Monday, August 31, 2020

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

We have much to be grateful for at Virginia Wesleyan, including a strong relationship with a remarkable organization--the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). Since 2017, we have proudly hosted their Hampton Roads office on our campus. During these particularly polarizing times, the VCIC plays a vital role in our community's path to positive social change, inclusivity, understanding, and healing. 


The annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner is a welcomed opportunity to celebrate both the VCIC and the remarkable people and organizations in Coastal Virginia. Virginia Wesleyan has a long history with the Humanitarian Awards and VCIC. In 2017, VWU's Dr. Craig Wansink, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, was honored, and in 2018, I was proud to serve as chair of the VCIC's 54th Annual Humanitarian Awards. This year, our neighbor and partner Dennis Manning, Headmaster of Norfolk Academy, did a wonderful job serving in this role. 

The event is always a meaningful occasion, commemorating what is truly important. While held virtually this year, the 56th Annual VCIC Humanitarian Awards presentation was no exception. Many of us from VWU attended as we celebrated VCIC and some very good friends. Virginia Wesleyan is proud to support the program and to have been included by VCIC in several prominent places in their program. 


This year is extra special to VWU as Trustee Sharon S. Goodwyn was recognized as an honoree along with Jay M. Klebanoff, Amy K. Milligan, Toiya A. Sosa, James M. Wood, Jr., and the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin Hampton Roads. We extend our sincerest congratulations to all of the honorees who are pillars of our community. The Humanitarian Awards are presented to individuals and organizations demonstrating a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. 

Special thanks and applause to our friend Jonathan Zur, President and CEO of VCIC, for his outstanding leadership. He did an exceptional job with the event under the challenging circumstances we are all faced with this year. Jonathan spoke at VWU's 2019 Baccalaureate and was presented with The Wesley Award for his significant contributions and dedication to humanity. 

We are grateful to the honorees, the VCIC, sponsors, and attendees for their work in making Virginia and our world a more inclusive place. Learn more and watch the 56th Annual Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Awards here. 

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We have much to be proud of at Virginia Wesleyan, including our incredible faculty and staff accomplishments. They were duly highlighted last week during VWU's annual "Feathers in Your Cap" celebration. The event recognized faculty, adjunct professors, librarians, and staff members who in the last year have published a book or professional publication, completed artwork, obtained a grant, received tenure and/or a promotion, and much more. 

You are invited to stop by Hofheimer Library, at your convenience, to check out the "Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works" display in the Reading Room (first floor). The display showcases accomplishments included in The Pharos from May 2019 to June 2020. The display will be up through the end of the academic year, with accomplishments added as they become available. I am honored to work among a talented faculty and staff who are so strongly committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship.


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Look for the Helpers: Remembering 9/11 
Reflecting on the theme of self-sacrifice, the campus community will be invited to gather in the Peace Garden at 9:03 a.m. on Friday, September 11. With Virginia Wesleyan's Unity Flag as the backdrop, several members of the campus community--representing the Chaplain's Office, Wesleyan Engaged, ROTC, and the Robert Nusbaum Center--will share readings and reflections on the power of self-sacrifice during times of national crisis. University Chaplain Marie Porter will deliver a closing prayer. In recognition of the 2,996 lives lost during four separate plane crashes on September 11, 2001, the Beacon will chime at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., and 10:03 a.m. Also, in advance of the 9/11 Remembrance, and as part of promotional efforts for the gathering, the Robert Nusbaum Center will post flyers with meaningful quotes on the theme of self-sacrifice.

Constitution Day 
Beyond Hamilton: Musical Theatre and the Founding Fathers 
We look forward to celebrating Constitution Day on Thursday, September 17, with a screening of Hamilton in the Goode Center from 6-8 p.m. followed by a discussion with playwright Rob Lauer from 8-9 p.m. on Musical Theatre and the Founding Fathers. It is not necessary to view the film prior to Lauer's discussion, but in an age when Hamilton is captivating audiences across the country, it is an entertaining and lively opportunity to gain deeper insight on our nation's beginnings. Imminent Jefferson scholar and biographer Merrill D. Peterson of the University of Virginia praised Lauer's script for its insightful and accurate depiction of the political climate, philosophical debates, events and historical figures of the period. 

