Dear friends,
As the beauty of spring colors our campus, Virginia Wesleyan is abuzz with new ideas and achievements that mark this season of renewal and growth.
Our spring was notably highlighted by the visit of NCAA Division III Vice President Louise McCleary, who engaged with our student-athletes in a meaningful forum. She explored a wide range of topics, from leadership and Title IX to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, sports betting, and the critical physical and mental health initiatives designed to bolster our student-athletes' well-being and performance.
In the arts, we proudly unveiled our plans for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VMOCA) at VWU. The state-of-the-art facility will transform VMOCA into a hub of creativity and innovation, centrally located at VWU. This announcement came alongside the Marlin Mural Festival at the VWU Neil Britton Gallery, which captured the imagination of both the media and our community, showcasing our students' incredible talent.
In academics, the celebration of Women's History Month at VWU was another cornerstone of our spring activities, honoring the tremendous impact of women throughout history with a series of guest speakers and events. Our dedication to environmental stewardship was further exemplified through a significant grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry, supporting our initiative to combat rising temperatures in our neighboring communities.
Lastly, the UNCF Mayors' Masked Ball was a moment of personal honor as I accepted the MASKED Award. This recognition speaks volumes about VWU's dedication to educational equity and the broader mission of creating a more inclusive future for all.
As we move forward, let's continue to nurture these ideas in bloom, fostering an academic environment where innovation, creativity, and community spirit thrive together.
Sincerely,