ICYMI: Honoring the Legacy of Robert Nusbaum

The Robert Nusbaum Center, formerly the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, will continue to expand its focus to encompass diversity, dialogue, faith & freedom. The Center has grown in prominence and national stature since its inception in 1996. With that growth in mind, and in consultation with major contributors and family members of its late Founding Fellow Robert Nusbaum, the center has been renamed in his honor. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3d1mbj9

VWU Goes Remote: Professor Paul Ewell

Virginia Wesleyan University's Paul Ewell shares his passion for boats and the sea in a minicourse for VWU's community partners at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Paul is Dean of the VWU Global Campus and Professor of Management, Business, and Economics. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3f4TpjE

President to President: Chapter 10

The tenth and final chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought-leadership series is now available online. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Marylouise Fennell. In "The Blank Sheet of Paper: Crafting Curated Solutions for Strategic Partners," Robert Morris University President Chris Howard describes how his institution forms strategic relationships with local businesses and other employers to develop mutually beneficial programs that support students at all stages of their academic and professional journeys. He illustrates how flexibility, agility, and responsiveness to the needs of the region form the foundation of many of his University's most successful partnerships. I am sure we can all appreciate the parallel to this chapter and our need for partnership during this time of crisis and recovery. Read more here: https://president2president.com/library/2019-2020_ch10

Kudos to Student-Athletes Jaylyn Layne and Geni Roberts

The Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Association released the first-ever College Division All-State Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field teams this week. Our very own Jaylyn Lane was named the inaugural VaSID Women's Field Athlete of the Year while Geni Roberts was named State's Field Rookie of the Year on the men's side. Congratulations and well done, Marlins! Read more here.

Marlins SportSplash: April 28, 2020

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/35l84CU

A Message from Virginia’s College and University Presidents

Honored to participate with fellow college and university presidents across the Commonwealth in sharing messages of support to our students. To our Marlins, and to all current and future college students, remember that we are in this together! View the video here: https://vimeo.com/410271651

Gardens of the Greer

Take a virtual stroll through the spectacular "Gardens of the Greer." Marisa Cousin, horticulturist for Norfolk Botanical Garden and VWU, has captured the beauty of the living landscapes and provided a detailed description for each photo that includes botanical and common names, locations and information about each native plant. Enjoy here: https://bit.ly/3bMdeKw

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

This is the time of year when we typically hold a series of special events in celebration of our retiring faculty and staff. Unfortunately, the coronavirus crisis has delayed those in-person recognitions for the time being. With due respect to social distancing, I ask that you join me from afar in congratulating six special members of our Marlin family who have achieved this significant milestone and will be retiring this spring.

• Tamela Dhority Thornes, Operations Manager and Technical Director for the Goode Center (20 years of service)
• Dr. Hilve Firek, Professor of Education (10 years of service)
• Dr. J. Michael Hall, Lambuth M. Clarke Professor of English (40 years of service)
• Audrey Rafferty, Payroll Manager (35 years of service)
• Dr. Jayne Sullivan, Associate Professor of Education (20 years of service)
• Midge Zimmerman, Director of Purchasing (20 years of service)

A celebration of their service will be held in the fall when we can safely and properly gather to express our gratitude. We will also hold the traditional tree planting ceremony for our retiring faculty in the Wilson Arboretum at that time. 

Additionally, I congratulate Drs. Hall and Sullivan on being awarded the distinction of Professor Emeritus.

Thank you again to these Marlins who have left their mark of distinction on our campus and community.

# # #

I am pleased to share that Dr. Steven Emmanuel, Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Wesleyan University, has been named as the next Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities. Dr. Emmanuel is a longtime and highly respected member of the Virginia Wesleyan faculty. He has received many awards for teaching, research and public service throughout his career, including the Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)--the Commonwealth's highest honor for faculty at Virginia public and private colleges and universities

I also want to thank Dr. Travis Malone, the inaugural Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, for his outstanding leadership--most notably serving as the academic liaison for the construction of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center and the fundraising campaign for the original Fine Arts Building.  

Dr. Malone has done a truly remarkable job since its establishment in 2016. As his term will end with the academic year, I want to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Malone for his dedication and service during this time of growth and change. The arts at Virginia Wesleyan have positively thrived under his leadership and he has been a valued adviser. I know the program will remain in good hands under Dr. Emmanuel's deanship.

