Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

February 7, 2022

Good morning,

Virginia Wesleyan University is consistently recognized for its ethnic diversity and social mobility among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and has repeatedly distinguished itself as a community dedicated to equal opportunity for students, faculty, and staff as an Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction.

We are proud to hold these and other designations, but, as I’ve said before, they mean little unless we—as a campus—are thinking through challenging racial issues and acknowledging systemic concerns. To do so effectively, we know we must be part of a larger dialogue on campus and beyond.

We joined, at the beginning of 2021, an elite group of 68 National Liberal Arts Colleges collaborating to form the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA), facilitated by the University of Southern California’s Race & Equity Center. E-convenings and resources from this group continue to inform and shape VWU’s initiatives in this area.

As a means of further enhancing our institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I am pleased to now introduce the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC). The DEIC will lead institutional efforts to not only understand diversity, equity and inclusion issues, but also to provide resources and layers of support for our students who bring rich experiences and perspectives to ensure that Virginia Wesleyan is continually honoring and respecting differences and that all members of our campus community have a voice.

From purpose to function, the DEIC will lead the institution in offering programs designed to enhance the educational value of the campus community through purposeful dialogue and celebration of difference. The Council consists of the University’s designated Chief Diversity Officer and five deputy diversity officers from key institutional areas: Academics, Athletics, Student Activities, the Lighthouse, and the Robert Nusbaum Center. The Chief Diversity Officer is appointed by the President of the University and shall serve as chair. The DEIC will meet monthly to discuss upcoming events and initiatives.

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Felipe Hugueño will serve as our new Chief Diversity Officer. He has served on the VWU faculty since 2019 as Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies. He holds a B.A. from Binghamton University, an M.A. from St. John’s University, and a Ph.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Hugueño will be assisted by the following community members:

Dr. Modupe Oshikoya, Deputy Diversity Officer, Academic Liaison (Assistant Professor of Political Science)

Cameia Alexander, Deputy Diversity Officer, Athletic Liaison (Director of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field)

Dr. Brian Kurisky, Deputy Diversity Officer, The Lighthouse Liaison (Executive Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning)

Kelly Jackson, Deputy Diversity Officer, Robert Nusbaum Center Liaison (Associate Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center)

Andre Wiggins, Deputy Diversity Officer, Student Activities Liaison (Coordinator of Student Activities Programming)

Additionally, Dr. Susan Larkin, (Vice President for Academic Affairs), and Dr. Keith Moore (Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management), will serve as ex officio liaisons to the President’s Cabinet.

The University recently received a summary of recommendations from the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climate (NACCC), conducted last spring as a part of our membership in LACRELA. While LACRELA noted that an insufficient number of responses had an impact on the validity of statistical results, it provided enough perspective to inform an executive summary and recommendations. As the members of the DEIC settle into their new roles, they will utilize the results of the NACCC to guide institutional initiatives and programs in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It has been a very tense and emotional week around Virginia college campuses due to the tragedy at Bridgewater College last Tuesday. Our hearts continue to go out to our friends and colleagues there and to the loved ones of the two slain campus officers.

Campus safety and security is of the utmost importance to Virginia Wesleyan. All students, faculty, and staff are highly encouraged to download our LiveSafe app. Among the app’s many benefits, LiveSafe also serves as VWU's Emergency Notification System. In the event of an emergency scenario on campus, everyone with the app receives a text, email and/or push notification on their mobile device to alert them.

ET CETERA

I am pleased to report that VWU Global in Tokyo and its partner, Lakeland University Japan, have a new campus location. Acceptance of Lakeland’s invitation to partner more than two years ago was based on a strategic plan that included relocating the campus from its corporate center to an urban site surrounded by parks, water and educational institutions. On January 17, we invited students into just such a campus. Pictures of the campus and surrounding places of historical and cultural significance accompany this announcement.

Twenty-five classrooms are equipped with state-of-the art technology. Parks, ponds, and a nearby river offer students learning opportunities in a real-world urban laboratory. Surrounding museums and culture centers ensure an added experiential dimension to teaching and learning, due the district’s business and governmental centers.

Lakeland has operated a junior college in Tokyo since 1991, enrolling students from more than 30 countries. Of course, Japan’s closed border response to Covid-19 has restricted enrollment to in-country and online students only during the last two years, but we look forward to a return of students from across Asia and the world soon, with a number of them completing baccalaureate degrees at VWU in Virginia Beach. Nine students have joined us in Virginia Beach from LUJ/VWU Global (Japan) during the 2021-2022 Academic Year.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The Passing of MPO David Nieves

The Marlin community mourns the sudden passing of Master Police Officer David Nieves of the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD). Officer Nieves served Virginia Wesleyan University as a member of our Campus Safety Partnership (CSP) with the VBPD since the program’s inception in 2008. He graciously assisted in our efforts to enhance public safety by educating the Marlin community through active threats workshops and conducting valuable environmental safety audits that informed institutional lighting, physical surroundings, and traffic initiatives. We continue to keep David’s son Matthew, his family, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers. (Pictured: Always jovial MPO Nieves visiting with Vic Dorsey, Keith Moore, and me in 2019.)

Join Us for Black History Month Activities on Campus

The annual observance of Black History Month, also known as African American History Month across the United States, pays tribute to generations of African Americans and the significant roles they have played in shaping our nation’s history and society. Throughout this special month, Virginia Wesleyan will host numerous events and activities, both virtually and on campus. The nationally recognized theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness,” which considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have engaged in to be well. Check out the 2022 events and programs to learn more and get involved.

Kudos to our 2022 Ethics Bowl Team

Please join me in congratulating our 2022 Ethics Bowl team on their performance last week at the VFIC Ethics Bowl, presented by Wells Fargo. After four rounds of competition, the Virginia Wesleyan team of Rowan Stuart, Casey Bennett, Christian Palmisano, Kainaat Treehan, and Amalia Houff (alternate) was among the highest ranking in the competition. The University of Richmond eventually won this year's Ethics Bowl, taking home the coveted Batten Cup. Kudos to our Marlin competitors! VWU is excited to host the 2023 VFIC Ethics Bowl next spring.

New Scoreboard Installed at Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex

Thanks to the generous support of Tassos Paphites—Trustee, two-time inductee to the VWU Athletic Hall of Fame and a member of the Class of 1979—a new scoreboard has been installed at our soccer complex. We look forward to the upcoming season to utilize the new scoreboard and many of the enhanced features of the complex and the adjoining Trinder Center.

Ray Duffy Honored for Military Service

Ray Duffy, an adjunct faculty member in the Management, Business, and Economics program, was recently honored during a basketball game at his alma mater, Villanova University, for his military service. Ray is a retired U.S. Navy Captain who served for 28 years. We thank him for his many years of service in the armed forces.

DeFord Manor an ERP River Star Home

Although supply chain issues have delayed the opening and occupancy of DeFord Manor, we are proud to share that the house is now an Elizabeth River Project River Star Home. DeFord Manor boasts several environmental sustainability initiatives, including the planting of approximately 460 trees, shrubs and plants in the surrounding landscape and nearly a mile of underground stormwater chambers and a bio pond.

Girls on the Run Office at VWU Gets a New Look

Thanks to the generosity of the Frank Blocker, Jr. Foundation, the new Girls on the Run office in Allen Commons has a fresh new look. Check out the before and after pictures.

The Debate for the Future of the United Methodist Church Continues

The pandemic has long-delayed the General Conference for the United Methodist Church. The meeting is now scheduled in late August, and it is our hope that church leaders will finally move forward with allowing the theologically conservative group to break off as proposed. Learn more.

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REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

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