Monday, July 11, 2022

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

 

July 11, 2022

Good morning,
After significant research, product demos, and discussions with several firms, we have chosen Oracle Cloud as our next University Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

Phase 1 of the implementation will begin this summer in the areas of Finance, Human Resources, and Financial Aid with all other work expected to be completed by the summer of 2023.

We are part of a growing number of Higher Education Systems & Services (HESS) Consortium institutions that have partnered with Oracle to meet the needs of small, private, non-profit institutions. By choosing Oracle and HESS we have positioned ourselves collaboratively with partner HESS institutions in implementing a modern and innovative platform that will provide opportunities for growth for years to come.
Virginia Wesleyan University is committed to providing a cost-effective education. This includes five consecutive years of tuition freezes, endowed scholarships, and a popular Work and Learn Program.

For some students, graduating in an accelerated timeframe is a way to make education more affordable. To assist with this, 27 Virginia Wesleyan academic programs now have three-year degree pathways available to students. These pathways provide students with the framework, if they choose, to complete their degree requirements in three years. Students can visit the Majors & Minors section on our website to see the three-year degree pathways. 

My thanks to Sue Larkin (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Loren Marquez (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs), and the Deans—Travis Malone, Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Ben Dobrin, Steven Emmanuel, Antje Schwennicke, and Vic Townsend—for their leadership in developing the three-year model.
I am pleased to announce that Bethany Tsiaras joins Virginia Wesleyan University as the Director of Wesleyan Engaged. Her office is located in The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery in Clarke Hall. 

Bethany holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech and a Master of Education in Community Engagement from Merrimack College in Andover, Massachusetts. 

Through her experiences, Bethany has served institutions in multiple capacities to include coordinating programs for service learning, creating and developing community partnerships, multicultural initiatives, and student mentorship. She has a strong background in program development, civic engagement, and student development. Bethany looks forward to joining our campus community to provide VWU students with meaningful opportunities to serve our campus and the surrounding area. Please join me in welcoming Bethany to Virginia Wesleyan.
ET CETERA
It was such a pleasure to welcome Senator Tim Kaine to campus for a special tour of Clarke Hall and overview of our workforce development program. Sen. Kaine has been an incredible supporter of our program, helping thousands of Coastal Virginians displaced by the pandemic to develop or advance skills over the last two years.

Annie and I also hosted the Senator at DeFord Manor for a dinner with some Trustees of the University. 

We thank the Senator for his strong support of American higher education and VWU.
In case you missed my message in late June, I’ll share this message again for your convenience.

Dr. Sue Larkin is currently serving as our chief academic officer for an 18-month period (December 31, 2021 until June 30, 2023). As I’ve stated in the notification of her appointment at Faculty Assembly, the Spring Town Hall, faculty dinners, Chat ‘N Chews, and to all representative campus leadership groups (Academic Council, Leadership Council, and President’s Cabinet), I am committed to making the decision that is the best for VWU and welcome input from the faculty (and campus community). I am committed to that decision by the authority granted in the VWU By-Laws (posted online) and in the spirit of collaboration and participation warranted for this vital academic position.

My decision will be guided by Virginia Wesleyan’s mission, values and environmental context. As Comte said, “democracy is destiny,” and this University will strengthen teaching and learning among its declining historic demographic while extending its distinctive critical thinking/experiential model to the growing demographic of professionals in this knowledge economy.

Until August 31, I will accept internal comments. No group or anonymous messages will be accepted. Messages with author attribution should be sent directly to my private email address

All responses will be received in a completely confidential manner.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
Administrative/Staff Holiday Calendar
I share with our campus community a link to the administrative/staff holiday calendar for the 2022-23 academic year.

2022-23 Policies, Handbooks and Guidelines
All policies, handbooks, and guidelines for the 2022-23 academic year have been updated (as needed) and posted on our website. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact humanresources@vwu.edu.
Sentara Names New President; Succeeds VWU Trustee Howard Kern in September
Virginia Wesleyan University and Sentara Healthcare have been good partners for a number of years. Our campus-based health center and sports medicine program are managed by Sentara. Two years ago, we initiated a joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with Sentara College of Health Sciences.

Several years ago, Sentara CEO Howard Kern joined the VWU Board of Trustees and has been an instrumental part of our growth and prosperity. 

Earlier this year, Mr. Kern announced his retirement as Sentara CEO, effective with the selection of his successor. Sentara recently announced that Dennis Matheis (pictured), current president of Sentara Health Plans and executive vice president at Sentara Healthcare, will succeed Howard Kern as president and CEO effective September 1.
L& J Gardens Added to Virginia Landmarks Register
L& J Gardens, a historic African-American neighborhood adjacent to campus, has been added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. We are proud of the strong relationship we have with our friends across the way, and we’re pleased to have grown alongside them throughout the last 60 years. Learn more about the history of L & J Gardens in this recent WHRO story.
Norfolk Tides Tickets
Many of you are aware that I enjoy baseball and have two very nice season tickets for the Norfolk Tides behind the first base dugout at Harbor Park. This summer has been incredibly busy, and I haven’t had much of a chance to attend games. Therefore, if any faculty, staff, or students would like to use my tickets, please contact Anja at aserbywilkens@vwu.edu and let her know what date you would like to go. You can find the schedule here.
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez 
Instagram: @prezscottmiller 
Flickr: Scott D. Miller 
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Have a great week, Marlins!

Sincerely,
--
Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.
President
Virginia Wesleyan University
5817 Wesleyan Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
 
Phone: 757.455.3215