# # #

You have often heard me speak of the widely-respected reputation of our Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Founded in 1996, the Center has grown in national prominence and stature. With that growth in mind, and in consultation with major contributors and family members of its late Founding Fellow Robert "Bob" Nusbaum, the Center has been renamed in his honor. The Robert Nusbaum Center will continue to expand its focus to encompass diversity, dialogue, faith and freedom. 

Nusbaum, who passed away in 2018, was a prominent Hampton Roads civic leader, a former Virginia Wesleyan Trustee and Founding Fellow of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Center, first proposing the idea in a letter he wrote in November 1995:

"I venture to guess that more persons have been slaughtered in the name of religion than from any other cause...in this continuing saga of man's inhumanity to man, the one bright light that goes beyond mere tolerance is Jefferson's Statute for Religious Freedom. It laid the foundation for the First Amendment, and has served as a beacon for all enlightened constitutions ever since." 

Thanks to his vision and persistence, the Center became a reality less than a year later in 1996.

"When Bob spoke of the Virginia Statute and the First Amendment, he highlighted how their legacy has resulted in diversity, dialogue, faith, and freedom in our nation," noted Dr. Craig Wansink, the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr., Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center. He continued, "At the same time, he recognized their fragility. If our nation doesn't see diversity and dialogue as important to its growth, it becomes something different than what the founders intended. It was his hope that students and citizens more deeply value those rights. I am grateful to be part of that mission for our commonwealth and country."

Bob Nusbaum and his brother, V.H. "Pooch" Nusbaum, later established the Justine L. Nusbaum Endowed Lectureship in honor of their mother, also well known for her lifelong volunteer service and dedication to humanitarian causes.

In 2016, Nusbaum created an endowment enabling the center to hold an annual student essay contest in which participants reflect on the importance of religious freedom either in this country or around the world. He shared his own worry that many young people do not understand the heritage of religious freedom as well as his wish that every VWU student would graduate with an understanding of the challenges and obstacles that humanity has overcome in attaining religious freedom, and to have an appreciation of the need to be ever vigilant to maintain those rights.

In recognition of his immeasurable service to the institution, Virginia Wesleyan awarded Nusbaum an honorary degree (Doctor of Laws) in 2003, and officially named him as the Founding Fellow of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom during the 2016 Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture. In 2013, he was the recipient of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award.

Nusbaum served in an astonishing range of civic organizations, nearly always in leadership roles, and often as president or chair. In the late 1950s and into the 1960s, he publicly fought against "massive resistance" to the integration of the Norfolk public schools. For the short term, he helped raise money to hire a lawyer for African-American school children and their families and organized business and community support for reopening the schools. For the long term, he founded a program called "The Aid Fund" which provided scholarships to African-American students struggling against racial discrimination in Virginia's colleges and universities.

In the 1980s, he responded creatively to the controversy surrounding the new in-vitro fertilization program at EVMS. He founded a group known as Virginians Organized for Informed Community Expression, or VOICE, to promote public education about this program. He also helped establish the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine Foundation and served for several years as chairman of its board.

These few examples of the unique characteristics Nusbaum exhibited illustrate the sensitivity of his interest in this important area. Virginia Wesleyan University is grateful for Robert Nusbaum's numerous contributions to the community and the University, which he served so faithfully, and proudly renames the center to reflect his vision and honor his legacy.

# # # 

Congratulations to Amy Rush, who assumes the role of Executive Director of The Lighthouse. Amy has served as Deputy Director in recent years and has also played an important role in the development and growth of the Army ROTC Marlin Company on campus. 

During the last five years, The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery, has become the "go to" place for three of our core academic pillars: undergraduate research, career development, and study away.  Soon, an important fourth component, Wesleyan Engaged: The Center for Civic Engagement and Service Learning, will join The Lighthouse on the first floor of Clarke Hall. During January Term, the Office of Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning also moved from the Jane P. Batten Student Center to an area adjacent to The Lighthouse.  

The relocation of these programs, coupled with the recent growth of the Beazley Foundation Technology Center and expanded reach and reputation of the Robert Nusbaum Center, creates an exciting hub on the first floor of Clarke Hall--once dubbed "The Academic Center of Virginia Wesleyan." 

We also thank Dr. Sara Sewell, the founding Executive Director of The Lighthouse, for her leadership and concurrent completion of the Quality Enhancement Plan for our accrediting body--the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We wish her well as she returns to teaching full time.

