Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

November 22, 2021

Good morning,

During this week of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of what a truly special place Virginia Wesleyan is and how grateful I am for this campus full of opportunity. Among our many blessings are our wonderful students, our hardworking faculty and staff, our caring Board of Trustees, and our many generous alumni and friends.

Annie and I wish you all a safe and happy holiday as you travel near and far to spend time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

ET CETERA

Andrea Hoover-Erbig (VWU Executive Director of Athletics) and I attended the virtual meeting of the NCAA Constitutional Convention last Monday. There has been much written on the subject, which I invite you to explore for yourself:

Emmert Says NCAA Efforts to Reform Not Motivated by Fear

In a New Constitution, the NCAA Reduces the Power of a Key Player: Itself

Marlins fans have likely noticed that Head Women’s Basketball Coach Liz Hudy has not been on the sidelines at recent games. Coach Hudy is currently recovering from a concussion injury she sustained at a team practice in October. Sadly Coach Hudy’s injury is such that phone calls and emails with well wishes are not in her best interest, though she certainly appreciates the sentiment. Perhaps the best way to support her is to cheer on her Marlins during their upcoming games.

Please keep Coach Hudy in your thoughts and prayers. We hope for a safe and speedy recovery and look forward to her return to campus as soon as she is able.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Marlin Business Conference Opening at The Hive

The Marlin Business Conference, “Business in the New Normal,” opened its week-long event at The Hive on Monday night with keynote speaker Taylor Adams, Deputy City Manager of Virginia Beach (pictured center with student conference CEO Ryan Nicholson). I sincerely thank Taylor for his time, energy, and sound advice to our business students.

The week continued the popular "Shark Tank" presentations, which closely mirror the popular ABC television series, as well as group presentations and guest speakers covering a multitude of interesting topics.

Thursday night’s program was the induction ceremony for the Business Honors Society (Sigma Beta Delta). Congratulations to new inductees Emily Amland, Marlese Boyer, Ajiri Byers, Melina Cabral, Connor Merk, Abish Paul, Jacob Peterson, Gavin Prouty, Jeremy Stanford, Brian Sullivan, Evie Nhi Trinh, Barbara Washer, and Doris White. Special thanks to Dr. Arthur Pantelides for providing the keynote speech.

Kudos to our talented business students on a well-run and informative conference.

VWU Global Campus Commencement: Last Day to Register to Participate

Class of 2021, today is the last day to register to participate in our VWU Global Campus Commencement Ceremony on December 18 at 10:00 a.m. Confirm your participation by making your Graduation Cap and Gown (regalia) and Commencement Fee Purchase through our online store. All students who have fulfilled graduation requirements since May 2021 are eligible to participate and cannot defer participation to May 2022. More information at www.vwu.edu/commencement.

VWU Welcomes Anja Bast-Schneider, Heidelberg University

Anja Bast-Schneider, Managing Director of Heidelberg University of Education, visited campus last week (pictured center). Heidelberg is one of our partner exchange schools, offering our students a semester-long international experience in southern Germany. During her visit with Dr. Susan Wansink, VWU Professor of German Studies, we strengthened our relationship and discussed ways to move forward safely given the ongoing pandemic.

Clarke Hall Renovations and Technology Tour

Clarke Hall renovations are nearly complete with some final technology arriving later this winter. The renovations bring an energized first floor hallway. Redesigned classrooms and technology enhancements span both floors including the Innovation Theatre (Clarke 118, pictured), Business and Technology Hub (Clarke 125), Faculty Collaboration Studio (Clarke 128), One Button Recording Studio (Clarke 218), and Testing Center (Clarke 219).

This project brings several new instructional technology abilities to our campus: interactive projectors, Revolution Lightboards, and the One Button Recording Studio. The Malbon Center for Technology will be providing demonstrations of the new equipment, starting with tours of the Innovation Theatre and the One Button Recording Studio. Interested faculty should sign up for tours to learn more.

INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine Now Available

We shared in September that VWU received the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The publication is now available and features the Robert Nusbaum Center on page 86.

Virginia Wesleyan Orchestra in Concert

Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan Orchestra for a wonderful performance last week, under the direction of Justin Stanley.

For more upcoming events in the performing arts: https://www.vwu.edu/the-arts-at-virginia-wesleyan/art-events.php

President to President: Chapter 4

The fourth chapter of the 2021-2022 President to President thought leadership series is now available online. In “Race in Higher Education,” George Mason University President Gregory Washington, Ph.D., examines the persistent and far-reaching effects of racial inequality and explores ideas for addressing these issues within higher education. He shares strategies for proactively mitigating the effects of systemic racism and describes steps his campus has taken to develop programs that support inclusion and equity.

This year's President to President series, titled “The Vitality and Power of Higher Education,” takes a close look at the role colleges and universities are playing in a rapidly changing world. Each month, we publish a new chapter focusing on one element of higher education's evolution through the pandemic and beyond. The series is written by highly respected college and university presidents and features firsthand insights and strategies for addressing the challenges of modern higher education. As Executive Editors, Dr. Marylouise Fennell and I hope you enjoy reading the series and appreciate the opportunity to continue sharing new ideas.

Brock Commons Update

Construction is progressing on the Brock Commons project -- connecting the Boyd Dining Center, Alumni Galleria, and Jane P. Batten Student Center. Brock Commons faces the University quadrangle. Stone facade has been added around the entryway. Brick work should begin in the next two weeks. The facility is the finishing touch on a two year $4.5 million renovation and expansion project. Michael Schnekser of Tymoff + Moss is the architect, and Hourigan is the general contractor. Brock Commons is named in honor of long time Trustee and benefactor Joan P. Brock.