Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

In 1866, exactly 100 years before the first class entered Virginia Wesleyan University, the Baker farm--on which the University lies--was claimed by the Second District Department of Negro Affairs as a site for helping recently freed slaves make the transition to freedom. This first institutional use of the property hallowed it in a meaningful way. It established a legacy that still informs what we do on these 300 acres and beyond. In particular, our campus needs to be a place where significant transitions occur in people's lives.

A second key to the University's identity can be seen in the figure of John Wesley, literally represented in a life-sized statue on campus. Wesley's reputation as a religious reformer is matched by his reputation as a social reformer, which made him unpopular among those who favored slavery. People protested his sermons and he experienced considerable personal risk. That risk grew with his publication Thoughts Upon Slavery (1774-1778), in which he questioned traditional claims of history, challenged the laws of Virginia, and highlighted inhumane and abhorrent treatment of slaves, notably calling out Christians who were complicit.

A third aspect of our identity came in 1996 when the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom (CSRF) was launched as a result of an insightful letter written by Robert "Bob" Nusbaum. Nusbaum saw diversity as being at the core of American civic life and saw dialogue as necessary for healthy expressions of diversity. In April 2020, the CSRF was named the Robert Nusbaum Center to honor the legacy of an individual who publicly fought "massive resistance" to integration, created "The Aid Fund" that provided scholarships to African-Americans struggling against racial discrimination, and furthered higher education in the African-American community--so much so that Norfolk State named its honors college after him.

A fourth aspect of our identity is our diverse campus itself. For three consecutive years U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University in the top 25 for "Ethnic Diversity" among National Liberal Arts Colleges. We are proud to hold that designation, but it means little unless we as a campus are about actually changing perspectives and lives.

Black lives matter. They should matter to every American, every person of faith, and every student. And, because of Virginia Wesleyan's legacy, that message is vitally important to us. Black lives not only matter deeply to VWU, they matter deeply to me. As a white man, I understand that I will never truly understand the oppression experienced by Black people, but I stand. I stand with our Black students, faculty, staff, and community near and far, and I intend for my deeds to be acts of solidarity.

As we address the important issues impacting our country, I have appreciated the many notes, calls, and social media messages. We have far to go as a nation. We need to grow as a university. We need to grow as individuals. I need to continue to grow.

For sure none of that can begin to happen without careful listening. A week ago, I had a productive visit with a young alumnus, Chris Teasley. Like so many, Chris is torn by the racial conflict in this country. He very thoughtfully shared with me his sincere concerns and observations, not only on the topic as it pertains to Virginia Wesleyan, but also the world. I thank him for taking the time to come and visit.

Meeting with Chris gave me an opportunity to mention some things the University has been doing to address concerns that he and I shared. He had not heard of these initiatives and felt that his fellow alumni and current students may also be unaware. Although many may be familiar with VWU's statement on inclusivity, in the last two years, five initiatives have been creating the structure for how we are growing our sensitivity to racial matters:

We have appointed Dr. Brian Kurisky as the first Chief Diversity Officer in the history of the University;
We have made a home for the Virginian Center for Inclusive Communities on our campus. Paula Bazemore, the Hampton Roads Program Manager, presents regularly on microaggression and unconscious bias to faculty, staff, and students.
In the last year we have developed course work that will lead to a minor in Africana Studies.
Our center that focuses on diversity and dialogue now is known as the Robert Nusbaum Center and is focusing even more on issues of race.
The President's Council on Inclusive Community will be meeting more frequently with its emphasis on the following priorities:
- Work to identify and end racism and discrimination present in our community.
- Ensure that everyone has a voice within our community and feels welcomed, valued, and fully included.
- Work to ensure the equitable participation of all members of the campus community.
- Educate the campus community about the challenges faced by many on our campus.
- Remove barriers to full participation faced by historically disenfranchised groups.
- Sustain a culture of civility, respect and open dialogue.

Those initiatives create the institutional structure for change to happen. However, there is much more work to be done.

Virginia Wesleyan is at its best when we work together, and I thank you for reaching out in ways that lead to our growth. Please know that I read and give careful thought to each message, and when appropriate, respond. Like most people, I appreciate thoughtful and respectful messages. Anonymous messages--even when compliments--aren't as helpful, since they don't lead to productive dialogue.

If you wish to share thoughts, concerns, or ideas, I've developed a president's office email account: president@vwu.edu. If you see areas of concern, or if you have reflections on how we might move forward, please share them with me.

