Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

March 8, 2021

Good morning,

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees wrapped up their mid-academic year meetings last week with the Winter Business Session — held via Zoom because of the pandemic. Over the past three weeks, the Board has held a variety of meetings including a thorough presentation by the Emergency Response Team/COVID Action Team and committee meetings for trusteeship, academic affairs, student life, investment, administration and finance, advancement, enrollment, and audit. The Board adopted a staggered Zoom format to ensure adequate time for engagement in a setup necessitated by the pandemic.

The Board re-elected officers for the 2020-21 academic year:

Chair – John F. Malbon

Vice Chair – Susan S. Goode

Secretary – Mavis E. McKenley ’11

Treasurer – J. Timothy Bailey ’83

They also re-elected several Trustees whose terms were scheduled to expire on June 30:

J. Timothy Bailey ’83

Susan S. Goode

Sharon S. Goodwyn

Robert W. McFarland

Eric C. Nyman ’94

Jonathan E. Pruden

Joseph R. Thomas

The Trustees expressed appreciation to Rev. Wayne Sneed, retiring District Superintendent of the Elizabeth River District of the United Methodist Church, and affirmed his successor, Rev. Seonyoung Kim. The Virginia Conference Bishop and District Superintendent of the Elizabeth River District are the United Methodist Church ex-officio designates to the VWU Board.

As a result of the pandemic, most of the discussion focused on operational and financial issues; however, the Board did approve a variety of personnel-related matters:

Granting promotion to associate professor with tenure to Dr. Jill Sturts (Sport and Recreation Professions), Dr. Annette Clayton (Social Work), and Dr. Antje Schwennicke (Political Science).
Granting promotion to full professor to Dr. Kellie Holzer (English), Dr. Margaret Reese (Mathematics), and Dr. Maury Howard (Chemistry).
The proposed professional development that Dr. Bryson Mortensen (Music) and Dr. Eric Mazur (Religious Studies) will undertake this fall while they are on sabbatical
Recognition of Lori Harris ‘94, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations, for leading the Trinder Center for Advancement after the sudden passing of Senior Vice President Mort Gamble and the postponement of the vice presidential search due to COVID-19.
Recognition of April Christman ‘14, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Campus Life and Coordinator of Student Health Management, as the University’s nominee for the VFIC Distinguished Service Award for Pandemic Support for her outstanding service and dedication to VWU students.

The Board also approved honorary degrees to be given at spring Commencement for Dr. Timothy Carter, President of Second Nature; Dr. Susan T. Beverly, Class of 1972 and philanthropist; Dr. Richard Ekman, President of the Council of Independent Colleges; and Dr. David R. Black, President-emeritus of Lakeland University & President-emeritus of Eastern University. We will also recognize Mark Hanshaw, who recently completed four years as Associate General Secretary for the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church (GBHEM), and Rev. Snead, retiring Elizabeth River District Superintendent, with the Wesley Award.

The Board heard detailed analysis of the University’s current condition and a preview of anticipated changes as a result of the pandemic. They approved construction contracts for DeFord Manor and Brock Commons.

My special thanks to John Malbon, Chair of the Board of Trustees, for his outstanding leadership. His active engagement has been so important to our good future, especially during the challenges of the last 12 months. Also, a special congratulations to Board of Trustees members Bob Aston, Howard Kern, and Vince Mastracco on being named to the 2021 “Heavy Hitters” list by Virginia Business.

VWU is in a favorable position because of the true care and attention each Board member gives to our students and our University, and I thank them.

Virginia Wesleyan University and Heritage United Methodist Church, located on the east side of campus, have reached an agreement that has been called a “win-win” by leaders of the church, VWU, and the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The most significant aspect of the agreement is the appointment of a new minister that will serve in the joint capacity of Pastor of HUMC and Chaplain of Virginia Wesleyan University. A collaboration team from the church and university have also agreed that VWU students would play a prominent role supporting the community outreach endeavors of the church, giving service-learning opportunities to Marlins involved in campus ministry, our religious studies department, civic engagement and service learning, and our music program.

I thank Marie Porter for stepping in to lead our campus ministry program this year. She has been fantastic with our students, and we hope she stays involved in the future.

