Happy Retirement Audrey!

This afternoon we said goodbye to our good friend and longtime colleague on her last day at VWU before retirement. Audrey Rafferty, Payroll Manager, has dedicated more than 35 years to Virginia Wesleyan. I am grateful for her many contributions to our campus and our community. Please join me in congratulating Audrey on this well-deserved milestone and wishing her the best on this next chapter.

New Archway is Coming Along

Progress continues on the new archway at the entrance to the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Virginia Zoo and VWU

Great to host our friends and partners from the Virginia Zoo on Thursday afternoon. We shared updates and discussed ongoing collaboration opportunities in academics. Executive Director Greg Bockheim and his team are doing excellent work in our community.

VWU Alumni News: Spring Alumni Weekend Edition

Tickets are now on sale for Spring Alumni Weekend! Learn more about the weekend festivities and details here: https://conta.cc/2TlVPAc

Kudos to VWU's Jaylyn Lane

Congratulations to VWU student-athlete Jaylyn Lane who collected her second Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Field Athlete of the Week Honor of the season! Read more here: http://www.vwuathletics.com/x/83vnb

VWU at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

A productive three days at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Atlanta, hosted by Lead On Climate with Second Nature and the Intentional Endowments Network. Pictured with Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Director of Campus Sustainability and Chair of the Earth and Environmental Science Department. Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to be a national leader on this important topic.

“Maintaining Climate Momentum Through Presidential Transitions”

Opening comments at the morning plenary panel on the topic “Maintaining Climate Momentum Through Presidential Transitions” at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit. Kudos to colleagues Chris Nelson, Jim Mullen, Richard Cook, and Hilary Link for an inspiring discussion.

Marlin SportSplash: February 25, 2020

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/3a88spv

Catching up with Angel Cabrera

Good to catch up with Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera at today’s Higher Education Leadership Summit in Atlanta. Angel was President of George Mason University before moving to Georgia Tech last summer. After having Anne Holton as the interim president the last seven months, GMU announced its new president today: https://www2.gmu.edu/news/583236

Ethics Bowl Champions

Today we received the championship plaque Virginia Wesleyan earned by winning the 2020 VFIC Ethics Bowl (doesn't it look nice next to the Batten Trophy?). Congratulations again to our team, comprised of VWU Batten Honors College students, on their victory! Read more here: http://bit.ly/2urpyzr 

Kudos to VWU's Hanna Hull

Congratulations to student-athlete Hanna Hull of the Virginia Wesleyan softball team on being named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Pitcher of the Week! Read more here: https://bit.ly/2wKghmP

"Next Level Conversations: Leveraging Sustainability Initiatives"

Our own Maynard Schaus (Vice President for Academic Affairs), right, and Elizabeth Malcolm (Director of Campus Sustainability) are leading a session entitled “Next Level Conversations: Leveraging Sustainability Initiatives” at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Atlanta. Pictured before the session with Dr. Schaus and Jim Buizer (University of Arizona), Chair of the Second Nature Board of Directors.

National Study Abroad Day

Today is National Study Abroad Day...I hope you'll join in VWU's campus celebration!

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

As I shared in last week's message, the Board of Trustees held their winter meeting on February 12. They heard committee reports and signed off on several action items, including approval of recommended faculty promotions and tenure. Now that the recipients have been formally notified, I am proud to share that Dr. Bryson Mortensen (music) has earned tenure and will advance from assistant to associate professor, and Dr. Audrey Malagon (mathematics) will advance from associate to full professor.

Thank you to the Faculty Committee on Advancement and Tenure for their diligent work in this process and congratulations to Drs. Mortensen and Malagon on these hard-earned achievements.

ET CETERA

 

Batten Partnership

Last week I visited with Dr. Ian Solomon, Dean of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, in Charlottesville. A strong partnership has been built over the years between UVA's Batten School and the Batten Honors College of VWU, and we were happy to continue discussions on expanding collaborative opportunities for our Batten students. Our thanks to Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband Frank for making these nationally distinguished programs possible.

