July 24, 2023
Good morning, |
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Virginia Wesleyan University and Haygood United Methodist Church have enjoyed a strong relationship for several years now, which has fostered mutual growth and collaboration. Together, we have created a vibrant community, sharing resources, knowledge, and values. The university supports the church through educational initiatives, while the church provides spiritual guidance, outreach opportunities, and a supportive network for students and faculty alike. Rev. Beth Givens, Pastor of HUMC, serves as Associate Chaplain at VWU, and Marie Porter, Director of Discipleship and Engagement at HUMC, serves as VWU Director of Campus Ministries.
In light of this excellent partnership, we are proud to share the launch of the Haygood Scholars program. HUMC members applying to VWU’s traditional day program will receive an annual scholarship of $5,000, for up to four years. To be eligible, students must be a member of HUMC or a legal dependent of a parent who is a member of HUMC. Additionally, students who transfer from another institution and meet the criteria may receive equal funding for up to three years.
We’re delighted to further our partnership with HUMC in this manner and look forward to our continued relationship of mutual benefit in education, fellowship, and faith.
For more information, please contact the David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment at VWU ( enrollment@vwu.edu). |
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I’m pleased to announce appointments to the VWU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council for the academic year 2023-24. As we continue to foster an inclusive and diverse community at VWU, the following council members will play a crucial role in promoting understanding, respect, and equity across our campus:
Felipe Hugueno, Deputy Diversity Officer Kelly Jackson, Deputy Diversity Officer Susan Larkin, ex officio Marina Maye, Deputy Diversity Officer Keith Moore, ex officio Modupe Oshikoya, Deputy Diversity Officer Bethany Tsiaras, Deputy Diversity Officer Ryley van der Velde, Deputy Diversity Officer
As a means of further enhancing Virginia Wesleyan University's institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I introduced the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC) in 2022. The DEIC leads institutional efforts to not only understand diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, but also to provide resources and layers of support for students who bring rich experiences and perspectives to ensure that Virginia Wesleyan is continually honoring and respecting differences and that all members of the campus community have a voice.
From purpose to function, the DEIC leads 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 six deputy diversity officers from key institutional areas: Academics, Athletics, the Lighthouse, and the Robert Nusbaum Center. The deputy diversity officers are appointed by the president of the University. The provost and vice president for academic affairs and senior vice president serve as co-chairs of the council. The DEIC meets monthly, at the calling of the co-chairs or president of the University, to discuss events and initiatives. |
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Our “Marlin Migration” modernization plan is a broad initiative to enhance University systems, positively impacting what we can accomplish as an institution. Every division has been actively involved in one or more of these transformational projects.
Oracle HCM and Finance had a soft launch last week, and initial work in the new system has been positive. In late July and early August, different aspects will be rolled out to campus departments to ensure proper support as new groups are onboarded. We celebrated this soft launch with our friends from Oracle at Cantina Laredo in Virginia Beach Town Center last week. |
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Enrollment will be going live with the University’s new enrollment solution, Anthology Reach, this week.
The Oracle Student migration is now underway. We are currently in the pre-implementation phase, with several University divisions taking part in discovery sessions with our Oracle implementation partner. As shared this past spring, a phased launch of Oracle Student is planned for 2025.
This fall semester, a closed pilot is available to a select number of interested faculty wishing to be early adopters of Blackboard’s latest course layout, called Blackboard Learn Ultra. The new design provides a modern, mobile-friendly experience to faculty and students.
Special thanks to the individual donors and foundations that made this important project possible. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Passing of Aramark Facilities Team Member Last week we learned of the passing of Carlos Wilson, member of our Aramark facilities team. Carlos joined the Marlin family this past April, serving as a housekeeper for Blocker and Kellam Halls. Carlos' infectious smile, warm personality, and strong work ethic had an immediate impact on our campus community. Services will be held on Thursday (July 27) at noon at New Genesis Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. |
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Administrative/Staff Holiday Calendar: 2024-25 |
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Virginia Private Colleges Week VWU welcomed rising high school juniors and seniors to campus last week for Virginia Private College Week, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV). Virginia Wesleyan, along with 22 other member institutions, offered in-person and virtual sessions about admission, financial aid, and academic programs. Enrollment counselors also addressed common myths about the cost of a private college education.
Opinion: Understand the Purpose of Virginia’s Universities Higher education in Virginia serves a crucial purpose in shaping individuals, society, our state, and the world. Beyond acquiring knowledge and skills, it cultivates critical thinking, fosters personal growth, and nurtures a lifelong love of learning among a diverse community of students. Read my opinion piece on the subject in last Sunday’s Virginian-Pilot. |
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Lunch with Trustee Emeritus Henry Watts Head softball coach Brandon Elliott and I enjoyed lunch last week with our good friend Henry Watts. A longtime Trustee and supporter of the University, we updated him on progress at the University and shared pictures of the recently completed Eleanor and Henry Watts Field House.
Presidents’ Briefing with NAICU Last week, I attended the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Presidents’ Briefing focusing on the Supreme Court Ruling on Race-Conscious Admissions. This enlightening event, hosted by Barbara Mistick, President of NAICU, brought together individuals from key NAICU staff and private college legal counsel in Washington. The briefing delved into the crucial topic of race-conscious admissions and explored the implications of the Supreme Court ruling. NAICU does an outstanding job of representing us in our nation’s capital. |
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Wesleyan Wednesday: August 9 Save the date for our next Wesleyan Wednesday on August 9 on the lawn of Taste-Bayville Farms. The event, from 5-7 p.m., is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families. There’ll be live music and great food. We hope to see you there!
2023 State of the University: August 18 The 2023 State of the University Address will take place on August 18 at 12:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming our Trustees, faculty, staff, and many friends to recap our previous academic year and look ahead to the next academic year. The State of the University will be livestreamed on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network for students, alumni, and friends of the University. |
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2023 Founders Day: September 7 Our formal Founders Day convocation ceremony, featuring keynote speaker Leighton Clarke Krips and the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards, will be held on Thursday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Join us as we celebrate our roots, honor those who shaped our history, and embrace the exciting future ahead. |
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VWU Friend Delceno Miles Appointed to SCHEV Congratulations to our good friend Delceno Miles on her appointment by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). Delceno and I have had the pleasure of working together on numerous projects, showcasing our shared commitment to community excellence. Currently, we are both leading the way at Virginia Beach Vision. She is President and CEO of The Miles Agency in Virginia Beach. |
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Millie GarcÃa Appointed Chancellor of California State University System Congratulations to my dear friend Mildred "Millie" GarcÃa, who has been named the Chancellor of the California State University system. Millie, a true champion of college access, has been an invaluable asset to the Academic Search, Inc. and American Academic Leadership Institute Boards of Directors for the past five years. I was Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of those boards during her service. For more details, see the announcement in Inside Higher Ed. |
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Have a great week, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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-- Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: 757.455.3215 |
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