Civil Rights and the Constitution: A Series of Vignettes 
This year, as we celebrate major anniversaries of milestone decisions in our country's 
ongoing struggles for civil rights, and as we recognize the continuing importance of our civic responsibility to vote, the Robert Nusbaum Center is producing a series of video vignettes (:30) to be released during the week of September 14. Various members of the VWU faculty and staff will share highlights and reflections on these momentous decisions, and tell us why we should remain ever vigilant in protecting and preserving our rights and freedoms. 

Congratulations to VWU's Volleyball Program 
We are proud of Head Coach Andrea Hoover-Erbig and the volleyball team on receiving the 2020 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for displaying excellence in the classroom. Read more here. 

Online Engagement Opportunities 
Over the last two years, VWU faculty have infused their courses with engagement opportunities. Because of the COVID pandemic and for the safety of all involved, our local contacts have not been able to accommodate our students. In response to this challenge, the Points of Light Foundation has identified online engagement opportunities for individuals and groups.Thanks to Dr. Brian Kurisky for identifying opportunities appropriate for college students and for sharing this modified list.




AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

During our first week of classes, Virginia Wesleyan was featured on several local news outlets on our students' return to campus and our reopening procedures and protocols. 
A WTKR article ("Virginia Wesleyan Students Return to Campus") includes campus community interviews, and a 13News Now article discusses our utilization of the LiveSafe app for daily required health screenings ("Virginia Wesleyan University uses app to help track, trace, report COVID-19 on and off campus"). 

I enjoyed hanging out with our freshmen at the Compass Table on University Commons. What a great group of new Marlins! 

Coastal 61 at Oxford Village continues to look wonderful across the street from our main entrance on Wesleyan Drive. Opening in September, we are pleased that faculty and staff are eligible for discounted rates through the Preferred Employer Program. Those interested can learn more here. 

Congratulations to VWU alumna and scholar-athlete Kaitlyn Dozier Fox '14 on being named a 2019-20 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Recipient. Read more here. 

In the latest edition of the Virginia Wesleyan Athletics "Inside Splash" segment, Head Field Hockey Coach Christina Walker is interviewed by VWU Sports Information intern Taylor Major. Check it out here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez
Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez
Instagram: @prezscottmiller
Flickr: Scott D. Miller
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) 

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Have a great week!
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Thursday, August 27, 2020

"Virginia Wesleyan University students return to campus"

Great WTKR News 3 feature on our students' return to campus during our first week of in-person classes at Virginia Wesleyan University: https://bit.ly/3lrJwiY

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Wednesday, August 26, 2020

First Week Fun

Hanging out with our freshmen at the Compass Table on University Commons. What a great group of new Marlins!

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ICYMI: Retiring Faculty Honored

In case you missed it, Professor of English Michael Hall, Associate Professor of Education Jayne Sullivan and Professor of Education Hilve Firek were honored for their years of service to Virginia Wesleyan. Read more about VWU's traditional tree planting ceremony at https://bit.ly/3aYg8vS

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VWU Alumni News

Stay connected and updated through the latest issue of VWU Alumni News: https://conta.cc/2EvLoGI

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Monday, August 24, 2020

Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony

At the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony last week, we welcomed the fourth class of Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars to this distinguished and highly selective program at Virginia Wesleyan University. Hailing from all over the country and internationally, these students collectively boast a grade point average of 4.21 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1382, and an average ACT score of 30—both ACT and SAT are a four-year high. We wish them all the best in their academic pursuits and look forward to their continued success. Read more, view the photo gallery, and watch the ceremony: https://bit.ly/2EmKnRl

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Nota Bene: Weekly Update

It was an honor to deliver my sixth State of the University address to our Virginia Wesleyan family on Friday. Thank you to those of you who tuned in virtually to hear highlights from the past year and goals for the future. For those who couldn't join us, the address is archived on our VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. Our gratitude to our friends at The Franklin Johnston Group and TowneBank for sponsoring this wonderful event. Read more and watch the 2020 State of the University: WAVY News Release | Feature Story | Video
     
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Last week we welcomed the fourth class of Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars to the highly selective and distinguished Batten Honors College at our annual Matriculation Ceremony. We look forward to their continued success and wish them all the best in their academic pursuits at Virginia Wesleyan. Read more, watch the ceremony in its entirety, and view the photo album here.
 