 

VWU Alumnus Gives Back

Virginia Wesleyan is proud to share many connections with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), which does such meaningful work for our community and environment. A recent story shared with me exemplifies this special relationship--2014 Virginia Wesleyan graduate Brian Cornell is preparing to embark on the Great Western Loop (a 7,000 mile trek) with The Push Beyond organization. Brian has selected the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, an organization he learned about as a student at VWU, as the beneficiary of donations from supporters following his journey. We are proud of our alumni and their adventurous spirits and giving hearts, and we're grateful to share such a special connection with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

 

"Black History is American History"

We were glad to welcome Dr. Janice Underwood, the Commonwealth and the nation's first cabinet-level chief diversity officer, to Virginia Wesleyan last week. She led an inspiring discussion as part of the University's Black History Month recognition: "Black history is American history," she told guests. "The complicated parts are our history too. We can't always stand up for what is exciting and celebratory, and then denounce or turn our backs on the hard, problematic parts of it." She urged attendees to remember this point all year long, not just during the month of February. Read more here.

 

50th Anniversary of Earth Day

Earth Day Network (EDN) recently announced that Virginia Wesleyan University is one of 11 institutions in Virginia to become a key partner for Earth Day 2020. Marlins Go Green and Facilities Management will host the second annual Earth Week on campus with the theme "Back and to the Future: The Sustainable Progression of VWU." The celebration will honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and will recognize the changes at Virginia Wesleyan over the past five decades that have cultivated VWU's status as one of Virginia's leading universities in sustainable development. In 1970, the first Earth Day mobilized over 20 million citizens to demand action on the environmental challenges of the time. Today, Earth Day is observed in around 190 countries and mobilizes one billion people and close to 100,000 organizations. Stay tuned for more information. 

 

Organizational Changes

The unexpected passing of Senior Vice President Dr. Mort Gamble has led to some organizational changes in Godwin Hall. Stephanie Smaglo, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications, will now serve as Chief Marketing Officer reporting directly to the president. Stephanie joined the Marlin family in 2012 and has served in several capacities, including roles as Assistant Director for Communications and Executive Assistant to the President. A search is currently underway for a Vice President for Advancement. 

 

I'm pleased to share that Theresa Barker has assumed a new role as Information Technology Specialist in the Malbon Center for Technology. Theresa joined the Virginia Wesleyan family in 1986 and has since served in several positions, most recently as Coordinator of Advancement Systems in the Center for Advancement. Theresa will be a tremendous asset as we continue to monitor University systems and address outstanding needs following the recent cyber attack.  

 

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan University students named to the Fall 2019 President's List--earning a 4.0 GPA last semester! We honored their achievements during a special reception in the Atrium of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center on February 18. View the photo gallery from the event.

Thank you to Sentara Medical Group, our recent men's basketball corporate sponsor. Sentara is a valued partner of Virginia Wesleyan and we are grateful for their ongoing support. We are proud to call Howard Kern, President and CEO of Sentara, a member of our Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. 

I had an enjoyable meeting with this semester's impressive leadership team for the student-led Marlin Expose: Chandler Scott '21 (Master of Marketing), Travis Harrington '21 (Money Maestro), and Zion Howard '21 (Motivation Specialist & Goals Director).

It was wonderful to visit and share updates with Congresswoman Elaine Luria last week in Virginia Beach. Rep. Luria has been a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan. She served as our spring 2019 Commencement speaker and continues to actively support our institution in many ways. 

Taylor Construction has begun work on the new archway entrance to the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. The project is designed to match Everett Tennis Center.

New Virginia Wesleyan signage was recently installed on Wesleyan Drive.

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the recent edition of Marlins SportSplash here.

Our newest issue of the Wesleyan Review is available. Read about the latest VWU news and events here.

