Major Progress

Major progress today on demolition of stands in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Over the next 12 weeks, the old stands will be removed the floor entirely re-done, and new seating installed (a little under 2,000 new seats). When completed, the facility will be called TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.

Demo Begins

Demolition started today on the stands in Convocation Hall. When completed the fully renovated facility will be named TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. 

Main Entrance

Construction started today on the new Virginia Wesleyan University brick sign at the main entrance on Wesleyan Drive.

Coastal 61 Construction Continues

Construction continues on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village, the eight building, 244 unit apartment complex being constructed on the north side of campus. The project is a P3 relationship between Virginia Wesleyan University and The Franklin Johnston Group. To learn more visit coastal61.com.

Nota Bene: Passing of Sue Birdsong

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share the passing of Sue Birdsong, a longtime Virginia Wesleyan supporter who passed away in the early morning of March 25. Sue, George, and the Birdsong family have been dear friends to the University since its founding. Both only 26 years old at the time, George and Sue trace their connection back to the July 1965 groundbreaking for Bray Village (Village I). They were in attendance along with Sue's father, Major T. Benton, then Mayor of Suffolk, and George's Uncle, Harvard R. Birdsong, a charter member of Virginia Wesleyan's Board of Trustees. Ever since, through their dedicated service and unwavering support, the Birdsongs have enriched campus life in so many ways.  

Sue Birdsong attended Longwood College and earned her degree from Pan-American Business School in Richmond. She worked for Mills Godwin in his law office and while he served as Lt. Governor and Speaker Pro-Tem of the Senate for the State of Virginia. She also served for 10 years on the Board of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. 

Mrs. Birdsong served on the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation Board and, with George, made possible the Birdsong Initiative, a study examining the positive impact of bedside computers among dementia patients. The award-winning study was conducted in 2015 by researchers at Eastern Virginia Medical School with support from students in Virginia Wesleyan's Recreational Therapy program. The Birdsong Initiative later received the Excellence in Research and Education Award from LeadingAge, a Washington, D.C.-based association representing non-profit aging services organizations throughout the U.S. 

Most of you know the Birdsongs through the numerous landmarks and programs on campus that pay tribute to and were made possible by their family. These include Birdsong Hall, an original building in Bray Village, which was dedicated to the Birdsong Family in 1968. Birdsong Peanuts and the Birdsongs have made a number of significant gifts throughout the University's history. The Birdsong Community Services Endowment Fund was established in 1995 to provide support for Virginia Wesleyan's acclaimed community services program. They also established the Birdsong Corporation/George and Sue Birdsong Endowed Scholarship that provides assistance to deserving students. Their generous commitment to Birdsong Field, VWU's multi-purpose outdoor synthetic turf athletic field, enabled the University to dedicate this greatly needed facility in honor of the family in 2015. 

The strength of Virginia Wesleyan today can be traced in significant ways to the Birdsongs, and the University has benefited tremendously from their genuine interest in student success. To honor their continued guidance and support, in 2016 the University announced the formation of the Birdsong School of Social Science. And just this past February, Sue and George and the Birdsong families were inducted into the Virginia Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame for their contributions to our Marlins intercollegiate athletics program. A portrait of Sue and George hangs in Founders Foyer, among the University's greatest benefactors, and will forever cement the importance of the family in Virginia Wesleyan history. 

We are deeply saddened by Sue's passing and will miss her dearly. We are grateful for her numerous contributions to our community and to our institution, which she served so faithfully, and we extend our sincerest sympathy to her husband, George, their three children, and eight grandchildren. We will keep you advised as additional details are known.