More about HUMC: https://heritageumcvb.org

Congratulations to Kathleen Vanden Berg '22, who has been accepted into the Newman Civic Fellows class of 2021, consisting of 212 community-committed students representing Campus Compact member colleges and universities from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.

As a 2021 Newman Civic Fellow, Kat will have access to a variety of virtual and in-person learning opportunities during the 2021-2022 academic year, including a national conference for Newman Civic Fellows. Fellows will also have access to exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities. These opportunities support fellows in their personal, professional, and civic growth.

The Newman Civic Fellowship was created in honor of Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders and a tireless advocate for the role of higher education in preparing students for active and engaged citizenship. The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by the KPMG Foundation. The 2021 Newman Civic Fellows are an inspiring group of students who are already making an impact in communities where they live, learn, and serve. Congratulations, Kat!

ET CETERA

We recently announced the appointment of Andrea Hoover-Erbig as Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics after a 15-year tenure as the record-setting coach of the Marlin volleyball squad. Today, I’m pleased to share a reorganization of the department to support its leadership. The realignment is designed to capture the strength of department personnel with post-pandemic priorities of the University in a cost-effective manner.

Jeff Bowers, now in his 21st year at VWU and the most successful women’s soccer coach in program history, will remain Associate Director of Athletics. He will focus on student-athlete organizations including Chi Alpha Sigma, Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the Athletics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He will also organize and direct game management, student worker programs and develop our internship program.

For 14 years, Brandon Elliott ‘03 has been one of the most successful softball coaches in the country. Starting this summer, he will assume the dual responsibility of Assistant Director of Athletics for Advancement. He will assist in various athletic department fundraising functions and collaborate with Advancement to enhance the relationship between athletic alumni and the University and drive unrestricted giving to athletics.

Liz Hudy will assume some of Andrea’s responsibilities as Senior Woman Administrator/Academic Integration Coordinator and remain Head Women’s Basketball Coach. She arrived here a season ago under difficult circumstances and has weathered those circumstances well.

The Sports Information Office will become the Office of Athletic Communications, directed by Alysse Scripter. Marty Perry, who has served as Assistant Sports Information Director and Director of Men’s and Women’s Tennis, will become Associate Director of Athletic Communications in addition to his tennis responsibilities. Mike Ginder will become Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, in addition to directing men’s and women’s swimming.

Congratulations, once again, to Andrea. Congratulations and thank you to Jeff, Brandon, Liz, Marty and Mike for assuming new levels of responsibility. These are tough times in American higher education. With their leadership—and with the support of our entire Athletics coaching staff and our student-athletes, alumni, parents, and fans—we have an extremely bright future.

Thank you to Dr. Richard Rosenblum, a longtime supporter of VWU athletics and men's basketball, who recently surprised David Macedo and his family with a significant contribution to the basketball program to enable the dual naming of the men's basketball office suite for the Head Coach and Assistant Men's basketball coaches. The naming plaque reads, “The Macedo and Rosenblum Family Suite.”

Dr. Rosenblum has been a volunteer medical resource for athletics for many years, giving countless hours of his area of expertise to many students. He graduated from Norfolk Academy and went on to study at Colgate University before returning to the south to attend the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. He began his surgical training at the University of Kentucky in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), focused on achieving a Board Certification in plastic surgery. Invited to attend the prestigious Vanderbilt University, Rosenblum completed his plastic surgery residency as well as otolaryngology, achieving a rare double board certification.

Pictured with me from left, Joanne Renn (Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics), Dr. Rosenblum, and Dave Macedo (VWU Head Basketball Coach).

Over the last two years, you’ve heard me mention a project named “Campus757” developed by Visit Norfolk and the presidents of the five local colleges and universities. With implementation now led by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Campus757 has been launched to retain local college students in the region after graduation. Program Manager Maegan Barnes says, “Campus757 is developing a centralized hub connecting students with employers and tastemakers throughout the region. We inform and guide students with programs and resources to launch their careers, establish a home base in Hampton Roads, and leave a lasting impact in the community. To simplify, we want students to stay!”

Campus757 exists to expand young professionals’ outlook on and familiarity with the 757 region and help them connect to local businesses in pursuit of their ideal career. The program is creating a seamless transition for college students from their campuses and studies to the real world. From professional resources to job opportunities, the organization helps students find a home for their future in Hampton Roads.

