Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

March 28, 2022

Good morning,

Virginia Wesleyan is in bloom as warmer weather brings out the best our campus, and our region, has to offer. Undoubtedly, students are counting the days until the end of the semester, and graduating seniors are making plans to take their next steps beyond these beautiful 300 acres.

With that in mind, the Class of 2022 should have received an email last week regarding FAQs and Important Information for how to ensure participation in the spring Commencement weekend events on May 13-14. We look forward to celebrating our graduates soon.

I’m excited to share that we’ve made some valuable changes to our online Master of Business Administration, redesigning the curriculum with an added focus on leadership. There is a high demand today for employees who can bring both business and leadership skills to the table. Our MBA course content has been adjusted to reflect that demand, and seeks to develop leaders committed to creating sustainable, social, environmental, and economic value through effective and responsive business practices.

You don’t need a business degree to get your MBA. Our program is designed to enhance leadership skills and lay the foundation for success in any field, regardless of a student’s background. Upon graduation, students will have the communication and teamwork skills necessary to compete in a global environment, a firm understanding of advanced business concepts, knowledge of relevant emerging business trends, and key leadership skills necessary for managerial roles.

The 10-course program can be completed in as little as 12 months, and students may enroll on either a full-time or a part-time basis. The next start date for our online MBA is May 16. Learn more at online.vwu.edu.

Thanks to many of you for the calls, notes and cards regarding the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities recognition last week. It was a special evening for me and my family. But more importantly, the award recognizes the good work we’re doing collectively at VWU in addressing important topics and actively promoting and ensuring an inclusive campus community.

I’m pictured with Jonathan Zur, President and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. View more photos of the event here.

Watch the full award ceremony here.

ET CETERA

I am pleased to share that Dr. Susan Larkin has been selected from an elite field of candidates nationwide for the Senior Leadership Academy (SLA).

SLA is a year-long program for administrators in higher education who aspire to cabinet-level positions in independent colleges or universities, The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) sponsor SLA.

The SLA fills a gap in the current leadership pipeline by preparing talented leaders with the skills needed to advance in senior leadership. It also helps participants broaden their understanding of the higher education ecosystem and of the full range of leadership roles needed for institutional success. Participants will acquire knowledge, skills, and experience germane to the responsibilities and activities central to the work of a vice president or cabinet officer.

Dr. Larkin has been a part of the Virginia Wesleyan family since 2008. A Professor of English, she served for three years as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs before advancing to VPAA in January.

She received her B.A. in English Literature from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts and her M.A. and Ph.D. in English Studies and a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies from Illinois State University. Her research is interdisciplinary and interweaves children’s and adolescent literature, women’s and gender studies, and cultural studies. She has published on Judy Blume, Harry Potter, Mr. Rogers, Walt Disney, Laura Ingalls Wilder, women’s memoir, and empowerment, identity, and gender in adolescent literature. She also teaches a variety of English, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Wesleyan Seminars at VWU.

National trend reports prior to the pandemic pointed to a decline in college-age populations during the coming decade. The pandemic has intensified that challenge for all sectors of higher education as many students who stepped-out have yet to return to finish their degrees and adult learners have decided to continue in the workforce without the benefit of a degree thanks to the current, booming job market.

As we headed into the second half of the academic year, our total headcount was 1,509 students, with 1,232 full time and 92 percent occupancy (100 percent in the fall semester) in the residence halls. VWU Online continues to flourish with approximately 300 degree-seeking students and an additional 1,200 learners in our non-credit workforce development courses. Our LUJ/VWU Global Campus (Japan) recently moved into beautiful new facilities in Tokyo, and we expect to enroll 350 students there in the new academic year.

Special thanks to Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment, who oversees our comprehensive enrollment model.

I recently shared in Nota Bene the delay of the United Methodist Church’s General Conference until 2024 and its impact on “The Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.” The delay is extremely disappointing as the vote on “The Protocol” calls for a revitalized, inclusive United Methodist Church. Should “The Protocol” pass in its current form in 2024, Virginia Wesleyan University would remain affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Today, I share information from Keith Boyette, President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and leader of the new Global Methodist Church.

