Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

August 5, 2024

Good morning,

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Larkin and I are proud to share the academic leadership appointments across all programs for the 2024-25 academic year.

VWU Global Campus (College of Professional Studies)

Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson,

Vice President for VWU Global Campus

Dr. Bryson Mortensen, Director of VWU Online
Graduate Program Directors
Dr. Ben Dobrin (M.A. Human Services)
Dr. Chris Haley (M.Envs.)
Dr. Bill McConnell (M.Ed. & M.A. Education)
Dr. Bryson Mortensen (M.A. Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management)
LUJ/VWU Global Campus (Jane P. Batten & David R. Black School for International Studies)
Dr. Anderson Passos, Vice President of LUJ/Executive Assistant to the President of VWU

College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Loren Loving Marquez, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Batten Honors College

Dr. Travis Malone, Dean

Dr. Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean

Birdsong School of Social Science

Dr. Craig Jackson, Dean

Chairs
Dr. Rich Bond (History)
Dr. Leslie Caughell (Political Science)
Dr. Taryn Myers (Psychology)
Dr. Jeff Toussaint (Sociology and Criminal Justice)
Coordinators
Dr. Modupe Oshikoya (International Studies)
Dr. Antje Schwennicke (Social Science)

Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Dr. Victor Townsend, Kenneth R. Perry Dean

Chairs
Dr. Kevin Kittredge (Chemistry and Biology)
Dr. Margaret Reese (Mathematics)
Dr. Maynard Schaus (Computer Science)
Director
Dr. Chris Haley (Earth & Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies)

Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities

Dr. Sally Shedd, Dean

Chairs
Dr. Steven Emmanuel (Philosophy)
Dr. Kelly Holzer (English)
Dr. Stu Minnis (Media and Communications)
Dr. Jason Squinobal (Fine and Performing Arts)
Dr. Craig Wansink (Religious Studies)
Coordinators
Dr. Loren Marquez (Comprehensive Liberal Studies)
Dr. Jen Slivka (Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies)

D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies

Dr. Ben Dobrin, Dean and Director of Social Work

Chair
Dr. Jill Sturts (Sport & Recreation Professions)
Directors
Dr. Bill McConnell (Education)
Dr. Michelle Vachris (Business)
Coordinator
Maynard Schaus (Sustainability Management)

Our congratulations and thanks to these faculty members for their leadership and service to the University.

Speaking of leadership, the Virginia Wesleyan presidential advisory councils for 2024-25 have also been released. Please see our website listings for the Alumni Council, President’s Council, and Parents Council. We thank these volunteers for their commitment to promoting and enhancing VWU.

ET CETERA

On August 1, VWU Human Resources emailed students, faculty, and staff regarding annual, mandatory Title IX training. If you haven’t already, please review the presentation materials and complete the online quiz no later than August 31.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights requires every institution of higher education to define our responsibilities under Title IX. Whether we are a member of the student body, faculty, or staff, understanding our roles in matters involving Title IX is a priority for each of us.

It's that time of year again! Registration for the Fins Up Club, the official kids club of VWU Athletics (ages 13 years old and under), is now open.

Join the Fins Up Club with only a $25 donation to the Marlin Athletic Fund. Club membership includes:

An official Fins Up Club t-shirt
Three Marlin Athlete Meet & Greets
Game day experiences during Homecoming & Family Weekend and Spring Alumni Weekend
A birthday shoutout from our mascot, Bob Marlin
Admission to regular season VWU athletic events for Fins Up Club members and their families

Local members who join before September 1, 2024 will be entered in a drawing to win lunch with a Coach and a Student-Athlete.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Wesleyan Wednesday at Ballyhoos This Week

I hope you’re making plans to join us at Ballyhoos for our annual summertime Wesleyan Wednesday this week! The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on Wednesday (August 7) from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there!

Brandon Elliott Named VaSID Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott, VWU Class of 2003, on being named Coach of the Year by Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID). Five Marlin athletes were also selected for VaSID softball honors. Brandon exemplifies the best of VWU in so many ways!

NACU Welcomes Lourdes University, Expanding Network of Innovative Institutions

The New American Colleges and Universities (NACU), renowned as the most trusted network for comprehensive institutions integrating liberal arts, professional studies, and civic engagement, is pleased to announce the addition of Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, to its network. Learn more.

VWU is also proud to be taking a leadership role in “blue ocean” strategies as a part of the NACU innovative collaborative. Learn more.

Marlins Move In

We are excited to welcome our newest Marlins to campus next month! To celebrate Move In Day 2024, we aim to reach an aspiring goal of 240 gifts in just 20 hours and 24 minutes. Join us in showing all of our current and future students how strong the Marlin Spirit is. While they unpack, we invite you to give back to The Excellence Fund or another program that moves you on August 25, 2024.

Virginia African American Cultural Center

The Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC) has been a hub of activity this summer. Check out their recent and upcoming events and much more here. We’re proud to be the education partners of the VAACC.

VWU Global Campus is Ready for You

VWU Global Campus’ online programs allow you to seamlessly integrate your studies into your busy life. The true value of a VWU education is evidenced by the career advancements our graduates experience. With a focus on real-world skills and holistic knowledge, VWU Online not only provides a pathway to get ahead in your current profession but can also open doors to entirely new career opportunities. Visit https://online.vwu.edu to learn more.

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.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

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