Climate Leadership Network Spring Meeting

In Atlanta for the spring meeting of the Climate Leadership Network, a select group of 440 institutions nationwide taking action on climate and preparing students through research and education to solve the environmental challenges of the 21st century. I have been active with CLN since 2006 and have served as Chair since 2018.  Pictured with Tim Carter, President of Second Nature, and Elsa Nunez, President of Eastern Connecticut State University (and Vice Chair of the CLN). 

Opening Night Social in Atlanta

Opening night social at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit (in Atlanta) is always a good time to connect with old friends. Above, Tony Cortese, Co-Founder and Senior Fellow, Intentional Endowments Network, and Wim Wiewel, President of Lewis & Clark College. Lower left, Julie Newman, Director of Sustainability at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Elsa Nunez, President of Eastern Connecticut State University. Tim Carter, President of Second Nature, and Julio Frenk, President of the University of Miami.

Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)

Enjoyable visit on campus today with Brad Bankston, Commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. VWU is proud to be a part of the 15-member conference. Joining us for the picture is VWU Athletic Director Tina Hill. The Marlins won both games of today’s m/w basketball doubleheader.

BSN Sports

Our thanks to BSN Sports, corporate sponsor of both games for today’s #VWU basketball doubleheader.

Progress Continues

Construction is progressing on the archway at the entrance to the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. Taylor Construction of Virginia Beach is the contractor.

The Wesleyan Review: February 21, 2020

Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/32dnYNY

Thank you to Sentara Medical Group

Thank you to Sentara Medical Group, Wednesday’s men’s basketball corporate sponsor. Sentara is a valued partner of Virginia Wesleyan and we are grateful for their ongoing support. Nice to have Katie Young from Sentara join us at the game. Pictured with Katie, men’s basketball captains, and head coach Dave Macedo.

Photo Gallery: President's List Reception

Enjoyed celebrating our fall 2019 President's List students this week. I'm proud of these hard-working Marlins who earned a 4.0 last semester. View the photo gallery from the recognition reception: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLuE6Br

Visiting UVA's Batten School

Enjoyable visit with Ian Solomon, Dean of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, in Charlottesville today. UVA's Batten School and the Batten Honors College of VWU have been good friends and partners. We continued discussions on expanding collaborative opportunities for our Batten students.

President's List Reception

Yesterday we recognized Virginia Wesleyan students who were named to the President's List for the fall 2019 semester. These impressive students earned a grade point average of 4.0 while matriculating as full-time students taking at least nine semester hours of traditionally graded courses. Congratulations! View the full list here: https://bit.ly/2SX7vJJ 

Inspiring Discussion Led by Janice Underwood

Honored to welcome Janice Underwood—the Commonwealth and Nation's first cabinet-level Chief Diversity Officer—to campus today where she led an inspiring discussion as part of a special event in recognition of Black History Month. We are proud that Virginia and our University are dedicated to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Joining us for photos: Taylor Major (SGA President), Keith Moore (Vice President for Student Affairs), and Brian Kurisky (VWU's Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Wesleyan Engaged). Read more here: https://bit.ly/2HCzJ72

Marlin Exposè Leadership Team

Enjoyed meeting with this semester’s impressive leadership team for the student-led Marlin Exposè: Chandler Scott '21 (Master of Marketing), Travis Harrington '21 (Money Maestro), and Zion Howard '21 (Motivation Specialist & Goals Director). Administrators joining us for the meeting are Maynard Schaus (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Keith Moore (Vice President for Student Affairs), and Jason Seward (Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs). 

Marlins SportSplash: February 18, 2020

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/3bIBLR7

Marlins Day Open House

We had a great time on Saturday welcoming prospective students and their families to campus for the Marlins Day Open House. Read more and view the photo gallery here: vwu.edu/about/news-and-events/features/story/it-s-a-great-day-to-be-a-marlin

First State Chief Diversity Officer to Speak at VWU

A reminder to join us Tuesday, February 18, as we welcome  Dr. Underwood to campus for a special event in honor of Black History Month. The program will begin at noon in the Pearce Suite of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Read more about Virginia's first chief diversity officer and her commitment to fighting racial, ethnic, disability, and gender inequities in the Commonwealth here.