“While the third postponement of The United Methodist Church’s General Conference does not begin to compare with the human tragedy of war in Europe, it has raised many questions and resurfaced old tensions that the adoption of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation would have resolved in an amicable and orderly way. The Global Methodist Church’s Transitional Leadership Council is delighted that its announcement of the launch of the Global Methodist Church has been warmly received by theologically conservative Methodists all around the world. And we are overwhelmed by the number of local church leaders and clergy contacting us about how to join. It is simultaneously a great joy and a great burden to have.” — Keith Boyette, President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association.

Learn more about the new Global Methodist Church.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating Women’s History Month

This is the final week of our special series of speakers and events organized in celebration of Women’s History Month. Learn more about our remaining events and make plans to join in.

Dean Gonsalves-Jackson to Deliver CUMU Holland Scholars Lecture

On Thursday, March 31 at 12:00 p.m., Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Professor of Biology and Dean of the VWU Global Campus, will share her personal journey of becoming a marine biologist, connect how her journey has led to engaged work with underrepresented groups in STEM, and reflect on her identity as an administrator-scholar. This webinar speaks directly to faculty seeking to unite their scholarly work with engaged community work, and to all those interested in the sciences or engaged in STEM education. Register to attend this free webinar.

Growth of Work and Learn Program Continues

The Work and Learn Program is dedicated to providing students with meaningful work opportunities that allow them to better engage with the Virginia Wesleyan University community. Students will develop the necessary skills and experiences to be competitive in today’s job market. The program also gives students the opportunity to actively contribute toward the cost of their education.

The program has a collaborative relationship with The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery, which includes Civic Engagement & Service Learning, Study Away, Undergraduate Research and Career Development. Jason Seward, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, oversees this program in cooperation with the Offices of Career Development and Financial Aid.

As such, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Alice Jones as Director of Career Development. She brings over 19 years experience working in various areas of higher education, career and workforce development to the role. She has a BS in Math Education, an MS in Higher Education, and an MA in Lifespan and Digital Communication. For career development appointments, students can contact her at ajones@vwu.edu or 757.455.3107.

Chat & Chew Moves to DeFord Manor

I was delighted to host the first Chat & Chew for VWU staff at DeFord Manor last week. We had a great lunch and discussion with (clockwise from top) Bill Brown, Trey DelPo ’17, Brandon Foster ’19, Brooke Novkovic ’18, and Melissa Larrea.

VWU Fine and Performing Arts Department Presents "Roe" by Lisa Loomer

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion, is still fiercely debated 50 years later. In this incisive play, acclaimed writer Lisa Loomer cuts through the headlines and rhetoric to reveal the divergent personal journeys of lawyer Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey ("Jane Roe") in the years following the fateful decision. In turns shocking, humorous, and poignant, ROE reflects the polarization in America today while illuminating the heart and passion each side has for its cause. Get tickets for the March 31-April 3 performances.

A Refreshing Exchange

Virginia Beach business leaders welcomed Taylor Adams, Deputy City Manager, to a working dinner to discuss process improvements in the functions of the City. Thanks to City Manager Patrick Duhaney and his deputies, significant improvements have been made to the user-friendliness of the City, which will allow for growth and prosperity of our area as we move forward out of the pandemic.

Virginia Beach City Council Learns More about VWU Non-Credit Programs

I was asked to speak to the Virginia Beach City Council Tuesday on our highly popular non-credit program for workforce development courses offered online, in person, on site at area businesses, and at The Hive in Town Center. Over 9,300 learners have registered for our non-credit courses — with 2,411 completions and certificates. 72 percent of registrants — that’s 6,696 — list Virginia Beach as their home. VWU is thrilled to offer these courses to create a stronger and more resilient community.

Student Workforce Development Initiative Forum Engages VWU Students

Our thanks to Virginia Beach City Councilman Aaron Rouse and Shawn Avery, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Workforce Council, for hosting the Student Workforce Development Initiative Forum at Top Golf last week. The hosts were joined by area students, including Rowan Stuart, VWU Batten Honors College first year student, pictured right, participating in the question and answer session.

Kevin Nickelberry Heads Home to DC

Last week I shared that Kevin Nickelberry from the VWU Class of 1986 was named Interim Men’s Basketball Head Coach at LSU for the NCAA Tournament. With the appointment of a new head coach at LSU, Georgetown University legend and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Patrick Ewing announced that Kevin will be an assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator for the Hoyas. We wish Kevin the best as he returns to his hometown of Washington, D.C.

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REFLECTIONS

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

University Business