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.
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.
