Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees convened virtually last Thursday for a

special meeting in preparation for the new academic year. The meeting began with an update on the state of the world as we navigate this historic event, and the state of higher education in America and how we are adapting as an institution. This included discussion and reaffirmation of our test-optional policy adopted for the 2021 recruitment cycle and plans for this fall.

The Trustees heard lengthy presentations regarding our plans for reopening campus in August, led by Dr. Maynard Schaus (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Dr. Keith Moore (Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management), and Joanne Renn (Interim Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics). A conversation regarding the uncertainty in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) regarding competition for the upcoming academic year also took place.

I again want to offer my thanks to the Emergency Response Team which is composed of Dr. Schaus, Dr. Moore, Jim Cooper (Vice President for Finance and Administration), Jason Seward (Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management), and Ms. Renn.

The Board accepted the final budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, and approved the budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

My gratitude goes to the Board for their stewardship and strong support during this especially challenging time.

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Throughout my career in higher education, I've enjoyed being actively involved in church-related institutions. As many of you know, I have served as president of the national umbrella organization representing over 100 schools, colleges/universities, and seminaries of the United Methodist Church.

You have heard much in the national news about the challenges facing the United Methodist Church. Add to that the challenges of the pandemic, and the higher education landscape is quickly evolving. In response to this modified arena, a new journey has also begun for the long-established association of Methodist schools, colleges, and universities that I've had the pleasure of leading. The shift comes in the form of both identity and strategic focus.

I am pleased to announce that the National Association of Schools, Colleges, Universities, of the United Methodist Church (NASCUMC) has officially become the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU). This change in name, which is the result of extensive work undertaken by leadership of the association, represents an expansion of the geographic focus of the association and its intent to be more broadly inclusive of educational institutions across the Methodist spectrum.

This is an important point for this organization and this moment represents more than a name change, but an organizational reset. The NASCUMC organization has often focused its attention almost exclusively on the facilitation of conversation between higher education institutions and the United Methodist denomination. While this priority is still important, our goal is to shift the organization into becoming more of a strategic partner with the institutions we serve.

Among the strategic initiatives being explored are opportunities for associational members to collaborate on the acquisition of critical services, using scale to reduce costs, and identifying opportunities to establish programs collectively that would be difficult for institutions to undertake individually. Through engagement with additional partner institutions, such collaborations can be strengthened.

As Dr. Mark Hanshaw, secretary of the association and associate general secretary for the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education, shared: "Though the work on this strategic shift began long before COVID emerged or the new focus was given to the nation's systemic racial disparities, these events have helped us to better understand the need for deeper collaboration across our institutional network. What is unfolding here is not an event, but a process. We believe that it will provide new and vital structures of support for our institutions."

NAAMSCU is a nonprofit corporation based in Nashville and established under the laws of the State of Tennessee. I am proud to have led the organization through this historic and much-needed change, and look forward to seeing the evolution continue after my term as NAAMSCU president ends in 2021.

ET CETERA

Joanne Renn to Remain Athletic Director for 2020-21 Academic Year

Joanne Renn, who came out of retirement this spring to serve as Interim Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, will remain in that capacity for the 2020-21 academic year. With continuously changing messages from both the

NCAA and the ODAC regarding the 2020-21 season, it is important for us to maintain a level of consistency in our Office of Intercollegiate Athletics. Acclimating a new athletics director under the current circumstances would not be ideal for anyone. Therefore, we have suspended the search for a permanent athletic director.

After 11 years as athletics director and 25 years total with the Marlins, Joanne retired in 2018. She is a trusted colleague and friend. Joanne played an instrumental role in the implementation of several important initiatives during my early tenure at the University. She provided active leadership in expansion and improvement of the institution's athletic facilities: Birdsong Field, the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center, development of the outdoor athletic complex, upgrades and naming of Kenneth R. Perry Field, a new East Gate campus entrance and the adjoining Marlin Way, and TowneBank Park. Joanne was also instrumental in the initiation of men's and women's swimming, a relationship with Harlaxton College of England, and establishment of the Batten Honors College. She led the planning, secured the funding, and supervised the construction of the Everett Tennis Center in 2011. Renn Reserve and Pond, in the heart of our outdoor athletic complex, was named in Joanne's honor upon her retirement.

