their excellent work and support of our community--Trustee Emerita Joan Brock, civic leader and philanthropist; Trustee Howard Kern, President and CEO of Sentara Healthcare; and former Trustee Bob Aston, Executive Chairman of the Board at TowneBank. Thanks also to the Urban League of Hampton Roads for organizing this event.

I encourage all to take time to reflect on Dr. King's life, a life that ended too soon but one that brought everlasting change, a quest for social justice, and inspiration to make our own commitment to social action. I will leave you with one of the many empowering quotes from Dr. King: "There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor political nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right."

ET CETERA

Virginia Wesleyan and Sentara Pursue Joint Nursing Program

Virginia Wesleyan University is pursuing the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to our academic program. The BSN could be offered as a joint degree with Sentara College of Health Sciences and would involve coursework at both institutions. The signing of an agreement to formalize the intent of both institutions is planned for February 7, followed by an in-depth application process with Virginia Wesleyan's accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Read more here.

U.S. News Names VWU Online Among Best Programs Nationally

VWU Online continues to attract attention in national rankings.  The University has again been selected for inclusion in U.S. News and World Report's listing of "Best Online Bachelor's Programs," released last week. Read more here.

Advocating for Private College Initiatives at the State Capitol

Last week I visited Richmond to advocate for initiatives impacting Virginia's private colleges, a top priority being an increase in support for the Virginia Tuition Assistance (VTAG) program. While at the State Capitol, it was nice to visit with State Senator (28th District) and Virginia Wesleyan graduate Richard Stuart '89, Delegate Cliff Hayes (77th District), State Senator Bill DeSteph (8th District), State Senator Jen Kiggans (7th District), and Delegate Jason Miyares (82nd District).

Fall 2019 President's List

With pride, we share the Fall 2019 President's List. Congratulations to the following students for achieving a 4.0 grade point average for the fall semester. A reception will be held later this spring to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these students. Well done! 

Ryan Abraham Sydnie Allen Reina Araujo Bianca Atkinson Kayla Bissette Jennifer Bowen Kelsey Brogan Katherine Burton Megan Coffren Taylor Coutts Cloe Cowles Noah Craft Bryce Davis Anna Dobrenen Brooke Erickson Lauren Faulkner Erin Foreman Shae Geary Kathryn Gerrish Isabella Glaze Connor Hall Maria Hall Jilliann Hallman Michael Harrison Christy Hendricks Lindsey Hicks Stephanie Hoke Madigan Horne Zion Howard Hanna Hull Diana Jackson Chelsea Jacox Danielle Johnson Teresa Jones

Destiny Kinka Kelly Larson John Lee Carrie McClellan Connor Merk Christopher Morris Phoebe Murrell Abigail Peterson Garrett Pitz Alex Powers Michael Redmon Shelton Reisch Brianna Sandy Skye Seutter Serena Smith Joi Snowden Nanci Stanley Sarah Stermer Annabelle Stucky John Taranovich Millie Taylor Emma Walsh Gillian Warrington Kerri Wasko Ashlyn Watts Lindsay Weitzel Doris White Lindsay White Jenna Whitener Sydney Whitlock Emily Wright Veronica Zamora Victoria Zuppa

Please note that grades for several courses are still being finalized and there may be additional students added to this list, I will share those names with you when available. 

"Changes afoot for United Methodist schools' group"

In a recent interview with United Methodist News, I was quoted on behalf of Methodist-related colleges and universities on our message: "Our institutions are committed to inclusiveness. We do not discriminate." Read more in "Changes afoot for United Methodist schools' group."

Virginia Wesleyan University Students to Deliberate "Ethics and Higher Education" 

Five students from Virginia Wesleyan University will participate in The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges' (VFIC) 21st annual statewide collegiate Wells Fargo Ethics Bowl next month. The competition will be held February 9-10 on the campus of the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Our team will compete head-to-head against other highly qualified student teams from Virginia's 15 leading independent colleges and universities, deliberating a variety of case studies highlighting ethical dilemmas. The members of the Virginia Wesleyan University student team are: Anitra Howard (Sophomore), Celine Maharaj (Freshman), Katy Niedzwiecki  (Sophomore), Alex Powers (Junior), and Criofan Shaw (Freshman). The faculty coordinator for our team is VWU Professor of Communication Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson. The tradition continues with strong representation of our institution. Last year our team placed second in the competition--an impressive and well-earned accomplishment. Congratulations to these students on being selected for the team and best of luck! Many notable individuals from a variety of career fields including; business, law, education, finance, journalism and others will listen to team presentations and offer reactions to the students' presentations.

January Term Travels

January Term is in full swing and for some students, that means traveling. I share with you links to photos of our students in Israel and Hawaii. VWU students are pictured at the Western Wall in Jerusalem and from 400-foot Waimoku Falls on Maui. After hiking in the only rainforest in America, students spent an afternoon helping with organic taro farming as part of their January Term course "Travel's Impact on Culture and Environment."

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The business community is enormously grateful to Paul Merritt, Owner of Ntrust Wealth Management, as he concludes his tenure as President of Virginia Beach Vision. Paul presided over his final meeting last week at the Town Center Club. Anne Crenshaw of Kaufman & Canoles is the new President of Virginia Beach Vision. I look forward to working with her and enjoy serving on the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors. Visit virginiabeachvision.com to learn more.

Work by Atlantic Culinary Environments of Danville, Pennsylvania, began last week on Coastal Market, a new retail venue at Virginia Wesleyan. Located in Batten Plaza, Coastal Market will be a campus convenience store offering more options than ever for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including to-go food, toiletries, and other products. Coastal Market's hours will expand access to these items and we look forward to the opening! Following its completion, the ACE crew will continue work in Batten Plaza by transforming the Marlin Grille to a new and improved Harbor Grill.

At the invitation of Norfolk City Manager Dr. Larry "Chip" Filer, I am proud to serve on Multimodal Norfolk, a transportation master plan advisory committee. At the opening session on January 14 at Slover Library representatives from all constituency groups of the city were present. Dr. Filer is pictured here addressing the group with Amy Inman, Director of the Department of Transit for the City of Norfolk, standing to his left.

We held our first meeting in the new calendar year of the VWU President's Leadership Council. The PLC meets monthly throughout the academic year to broaden discussion & participation in shared governance, and to foster collaborative processes on key administrative issues across campus.

The world awaits three Virginia Wesleyan juniors, Kayleen Meinen, Asha Richards and Brianna Sandy, who will be studying away during the spring semester thanks to support from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Congratulations to these hard-working Marlins! Read more here.

In her new children's book, VWU Professor of Education Emerita Dr. Karen Bosch tells the story of a Canadian goose with autism who's learning to swim, honk, and fly alongside his siblings. Co-authored with her daughter Morghan and illustrated by Leyla (Fransen) Caralivanos '99, "Being Charley: Embracing Differences" is currently a "hot new release" on Amazon. Congratulations to these members of our Marlin Family!

The spring 2020 On Deck Premier Speaker Series includes impressive events that promise to be interesting, informative and thought-provoking. The Series is a program of the University's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), organized by the VWU faculty. Read more here.

Mark your calendar for upcoming events and programs, and read the latest on the arts at Virginia Wesleyan here.

Be sure to check out the upcoming events and programs offered through Virginia Wesleyan's Center for the Study of Religious Freedom here.

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!