Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

September 11, 2023

Good morning,

On this solemn anniversary of September 11th, let us not forget the profound impact that day had on our nation and the world. It serves as a reminder of the strength that emerges from unity, the resilience that arises from adversity, and the importance of cherishing our shared values. Let us honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the spirit that binds us as a community. May we never forget the significance of this day and strive to create a world that stands against hatred, division, and violence.

Seven years ago, VWU partnered with The Learninghouse of Louisville, KY, to launch VWU Online. This venture has thrived, now enrolling over 1,300 students across degree programs and continuing education. With time, The Learninghouse transitioned to Wiley Education Services, then further evolved to University Services.

Today, VWU Online stands as a mature program, rendering the need for an online program manager unnecessary. Consequently, VWU and Wiley have jointly decided to pursue independent paths once our current agreement concludes this fall. We acknowledge with appreciation the support extended by The Learninghouse and Wiley Education Services throughout these past seven years. Their invaluable assistance has been instrumental in shaping the success of VWU Online. As we look ahead, we anticipate exciting new opportunities for VWU and its online education initiatives.

There has been a significant development within our university's leadership team. Last week, Mary Ryberg, our dedicated and exceptionally talented Vice President for Finance, informed me of her intention to retire at the close of the current calendar year. Mary's decision has been prompted by her desire to travel the world more extensively, a pursuit that she and her husband Dave have postponed due to the demanding nature of her role. We are grateful for her remarkable service and steadfast commitment to our university, and we wish her every happiness in this new chapter of her life.

During her tenure, Mary's accomplishments have been truly commendable. She has played a pivotal role in advancing our institution's financial landscape. Her initiatives have included successfully transitioning the University to the Oracle financial management system, establishing a structured system of endowment reporting, and restructuring the staff to create a model for a more contemporary approach. Her efforts have greatly contributed to addressing our antiquated processes, a major priority over the last five years.

In light of this impending transition, I have taken steps to ensure a smooth and effective succession process. We have engaged Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search of Pittsburgh, a respected firm with a proven track record in executive searches for higher education institutions. Managing Partner Cheryl Hyatt and Robert Head, a distinguished two-time college president with exceptional expertise in finance, will lead this important search. I have known them both for over 20 years, and their combined knowledge and insight will guide us toward selecting a successor who can continue the outstanding work that Mary has championed throughout her tenure.

ET CETERA

On July 25, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and Virginia Wesleyan jointly revealed an exciting collaboration that will bring a state-of-the-art museum to our campus. The partnership with Virginia MOCA promises to redefine our cultural landscape, offering our students unprecedented access to contemporary art. This unique opportunity will provide immersive experiences for all majors, fostering internships, workshops, exhibitions, and interactions with professionals, inspiring creativity and expanding horizons, while collaborative educational courses will enhance campus offerings and community engagement.

Beyond its impact on our campus, Virginia MOCA's presence will radiate beyond our walls, attracting visitors from near and far. Our university will be recognized as a center of arts and culture, drawing talented students and faculty who share our passion for creativity and innovation.

The Virginian-Pilot recently published my opinion piece, “The Liberal Arts Illuminate Coastal Virginia’s Future,” which reflects on our partnership with Virginia MOCA in light of Founders Day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jane Batten, Joan Brock, and Susan and David Goode, along with our friends at Tymoff+Moss and Hourigan, for their dedication in making this dream a reality. During recent discussions, we agreed upon a tentative timetable, showcasing our commitment to this endeavor: ongoing site planning and architectural design until April 2024, modifications and approvals with the City of Virginia Beach from October 2024 to April 2025, site work commencing April-May 2025, construction beginning in May 2025, and a projected completion by October-December 2026.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we welcome Virginia MOCA to our Marlin family and express our deep appreciation to all who have contributed to this monumental achievement.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The Passing of VWU Friend Roy Hendrix

Former VWU trustee Roy Hendrix passed away last week at the age of 87. Hendrix Hall in the Honors Village is named after him as well as the Roy E. Hendrix Scholarship for business majors. Executive Assistant to the President Lori Harris and I had visited with Roy recently, and he was, as always, wanting an update on campus happenings as he was truly invested in Virginia Wesleyan's progress. Learn more about his extraordinary life.

Founders Day 2023 Celebrates Virginia Wesleyan’s Rich History

Once again, our special thanks to keynote speaker Leighton Clarke Krips who reflected on her father's legacy (VWU's second president Lambuth Clarke). We, again, offer our congratulations to our Alumni Award recipients Michael R. Rawls '91 (Distinguished Alumnus Award), Marie I. Nicolo '96 (Alumni Service Award), Nicholas G. Hipple '18 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award), and Brandon Elliott '03 (Outstanding Service to Alma Mater Award). It was certainly a day to remember as we honored our rich history and looked forward to our promising future.

Watch | Read More | Photo Gallery

VWU Welcomes Newest Batten Scholars during BHC Convocation

Virginia Wesleyan University proudly welcomed its latest class of Batten Scholars into the prestigious Batten Honors College during a special convocation ceremony held on Thursday in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

The convocation ceremony featured a keynote address by Christy Everett, Hampton Roads Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, highlighting the important partnership between CBF and Virginia Wesleyan. Christy Everett was honored with The Wesley Award for her outstanding leadership and vision in climate action and education.