Together, we at Virginia Wesleyan can make a difference not just in our own lives and in those of our students, but in the community and in the nation. With a legacy that harkens back to helping the nation's freed slaves, we know that Black lives matter. Today we commit to acting on that knowledge. Thank you all for your important part in this, and in particular, I want to thank Drs. Brian Kurisky and Craig Wansink for driving this important call to action.

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With pride, I share here the Spring 2020 President's List. Congratulations to the 123 students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average for the spring semester. A commendable accomplishment, especially given the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Over the past five years, a reception has been held each semester in honor of the President's List students. We plan to hold a reception at a later date to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these students. Well done!

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I am pleased to announce members of the President's Council for Inclusive Communities (PCIC) for the 2020-21 academic year and share with you the Council's refined priorities and upcoming focus. In these troubling times, the efforts of our PCIC are particularly meaningful to the University and our community. Since its inception, the mission of the PCIC has been to foster a community at Virginia Wesleyan University where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included regardless of race, religion, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, handicap, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Today, we want not only to continue this mission, but to also join with the many voices calling for an end to systemic racism and discrimination on any front. In this time of much-needed social change, Virginia Wesleyan is committed to identifying and working to end racism and injustice and to acknowledge and address manifestations of privilege. PCIC will work to listen, to advocate, and to act. As a campus community, we are committed to promoting the equitable participation of all, to acknowledging and removing barriers, and to ensuring that everyone has a voice and is heard.

PCIC will support all campus members as they respect the humanity of one another, work together to learn about others and themselves, and strive to sustain a culture of civility, respect, and open dialogue, and will ensure that silenced voices are heard.

In addition to this mission, PCIC is charged this year to focus special attention on supporting Black members of our community. Black lives matter and we are committed to being a positive part of the social change that must take place. Priorities for the Council are outlined below.

Work to identify and end racism and discrimination present in our community.
Ensure that everyone has a voice within our community and feels welcomed, valued, and fully included.
Work to ensure the equitable participation of all members of the campus community.
Educate the campus community about the challenges faced by many on our campus.
Remove barriers to full participation faced by historically disenfranchised groups.
Sustain a culture of civility, respect and open dialogue.

Membership for the 2020-2021 Academic Year:

Dr. Brian Kurisky, Chief Diversity Officer, ex officio
Dr. Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, Chair of Religious Studies, ex officio
Paula Bazemore, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, ex officio
Sabrina Jones, President, Student Government Association, ex officio
Saige Smith, President, Black Student Union, ex officio
India Khanna, President, Spectrum, ex officio
Jennifer Vega, President, Latina Student Alliance, ex officio
Chris Teasley, Alumnus (Athletics), ex officio
Dominique Fowler, Alumnus, Founder of Virginia Wesleyan Black Alumni, ex officio
Sheril Steinberg, Alumna, Former winner of VWU Inclusive Community Award, ex officio
Micaela Morris, Contract Services, ex officio
Victor Dorsey, Director of Security, ex officio
Harold Stallings, Contract Services, ex officio
Dr. Takeyra Collins, faculty
Dr. Felipe Hugueño, faculty
Dr. Modupe Oshikoya, faculty
Dr. Kathy Stolley, faculty
Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, faculty
David Stuebing, staff
Jason Seward, staff

*Members of the President's Cabinet serve on the PCIC at the pleasure of the President.

I have valued the important contributions of this group during my tenure at VWU, and I know those chosen to serve on the Council take this responsibility very seriously. Special thanks to Dr. Brian Kurisky, Chief Diversity Officer, who chairs the Council.

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Vice President Maynard Schaus announced last week appointments of academic department chairs and program coordinators for the 2020-21 year.

Batten Honors College: Dr. Joyce Easter, Dean & Dr. Larry Hultgren, Assistant Dean

Birdsong School of Social Science: Dr. Leslie Caughell, Dean

History: Dr. Dan Margolies, Chair
Sociology and Criminal Justice: Scott Liverman, Chair
Psychology: Dr. Craig Jackson, Chair
Political Science: Dr. Bill Gibson, Chair
International Studies: Dr. Antje Schwennicke, Coordinator
Social Science: Dr. Thomas Brown, Coordinator
Africana Studies: Dr. Modupe Oshikoya, Coordinator

