As you know, for the past few years I've used my
annual Christmas letter to the North Pole to update you on the state of higher education and to share my wishlist as we move through the holiday season and into the new year.
Yes, I know that higher education presidents always want something—we wish it could be
Christmas every day—but my request list this year is pretty reasonable. Please do all you can to help us out.
But first, I want to thank you for the gifts from last Christmas, especially the increase in the
Tuition Assistance Grant. When we got the news, it was the most wonderful time of the year for approximately 23,000 Virginia students and their families hoping to choose the private college or university that best fits their needs, not necessarily their income bracket.
With that said, here's the list for this year, Santa:
For our wonderful students on-campus and online, grant them a silent night. One free of
obligations, distractions, and anxiety. After a global pandemic, a gridlocked government, and terrible tragedies around the country and in our own area, they could use some heavenly peace. For our dedicated faculty and staff, let it snow with fresh ideas for recruiting and supporting students in and out of the classroom. These individuals give so much to our community, and they deserve 12 days of Christmas, at least.
Speaking of recruiting students, do any of your elves want to complete their degrees online? Or perhaps your workshop has needs regarding talent development? VWU Global Campus, which extends all the way to the North Pole, is a great solution for students of all ages and in any location to advance skills and add credentials that will help their careers and modernize the workforce. (Your toymakers have to keep up with the latest trends, Santa. Kids want to be connected. Wirelessly, of course.)
Next, if you find yourself up on the White House-top, sprinkle your generous spirit on our
national lawmakers to double the Pell Grant. Pell Grants are the fairest and most efficient way to help millions of deserving students nationwide pay for college, especially at a moment when families are facing tough economic times and inflationary pressures. Now that would be a gift worth rockin’ around the Christmas tree!
I know I jingle about affordability often, but it’s only because you'd be proud of everything we're doing at VWU to make a private liberal arts education accessible to all: a year-round work program for students to earn tuition credit, summer and winter terms that allow them to accelerate their progress, the endowed Batten Honors College, a Fair Transfer Guarantee agreement with all Virginia community colleges, and increased fundraising for scholarships. These aren't just empty promises in Christmas wrapping, Santa; rather, they represent a real commitment to our students and families as they make their higher education investment.
Next, please share the joy that comes from living, studying, and working in an inclusive
community like Virginia Wesleyan. The University and our home city of Virginia Beach have been nationally recognized for LGBTQ+ equality, scoring top marks from organizations like Campus Pride Index and the Human Rights Campaign. May these inclusive policies and practices spread beyond our boundaries to wherever true believers call home for the holidays.
Finally, bring us some real action on preserving the natural environment, and keep those safe who are already having a blue Christmas due to the consequences of climate change. Let them know their friends at VWU care about their plight and are working hard to educate the next generation of global environmental leaders through the Batten Honors College and more.
Thank you for your consideration, Santa. I know you have a lot on your mind leading up to your long sleigh ride. There’s so much pain and fear in this world, but you bring comfort and joy. At a time when we all need a little Christmas now, know you’re the only one we trust. How’s that for job security?
). As Chair of Virginia Private Colleges, I shared our initiatives for the upcoming year. We also discussed the growth of VWU and new priorities for Virginia Beach Vision.
