Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

I hope this message finds you and yours well. Let me begin by again expressing my gratitude to our Marlin family for your strong support and dedication to our University during this unprecedented crisis of COVID-19. While we have been presented with many unique challenges, we are thriving as an institution in many ways and continue to see growth and success across the board. Thank you to each of you for your vital role in our shared mission.

Campus is quiet, but looking more beautiful than ever this spring. I miss the action of our Virginia Wesleyan community and look forward to your return. That said, I am pleased to share that, given what we know at this moment, we are optimistically planning to resume normal residential and academic operations in-person for the fall semester, beginning August 26. An in-person orientation for first-year students will also be offered in late August prior to the start of the academic year.

University leadership and the Emergency Management Team are working diligently to create a plan to support appropriate social distancing and increased health measures. To continue to focus on our primary priority--the health and well-being of our Marlins and extended community--a safe and cautious approach will be taken. We will continue to comply with all federal and state guidelines to promote a healthy and comfortable environment. We are following the latest updates from the Governor, national and state-wide higher education consortiums, the CDC and other relevant sources.

I have asked Dr. Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, to head a task force that will prepare our institution from an academic and student life standpoint to be ready for the August 26 return. They will involve key constituency groups in the planning to ensure a thorough and thoughtful strategy.

While it is our "Plan A" to open in-person this August, contingency plans are in the works should they be needed due to extenuating circumstances. Again, given what we know at this point in time, we are moving full-steam ahead preparing for our Marlins to join us on campus this August. Thank you for your support and adaptability as we navigate COVID-19 together. Read more in this article in The Virginian-Pilot, and view the full video announcement here.

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As we enter graduation week, please join me in congratulating the Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 2020 for their hard work over the years. While we aren't able to celebrate in person this weekend, we commend our soon-to-be graduates for their commitment to their education and for reaching this goal. As I recently shared, the Class of 2020's earned status as graduates will not be delayed and will be certified this month. Please be on the lookout this week for various recognitions, and we look forward to celebrating in person this December.

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Our six standing Board of Trustees committees met in a remote format last week and the Spring Meeting of the full Board of Trustees will occur this Wednesday. In next week's Nota Bene, I'll share actions from the meeting. I thank our Board for their continued support during this particularly challenging time.

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I enjoyed visiting with alumni from around the area and across the country recently as the Virginia Wesleyan University Alumni Council met via Zoom. The Council elected new officers and several new members.

Special thanks to Troy DeLawrence '93 as his term ends as Council Chair. Troy has served on the Alumni Council for nine years and was a driving force in the reorganization and strengthening of the Council three years ago. We will forever be grateful for his stellar service to his alma mater.

As Troy moves to Past Chair on July 1, Vice Chair Rob Kohler '93 has been appointed Council Chair. Rob Gillikin '00 becomes Vice Chair, and Sydney Covey '15 has been appointed Secretary. I am grateful to these special alumni for their leadership and dedication to Virginia Wesleyan.

We welcome five new members to the Alumni Council: Jordan Bondurant '12, Kadija Corinaldi '15, Nicholas Hipple '18, Julie Kissel '82, and Andrew Petrey '15. I know these members of our Virginia Wesleyan family will continue to bring great value to our institution in this new capacity.

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Under the leadership of Brandon Elliott '03, the Virginia Wesleyan women's softball team has gained widespread recognition for not only their performance on the field, but also for their academic performance and character. As our community struggles with the coronvirus crisis, this year's team has been writing notes of gratitude to essential employees still working on campus thanking them for their work on behalf of the students.

One note read: "I just wanted to personally reach out to you and thank you for all your hard work during this critical time. I appreciate everything you've done for all students at VWU! I'm wishing health and safety for you and your family." This is such a personal touch from a very classy program.

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Vice Presidents Maynard Schaus and Keith Moore have utilized the quiet time on campus to facilitate the relocation and modifications of several offices in their respective areas.

The Lighthouse in Clarke Hall will have a new look. Dr. Sara Sewell returns to a faculty office in Graybeal Hall in Allen Village. New Executive Director Amy Rush has moved into Dr. Sewell's former office. Dr. Brian Kurisky, Executive Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning/Chief Diversity Officer, moves to Ms. Rush's former office. Earlier this spring, the Office of Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL) moved to the first floor of Clarke Hall adjacent to The Lighthouse.

The area formerly known as the Mail and Copy Center has been renovated and will house several offices and suites. Sarah Guzzo, Director of Student Activities, relocates across the foyer in the Alumni Galleria of the Batten Student Center to the new student activities suite. The Office of Greek Life will also be located to this suite. The other half of the area has been renovated as the Sodexo Dining Services suite, to include catering and events management. Tim Lockett, General Manager of Sodexo, and Amiya Keene, Director of Catering and Conference Services, now have offices there.The former student activities suite will now house Karla Rasmussen, Director of Human Resources, and Amy Dudley, Payroll Coordinator.

Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, along with Executive Assistant Michele Obenour, will move into the former Civic Leadership and Service Learning Suite; Jason Seward '05, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, will relocate to the former office of Dr. Moore in Batten Plaza, and Willie Harrell '97, Director of Recreation and Wellness, will move to Mr. Seward's former office.

The Facilities Management building has also experienced an upgrade. The parking area has been expanded and surfaced, while the central office area has received a full makeover to provide for a more user-friendly lobby, and the work yard has received screened fencing.

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We are pleased to welcome three new faculty members to the Virginia Wesleyan University family. Joining us in August is Abdullah Al-Alaj as Assistant Professor of Computer Science, and Drs.Claire Berube '83 and Rebecca John, both with the rank of Assistant Professor of Education.

Abdullah Al-Alaj is a candidate for a Ph.D. in Computer Science in the field of Cyber Security (expected July 2020) from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and holds a M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Computer Science from Jordan University of Science & Technology. Mr. Al-Alaj has extensive experience in the computer science and cyber security field, most recently teaching at Texas A&M.

Dr. Claire Berube '83 holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from Old Dominion University, a B.S. and M.S. in Education from ODU, and a B.A. in Psychology from Virginia Wesleyan. Dr. Berube has extensive experience in the education field, most recently serving as Associate Professor of Education at Hampton University.

Dr. Rebecca John holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Old Dominion with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, a M.S. of Ed. in Curricululm, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University, and a B.A. in Linguistics and Elementary Education from the College of William and Mary. Dr. John most recently served as Interim Associate Director in the Office of Clinical Experiences at ODU, with an extensive background in teaching and education.

ET CETERA

Senior Capstone Art Exhibit

Virginia Wesleyan University's 2020 senior capstone exhibition, "Artistic Vision," features the works of art majors Zachary Burkhardt, Collin Jones, Jessica Houlker, Miciah Brown, Michelle Clark, Tina Stafford, Darius Brown, Marissa Gross, Jennifer Evans, and Diana Jackson. View their work in this virtual gallery. Well done to these talented and creative students. Thank you to Sharon Swift, Professor of Art, and Stephanie Smaglo, Chief Marketing Officer, for their respective roles in bringing this exhibition to fruition.

TCA Wins at History Day

Tidewater Collegiate Academy participated in the Virginia History Day competition organized by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The winners were recently announced and a TCA fifth grader won the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemoration Award and a TCA junior won the National Maritime Historical Society Award. Congratulations to these bright young students and TCA!

COVID-19 and Higher Education

Recently I joined Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, President of Shenandoah University, and hosts Marisa Porto and Ryan Gilchrest of We Virginians for a discussion on COVID-19 and higher education. We Virginians is an ongoing series of community discussions about the coronavirus crisis and its future impact on both Virginia and the country. Heres's a link to the conversation.

VWU Goes Remote: Professor Maury Howard
Maury Howard, Virginia Wesleyan's Assistant Professor of Chemistry, has adapted instruction for remote delivery of her advanced courses using GoPro technology, video-editing software and YouTube. Read more here.

Virtual Campus Visits

The campus visit is a key element factoring into the important decision of where to attend college. As we continue to be challenged by COVID-19, in-person visits are not an option at this time. Accordingly, we've created a wide array of "virtual visit opportunities" for prospective students and their families to learn more about Virginia Wesleyan. I invite you to share these virtual options with your friends and family so they can "visit" us today!

Summer Sessions

Whether you're behind in coursework or planning to graduate early, enrolling in summer courses at VWU gives you the opportunity to accomplish your goals in a cost-effective way. Catch up or get ahead this summer through VWU. We offer five terms throughout the summer, beginning in May. Learn more here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

It was a pleasure to join the Hampton Roads Chamber and fellow community leaders in spreading hope, support, and a positive message in this video. Let's all help each other "Pivot to the Positive" and stay 757 Strong.

Our partners at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay recently made their easy-to-use Birdsong software designed for seniors available for free in an effort to help lessen the feelings of isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Philanthropist and VWU Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong and his late wife Sue, helped Westminster fund research by Virginia Wesleyan University and Eastern Virginia Medical School to determine if bedside electronic engagement tablets could both improve the quality of life for older adults and lower stress levels for caretakers. The answer was yes, and in 2018, the tablet and software were released. Read more here.

Virginia Wesleyan's victory at this year's Ethics Bowl and the addition of our joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with Sentara College of Health Sciences were featured in the VFIC Spring 2020 Newsletter. View it here.

Congratulations to Hanna Hull of the Virginia Wesleyan softball team who was named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year, adding to her lengthy list of career accolades. Read more here.

With the addition of a new capstone and final lettering, lighting, and landscaping, the beautiful new brick sign at the main entrance of campus on Wesleyan Drive was completed last week. View photos here.

Pleased to share that work is progressing well on our new TowneBank Arena. View photos of the recently completed floors here.

Coastal 61 at Oxford Village is getting closer to completion each day. View recent photos of progress here and learn more at coastal61.com.

Work on the Boyd Dining Center renovations is in full swing and we look forward to the many upgrades involved. View photos here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

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REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications: