July 28, 2025
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What an amazing summer we're having at Virginia Wesleyan University! Our vibrant campus has been bustling with activity—from athletic and theater camps to YMCA Camp Red Feather and Horizon Hampton Roads. Just this past week, we were pleased to host the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Summer Leadership Program, bringing top students from across the city to our grounds. We also welcomed dozens of prospective students and families during Virginia Private College Week, an initiative coordinated by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. Each year, VWU proudly serves as an education destination for more than 75,000 camp, conference, and event guests—further affirming our role as a dynamic hub in the heart of Coastal Virginia. |
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Congratulations to longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Trustees and benefactors Jane Batten and Joan Brock on being named Virginia Beach Champions for the Arts by the City’s Arts and Humanities Commission. This well-deserved recognition celebrates their enduring commitment to arts, culture, and education in our region. Jane and Joan are the lead donors for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at Virginia Wesleyan University—a transformative 35,000-square-foot facility that will be completed in December and open for occupancy in February 2026. Their visionary philanthropy continues to shape the future of our campus and community. |
In my Spring Campus Town Hall, I shared that we were about to embark on a facilities improvement initiative—one that reflects our deep commitment to creating a safe, modern, and sustainable environment for our students to live and learn. I take tremendous pride in the look, feel, and functionality of our beautiful 300-acre park-like campus, and I know many of you do as well.
This summer marks the launch of a $10 million investment in corrective maintenance, a project that aligns with our long-term vision to support the evolving needs of the campus community. Among the most significant upgrades is the enhancement of our central chiller plant, which will improve cooling performance and energy efficiency for Hofheimer Library, Clarke Hall, Boyd Dining Center, and our residential villages. Demolition of outdated piping and components is beginning soon, with the full project expected to be completed by early 2026.
At the same time, Gum and Smithdeal Halls are receiving long-overdue upgrades to their shower and restroom facilities, along with fresh paint and new LED lighting in the hallways—all designed to create a brighter, more welcoming residential experience. Crews began this work shortly after Commencement, and everything will be ready for our students’ return this fall.
We’ve also begun roof replacements on key facilities including the Jane P. Batten Student Center and Godwin Hall—reinforcing these vital campus hubs and ensuring they remain in strong condition for years to come.
All of these efforts are part of our 10-year corrective maintenance plan—a proactive strategy that reflects our promise to maintain excellence in the student experience. I’m especially grateful to Chief Operations Officer Jason Seward for his outstanding leadership in managing these essential improvements.
At Virginia Wesleyan, we often say that “Coastal Virginia is our campus.” This work ensures that the physical spaces at the heart of that campus remain vibrant, resilient, and ready to serve generations of Marlins to come. |
The Athenaeum in the H.C. Hofheimer Library continues to take shape this summer as a vibrant center for academic and professional engagement. With its anchor offices—Civic Engagement and Service Learning, Global Engagement, Undergraduate Research and Creativity, Career Development, Professional Development, and Internships—now settled into their new suite, additional initiatives are beginning to unfold.
Among the latest developments, the rapidly expanding Navy ROTC program will establish its presence in a second-floor office in the coming weeks. These additions contribute to the growing momentum of The Athenaeum as an interdisciplinary hub for collaboration, professional development, and community partnership—a key element of the University’s Campus Master Plan. Virginia Wesleyan remains committed to creating dynamic, student-centered spaces that foster connection, creativity, and experiential learning. |
Still to come this summer, the Office of Safety and Security will relocate to a newly renovated office suite on the second floor of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Positioned adjacent to the Office of Residence Life and overlooking Batten Plaza, the new space will enhance accessibility and foster greater collaboration among student support services.
This more centralized location will better serve the campus community. With overlapping responsibilities—such as ID cards and keys—between Safety and Security and Campus Life, the proximity is both logical and beneficial. Following the move, the current security suite in Eggleston Commons will be converted into faculty offices, supporting the University’s efforts to optimize space utilization and improve operational efficiency. |
The 2025–2026 edition of President to President, a national higher education thought leadership series, explores how college and university leaders are creating campus cultures rooted in belonging, engagement, and shared purpose. This year’s theme, Intentional Efforts in Belonging, presents case studies of human-centered leadership that strengthens connection among students, faculty, and staff.
Now in its 22nd year, I have served as the Executive Editor of the series since co-founding the series in 2004 with the late Dr. Marylouise “Weezie” Fennell. In 2023, I welcomed Dr. Katelyn M. Sanders, a faculty member at the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University, and Kelly R. Cordova, VWU Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, as Assistant Editors to continue advancing the series’ mission of fostering presidential dialogue and thought leadership.
The 2025–2026 foreword, authored by Dr. Amelia Parnell, President of NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, recognizes the influential role of college presidents navigating complex and evolving landscapes. Ten new chapters will be released online throughout the year at president2president.com, offering presidential insights and practical strategies.
This year’s chapter authors include:
James E. Ryan, J.D., President, University of Virginia Nido Qubein, President, High Point University David A. Armstrong, J.D., President, St. Thomas University Bryon L. Grigsby, Ph.D., President, Moravian University Rear Adm. William G. Kelly (U.S. Coast Guard, Ret.), President, Christopher Newport University Alberto J.F. Cardelle, Ph.D., MPH, President, SUNY Oneonta Martin Lemelle, Jr., D.B.A., President, Grambling State University Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D., President, Illinois State University Michael K. Davis, Ph.D., President, Fairmont State University Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., President, Hollins University
President to President is sponsored by Sodexo and continues to serve as a forum for peer-to-peer insights and innovative solutions in higher education leadership.
Read More here. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Virginia’s Top Women in Leadership Congratulations to Kelly R. Cordova, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, on being named a 2025 Women in Leadership honoree by Virginia Business. The award recognizes top executives across the Commonwealth for professional excellence, civic engagement, and mentorship. Kelly will be celebrated at an event on October 6 at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and featured in the October issue of Virginia Business and online at VirginiaBusiness.com.
We’re also proud to congratulate community friends of VWU included among this year’s honorees: Delceno Miles (The Miles Agency), Cynthia Spanoulis (Virginia Aquarium), Nancy Helman (Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau), and Angela Reddix (ARDX).
Read More here. |
New Leadership for Marlins Cross Country and Track & Field As many of you know, I ran cross country and track in high school and college and have long held a special interest in these programs. That’s why I’m especially excited to share news of new leadership for Marlins Cross Country and Track & Field.
BT Pham has been named Director of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field, and Jacob Balot has been appointed Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Director of Track & Field. Both bring impressive credentials, deep experience, and a shared passion for competitive excellence and student-athlete development.
Coach Pham is a proven NCAA Division III leader with national championship experience, while Coach Balot—himself a former collegiate athlete—is a rising star in the coaching world. Together, they will guide our programs into an exciting new era.
Please join me in welcoming Coach Pham and Coach Balot to Virginia Wesleyan. Go Marlins! |
Kudos to Dr. Eric Mazur on National Religious Liberty Study Collaboration We’re proud to share that Dr. Eric Mazur, the Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies and Religion, and Law and Politics Fellow at the Robert Nusbaum Center, has been selected as one of two scholar collaborators on a groundbreaking national study examining religious liberty in U.S. prisons.
This important multi-year project, launching September 1, is funded by a $1 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation and led by Professor Barbara McGraw of Saint Mary’s College of California. The study aims to promote religious freedom through pluralistic approaches that encourage meaningful institutional reform.
Dr. Mazur’s involvement is a testament not only to his individual expertise but also to Virginia Wesleyan’s growing reputation in the field. We commend him for contributing to a project of such scope and significance—and for continuing to bring distinction to our University. Learn More here. |
Engaging the Next Generation of Marlin Alumni We had a great meeting with junior Miles Pifer, immediate past President of the Student Government Association. Miles will collaborate with Kelly R. Cordova, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, and members of the Advancement team to develop new engagement initiatives for soon-to-be alumni. We’re excited to see his leadership continue in this important work. |
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Tidewater College Academy: Cultivating Curiosity We’re delighted to have Tidewater Collegiate Academy students actively engaged this summer in the campus garden during their two-week stay in the Honors Village, contributing daily to its care and growth. Their hands-on involvement is making meaningful progress on this shared project while sparking curiosity and inquiry as they explore topics related to sustainability, agriculture, and healthy living. The shared knowledge and research gained from this partnership continues to enrich the educational experience for both TCA and VWU students alike. |
Summer Enrichment with Horizons Hampton Roads It was a pleasure to join our partners at Horizons Hampton Roads for a warm and engaging meet-and-greet with students, staff, and volunteers. Special thanks to Dr. Velvet Smith, Executive Director; Praveen Loganathan, Director of Development & Community Engagement; and Nirali Trovato, Horizons Hampton Roads Board of Directors, Chair Elect, for their leadership and hospitality. We’re proud to host Horizons’ summer enrichment program on the Virginia Wesleyan campus and support the meaningful impact they’re making in the lives of young learners across our region. |
Welcoming Partners from Christchurch School We were delighted to welcome our friends Billy Coyle, Head of School, and Dido Heath, Academic Dean and Director of College Counseling, from Christchurch School for lunch at DeFord Manor. Christchurch has been a valued partner in our Advanced Scholars Institute, and we look forward to continued collaboration. Joining us for the visit were Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, Nikki Nieves, Director of Enrollment, Batten Honors College, and Larry Belcher, Director of Innovative Partnerships and Enrollment, VWU Global Campus. |
Campus Partners Equip Teens This summer, the Robert Nusbaum Center partnered with Tidewater Collegiate Academy to offer deliberative dialogue training during TCA’s Global Scholars Leadership Academy. Throughout the weeklong program, TCA students explored the values-based approach of deliberative dialogue, observed a VWU graduate education class in action, and ultimately moderated a community discussion on immigration. The initiative connected TCA, VWU’s Graduate Program in Education, and the Nusbaum Center in a shared mission to equip students with the skills to thoughtfully engage complex issues and foster civil discourse.
Learn More here. |
Title IX Training Due July 31 On July 1, VWU Human Resources emailed students, faculty, and staff regarding annual, mandatory Title IX training. 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. If you haven’t already completed the training, please review the presentation materials and complete the online quiz no later than July 31. |
Supply Drive Ends July 31: Drop Off at Hofheimer Library We’re pleased to be a part of the Back to School Supply Drive Challenge, supporting students in need through Volunteer Hampton Roads to benefit Communities In Schools Hampton Roads. Requested supplies include:pencils, pens, paper (wide-ruled, printer, construction), dry erase markers and boards, notebooks, sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissue boxes.
All donations must be received by Thursday, July 31 at the H.C. Hofheimer II Library. Let’s help every student start the school year strong! |
Norfolk Tides Tickets Many of you are aware that I enjoy baseball and have two very nice season tickets for the Norfolk Tides behind the first base dugout at Harbor Park. If any faculty, staff, or students would like to use my tickets (whether you’ve gone before or haven’t had a chance yet), please contact Anja at aserbywilkens@vwu.edu and let her know what date you would like to go.
You can find the schedule here. |
Join Us! Wesleyan Wednesday at Ballyhoos – August 6 Make plans to join us at Ballyhoos for our annual summertime Wesleyan Wednesday! Enjoy a casual evening with Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on Tuesday, August 6, from 5–7 PM. The event is free and open to all—and we’d love to see you there.
It’s hard to believe the return of our faculty and students is just around the corner. I always look forward to this final Wesleyan Wednesday of the summer, as it gives us all a chance to catch up and connect in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I hope you’ll join us! |
2025 State of the University: A Celebration of The Batten Legacy - Wednesday, August 20 As we look ahead to a new academic year, I’m pleased to share that this year’s State of the University will take on special significance—and a different approach. In recognition of the conclusion of my 10th year as president, we will commemorate the extraordinary influence of The Batten Legacy at Virginia Wesleyan. This unique occasion will pay tribute to visionary philanthropist Jane Batten—widely considered the most transformative figure in our institution’s history—and her exceptional family. While the campus community and invited guests will gather in person, I warmly invite alumni, parents, students, and friends to join us virtually on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network for what will surely be one of the most memorable moments in our University’s history. |
2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend Alumni, parents, students, and friends—mark your calendars for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 3-4, 2025! It will be a special time to reconnect, celebrate, and experience all that makes VWU vibrant.
Stay tuned for the full schedule of events coming soon!
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Virginia MOCA Welcomes New Director of Operations Our soon-to-be campus-based Partners in Progress, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, recently appointed Dr. Dylan Wayne Spivey as their new Director of Operations.
Dylan brings a wealth of experience from his previous role with Virginia Beach History Museums, where he managed day-to-day operations across four historic sites. He holds a Ph.D. in Art and Architectural History from the University of Virginia and is known for fostering collaborative and mission-driven environments. Welcome, Dylan! |
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Explore Historic Merger Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have confirmed talks of a potential merger that would create the first U.S. freight railroad with coast-to-coast service. The proposed deal would unite the largest and smallest of the nation’s six major railroads and faces significant regulatory scrutiny. Industry observers note parallels to past consolidations that caused major disruptions, though recent approvals—such as Canadian Pacific’s acquisition of Kansas City Southern—signal evolving regulatory perspectives.
Learn More via The Virginian-Pilot: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirm merger talks to create coast to coast railroad |
Norfolk Cleared to Begin First Phase of $2.6B Floodwall Project Construction is set to begin on Phase 1A of Norfolk’s $2.6 billion Resilient Norfolk floodwall initiative, a major infrastructure project designed to protect the city from storm surge and rising sea levels. The Norfolk Planning Commission has approved designs for this initial phase, which includes floodwalls ranging from 6 ½ to 16 ½ feet tall, extending from the Berkley Bridge to the Chesterfield Heights neighborhood.
This marks a significant step forward in regional resilience and climate adaptation planning. Read More via WHRO: Norfolk Cleared to Start Construction on First Phase of Floodwall |
Adapting to Federal Funding Cuts Amid steep federal funding cuts, WHRO Public Media—Hampton Roads’ regional PBS member station—is rethinking its strategy. Facing reductions in Community Service Grants and other federal support, WHRO is exploring alternative revenue opportunities, strengthening local partnerships, and adapting its programming to ensure long-term sustainability in the absence of government funds. Because WHRO Public Media is a VWU partner and I serve on their Board, I was interviewed for this article.
Learn More via The Virginian-Pilot: Amid Federal Cuts, WHRO Looks to the Future of Public Broadcasting in Hampton Roads |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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