Watch Now: Coronavirus Update

Wednesday night members of Virginia Wesleyan's Emergency Response Team and I hosted a live town hall with information and updates regarding the University's response to COVID-19. In case you missed it, the video is now archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network and is available for streaming here: https://boxcast.tv/view/town-hall-coronavirus-update-from-virginia-wesleyan-university-798787

VWU Alumni News

"While we were disappointed to have to cancel much of our Spring Alumni Weekend (and postpone the rest), we are excited to present these alumni engagement opportunities to you. We hope Virginia Wesleyan can be a light for you in these uncertain times and help you remember that every day is a great day to be a Marlin." Read more from our VWU Alumni Office here: https://conta.cc/2UkuZtT

Watch Live: VWU Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Be sure to tune in this evening at 7 p.m. (March 25) to a COVID-19 town hall meeting with me and members of the University's Emergency Response Team. This virtual meeting will be informational in nature and is meant to offer clarity on this evolving situation and next steps for the Virginia Wesleyan community. Additional panelists include Vice President for Academic Affairs Maynard Schaus and Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore, with moderation by Jason Seward '05, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. 

Watch live here: https://bit.ly/3bqznxj

Marlins SportSplash: ODAC Cancels 2020 Spring Seasons and Championships

Catch the latest from Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2xoA4bC

Letter of Commendation from Governor Northam

VWU's Director of Civic Leadership and Service Learning Brian Kurisky holds a letter of commendation from Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam. Gov. Northam sent congratulations to VWU for being one of five colleges and universities in Virginia, and one of 119 in the nation, to receive the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for the 2020 cycle.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

I pray this email finds our Marlin family well and in good spirits. Thank you to so many of you who shared expressions of support following my recent letter to the Virginia Wesleyan University community. The compassion shown for one another over these past few weeks has been a bright light during this dark time.  We have had to make a number of  changes that involve milestones being modified, postponed, or in some cases canceled. The postponing of Virginia Wesleyan's May Commencement Exercises was truly heartbreaking. Our seniors have worked incredibly hard over the last several years, many overcoming a variety of obstacles to reach this monumental moment.  Last Thursday our Emergency Response Team consulted with leadership from the senior class to explore alternative options. It was important for us that the Class of 2020 have a voice in this matter. I am delighted to share that a mutual decision was reached to hold our Commencement Ceremony on campus Sunday, December 6. We are pleased that Will Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, will remain our 2020 Commencement Speaker. I look forward to welcoming these soon-to-be graduates back to campus as alumni. Please save the date and make plans to join us for this momentous occasion. # # # On Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., I'll be hosting a town hall with members of our Emergency Response Team. This virtual meeting will be informational in nature, offering clarity on this evolving situation and next steps for the Virginia Wesleyan community. Watch our website, your email inboxes, and our social media sites for webcast information. In the meantime, visit the VWU COVID-19 resource page at vwu.edu/coronavirus for the latest information. As the University shifts to remote instruction today, I wish our students and faculty the best. Your ability and willingness to adapt is admired. Thank you all for the extra effort, patience, and understanding you have extended to make a difficult situation a little easier for everyone.  