VWU sponsors 22 intercollegiate sports programs and a staff of more than 55 coaches, administrators, and support personnel.

I thank Joanne for providing valuable leadership at this critical time. When deemed appropriate to re-start the search process, I keep you all informed.

Returning to Campus Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guide

Last week, I shared with our Marlins an update on our plan to return to campus this fall along with a detailed document, the Returning to Campus Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guide. This guide was formulated by our Emergency Response Team, informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and follows strict guidance from the Office of the Secretary of Education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Health. I encourage our campus community to review the document carefully and refer to it often.

This thorough plan, which will be archived on the University's COVID-19 webpage at vwu.edu/coronavirus,

will allow us to safely return to campus and offer our students the liberal arts experience that is our fundamental mission. Nothing is more important than the safety of our campus community, and it is because of the strength of our community that I have confidence in our ability to come together and meet the challenges that this fall will bring. More information will be forthcoming about academics, residence life, and campus life. Should you have questions in the meantime, please direct your inquiries to the appropriate contacts that can be found here.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

Congratulations to VWU alumna Kaitlyn Dozier Fox on being awarded the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for part-time or full-time graduate study at a university or professional school. This award stands as a significant honor for Kaitlyn and the institution. A complete listing of the award recipients will be released at ncaa.org.

The Passing of Dr. Cheul Kang

It is with sadness that I share the passing of a beloved member of our Marlin family, Dr. Cheul Kang, VWU Professor Emeritus, Management, Business, and Economics. Dr. Kang passed away on July 11 at the age of 88, and is survived by his son David and daughter Grace. Please join me in keeping them and all of those mourning this loss in your thoughts and prayers. After 32 years of service to the institution, Dr. Kang retired in 2017. He undoubtedly left his mark on Virginia Wesleyan and our community, and will be greatly missed by all. Dr. Kang's obituary can be found here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Remembering Sue Birdsong

While the COVID-19 crisis has prevented us from holding a dedication ceremony for the Sue Benton Birdsong Entrance Gate at VWU, the plaque has been installed and we are so proud to honor our good friend.

Coming Soon: New Office Location for VWU Global Campus

As leadership transitions in the Center for Enrollment with Vice President David Waggoner's

retirement, office locations are also shifting. Heather Campbell, Chief Enrollment Officer (and acting Vice President for Enrollment), will remain in her office in the Center for Enrollment Services. Anja Serby-Wilkens will move to an office closer to Ms. Campbell. Larry Belcher, Director of Enrollment for VWU Global Campus, and Marion Hibbler, Director of Support Services for VWU Global Campus will move to the former Vice President for Enrollment office. The transition is likely to occur by the start of the fall semester.

The Office will support all VWU Global Campus areas including LUJ/VWU Global (Japan), VWU Online, Evening and Weekend Program, Early Enrollment, and non-credit continuing education programs.

Greater Norfolk Corporation

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Greater Norfolk Corporation's Board of Directors. I have served on the board for four years and on the Executive Committee this past year. It has been a gratifying experience. The meeting was the final meeting for Chuck McPhillips, who is stepping down as GNC's President. Chuck has provided extraordinary leadership during his seven-year tenure as president. I thank him for his leadership but also for the warm welcome he provided for me when I first arrived here.

Campus Construction Project Updates

Enjoy updated photos of progress on the renovation of Boyd Dining Center and our new TowneBank Arena.

Millenial Marlin on the Move

Congratulations to CovaBiz "Millenial on the Move" honoree Tiffany Boyle, a 2014 Virginia Wesleyan graduate. Tiffany is the Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Newport News and serves on the President's Council at VWU. Read more here.

Inside Splash

Virginia Wesleyan Athletics has launched a new "Inside Splash" segment, featuring members of the coaching staff. In this inaugural piece, Head Men's Basketball Coach Dave Macedo is interviewed by VWU Sports Information intern Taylor Major '20. Check it out here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

The Pharos

REFLECTIONS

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

The Virginian-Pilot