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We also paid tribute to recently retired faculty and staff members on campus last week.Three faculty members--Dr. Michael Hall (40 years of service), Dr. Jayne Sullivan (20 years), and Dr. Hilve Firek (10 years)--were honored at VWU's traditional commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony in the new extension to the Wilson Arboretum.
 
A special luncheon was held for three team members in the Office of Finance and Administration. Congratulations to Midge Zimmerman (30 years of service), Ronda Rothwell (37 years of service), and Audrey Rafferty (36 years of service).
 
I am grateful to each of these Marlins for their many contributions to our campus and our community. Please join me in congratulating them on this well-deserved milestone and wishing each of them the best in this next chapter.
 
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I am pleased to share that VWU has received approval from our accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC), to offer a joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with Sentara College of Health Sciences. The 131-credit hour joint BSN degree involves coursework at both institutions. Formal acceptance into the Sentara program occurs at the end of freshman year. Ten qualified applicants are guaranteed admission, and additional students will be considered on a competitive basis. Learn more here.
 
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Virginia Wesleyan continues to receive widespread recognition as Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. I am proud to share a glimpse of our newest members of the Marlin Family for the fall semester.
 
For the Fall Session, the University received 2,433 traditional undergraduate applications and accepted 1,773 (73 percent acceptance rate). A total of 415 new students will be enrolling in traditional programs. We welcomed incoming students over the last several days, beginning with our fourth Batten Honors College class on Thursday and other First Years and Transfers over the weekend.
 
 
The Batten Honors College continues to bring in strong, engaged students. Now going into its fourth year, we will experience our first full cohort graduation in May. The newest class boasts a cumulative high school grade point average of 4.21 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1382, and an average ACT score of 30 (both ACT and SAT are a four-year high). Students hail from all over the country as well as internationally. Batten and Shumadine scholars are dynamic additions to our campus community.
 
More students are finding a fit with Virginia Wesleyan University. This can be attributed to many factors, including the greater visibility of the University and our excellent academic reputation, as evidenced by increasing numbers of out-of-state students.
 
The majority of VWU's new undergraduate students come from Virginia, with 70 percent of undergraduate day students coming from the state. Please note that these only include new students through the first registration of the fall semester and only includes our traditional residential learners. With the addition of VWU Global Campus (formerly University College) three years ago, the University now has six starting points each year, including two starts in the Fall Session.
 
Our joint campus in Tokyo--Lakeland University Japan and VWU Global--currently enrolls 355 students.
 
This enrollment does not include our non-credit continuing education and lifelong learning offerings. Over 10,000 learners enrolled in those programs in 2019-20.
 
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Coming Together as a Community This Fall
As we begin the fall semester, let us remember the importance of being responsible citizens and acting with our fellow Marlins in mind. I share with you a video message in preparation for the days, weeks, and months ahead.  Be sure to check Virginia Wesleyan's COVID-19 website for all updates, and view this guide to make sure your face covering is "COVID considerate." 
 
Celebrating Nineteenth Amendment Day 
August 18 marked "A Century of Votes for Women." Kudos to Virginia Wesleyan faculty members Kathleen Casey and Leslie Caughell for an excellent article on this historic milestone. Read it in Coastal Virginia Magazine.
 
ICYMI: VWU Receives 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award 
Virginia Wesleyan University's Environmental Institute: Summer Scholars program received the 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Virginia Wesleyan is featured along with 49 other recipients in the September 2020 issue of the magazine. Read more here.
 
 
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
 
Progress at Coastal 61 at Oxford Village continues. We look forward to two of the eight buildings opening in just a few short weeks. View recent drone footage of the apartment community to see updates. For faculty and staff interested in living in Coastal 61, you are eligible for discounted rates through the Preferred Employer Program. Learn more here.
 
In the latest edition of the Virginia Wesleyan Athletics "Inside Splash" segment, Head Men's Soccer Coach Chris Mills is interviewed by VWU Sports Information intern Taylor Major. Check it out here.
 
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
 
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez
Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez
Instagram: @prezscottmiller
Flickr: Scott D. Miller
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) 

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Have a great week!
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