July 22, 2024
Good morning, |
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July is the month for faculty transitions in higher education, and I am delighted to welcome new faculty members joining us this fall. - Derek Eley is moving across town from Norfolk State. He earned his M.F.A. from the Savannah College of Art and Design and will be an Assistant Professor in the Art Department.
- Katherine Harrington joins the Psychology department as an Assistant Professor after earning her Ph.D. at the University of Akron.
- Tyler Lehrer just completed his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and will be joining the History department.
- Joshua Ruiter will join the Mathematics department from Grinnell College. He earned is Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
- Levi Tenen comes to us from Kettering University and will join the Philosophy department. He earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington.
- Derek Whaley is joining us as an Assistant Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions from Clemson University, where he just finished his Ph.D.
We look forward to their arrival on campus in August. |
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I’m pleased to announce appointments to the VWU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council for the academic year 2024-25. 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, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, ex officio Marina Maye, Deputy Diversity Officer Keith Moore, Senior Vice President, ex officio Crit Muniz, Deputy Diversity Officer 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 seven 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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You may have noticed in last week’s edition of Nota Bene that the section near the end of this missive has been updated to “Partners in Progress: A Virginia Wesleyan Community.” Let’s take a moment to reflect on our campus-based Partners in Progress and their important contributions to our mission. These separate yet integrated organizations, along with their diverse initiatives, have proven to be invaluable assets in advancing our shared objectives. |
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Chesapeake Bay Academy Chesapeake Bay Academy, a separately incorporated campus-based school, has been an instrumental partner in fostering educational excellence. Through its commitment to providing a supportive learning environment, it has empowered students with diverse learning needs to thrive academically and personally. Its focus on individualized instruction and innovative teaching methods continues to inspire our collaborative efforts. |
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Tidewater Collegiate Academy Tidewater Collegiate Academy's contribution as a separately incorporated campus-based laboratory school has been exceptional. Its dedication to cultivating academic rigor, critical thinking, and character development has had a profound impact on both its student body and ours. The shared knowledge and research gained from this partnership enrich the educational experiences of everyone involved. |
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YMCA Camp Red Feather Through its immersive outdoor programs and emphasis on leadership development, YMCA Camp Red Feather instills valuable life skills to campers. By creating well-rounded individuals of all ages, YMCA Camp Red Feather encourages young people to be active and engaged in their natural surroundings, sparking imagination, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. The generosity of the late Frank Blocker, Jr., who loved both the YMCA and VWU, led to his funding a building complex which bears his name. |
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Girls on the Run Girls on the Run has emerged as a powerful partner in promoting physical activity, positive self-esteem, and emotional well-being among young girls in this region. I’m proud of the role students, faculty, and staff play in this program to empower young girls to build confidence and resilience that extends beyond athletics into all aspects of their lives. |
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Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has been an indispensable ally in cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment within our institutions. Through its expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion training, we have gained valuable insights to ensure our campus is a place where all individuals can thrive, regardless of background or identity. |
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World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads Our newest campus-based partner, the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational organization dedicated to promoting an understanding of global issues through education and public discussion, believing that a well-informed public is essential for the conduct of foreign policy to a democracy. Given our close proximity to the North American Headquarters of NATO, the World Affairs Council will bring exciting, high-demand speakers to campus for unparalleled opportunities for our students. |
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Norfolk Botanical Garden Since 2017, VWU and the Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) have forged a strong collaborative partnership, further solidified by the inauguration of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. This facility marked a turning point in our relationship, enhancing joint efforts in environmental conservation and education. With the Greer Center serving as a focal point, VWU and NBG have seamlessly shared the roles of Director of Living Landscapes and Horticulturist. These two positions devote their time to nurturing native gardens at both the Greer Center and the NBG site, nestled next to the Norfolk International Airport. |
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Sentara Health We’re proud of the significant developments in our relationship with Sentara Health, thanks in large part to Trustee Howard Kern, CEO-emeritus of Sentara Health. Our partnership includes the establishment of the joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in collaboration with the Sentara College of Health Sciences, along with the successful operation of the Sentara Health Center and Sentara Sports Medicine programs on our campus. Our campus community is certainly better thanks to Sentara Health’s support and care. |
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Sodexo and Aramark We offer our deepest thanks to Sodexo and Aramark for their exceptional services in food and facilities management. Both companies are renowned for their excellence, and I'm immensely grateful for their partnership which helps to make the campus experience truly remarkable. I extend heartfelt thanks to Tim Lockett (Sodexo) and Brad Botkin (Aramark) for their exemplary leadership, which has undoubtedly enriched our institution's journey. Together, we continue to embrace excellence and elevate our campus environment. |
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Coastal 61 Coastal 61 is located on the northern end of our campus. Led by VWU alumnus Taylor Franklin as CEO of Franklin Group, they have been an outstanding partner in managing this impressive housing complex that includes eight buildings and 244 units. |
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Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Coming in late 2025, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VMOCA) at Virginia Wesleyan University will solidify our place as a hub for the arts and culture in Coastal Virginia. Joining the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Susan Beverly Hall, and Louise Eggleston Hall, VMOCA will complete the David R. Goode Arts Complex at VWU. |
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As we reflect on these exceptional campus-based partnerships during this summertime, we are reminded of the collective impact we can achieve when working together towards a common goal. The dedication, innovation, and passion demonstrated by our partners have enriched our educational community in profound ways. We express our sincere gratitude for these valued partnerships, which play a pivotal role in advancing our shared mission of providing holistic and inclusive education for all. Together, we look forward to a future of continued growth, collaboration, and positive impact. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Amazon's Head of Virginia Public Policy Visits Campus We were delighted to welcome Lindsay Berry Winter to campus last week. She’s the Head of Virginia Public Policy at Amazon and was here to discuss VWU collaborations with the company’s Virginia operations. We are so pleased to have this technology giant in our community and actively engaged with higher education. We are pictured with Vice President for VWU Global Campus Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson. |
Marie Nicolo '96 Joins Alumni Council I am pleased to announce that Marie Nicolo, Class of 1996, is rejoining our VWU Alumni Council. Marie served previously from 1998-2004 and currently serves on the VWU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. Marie was also the recipient of our 2023 VWU Alumni Service Award.
Cool Down P-Town No doubt, we’ve all been feeling the heat lately, but for some of our neighbors, it can be more than uncomfortable. It can be deadly, especially in urban areas like Portsmouth. Right now, VWU is partnering with the Center for Sustainable Communities, Elizabeth River Project, Starbase Victory, and New Bethel Baptist Church on an exciting project called “Cool Down P-Town.”
Funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry, VWU faculty and students are working to assess the most vulnerable parts of the city and create a plan to reduce temperatures through tree planting and pavement removal. We kicked off the project last week and received excellent media coverage from WVEC and WHRO. |
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23rd Annual Virginia Wesleyan University Golf Outing Mark your calendars to join the 23rd Annual Virginia Wesleyan University Golf Outing supporting VWU Baseball, Men’s Lacrosse, and Softball on Friday, October 4, at Cypress Point Country Club during Homecoming and Family Weekend. More information to come. |
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Virginia Humanities at WHRO An exciting collaboration, tabbed Virginia Humanities at WHRO, will be impacting the future of the humanities in Hampton Roads. I attended the announcement with Bert Schmidt, President and CEO of WHRO Public Media, and Yvonne Allmond, Chair of the WHRO Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of TowneBank. WHRO is the only public broadcasting station in the U.S. owned by a collaboration of 21 local public school districts. I'm proud to serve on the WHRO Board of Directors. |
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Neurodiversity: A Spectrum of Ministries Serve All As you may have read earlier this year, Virginia Wesleyan is preparing to open a new Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity. I know that many of you share our desire to better serve the neurodiverse population. Like VWU, the United Methodist Church is doing the same. As noted in a recent article, the UMC notes that "with autism diagnoses on the rise and many families staying away from churches because of fear, past harm or ableist theology, there are people in every community simply waiting for a church to reach out with words of welcome.” Learn more. |
Wesleyan Wednesday at Ballyhoos: August 7 Mark your calendars to join us at Ballyhoos for our annual summertime Wesleyan Wednesday. The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on August 7 from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there! |
Charged Up: How Hampton Roads is Preparing for More Electric Vehicles WHRO reports that leaders across the Hampton Roads region are seeing growing interest in electric vehicles, but there aren’t enough public chargers to support them. We’re proud to be a part of a region that’s looking to improve environmental health and sustainability for future generations.
It’s WINDSday! See what’s new in this week’s edition. |
2024 State of the University: August 23 The 2024 State of the University Address will take place on Friday, August 23. We look forward to welcoming our Trustees, faculty, staff, and many friends in person. For our students and alumni, the State of the University will be livestreamed on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network beginning at 12:10 p.m. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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Have a terrific week, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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