D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies: Dr. Ben Dobrin, Dean

Business Dr. Michelle Vachris, Chair; Dr. Paul Ewell, Director of MBA and Online Undergrad
Education: Dr. Bill McConnell, Director
Sport and Recreation Professions: Dr. Doug Kennedy, Chair
Social Work: Dr. Ben Dobrin, Chair
Nursing: Dr. Deirdre Gonsalvez-Jackson, Director of Nursing & Allied Health
Sustainability Management: Dr. Linda Ferguson, Coordinator
Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: Dr. Vic Townsend, Dean
Biology: Dr. Eric Johnson, Chair
Chemistry/Physical Science: Dr. Maury Howard, Chair
Earth & Environmental Sciences: Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Chair
Mathematics: Dr. Lydia Kennedy, Chair
Environmental Studies: Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Coordinator
Computer Science and Information System: Dr. John Wang, Coordinator

Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities: Dr. Steven Emmanuel, Dean

Fine and Performing Arts: Dr. Bryson Mortenson, Chair
Communication: Dr. Stu Minnis, Chair
English: Gavin Pate, Chair
Foreign Languages and Classics: Dr. Susan Wansink, Chair
Philosophy: Dr. Patrick Goold, Chair
Religious Studies: Dr. Craig Wansink, Chair
Comprehensive Liberal Studies: Dr. Sue Larkin, Coordinator
Women's and Gender Studies: Dr. Kellie Holzer, Coordinator

VWU Global Campus: Dr. Paul Ewell, Dean
This program is interdisciplinary. Reporting relationships may vary.

LUJ/VWU Global (Japan): Dr. Maynard Schaus and Dr. Paul Ewell
VWU Online: Dr. Paul Ewell
Evening and Weekend Program: Marion Hibbler, Coordinator
Robert F. Boyd Institute: Kelly Jackson (Associate Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center)
Robert Nusbaum Center: Dr. Craig Wansink, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director
of the Robert Nusbaum Center
Wesleyan Sacred Music Institute: Dr. Sandi Billy, Director
Virginia Tidewater Consortium for Higher Education: Dr. Paul Ewell
American Culture and Tourism Internship Program at Busch Gardens (program suspended for 2020-21 due to international travel restrictions)
Continuing Education (non-credit): Dr. Ewell
Westminster-Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute: Dr. Ben Fraser (Westminster-Canterbury Fellow for Religious Studies and Lifelong Learning)

ET CETERA

VWU's Hanna Hull Earns Highest Academic Honor
Virginia Wesleyan scholar-athlete Hanna Hull has been named this year's College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America® of the Year for NCAA Division III Softball. Hanna was selected out of approximately 8,000 DIII softball players in the nation for what is considered the highest Academic All-America Honor. Read more and see an interview with Hanna here.

"Virginia Beach ranks as #1 safest large city in America, study shows"
AdvisorSmith, a leading information resource for business advice and original research, released a new study, Safest Cities in America, which found that the CIty of Virginia Beach ranks as the number one safest large city. I am proud to be part of this community and to add this to the long list of reasons why "It's a great day to be a Marlin!" Read more in this feature by WTKR 13 News.

Chesapeake Bay Academy at VWU
Congratulations to the graduates of Chesapeake Bay Academy at Virginia Wesleyan University. A special Live Virtual Commencement Ceremony was held on June 11 which recognized the graduating seniors and honored their accomplishments. The commencement address was given by Barbara Hamm Lee, Executive Producer and host of "Another View" on WHRO Public Media, along with congratulatory messages from Stanley Baldwin, CBA's Board Chair, and Dr. Judy Jankowski, Head of School. View the ceremony here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Renovation of the Boyd Dining Center is underway. View photos of the demolition here.

We are thrilled to welcome back Marlins Hanna Hull, Madison Glabuke, and Jessica Goldyn! As shared in The Virginian-Pilot, "Virginia Wesleyan softball is gearing up for another dominant season as three of the perennial powerhouse's key contributors are set to return, thanks to the extended eligibility granted by the NCAA." Read more here.

In case you missed it, Virginia Wesleyan University will launch the Work and Learn Program (WLP) this fall, an important campus initiative that will assist students financially and support their personal and professional growth. Read more here.

Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to support the community by offering 10 free online courses. The fully online self-paced tutorials are part of the continuing education offerings through VWU Global Campus and join the University's other non-credit course options. Enroll by June 30 and learn more here.

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

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

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REFLECTIONS

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

The Virginian-Pilot

University Business

Daily Press