ET CETERA

Batten Honors College Convocation

Since the founding of the distinctive Batten Honors College in the fall of 2107, an intimate recognition ceremony has been held for the newest Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars. A ceremonial pinning of each student represents their completion of orientation and formal induction into the elite Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University.

As the program has grown and the highly selective Batten Honors College has flourished, the ceremony has also grown to reflect this. This fall, all four classes of the Batten Honors College will attend the Batten Honors College Convocation and we will welcome Dr. Ian Solomon, Dean of UVA's Frank Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy, as the keynote speaker. This special event will be held on our Founders Day, September 10. 

Founded in 2017, the Batten Honors College has flourished as an elite, highly selective program and national niche for Virginia Wesleyan.

Encourage Student Engagement in 2020

Over the last several months, my colleague Dr. Michael Roth (President of Wesleyan University) has been discussing with leaders of colleges and universities our shared responsibilities for developing civically engaged citizens and contributing to civic life. Virginia Wesleyan University has publicly joined in this effort and as a signatory, affirmed our institution's commitment. Higher education has an obligation to empower thoughtful participation in our political system as part of our contribution to the public good.

Our effort endorses three principles: (1) Developing civic preparedness is a core element of the mission of American higher education; (2) Participating in American political life helps students learn from a diversity of ideas and people while developing skills for lifelong, active citizenship; (3) Empowering students and teachers to engage with the complex issues facing the country are crucial facets of higher education's contributions to the common good. Learn more here.

In the coming months, we hope to share stories of students and programs around the U.S. that are helping make these principles a reality. We realize that the traditional "knocking on doors" will not be possible for some time. Virtual engagement in the public sphere will inspire creative forms of political participation, and we hope to circulate those inspiring examples to amplify their impact.

VWU Celebrates the 50th Earth Day

Though the on-campus plans for last week's 50th anniversary celebration of Earth Week were disrupted by COVID-19, the tribute was adapted to include virtual recognition of this important milestone. VWU honored the University's commitment to the environment with tributes to the past, present and future. From the 1992 student demonstration to protect the beech wood forest on campus to the lush gardens now surrounding the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and a new VWU Sustainability Leaders program in the works, Virginia Wesleyan has always put environmental stewardship at the forefront. Read more here.

Summer Session

Whether you are behind or looking to complete your degree early, Summer Session at Virginia Wesleyan University is the perfect solution. You can hit the books in the morning and the beach (and summer jobs) in the afternoon. An affordable option, Summer Session courses are discounted 73 percent compared to fall and spring tuition. We offer five terms throughout the summer, beginning in May. Learn more here.

Congressional Art Competition

Last year VWU was proud to be the host site of Rep. Elaine Luria's inaugural Congressional Art Competition for Virginia's Second District. Due to the spread of COVID-19, necessary changes were made to this year's competition to keep participants safe and healthy. While we were looking forward to the event being held on our campus again this year, we are glad that the competition will not be canceled. This is an annual non-partisan competition for high school students to show their artistic talents to the nation with a chance to have their work hung in the Capitol Building in Washington. Learn more here.

Condolences to Sharon Laderberg

It is with sorrow that I share the passing of Ms. Arlene Berman Kesser, mother of VWU Assistant Vice President for Advancement Sharon Laderberg. Ms. Kesser passed away at the age of 84 on April 23. A private graveside service will be held in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Please join me in keeping Sharon and her family in your thoughts during this painful time. Ms. Kesser's obituary can be viewed here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Work continues on the floors of our new TowneBank Arena. Take a look at these recent photos.

Significant progress has been made on the luxury apartment complex across from our main entrance on Wesleyan Drive. View recent photos of  Coastal 61 at Oxford Village. 

This year the campaigning and elections for the VWU Student Government Association (SGA) were conducted virtually. All Marlins were able to nominate candidates for positions through social media polls and by email. Candidates created digital flyers, campaign videos, and contacted various campus offices to post their campaign materials on their respective social media platforms to spread the word far and wide. Director of Student Activities Sarah Guzzo shared that once elections went live, votes poured in. Congratulations to this year's elected Student Government Association Officials for the 2020-21 academic year!

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Sabrina "Bri" Jones, President

Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Rising class and major: Senior, Criminal Justice with Sociology minor

Campus Involvement: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Resident Assistant, women's basketball, Batten Center Staff 

"I am excited to be a part of SGA this year because I believe that the student body is very important and their voices matter. I want it to be my job, to make sure they are heard and this coming year to be the best year yet at VWU!"

Alaira Groomes, Vice President 

Hometown: Germantown, Maryland

Class and Major: Rising Senior; Business

Campus Involvement: Tri Sigma Sorority, Resident Assistant, Debate Club President, Student Activities Office, Wesleyan Activities Council Event Supervisor

"To listen to the voices of the students and make changes that are both feasible and effective"

Issac Guzman, Secretary

Hometown: Passaic, New Jersey

Class and Major: Rising Senior; Communication with a Business Minor 

Campus Involvement: Marlin Ministries, Coastal Market Staff

"The main reason to be excited to be an SGA member is being able to be in a leadership role with pioneering minds. The people in the SGA community are known for their diligence in the classroom and for the student community, also not to mention, how much we care for the student administration in their collaborations to make Virginia Wesleyan great!"

Joey Mueller, Treasurer

Hometown: Woodbridge Virginia

Class and Majors: Rising Sophomore; Political Science and Theatre

Campus Involvement: Batten Honors College 

"I am excited to continue the work we started last year and to make sure our entire student body feels heard and included."

Allison Churchman, Special Events Coordinator

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia

Class and Major: Rising Senior; Business.

Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, President of Tri Sigma Sorority, Wesleyan Ambassador, Wesleyan Activities Council Event Supervisor, Debate Club 

"I'm excited to be a part of SGA because I am excited to represent the true interests of the student body."

CLASS OFFICIALS: 

Eric Fisher III, Senior Class President

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Major and Class: Rising Senior; Sports and Recreation Management

Campus Involvement: Men's Track and Field, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Homelessness Shelter Student Organization 

"I enjoy being a part of SGA because I think it's cool to be a contributing factor to the upcoming freshmen's experience."

Dazjae Johnson, Senior Class Vice President 

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia

Major: Social Work

Campus Involvement: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Society of Leadership and Success, Resident Assistant, Homecoming Queen of 2018-2019

"This is my third year having the absolutely amazing opportunity of being a part of SGA, and every year I find that I become more connected with the student body. The best part has been taking the students' concerns back to the meetings, and watching all the leaders of SGA as well as Jason and Keith work so diligently to come up with solutions. The care that this group of individuals have for the student body is truly so angelic! I'm excited for another year to give back to the campus through the wonderful works of SGA!"

Landry Moffo, Junior Class President 

Hometown: Stafford Virginia  

Major: Recreation and Leisure Management

Campus Involvement:  Men's Track and Field, Debate Club 

"Last year we started some new Wesleyan traditions and I'm excited to reintroduce those ideas again ( in hopes of getting more participation) as well as start some new ones and develop a positive subculture at Virginia Wesleyan. I'm also excited to see all of the changes that can occur for the student body as they voice their opinions throughout the year to myself and the rest of the reps."

Danielle "D'Arcy" D'Arcy, Junior Class Vice President 

Hometown: Williamsburg, Virginia

Majors: Elementary Education and Business

Campus Involvement : Tri Sigma Sorority

"I am so excited to be a part of SGA this year because I have always wanted to be a part of it and I have many ideas to help our school and our student body thrive even in these difficult times. I can't wait to get started!"

Wesley Burton, Sophomore Class President 

Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Major: Business

Campus Involvement: Carribean Student Association, African Student Association 

"I'm excited to be able to make an impact on the school and increase campus involvement."

Phoebe Cox, Sophomore Class Vice President

Hometown: Bridgewater, Virginia

Major: History 

Campus Involvement: Batten Honors College 

"I'm excited to be a part of SGA in order to continue spreading positive change throughout campus."

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) 

# # #

Have a great week!

The Bobbies: Student Leadership Awards 2020

This year "The Bobbies" Student Leadership Awards were hosted virtually. I was honored to present the annual President's Award to Taylor "Tip" Major and the Wesleyan Spirit Award to Dazjae Johnson!

The President’s Award recognizes one senior student who has demonstrated exceptional character, scholarship, service and leadership during his or her time at Virginia Wesleyan University. I’ve given this award continuously throughout my 30 years as a college president. The Wesleyan Spirit Award celebrates a student who lives by the tenets of the Wesleyan Creed and is a positive reflection of the University community. 

Congratulations to Tip, Dazjae, and each Marlin who was recognized for their impressive achievements and significant contributions to Virginia Wesleyan University.