Congresswoman Elaine Luria

Great to visit with Congresswoman Elaine Luria today in Virginia Beach. Rep. Luria has been a good friend and strong supporter of Virginia Wesleyan.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees held its winter meeting on February 12 in the Board of Trustees Suite in the Boyd Dining Center.

Economist and noted author Dr. Jim Koch was the featured speaker at the meeting. Dr. Koch's presentation focused on "Virginia Wesleyan and the Changing World of Higher Education." He is Board of Visitors Professor of Economics Emeritus and President Emeritus of Old Dominion University and President Emeritus of the University of Montana. He most recently published the book "The Impoverishment of the American College Student." 

We enjoyed our time with the Trustees, whose actions included:

• Review and acceptance of reports and actions from the Committees on Trusteeship, Audit, Investment, Finance and Administration, Academic Affairs, Advancement, Student Affairs, and Enrollment;
• Approval of recommendations for promotion and tenure;
• Acceptance of the University independent audit performed by Brown Edwards;
• Acceptance of an updated Investment Policy Statement proposed by the University's endowment manager, Commonfund;
• Acceptance of the 2020 VWU Organizational Chart as presented by the President of the University;
• Acceptance of the mid-year fiscal reports as presented;
• Approval, based on donor preference, of the renaming of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom as the Nusbaum Center;
• Approval of the renaming of Convocation Hall in the Jane P. Batten Student Center as TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center;
• Approval of the renaming of Monumental Chapel as Monumental Chapel and Beazley Recital Hall;
• Approval of the final plans for the new brick signage at the entrance;
• Approval of the final plans for the brick archway/entrance at Rogers Track and Field Center;
• Approval of the final plans for DeFord Manor;
• Approval of the final plans for the Batten Student Center/Boyd Dining Center upgrades;
• Approval of honorary degrees for the 2020 baccalaureate and commencement speakers.

Thank you to our Trustees for a productive meeting and for their service to the institution. Their support, engagement, and stewardship are evident in all they do. As always, we are grateful for the leadership and guidance of Board Chair John Malbon.

ET CETERA

Virginia's First Chief Diversity Officer to Speak at Virginia Wesleyan

In honor of Black History Month, I am pleased to share that Dr. Janice Underwood, Virginia's first-ever Chief Diversity Officer, will be speaking on campus tomorrow, February 18, at noon in the Pearce Suite of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. The event is open to all, and I strongly encourage our entire campus community to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to hear Dr. Underwood speak and interact with her. 

Dr. Underwood is the Commonwealth's first cabinet-level Chief Diversity Officer and the first in the nation to hold a position of this kind. She strongly believes in servant leadership and culturally relevant reform and is committed to addressing racial, ethnic, disability, gender-based, and other cultural inequities in formal and informal policies and practices in Virginia state government. She is working tirelessly to build a statewide strategic plan for diversity and inclusive excellence across 186 state agencies and with other public and private sectors. Her goal is to make Virginia a national exemplar for the nation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. I hope to see you tomorrow at noon. Read more here.

Virginia Wesleyan Earns Champion Title at Statewide Collegiate Ethics Bowl
I am proud to share that our VWU Ethics Bowl team won the 2020 VFIC Ethics Bowl. The VWU team competed against other highly qualified student teams from Virginia's 15 leading independent colleges and universities last week. The theme, "Ethics and Higher Education," presented students with cases they might encounter on college campuses. Our team was undefeated in the four preliminary rounds and edged out Hampden-Sydney College in the final round to win the Batten Trophy for the second time in the event's history. The Batten trophy, named for VWU Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband Frank Batten, Sr., both strong Ethics Bowl supporters, will be displayed on our campus. This is an impressive and fitting achievement as our undefeated team is comprised of all Batten Honors College students. Congratulations to Alex Powers, Anitra Howard, and Criofan Shaw!