ET CETERA The Wesleyan Review The latest editon of the Wesleyan Review is now available and contains helpful information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on VWU. Access it here. Church Leaders Postpone 2020 General Conference The Executive Committee of the Commission on the General Conference of the United Methodist Church announced last week the decision to postpone the May 2020 General Conference--the denomination's legislative assembly--amid the coronavirus crisis. Read more here. Dr. Mark Hanshaw, Associate General Secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), also sends along an update, "UMC Higher Ed Response to Coronavirus." Read it here. Gratitude for Chaplain Greg West After 10 years of dedicated service to the University, the United Methodist Church will be reassigning Greg West as part of their pastoral appointment process. As you are aware, this is a pivotal time in the United Methodist Church with deep divides among subgroups of the Church. Greg has been instrumental in establishing opportunities for community members to explore their faith through structured group dialogue, ecumenical Sunday worship, and as the organizer of several mission trips during his tenure. We wish Greg and his family all the best, and we thank him for his many contributions to the institution and in the community. With wisdom provided by the Bishop and leaders in the Church, the University has already begun the process of actively seeking our next leader for the campus ministry. Through Greg's good work, this position will be attractive for the right candidate. Please join me in thanking Greg for his immeasurable contributions. We wish him all the best. ODAC's Decision to Cancel Spring Competition and Championships The Old Dominion Athletics Conference (ODAC) announced Friday their decision to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 conference athletic campaign. The cancellation includes all regular season league play as well as ODAC postseason and championship competition. Read more here. Batten Bulletin The spring issue of the Batten Bulletin--the newsletter of VWU's highly selective Batten Honors College--is now available. View it here.  Condolences to Stephen Leist It is with sorrow that I share the passing of George "Gus" Leist, father of VWU Research Librarian Stephen Leist. Mr. Leist passed away on March 14 in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 97. Please join me in keeping Stephen and his family in your thoughts during this painful time. Mr. Leist's obituary can be viewed here. AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS   Campus is quiet right now, but as we enter this season of spring, it is looking beautiful as ever. Our University community is truly missed and I look forward to the day we are back together on campus again. For now, I will share with you  below updates on several campus construction projects: Coastal 61 at Oxford Village -- Construction continues on the eight building, 244-unit Coastal 61 at Oxford Village mixed use housing complex on the north side of campus along Wesleyan Drive. View recent photos here. The public-private partnership with The Franklin Johnston Group of Virginia Beach is scheduled for completion this fall/winter. University Store -- Renovation of the former Bookstore into the Scribner University Store has been completed. In addition to apparel, the store is now the home to Duplication and Postal Services. Adjacent to the Scribner University Store is Coastal Market, a quick-stop store with a variety of food, beverages, and convenient items. Convocation Hall -- In the coming months, a new playing surface will be installed and demolition of existing seating and installation of new seating will occur in the Convocation Hall of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. View renderings here. Thanks to TowneBank for their grant that is making this project possible.  Entrance Archway at Rogers Track and Field Center -- Construction and landscaping have been completed at the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. View a photo of the entrance archway here. Thanks to Trustee Emeritus Bill Shelhorse '70 for his support on this project named in memory of his sister.   New signage at entrance -- Construction will begin this week on the new sign at the main entrance to the University. View the rendering here. The Trails at Wesleyan Woods -- Clearing and grading was completed recently on the newest trail in Wesleyan Woods. Located off of Norfolk Lane (the road that runs to Facilities Management), the trail loop goes back to the western border of the campus (at Interstate 64) and follows the Norfolk side of Lake Taylor before re-emerging near the Norfolk Avenue connection. Also, in case you missed it, new signage arrived recently for the scenic walking, running and biking trails on our beautiful, park-like 300-acre Virginia Wesleyan University campus. Fine Arts Building -- Fundraising continues and our goal is in sight for a May challenge grant deadline for the upgrades to the original Fine Arts Building. We have initiated conversations with several contractors and should be ready to proceed sometime this summer.  DeFord Manor -- Private funds have been raised and plans have been finalized. Construction is expected to begin this fall. STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES Features News Briefs VWU Athletics The Arts at VWU 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 well!