Watch here: https://bit.ly/3ayNYpK

Marlin Athletics to Host Virtual Open House

Want to get in the action on one of VWU's 22 Division III athletic teams? Learn more about your sport and speak to our coaches during a Virtual Athletics Open House this Saturday, April 25: https://bit.ly/3atjup7

Celebrating Earth Day: Virtually

Happy Earth Day! On this 50th anniversary, VWU honors the University's commitment to the environment with virtual tributes to the past, present and future. From the 1992 student demonstration to protect the beech wood forest on campus to the lush gardens now surrounding the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and a new Sustainability Leaders program in the works, Virginia Wesleyan has always put environmental stewardship at the forefront. Read more here: bit.ly/2zfNesq.

VWU Alumni News

Stay connected and stay updated through the latest issue of Virginia Wesleyan Alumni News: https://conta.cc/2KqJnLK

Marlins SportSplash: Renn Returns to VWU as Interim Athletics Director

Catch the latest news in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/34RhO7C

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

I open this week with more good news at Virginia Wesleyan University. Our good friend, longtime benefactor, and Trustee Emerita Joan Brock has generously made a gift to fund the expansion of the area connecting the Jane P. Batten Student Center and Boyd Dining Center.

The addition will be named Brock Commons, in honor of Joan and her late husband Macon. For those of you who don't know Joan, I'm sharing a link to her story found on our Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences page. 

The expansion will provide a beautiful new main entrance to both facilities from the campus quad (pictured) and additional dining space. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2021. The architect of this project is Michael Schnekser of Tymoff + Moss.

Brock Commons is the final phase of renovations and expansion to our University dining facilities outlined in the 2016 Campus Master Plan facilitated by Derck and Edson of Litiz, PA. View dining center schematics here.

Earlier phases to the dining services renovation and expansion included last year's refurbishment of Founders Foyer, the President's Dining Room, and the Board of Trustees Suite (Shafer Room). In February, we opened the Coastal Market convenience store in the newly renovated Batten Plaza of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Coastal Market offers more options than ever for our campus community with hours that expand access to on-the-go food options, toiletries, and more. 

Work began in December on several projects in Batten Plaza, an area recently rebranded to help better identify the multiple corridors of the Jane P. Batten Student Center and Boyd Dining Center. Projects included the transformation of the Marlin Grille to the new and improved Harbor Grill, which is also now open.

Renovation of the University Store to include Duplication and Postal Services is completed. Apparel, books, printing and mail services are now included in a more efficient one-stop shop. 

In the next two weeks, the renovation of the former campus mail center will be completed, providing new office space for Student Activities, Greek Life, Conference and Event Services, and Dining Services. The space formerly occupied by Student Activities and Greek Life has been renovated to house Human Resources and Payroll Services. 

These changes are part of a larger effort to increase efficiency, streamline services, and enhance the student experience at Virginia Wesleyan University.

ET CETERA

As I shared last week with the 437 presidents in the Climate Leadership Network, we like to think we are prepared for any campus crisis that comes our way. However, I don't believe any of us could have truly prepared for or anticipated what we're confronting this spring.

We are observing in real-time how higher education's assets can be mobilized to meet this immediate challenge. Higher education facilities are changing to serve as emergency shelters. Medical researchers are foregoing the urgency of publications in order to produce models and medicines to combat the virus. These shifts demonstrate that our sector can mobilize as leaders and redeploy our resources to develop solutions to society's greatest challenges. 

As we move through this current crisis, we are getting a glimpse into how we might apply our strengths in new ways to address climate change. We can, and should, position ourselves at the center of these solutions. I know all of our shared activity through the Climate Leadership Network is one significant way we are advancing our mission to resolve these issues at the scale and speed that our world needs. 

I've been chair of the Climate Leadership Steering Committee for two years, and am especially grateful for the friendships and personal connections that I've made through this organization. Our institutions have confronted the complex challenges of climate change head on, and I strongly believe that while our capacity is being tested, we will come through this stronger and more resilient for addressing the future challenge our society will face. 

As we continue to focus on COVID-19, the leadership of Second Nature remains steadfastly committed to providing us the resources, relationships, credibility and knowledge to accelerate climate action through our college and university campuses. 

