Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

October 18, 2021

Good morning,

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees held their Fall Meeting last week in the Board of Trustees Suite in the Boyd Dining Center. After two weeks of staggered meetings by the seven Board Committees, members met to hear reports and take action on a variety of issues.

The opening session was an extensive presentation about the Batten Honors College. I thank Dean Travis Malone, scholar Criofan Shaw ’23, and Executive-in-Residence David Black for their presentation on the present and future of the program. Of the 147 honors colleges nationwide, initial indications show that the Batten Honors College may be the only honors college with a focus in environmental stewardship. From the students, to curriculum, to the graduation requirements, our program is truly unique, and the Board enjoyed hearing updates about this national niche for VWU.

During the business session, the Board voted to make Brown Advisory our new outsourced Chief Investment Officer (oCIO). CIO is a term used to describe general asset management services provided by an asset manager on a discretionary basis. Beyond a track record of good returns, Brown Advisory is one of 100 financial institutions who are members in the Intentional Endowments Network, a group committed to investing for an equitable, low-carbon, and regenerative economy. We are committed to responsible stewardship of campus resources and to demonstrating leadership in sustainability as outlined in our Environmental Guiding Principles. We look forward to a very strong working relationship with Brown Advisory.

Some of the other Board actions included:

Approved updates to procedural documents relative to the recent significant growth of the endowment.
Approved the new Bachelor of Arts in Allied Health Studies
Approved updates to the Policy and Procedure Handbook
Approved the FY 21-22 Budget (The final budget approval had been delayed as a result of a variety of revenue sources impacted by the pandemic)
Approved the University’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy in regards to the NCAA affiliation

I thank Chair John Malbon, each of the Committee chairs, and all of our Board members for their time, energy, engagement, and support.

ET CETERA

Our first in-person Marlins Day Open House in over a year was a huge success. Our future Marlins and their families explored campus, met VWU faculty and staff, and learned about academic offerings, scholarships, and the financial aid process. They also participated in special parent, freshman, and transfer break-out sessions as well as an Academic and Resource Fair in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.

The next Marlins Day Open House is scheduled for Saturday, February 12. Prospective students can learn more and register at vwu.edu/marlinsdays.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights requires every institution of higher education to define its responsibilities under Title IX. Whether we are a member of the student body, faculty or staff, understanding our roles in matters involving Title IX is a priority for each of us. Mandatory training related to Title IX is being provided to our campus community (students, faculty, staff) and includes a presentation for your review on WebAdvisor that must be completed by Friday, October 22.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Memorial Service for Charles and Viola Kessler

As previously announced, the memorial service for Charles (Professor Emeritus, Religious Studies) and Viola Kessler will be held on Saturday, October 30 at 1:30 p.m. in Monumental Chapel/Beazley Recital Hall. Dr. Stephen Mansfield and Dr. Craig Wansink will lead the service. All members of the campus community are invited to attend. Please contact Dr. Mansfield with any questions.

Nominate a Student for the Mavis McKenley ’11 Award Presented on MLK Jr. Day

The VWU Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee is seeking student nominations for the Mavis McKenley ’11 Award, which is presented annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 17, 2022). Nominated students should live up to the ideals set forth by Dr. King, including courage and conviction in valuing differences, commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion, compassion for humanity, and commitment to social change. Nominations are due on December 15.

Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Musical: October 21-24

We are thrilled for the in-person return of our annual fall production! The VWU Fine and Performing Arts Department presents the Coastal Virginia premiere of The SpongeBob Musical on October 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and on October 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the Brock Theatre of the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The production is free to VWU students, faculty, and staff. Tickets for outside guests are $15/$10 and can be purchased in advance. Break a leg, SpongeBob cast and crew!

Marlins Get Scuba Certified

During Fall Break, Dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies and Professor of Social Work Ben Dobrin took a school of Marlins to get scuba certified at Lake Phoenix in Rawlings, Virginia, in partnership with Lynnhaven Dive Center. On top of his roles at VWU, Dr. Dobrin volunteers as an instructor and operator in public safety diving, rescue swimming, and rescue boat operations.

October is LGBT History Month

LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender icons, one for each day in October. Find out more.

Council of Independent Colleges/UPS Bright Futures Project

Congratulations to student Alexia Barksdale who has been awarded a CIC/UPS scholarship for the 2021–2022 academic year. The Bright Futures Project will provide CIC/UPS Scholarship students with access to resources and training designed by Collegis Education to prepare them for post-college work life and to apply for prestigious paid corporate internships. This is a great opportunity for Alexis, and I congratulate her!

A Visit with Mayor Bobby Dyer

It was great to visit with Virginia Beach mayor Bobby Dyer last week. There are a lot of exciting developments in our city which will benefit VWU students and alumni moving forward.

Norfolk City Council Presentation

Last week, higher education presidents from around the area presented to the Norfolk City Council during their Fall Retreat. I was proud to update the Council on the wonderful developments at Virginia Wesleyan, including our highly selective Batten Honors College, workforce development courses, the Campus Cooperative, new construction projects, and recent University accolades.

Our Partnership with WHRO

Vice President for Advancement Kim Hammer and I had a conversation on Friday with Bert Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer at WHRO Public Media. We talked about our longstanding community partnership and internship opportunities for VWU students.

DeFord Manor Update

I showed off the catering kitchen at DeFord Manor to our Sodexo team. Pictured from right, Amiya Keene (Director of Catering and Conference Services), Tim Lockett (General Manager), and Daniel Bannerman (Executive Chef). We look forward to hosting events at DeFord Manor in the new year.

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:

University Business