The Wesleyan Review: March 20, 2020

The latest editon of the Wesleyan Review is now available and contains helpful information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on VWU. View it here: https://conta.cc/2U9OoxI

Coastal 61

Construction of Oxford Village progressing on the north side of Wesleyan Drive.

Virtual Faculty Meeting

As faculty contine to prepare to move to remote instruction on Monday, Vice President Maynard Schaus held a virtual faculty meeting to answer questions and facilitate the transition to the new format.

A Message of Reflection and Gratitude

Today I shared the below message with the Virginia Wesleyan University Community, which can also be viewed here.

I write to you this afternoon, not with instructions or processes, but with reflections from the heart on the challenges we are all facing. In my 30 years as a college president, I have never experienced circumstances quite like these. It is a learning curve for all of us, one that comes with many emotions. 

Students: I am sad that your on-campus experience has been taken from you. I especially ache for our seniors, who must forgo their final moments with friends, classmates, professors, and athletic teams. Please know that the decision to move to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester was extremely difficult and made with your safety at the top of our minds. I can only hope that you are comforted in knowing that your sacrifice means a great deal and directly impacts the health of our community, country and world. We pledge to continue the top-quality education you are accustomed to, and we are here to support you in every way we can through this time. 

Faculty and Staff: Thank you. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your dedication and resolve over the past several weeks as we have navigated this seemingly unprecedented situation. From our faculty’s swift development of remote course materials, to our staff’s efforts to maintain normal administrative operations and keep our campus clean and safe. I know you have all done this with our students’ safety and well-being at the forefront of your minds, and you’ve done it while taking care of your own families and keeping yourselves healthy. Thank you for being a part of this team and this family. We couldn’t make it through this without you. 

Parents, Alumni, Community Partners and Friends: I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from you. The phone calls, emails, and messages of encouragement have warmed our hearts and served as a valuable reminder that we are all in this together—and that we are always better when we work together. We are juggling a lot of decisions and working at break-neck speed to change our way of life. Our hope is that we share pertinent information with you in the most timely and efficient manner possible, but if you do have questions or concerns that are not being addressed, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will respond as soon as we can. 

University Leadership: Whether we are celebrating successes or navigating challenges, I am consistently amazed at your strength and steady hands. Our gratitude is immeasurable for the guidance and support of our Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, Alumni Council, President’s Council, and Parents Council. I especially want to thank our Emergency Response Team, led by Vice President for Academic Affairs Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore, Vice President for Finance and Administration Jim Cooper, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Seward. They have closely monitored breaking news and best practices from state and national health organizations and have responded appropriately and effectively to the challenges at hand. 

 # # # 

In the last several months, our world has changed in ways that are difficult to understand and process. We are frustrated. We are disappointed. But, we are Marlins, and we will face this unexpected challenge together—to the best of our abilities, and with strength and grace.  

On Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., I’ll be hosting a town hall with members of our Emergency Response Team. This virtual meeting will be more informational in nature and is meant to offer clarity on this evolving situation and next steps for the Virginia Wesleyan community. Please watch for more information coming soon. 

I know anxieties are high, but let us take comfort in knowing that as a community we are taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of this disease and protect our most vulnerable. 

Be diligent, and be well. 

With gratitude,
Scott

Spring 2020 Batten Bulletin

The Spring 2020 issue of Batten Bulletin—the newsletter of VWU's elite and highly selective Batten Honors College—is now available: https://bit.ly/2WqFQUM

Urgent - VWU Moving to Remote Instruction

Please see the below message to the campus community from Vice President for Academic Affairs Maynard Schaus: 

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.Virginia Wesleyan officials have been monitoring developments closely, and continue to heed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara Healthcare in order to make the best decisions for the health and safety of our campus community. Based on the most recent CDC recommendations, we have decided to shift to remote course instruction for the remainder of the semester. Our faculty members have been preparing for this possibility, and will contact students with specific course information by the end of the day on Monday, March 23. 

The University will also shift to remote work for employees with supervisor approval. Certain essential staff will need to report as directed. Instructions from your Vice President will follow. 

All campus events are cancelled through the end of the spring semester (May 8). This includes Spring Alumni Weekend, Port Day, Spring Honors Convocation, and all athletic events. It also includes the Marlins Day Open House scheduled for April 4, though the Office of Enrollment will continue in-person campus tours to small groups by appointment throughout the semester, as well as offering virtual tours.The May Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies will be postponed to a later date. We are communicating with senior student leadership about this and will announce a specific date soon.

The University will continue to offer on-campus housing to current residential students who apply and are granted special permission to reside on campus through the end of the semester. Permission will be granted on a case by case basis. For those who stay, all group gatherings and events will be cancelled, limited campus resources and services will be available, and no guests will be permitted on campus. Based on recommendations and guidelines from state and national health officials, students will not be permitted to return to campus to retrieve belongings until instructions for how to do so are communicated. Students will receive detailed information from the Office of Residence Life shortly. Information will also be forthcoming regarding a prorated student account credit for room and board for those who do not return to campus housing. 