The ceremony marked the formal integration of the newest Batten Scholars into the Marlin community, symbolized by the presentation of their pins. These pins are expected to be worn with pride by the scholars as they embark on their academic journey at Virginia Wesleyan.

Watch | Read More | Photo Gallery

VWU Celebrates Constitution Day

September 17 is designated as Constitution & Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. Each September, educational institutions throughout the U.S. hold programs that draw attention to our commitment to the rights and obligations of citizens.

This year, the Virginia Wesleyan Robert Nusbaum Center is proud to host “No Longer Seen as the Criminal: A Personal Story of Expunging Convictions from a Trafficking Survivor's Record” in honor of Constitution Day on September 19 at 12:00 p.m. in the Frank Blocker, Jr. Auditorium in Blocker Hall. Learn more.

Ethics Bowl 2024 to Honor Jane Batten

Our friend and benefactor Jane Batten will be honored at the 24th annual TowneBank Ethics Bowl hosted by the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges at Hollins University. Mrs. Batten's exceptional character, integrity, and moral compass make her the perfect recipient of this recognition. Her contributions to our community are truly commendable.

The event will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Hollins University. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner. Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Batten's accomplishments and her continued commitment to ethical leadership.

Wesleyan Wednesday: Alumni Charity Challenge in Richmond This Week

Virginia Wesleyan alumni and friends are invited to join the university at the Alumni Charity Challenge event at Richmond Kickers Stadium on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Alumni Charity Challenge joins alumni groups from over 40 institutions to compete in a canned food drive in support of Feed More. The Challenge’s 2023 goal is to raise 200,000 pounds of food, which will take this event to the 1 million pound mark since its inception. Join us at the stadium and bring canned food for a drink on us!

Virginia Women’s Conference: Harness Your Power!

U.S. Senator Mark Warner is delighted to invite the women of Virginia Wesleyan to the Virginia Women’s Conference on Saturday, September 30, in Norfolk. This event is free to all participants but registration is required as space is limited.

Nikki Nieves Joins Batten Honors College, Kaufman Center for Enrollment

I'm pleased to share that Nikki Nieves is the new Director of Enrollment for the Batten Honors College. Nikki brings a wealth of experience from her role as the Education Associate Director / Norfolk NATO Festival Director of Programs & Operations at Virginia Arts Festival and her degree in music from Berklee College of Music. Her prior work as a studio manager at Lurssen Mastering, Inc., in Los Angeles further enriches her skillset.

Why “Barbie” Matters: September 14, 12:00 p.m.

In its first two weeks the movie “Barbie” topped $1 billion in ticket sales around the world. Some moviegoers were attracted to the humor or the surreal pink world of Barbieland; others to the values of the alternate universe. Some left the theater reflecting on nostalgia, sexism, feminism, and patriarchy. Others wondered about the movie’s tagline, “She’s everything. He’s just Ken.” And many were eager to find the text of America Ferrara’s speech. The movie “Barbie'' can be understood in many different ways.

On Thursday, September 14 at 12:00 p.m. in Brock Commons, join a panel of VWU professors Leslie Caughell, Ph.D. (political science), Terry Lindvall, Ph.D. (religious studies), Taryn Myers, Ph.D. (psychology), and Sally Shedd, Ph.D. (theatre) as each focuses on the movie through the perspective of their own academic discipline. Presented by the Robert Nusbaum Center.

Celebrating Labor Day with VWU Friends

I was delighted to join a Labor Day brunch at the Event Center in Hampton with good friends of Virginia Wesleyan, including (clockwise from top left) U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott; Darrell Williams, President of Hampton University, and Gaylene Kanoyton; VWU grad Tiffany Boyle, Commissioner of Revenue of the City of Newport News; and Virginia Beach City Council members Amelia Ross-Hammond and Jennifer Rouse, another VWU graduate.

Later on Labor Day, I was happy to, once again, hang out with the U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott (upper left) at a cookout at his home in Newport News. It was great to visit with many friends and supporters of Virginia Wesleyan: (continuing clockwise) Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander and Virginia Beach City Councilwoman Amelia Ross-Hammond; Delegate Shelly Simonds (member of the House Education Committee); and Alex Askew, former Delegate and current Community Relations Director at Sentara Healthcare.

President to President: Improve Student Outcomes through Digital Technology

The first chapter of the 2023-2024 President to President thought leadership series is available online today. In "Leading in a Digital World," University of Nevada, Las Vegas President Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D., examines how digital technology supports the long-term sustainability of the higher education industry. He shares ideas for leveraging technology to enhance students’ experiences and help them engage in campus life, become more well-rounded citizens, and improve their mental health.

This year's President to President series, titled “Sustainable Futures for Higher Education,” focuses on strategies for prioritizing environmental ethics and sustainable human progress in a way that aligns with college students’ expectations and long-term campus goals. Each month, we publish a new chapter authored by a college or university president, who offers a unique perspective and innovative ideas around this important topic. We hope you will find value in this series as we explore the many facets of sustainability together over the course of 10 chapters.

Make Plans to Come Home: October 6-7

Our Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration will take place on campus on October 6 and 7. Make your plans to join us for collegiate and alumni games, our annual picnic, and much more!

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS