May 28, 2024
Good morning, |
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It was an outstanding weekend for VWU Athletics, as Marlins continue to impress on the national stage.
First, congratulations to our Marlin softball program! They are heading to Marshall, Texas, for the NCAA World Series, which begins on May 30. Kudos to Emma Adams, who was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher of the Super Regional, and Julia Piotrowski, the Super Regional's Most Outstanding Player. Way to go!
Finally, congratulations to Natashe Tate, who placed 7th in women's 100m dash at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship Meet in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her finish earned her first-team All-American honors, which makes her the second All-American (and first sprinter) to earn this honor in VWU program history.
It's a great day to be a Marlin! |
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At a luncheon hosted by the Lakeland University Board of Trustees in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, last week, I was delighted to join Beth Borgen, President of Lakeland University, for the announcement of the Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies to be based at our collaborative campus with Lakeland University Japan (LUJ). Namesakes Jane Batten and David Black were also in attendance.
The Batten & Black School has been established to advance global engagement opportunities for Virginia Wesleyan University, Lakeland University (WI), and the LUJ/VWU Global Campus collaborative.
LUJ, chartered in 1990, serves as a beacon of cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and strategic action in the heart of Tokyo, the world's largest and safest city. This prestigious institution enrolls students who are deeply committed to making a positive impact in a global economy fraught with geopolitical tensions, climate degradation, and the whirlwind of rapid technological advancement. Embodying the region's esteemed values of civility and teamwork, the Batten & Black School is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines its foundation.
In a significant milestone, 2020 marked the beginning of a collaborative relationship with Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus, further expanding the horizons for Batten & Black students. Through a concurrent enrollment agreement between LU and VWU, learners from the Batten & Black School have unique opportunities, on all three campuses, not afforded at other universities. Welcoming study abroad students from the U.S. and beyond, the Batten & Black School for International Studies at LUJ is not just an academic institution; it is a global platform for change-makers. With its enhanced partnerships and opportunities, particularly since 2020, the School is poised to continue shaping leaders who are ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with intelligence, empathy, and strategic vision.
The Batten & Black School of International Studies at LUJ is a function of VWU Global Campus. Learn more.
Pictured: Dr. Beth Borgen, President of LU; Dr. David Black, Executive in Residence at VWU and President Emeritus at LU; and visionary philanthropist Jane Batten |
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With pride, I share the Spring 2024 President's List and the Spring 2024 Dean’s List. Congratulations to the 128 students on the President’s List who achieved a 4.0 grade point average and to the 284 students on the Dean’s List who achieved a 3.5-3.99 grade point average for the spring semester. To qualify for these honors, students must have full-time status and have taken at least nine semester hours of traditionally-graded courses. These individuals demonstrate a remarkable level of dedication to their academic pursuits. Well done! |
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Please join me in congratulating Dr. Craig Jackson in his new role as the new Dean of the Birdsong School of Social Science. Dr. Jackson's experience and dedication will be invaluable to the Academic Council, and his leadership will greatly benefit both the Birdsong School and the entire university.
Dr. Jackson earned his Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in social and personality psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida. He has worked in the psychology departments at Randolph College and Lynchburg College before joining the faculty of Virginia Wesleyan University, where he has served as Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, and Chief Assessment Administrator for Academic Programs. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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The Passing of Trustee Emeritus William “Bill” J. Fanney Last week, I shared the passing of longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Emeritus William “Bill” J. Fanney on April 30 at the age of 100. Involved with Virginia Wesleyan since its founding, Bill served on the President’s Advisory Council and later as a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1989, Bill’s son, Dr. Thomas R. Fanney '76, became the first VWU alumnus to return as a member of the full-time faculty. Following his son’s passing in 2005, Bill established the Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professorship in Mathematics, an endowed professorship at Virginia Wesleyan. Read more. |
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Marlin Alumni Welcome Newest Members Many thanks to Alumni Council members (from left) Jessie Dawe ‘08, Mindy Garrenton ‘01, Nich Hipple ‘18, Julie Kissell ‘82, and Kim Mayo ‘98 for their special participation in the 2024 Commencement ceremony. Following the event in TowneBank Arena, this group bestowed each member of the Class of 2024 with a VWU Alumni pin, marking each graduate as a member of the Marlin alumni family forever.
Speaking of Commencement, our ceremony was covered by WVEC, featuring a special story about 2024 Batten Honors College graduate Kainaat Trehan. Enjoy! |
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Celebrating WINDSday I enjoyed celebrating WINDSday with friends from the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Community Roundtable at Virginia International Gateway with VBCPS Superintendent Don Robertson; Delceno Miles, CEO of the Miles Agency; and Joan Berlin, board member of the Renaissance Academy. |
Suffolk State of the City It was wonderful to visit with Everett and George Birdsong at last week’s Suffolk State of the City luncheon. The Birdsong family has been a strong supporter of VWU since our founding.
While there, I also caught up with Delceno Miles, CEO of the Miles Agency; Nancy Grden, CEO of Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable; Joel Rubin, CEO of The Rubin Communications Group; and Justin Saunders, who serves as Hampton Roads Chamber Vice President of Membership & Strategic Growth. |
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Virginia Beach City Public Schools Community Roundtable It was a productive meeting of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Community Roundtable at the Virginia International Gateway (VIG) last week. Superintendent Donald Robertson and VIG Government Affairs Director Thomas Cross led a discussion focusing on the port and education.
United Methodist Church News Bishops from the United Methodist Church clarified in a press release that the Global Methodist Church has no official relationship with the UMC. Learn more. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Have a great week, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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