Thank you to our longtime Ethics Bowl coach Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson (Professor of Communication Studies) for her hard work and dedication to this program. As many of you know, Dr. Jackson and her husband Joe were in a serious car accident and she remains in the hospital. Please join me in keeping her and Joe in your thoughts. I pray for their comfort and full recovery.

Dr. Loren Loving Marquez (Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs) and April Christman (Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs) accompanied the Ethics Bowl team to Lynchburg and coached them through the competition. My gratitude to them both for stepping up and supporting our students. Read more and view photos here.

Batten Honors College Competition

Over the weekend we welcomed the second of three Batten Honors College competition groups for next fall's class, which will bring our total enrollment to the desired 160. We're delighted with the progress of this highly selective program, which has turned into a national-niche program for Virginia Wesleyan. The competition weekend began Thursday evening with a welcome reception at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and continued Friday and Saturday with interviews, campus tours, class visits, and panel discussions. Participating students and their parents also attended a reception Friday evening at the Slover Library in downtown Norfolk. 

Our second group of competitors was impressive in so many ways. The first competition weekend took place in November, and the third, which follow the same format, is scheduled for March. This selective academic program is made possible by generous support from Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten H'06 and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr. View the photo gallery from the weekend here. 

President to President: Chapter 7

The seventh chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought leadership series is now available. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Marylouise Fennell. In "Leveraging Our Assets: Adult Education as a Tool for Transformation," Muskingum University President Dr. Susan S. Hasseler describes how her institution applies the key elements of adult education programs to better serve degree-seeking students from diverse backgrounds. By leveraging the benefits of adult education programs, such as responsiveness to learners' needs and connections with experts who work in fields beyond academics, institutions can pursue new educational practices that align with the needs of today's college students. Read it here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Virginia Wesleyan faculty share their academic take on "that crazy little thing called love" by offering special lectures, workshops, or presentations February 11 - 21. Students can explore various aspects of love, through different disciplinary lenses during the 10th Annual Love in the Liberal Arts Symposium, sponsored by the the Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL) office. From "puppy love" to the "love of mother nature," this year's campus-wide symposium offers love lectures that provide great opportunities for students to explore another subject or professor without being enrolled in that particular class. Presentations are open to all members of the VWU community. For lecture dates and times, visit the 2020 schedule for the 10th Annual Love in the Liberal Arts Symposium here.

We had an excellent turnout for our winter Marlins Day Open House. I always enjoy the opportunity to visit with prospective students and their families during the opening session in the Goode Center and throughout the day. Read more and view the photo gallery here.

VWU's natatorium recently won the Evoqua Water Technologies' Great UV Giveaway Contest and will be awarded an Energy Technology System- Ultraviolet (ETS-UV) Disinfection System for the natatorium in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Kudos to Mike Ginder, Head Coach for Men's and Women's Swimming at VWU, for entering the facility into the contest. Read more here.

A reminder that VWU is again participating in the annual RecycleMania tournament, a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities. To reduce Virginia Wesleyan's environmental footprint and help meet its RecylceMania goals, students, faculty and staff are asked to put clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard in the blue recycling bins on campus. Metallic energy bar wrappers and personal hygiene packaging (toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles, etc.) can be recycled in the Terracycle bins in the library's 24-hour lounge. In addition, Wesleyan Engaged (Batten 25) is collecting used printer cartridges for recycling and used eyeglasses for donation to the Lions Club. Read more here.

The February edition of The Pharos is now available. Read up on the latest accomplishments of Virginia Wesleyan University faculty and staff here.

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the recent edition of Marlins SportSplash here. 

Kudos to student-athlete Jaylyn Lane of the Virginia Wesleyan University women's track and field team on being tabbed the Field Athlete of the Week by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)! Read more here.

Prior to the launch of the season, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) announced the 2020 Men's Tennis Preseason polls. Virginia Wesleyan was picked to finish second this season. Read more here.

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Have a great week!