We thank our students for their flexibility and understanding, as we know this news is disappointing, especially to our seniors. We also offer our sincerest appreciation to our faculty and staff for keeping operations and instruction running smoothly during this time. We ask that you stay safe and continue to monitor your Virginia Wesleyan email and the VWU COVID-19 resource page at www.vwu.edu/coronavirus.

The Trails at Wesleyan Woods

Signage arrived recently for The Trails at Wesleyan Woods — the scenic walking, running and biking trails on our beautiful, park-like 300 acre Virginia Wesleyan University campus.

Marlin SportSplash: March 17, 2020

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2Wk9XNv

Event Alert: Spring Alumni Weekend

Our risk management team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO.int), and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov). In addition to published recommendations, we routinely dialogue with experts at the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara healthcare. 

 The safety and comfort of our students, alumni, parents, and friends is of the utmost importance. At this time, the Class of 1970 50th Anniversary Celebration, originally scheduled for Friday, April 3, has been postponed to Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 2-4). All other Spring Alumni Weekend activities (Parents Council Business Meeting, Alumni Social, Pig Pickin' Picnic, and Strike Out Cancer) have been cancelled. Please see our University's website for institutional updates regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the weeks ahead. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 2-4.

Event Alert: Robert F. Boyd Institute at VWU (March 23-24)

Our risk management team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO.int), and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov). 

 For the safety and comfort of our speaker, Rev. Olu Brown, and our guests, the University has decided to postpone the Robert F. Boyd Institute originally scheduled for March 23-24. At this time, registration fees are suspended in the hope that those who have registered will still be able to join us. Please keep an eye on your email for our announcement regarding the new date. 

