Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

October 19, 2020

Good Morning,

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees met last week to hear a mid-semester COVID update by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and to affirm plans moving forward. The Board complimented the ERT, the operations and academic working groups, and the entire campus community for their commitment to in-person instruction in a fluid and challenging environment.

During the meeting the Board of Trustees also discussed various academic initiatives, including the Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) and VWU Global collaboration in Tokyo, Japan, and new online and noncredit programs of VWU Global Campus. They heard updates on the recent construction projects on and around campus: Susan T. Beverly Hall, Coastal 61 at Oxford Village, Brock Commons, and DeFord Manor.

The Board is also interested and concerned about issues that expand well beyond our beautiful campus. They had thoughtful discussion surrounding the social justice movement, Black Lives Matter, racial and political tensions on college campuses nationwide and the current national situation regarding the United Methodist Church. All of these issues have implications for VWU and higher education in general. I thank our Board members for their reflections and support.

The Board of Trustees Investment Committee met earlier in the month and heard reports from our outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Commonfund, including trend comparisons from the private college sector and recommendations for the future. They noted that sound fiscal management practices have enabled the University to remain strong during challenging times.

With the Board of Trustees’ affirmation, an announcement with details of January Term and plans for the Spring 2021 semester will be shared with the campus community soon.

A warm Virginia Wesleyan University welcome to Greg Skinner as our new Chief Information Officer. An information technology and higher education veteran, Greg has served in multiple roles at York College and Lehigh University, both in Pennsylvania. He most recently served as Director of Enterprise Information & Chief Privacy Officer at Ursinus College, a national liberal arts college located outside of Philadelphia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from York College and a Master of Science in Information Systems: System Design and Programming from Capella University. Additionally, he completed the EDUCAUSE Institute Management Program and CLIR/EDUCAUSE Leading Change Institute.

Greg’s arrival coincides with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The theme for 2020 is “Do Your Part. #BECYBERSMART.” I welcome Greg to the Marlin family and thank the entire VWU Malbon Center for Technology for their continued efforts in educating the campus community on cybersecurity best practices.

ET CETERA

New Alumni Council members announced

I am pleased to announce the latest additions to the Virginia Wesleyan University Alumni Council:

Brandon Adair, Class of 2012, Virginia Beach, VA

Myles Baynard, Class of 2018, Chesapeake, VA

Ksera Dyette, PsyD, Class of 2011, Boston, MA

Taylor “Tip” Major, Class of 2020, Parksley, VA

George Rogers, Class of 2003, Lake Mary, FL

Jaclyn Ruelle, Class of 2004, Richmond, VA

(Pictured left to right.)

The principal purpose of the Alumni Council is to strengthen the bond between our graduates and the University. With these new members, the University is excited for the opportunity to expand alumni outreach, engagement, and participation.

I thank the Alumni Council for their tireless efforts on behalf of the University, and Lori Simpers Harris '94, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations, for her outstanding leadership of this area.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

State of the Region Address

I attended the 2020 State of the Region Address presented by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. It was the first luncheon event I’ve attended since the pandemic began, and I applaud the Chamber and the Norfolk Waterside Marriott for their commitment to public health guidelines as they planned and executed the event.

This year’s State of the Region Report focuses on COVID-19—the virus's effect on the local economy, stress and anxiety in the workplace, food insecurity, and youth mental health. As you will read in the report, there’s a long road ahead for the region's recovery from this pandemic, but Coastal Virginia boasts a rich history of overcoming obstacles and finding opportunities from challenges. Read more here.

The Hampton Roads State of the Region Report originated in 1999 by James V. Koch, former president of Old Dominion University. Dr. Koch is no stranger to Virginia Wesleyan. He completed an Economic Impact Study for VWU just prior to my arrival, led an Institutional Review process here in 2015, led a Board of Trustees session at our Winter Meeting, and assisted with the feasibility study for the joint venture between VWU Global Campus and Lakeland University Japan.

COVID Update

VWU CovidSafe continues to be updated weekly on Wednesdays to keep the campus informed of our current situation. It’s up to each of us to make smart choices every day to safeguard our Marlin community. Thank you for your daily efforts to keep yourself, your classmates, and your coworkers safe.

Transportation and Climate Initiative

I was pleased to add my signature and support along with 100+ businesses, investors, and higher education institutions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic urging states to join the Memorandum of Understanding for the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI). Read the publicly shared letter and learn more at ceres.org/tci.

From One Marlin to Another

There are many opportunities for alumni to engage with and serve Virginia Wesleyan remotely. From One Marlin to Another invites alumni from all classes and majors to send postcards to newly admitted VWU students to encourage them to join the Marlin family. Alumni are asked to complete a volunteer form to express interest in participating in this program.

Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Update

Since 2017, I have been an active member of the nonpartisan Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. The alliance has grown to more than 400 members of U.S. university and college leaders all with the mission of increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impacts students, campuses and communities and supporting policies that create a welcoming environment for immigrant, undocumented and international students on college campuses.

The recent interim final rule regarding H-1B visas and the proposed changes to F and J visas could have a significant impact on college campuses nationwide, including VWU. This statement from the “New York Six” accurately describes the position of the Presidents’ Alliance.

I encourage you to learn more about the activities and actions of the Presidents’ Alliance here.

Batten College of Engineering and Technology Dean Appointed

Congratulations to Dr. Ben Stuart on his appointment as dean of the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology, effective October 25. VWU students, aspiring to careers in engineering, have benefited from a unique relationship between the two institutions for many years. Learn more about the VWU/Batten College of Engineering and Technology relationship here.

Construction Updates

Progress continues on our most recent campus projects. The final three buildings in Coastal 61 at Oxford Village are nearing completion.

Renovation of Susan T. Beverly Hall (formerly the Fine Arts Building) is progressing very well. The new roof should be completed in the coming days. Landscaping around the front of the building is scheduled for the next few weeks. Thanks to the Norfolk Botanical Garden/VWU Director of Living Landscapes Brian O’Neil for the design.

In the Edward D. Hofheimer Theatre of Beverly Hall, demolition of the existing floor (pictured right) has begun and will take approximately two weeks. A new floor similar to the stage in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center will be installed as well as other improvements to the walls, ceiling, lighting, and theatre fixtures. A new kiln building on the east side of the building will be constructed in the next month. The entire renovation should be completed by the end of December.