While our respective presidential associations are focused on advocacy to provide relief for students and institutions, Second Nature is partnering with Ceres and other non-governmental organizations (NGO's) on pursuing state and federal policies that help us accelerate our institutional climate goals. Learn more about receiving monthly policy updates here. Second Nature has also published comprehensive Resilience Resources to assist in navigating these new campus challenges. 

As my two-year term as chair of the Steering Committee draws to a close in June, Elsa Núñez, President of Eastern Connecticut State University, will assume the role. My simultaneous ex-officio position on the Second Nature Board of Directors also ends; however, I am honored that the Second Nature Board has voted and appointed me to a three-year term as a director. Representing such a diverse group of institutions, all committed to making a difference in their communities and in shaping the next generation of leaders has been an honor.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Thank you for the many expressions of support regarding our new Lakeland University Japan and Virginia Wesleyan University Global campus in Tokyo. I have appreciated each phone call, email, and note and the shared enthusiasm for this initiative. I will share additional updates as information becomes available. For the time being, please visit the LUJ website to learn more.

To reiterate my sentiments last week, we're excited to upgrade Convocation Hall to the new TowneBank Arena, not only for our athletic teams and special events, but for the comfort of our devoted Marlin fans. We are so grateful to TowneBank and thank them for their continued investment in intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Wesleyan. Read more about our new arena in this feature by WTKR News 3. 

Through the generosity of Athletic Director Emerita Joanne Renn, along with two anonymous donors, the Virginia Wesleyan University Honors Foyer at the entrance of the new TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center received a refreshing upgrade this week. View photos here.

Speaking of TowneBank Arena, demolition of the stands was completed last week and work has started on the new floor. View photos and a video of recent progress.

The new beautiful brick signage at the main entrance to campus is nearing completion. Michael Schnekser of Tymoff + Moss provided the architectural expertise to match the "front porch" of the University. Taylor Construction of Virginia Beach served as the contractor and Brian O'Neill, VWU/Norfolk Botanical Garden Director of Living Landscapes, provided the landscape design with the final landscaping completed by Winn Nursery of Norfolk. Lights, lettering, and grass seed are coming soon. View photos here.

Major progress was made on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village this week (view photos). As the project enters the final stretch toward completion, I share with you a link to learn more about availability: coastal61.com.

Read more here about the unique ways VWU faculty like John Rudel are altering their teaching methods to meet students' needs during this unprecedented time.

Last Tuesday we held a virtual meeting of the President's Leadership Council via Zoom. The PLC meets monthly in an effort to broaden discussion and participation in shared governance and to foster collaborative processes on key administrative issues. We decided our future meetings need to include a "best background" contest.

Help us support the Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 2020! From one Marlin to another, submit a message of encouragement for our seniors.

The spring 2020 newsletter for the Virginia Wesleyan Clarke Heritage Society members was recently published. View it here to enjoy a series of recent highlights and updates.

Read up on the latest accomplishments of Virginia Wesleyan University faculty and staff in the April edition of The Pharos.

The recent edition of Marlins SportSplash comes with exciting news for Virginia Wesleyan Athletics and special recognition of our 2020 senior class athletes. View more 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) 

# # #

As I mentioned in our virtual Fireside Chat recently, these are challenging times. While the coronavirus crisis continues to test us, we continue to do our best to take good care of our human and financial resources. I thank our faculty and staff for their dedication to this University and our students.  

A recent survey of 142 college and universities presidents conducted by the Association of American Colleges & Universities and ABC Insights, a higher education data analysis consortium based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, revealed some unpleasant realities. According to the survey, more than 50 percent of higher education presidents expect this crisis to necessitate the laying off of some employees, and nearly 60 percent say they will likely furlough some workers. Additionally, more than 80 percent of presidents are predicting they will see lower enrollments in the fall--a worrisome development for private colleges like Virginia Wesleyan University whose budgets depend heavily on annual tuition and room and board revenues. View the full survey results reported in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

At Virginia Wesleyan, the work is in full swing. The Center for Enrollment Services continues to recruit first-year students for our upcoming class scheduled to arrive in August. The Center for Advancement is raising money for The Excellence Fund (operations) and a new emergency fund to assist students with unusual circumstances. Faculty and staff members are planning for the May Term and Summer Session. We intend to hold these classes remotely if it is not safe for students and faculty to meet in person. Though many buildings are locked and precautions are being taken, our University is not closed.

I send my best wishes for your personal health and well-being. Stay safe, stay well, and have a great week.