 We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the coming weeks.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Our risk management team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO.int), and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov). In addition to published recommendations, we routinely dialogue with experts at the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara Healthcare. The safety and health of our students, faculty/staff, alumni, parents, and friends is of the utmost importance. At this time, the Robert F. Boyd Institute originally scheduled for March 23-24 has been postponed. An announcement regarding the new date will be forthcoming. The Class of 1970 50th Anniversary Celebration, originally scheduled for Friday, April 3, has been postponed to Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 2-4). All other Spring Alumni Weekend activities originally scheduled for April 3-4 (Parents Council Business Meeting, Alumni Social, Pig Pickin' Picnic, and Strike Out Cancer) have been cancelled. Additionally I share with you information released by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference: “The ODAC has also been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on operations at ODAC member-institution campuses. The ODAC announces the following procedures regarding the remainder of the 2019-20 athletic seasons: All regular season conference competition will be suspended indefinitely beginning Saturday, March 14 in response to growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference will remain in communication with its member institutions on a regular basis to monitor the landscape and evaluate its response. Updates will be made when appropriate with regards to the possible continuation of the spring seasons as well as any upcoming postseason events.  This news does not prohibit institutions from continuing their athletics programs as they see fit.” At the present time, VWU is working toward continuing its practice and competition schedule as soon as opponents are available to resume competition in a safe and reasonable manner. I share with you a link to statements from the NCAA on the cancellation of winter and spring championships and regarding eligibility.  As was communicated with the campus community last week, all campus events are being monitored, modified, or cancelled based on supporting information and the nature of the event. University services and offices, including residential halls and dining services, will still be available to students during spring break. All University-sponsored international travel has been suspended until further notice. University-sponsored domestic travel is being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All VWU students studying abroad have been asked to return to the U.S. Students returning from high-risk areas will remain in a two-week self-quarantine at home prior to returning to campus. More information will be shared on Wednesday of this week (March 18) regarding operations for the two weeks following spring break. Faculty have developed plans for remote course delivery, should that become necessary. We do not intend to cancel classes outright.  Please continue to monitor the University website for institutional updates regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the coming weeks. # # # On a brighter note, it's hard to believe it's Spring Break at Virginia Wesleyan! We certainly have had a lively and eventful spring semester, and last week was no exception. Wednesday was a special day in Virginia Wesleyan's history as we celebrated the rededication of H.C. Hofheimer II Library and paid tribute to its namesake. Mr. Hofheimer was one of the first major contributors and visionaries of not just the library, but of the institution. He served on the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in the growth of Virginia Wesleyan, providing strong support from the beginning. The library was originally dedicated on March 5, 1970 under the leadership of Mr. Hofheimer and then-President Lambuth Clarke, and it was a true privilege to re-dedicate the library 50 years later. The celebration included a special unveiling of a commissioned portrait of Mr. Hofheimer that is prominently displayed near the main entrance of the library. I was honored to join Dr. Steve Mansfield, University Archivist and Vice President and Dean Emeritus, and Sue Erickson, Director of  Hofheimer Library, in delivering remarks, honoring the past, present, and future of this significant building in the heart of campus. We were honored to host some very special guests for the ceremony, including Clay Barr and Linda Kaufman (two of Mr. Hofheimer's daughters), Ms. Elena Baum (granddaughter of Mr. Hofheimer) and her husband Gary, and President Emeritus Lambuth Clarke's wife Alice Clarke and daughter Virginia Hitch. We thank Elise Wright, Mr. Hofheimer's daughter, for sending her support and celebrating with us from afar. Read more and view the photo gallery here. ET CETERA President's Council We had a productive spring meeting of the Virginia Wesleyan University President's Council recently. The Council is comprised of business leaders who embrace, embody, and similarly align with the University's vision and values in their management practices. Their personal and professional influence and support ensures students are strategically positioned to participate in opportunities such as internships and externships that will prepare them for a meaningful life and career. VWU Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Wesleyan Engaged Brian Kurisky along with student India Khanna gave an engaging presentation on our civic engagement and service learning initiatives and progress. Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) Virginia Wesleyan joined more than 100 major businesses, investors, and higher education institutions in supporting the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional effort to decrease transportation-sector emissions from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. TCI presents an opportunity to address climate change and ensure state economies continue to thrive while modernizing the region's transportation system.  A list of our fellow signatories in each state, as well as more information about the policy and resources to learn about TCI can be found here. Read more in the press release. Duplication and Postal Services The Virginia Wesleyan University Mail and Copy Services has been renamed as Duplication and Postal Services to better reflect the activities and functions provided to our faculty, staff, and students. To further improve services and efficiencies to our customers, Duplication and Postal Services has a new location in the Scribner University Store located in the Batten Student Center. The email address has changed to reflect this renaming: duplicationandpostalservices@vwu.edu. These changes went into effect last week. AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS Recently I attended the 2020 Virginia Beach State of the City at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Thanks to Mayor Bobby Dyer for the invitation and updates regarding the city. Mayor Dyer discussed key business development initiatives, provided strategic municipal progress updates, addressed challenges and opportunities, and provided a glimpse into the city's future. Thanks to Doug Smith, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), for the informative and engaging presentation at our Greater Norfolk Corporation Executive Committee meeting last week. Doug discussed HREDA's new business model and current Initiatives. At a meeting of the Hampton Roads Chamber Virginia Beach Board of Directors, Norfolk International Authority provided a briefing. The meeting was held earlier this month in Virginia Beach Town Center. I enjoyed visiting with Kurt Krause, President and CEO of Visit Norfolk, at Mayor Kenny Alexander's reception welcoming the MEAC Tournament to Norfolk. During the event, MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas announced the cancellation of the tournament--which had already started. The reception was held at the newly renovated NEON House on Granby Street. Kurt has been the visionary for "Campus 757"-- a new multifaceted collaborative of the five Norfolk-based higher educational institutions that will soon be announced. Finishing touches were made on the new entrance at the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. We recently welcomed scholars from across the country for our third and final Batten Honors Competition of the academic year. View the photo gallery here. Kudos to student-athlete Hanna Hull of the Virginia Wesleyan softball team for picking up her third Pitcher of the Week honor of the season by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Read more here. Read up on the latest accomplishments of Virginia Wesleyan University faculty and staff in the March edition of The Pharos. Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the recent edition of Marlins SportSplash here. STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES Features News Briefs VWU Athletics The Arts at VWU 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)  # # # Stay well!