As one of the earliest partners of Campus757, Virginia Wesleyan has been privy to much of the behind-the-scenes action. Campus757 and VWU staff are working together to make sure that VWU students are represented and heard in the early development of this program.

Campus757 is closing the gap between graduation and the workplace, and VWU students have the opportunity to become involved now. Students who are interested should contact Sarah Guzzo, Director of Student Activities, at sguzzo@vwu.edu.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

VWU Commemorates Women’s History Month

During the month of March, in celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, a special series of speakers and events have been organized by Virginia Wesleyan's Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity, Wesleyan Engaged: Civic Engagement and Service Learning, and Student Activities' Off the Hook. The agenda for the month is designed to heighten awareness and celebrate the vital role of women throughout history and in contemporary society. Learn more.

Remembering Don Forsyth

Thank you to The Virginian-Pilot for its caring article remembering the legendary VWU coach and athletic director Donald M. Forsyth. Don was a mentor and friend to so many in our area and around the country. It is fitting that he is honored in this way.

Grants and Contracts Processes Announced

I recently shared the establishment of the grants and contracts office in the Trinder Center for Advancement. Kim Hammer, Vice President for Advancement/Special Assistant to the President, is the point person for this program. Faculty must present their funding requests in writing to the dean of their respective school before completing/submitting any grant application and also send a copy to Kim. If the dean approves of this grant activity, he or she will recommend the grant to Kim for review. From there, Kim and Lori Harris, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations, will consider the funding request based on a variety of factors and then make a final recommendation to me. If faculty members have any questions about the funding request process, please contact your dean or Dr. Maynard Schaus, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Alumni in the News

Virginia state senator Richard Stuart, VWU Class of 1989, recently found tombstones washed up along the Potomac River. We thank Senator Stuart and the many other government officials and nonprofit organizations who are working to rectify this very sad and troubling piece of history. Read the story in The Washington Post.

Troy Valos '01 is a special collections librarian with the Sargeant Memorial Collection at the Slover Library in Norfolk. A request from a patron led him down a road of discovery and intrigue about a little known Civil War spy named Mary Louveste. Read this front-page feature from The Virginian-Pilot.

Pierrette Swan '08 was featured in a special WHRO series, “Works Like a Girl,” that encourages women to pursue opportunities in skilled careers.

Administrative/Staff 2021 Holiday Calendar

Please find the administrative/staff holiday calendar for 2021 here.

Balloon Bill Now Law in Virginia

The Virginia legislature has passed a series of laws that align with the University’s Environmental Guiding Principles. A new law of note is the ban of the intentional release of non-biodegradable balloons. Special thanks to our delegate Nancy Guy for her role in helping Virginia become more environmentally friendly. Read the WTKR story here.

Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project is the first offshore wind project ever in federal waters. Located 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, it will include enough wind turbine capacity to generate 2,640-megawatts of energy that will be transmitted back to shore and subsequently into the commonwealth’s onshore electricity grid. Learn more and watch the video.

I-64 Budget Deal Clears Way to Complete Expansion from Chesapeake to Richmond

The state budget compromise released Thursday includes more funds to expand Interstate 64 in Hampton Roads, including widening the highway all the way to Richmond, according to a report by Dave Ress of the Daily Press. Negotiators for the House of Delegates and the state Senate agreed to set $93.1 million from federal COVID-19 relief funds for work on I-64. The money is to go to the proposed 44-mile network of express and toll lanes for the region, running from the Jefferson Avenue intersection in Newport News to the Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake.

HRBT Tunnel Boring Machine’s Name Will Be ‘Mary’

As we all anxiously await the arrival of the new Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Kate Andrews of Virginia Business Magazine takes this unique look at the machine that will help complete the project. Chosen from several entries submitted by Hampton Roads area middle school students, the massive underwater tunnel boring machine that arrives later this year to dig new tunnels for the $3.8 billion Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project will be named Mary, in honor of Mary Winston Jackson, a NASA scientist depicted in “Hidden Figures.”

Best of luck on mid-terms, Marlins. We're halfway there!

Sincerely,