Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

January 27, 2025

Good morning,

Welcome back, Marlins! We’re thrilled to kick off the spring semester and can’t wait to see the energy and enthusiasm you bring to campus. For some of you, this marks the final stretch of your journey at Virginia Wesleyan, and we’re excited to celebrate your achievements as you prepare for graduation. Whether you’re diving into new challenges, continuing your academic journey, or creating lasting memories, this semester is a time for growth, learning, and community.

Let’s make it a great spring!

We have been proud to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on campus and in our community throughout the last week.

Thank you to the Urban League of Hampton Roads for hosting the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Awards and Dinner on January 16 and for honoring me with the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leadership Award for Education. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and proud to be part of the Coastal Virginia community, where we work together to advance educational equity as a vital pathway to social mobility and opportunity.

I am especially grateful to have been joined by two extraordinary friends, Jane Batten and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in expanding access to higher education at Virginia Wesleyan and beyond. Together, we continue to make strides in creating transformative opportunities for students and our community.

It was an unforgettable evening celebrating the work and vision of leaders who are making a difference in our community.

On campus, the Robert Nusbaum Center hosted “Incarceration to Transformation: Education as a Catalyst for Change” in Brock Commons as part of VWU’s week-long tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

At the event, we announced the recipient of the 2025 Mavis McKenley ’11 Award, named for Board of Trustees member and alumna Mavis McKenley. Monika Brandon ’26, who is majoring in Allied Health, received the award which recognizes students who exemplify courage and conviction in valuing differences, commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion, compassion for humanity, and commitment to social change.

The featured speaker was Darryl Byers-Robinson whose journey as an incarcerated student in the Bard College Prison Initiative exemplifies the power of resilience and redemption. His story resonated deeply with our campus community, reminding us of the importance of second chances and the enduring impact of perseverance.

Darryl shared his personal experiences with candor, reflecting on the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that shaped his path to recovery and advocacy. His message underscored themes central to Dr. King's legacy—hope, equality, and the belief in the transformative power of individuals to change their circumstances and contribute to a better society.

This commemoration reflects VWU’s commitment to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, encourages dialogue, and uplifts voices that inspire change. I am proud of how our university continues to honor Dr. King's ideals by engaging our students, faculty, and staff in programs that promote understanding, service, and social justice

ET CETERA

I am delighted to share that Scott Duncan, a past Chair of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA), will receive the prestigious Wesley Award this spring. Scott has been instrumental in fostering the partnership between Virginia Wesleyan University and Virginia MOCA, playing a pivotal role in advancing the construction of the new museum on our campus. His efforts have enriched the VWU community through educational initiatives and opportunities that emphasize creativity and innovation.

With over 30 years of leadership experience, Scott has led global business units, developed leadership programs, and engaged leaders worldwide. Currently Head of People and Culture at The Realest, Scott also inspires innovation through Imagine That!, his interactive team-building program. A graduate of Cornell University, Scott’s dedication to education, community, and creativity continues to leave a lasting impact. Congratulations to Scott on this well-deserved honor!

Pictured with Alison Bryne, Executive Director of Virginia MOCA

The Brown Advisory Student Investment Fund at VWU has been managed through students via a class that has met every Tuesday for the entire academic year, led by Dr. Nadia Nafar. The class discusses investment best practices and researches companies to make recommendations for stock purchases.

The class has also enjoyed several guest speakers that share their experiences in the financial sector. We've hosted Susan Colpitts, co-founder of Signature Wealth (which merged with Brown Advisory); Gary Bonnewell ‘79 H’19, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley; Tom Pearson, retired Senior Vice President, TowneBank; and Dave Levin, a retired medical doctor and angel investor. Later in the spring, we will welcome Paul Roye, a former Director of the Division of Investment Management at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (pictured).

Each speaker has brought a unique and valuable perspective to the table, offering insights into investing and wealth management, financial governance, and financial career pathways. While many discussions have explored the technical intricacies of the financial sector, students are also gaining critical life skills in financial literacy and personal wealth management.

The fund was created from a gift by Brown Advisory Charitable Foundation. We thank them for their support.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The Passing of Former Trustee Jeanne Polizos Ross

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Jeanne Polizos Ross, a dedicated member of the Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2015 and former Chair of the Women of Wesleyan (WOW). Jeanne made a lasting impact on our university community through her leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Her obituary, along with details about her funeral arrangements, can be found here.

Please join us in keeping Jeanne’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Her legacy will remain a cherished part of the VWU story.

Virginia Wesleyan Awarded NOAA Grant to Develop Accessible Environmental Education

I am pleased to share that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded VWU a grant of nearly $200,000 dollars to develop accessible environmental education. The project, titled “Meaningful and Accessible Environmental Education,” addresses the underrepresentation of students with disabilities in environmental education. Led by Dr. Bill McConnell, Batten Associate Professor of Education/Director of Education Programs and Dr. Mindy Gumpert, adjunct assistant professor, VWU’s team of faculty and students will adapt the curriculum it designed for its highly successful Shared Waters project, also funded through a NOAA grant. Learn more.

Breakfast with International Students

I was delighted to welcome new international students to DeFord Manor for a special breakfast last week. I thank Nagisa Takayanagi ‘24 and Brooke Novkovic ‘18 for helping organize this event and supporting our students in their transition to campus.

VWU Again Among Top Online Programs according to US News and World Report

I am proud to share that VWU Online has once again earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s “2025 Best Online Program Rankings” for its online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including specific accolades for its Bachelor’s in Business, MBA, and Master’s in Education programs. Evaluated alongside approximately 1,780 other programs, VWU’s offerings were assessed based on student engagement, faculty credentials, and academic quality. Learn more.

Dave Macedo 500th Career Win

Congratulations to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dave Macedo on achieving his 500th career win! We celebrated this incredible milestone that highlights his dedication, leadership, and the sustained success of the program at TowneBank Arena last week with Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Well done and here's to many more victories!

Tips For Troubleshooting Students’ Enrollment Decision-Making Process

I'm proud to share my most recent article in Enrollment Manager, written with Dr. Katie Saunders, Director of Admission & Alumni Affairs at the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy of Shenandoah University. In “Tips for Troubleshooting Students' Enrollment Decision-Making Process,” we outline ways to help enrollment counselors address common challenges and support students in making confident choices. Read it here.

Virginia General Assembly Update

We had a busy week in Richmond advocating for Virginia Private College initiatives with the General Assembly, which included a productive meeting and enjoyable social event of the VPC Caucus at our headquarters on 8th Street.

Among our priorities while in Richmond is planning for the “Thanks for Tag” Day on February 17. An annual event, it’s a student advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly where supporters can meet with legislators and staff to thank them for their support of funding for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG), which provides Virginia resident undergraduates with an annual grant toward their tuition of $5,250. Each year, we seek to increase this award to keep pace with rising costs and to keep a quality Virginia private education affordable.

The Grand Collaboration with the Robert Nusbaum Center

In partnership with the Robert Nusbaum Center, the University of Virginia Press has recently published The Grand Collaboration: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Invention of Religious Freedom (2024) by Steven Green. This monograph is part of the Religious Freedom and Public Dialogue: A Robert Nusbaum Series, co-edited by Eric M. Mazur (VWU) and Kathleen M. Moore (UC Santa Barbara).

On March 13 at 12:00 p.m. in Brock Commons, Dr. Green will deliver the Justine Nusbaum Lecture on this groundbreaking study of free inquiry in the United States. He will be introduced by J. Andrew Edwards, a project editor at UVA Press and a 1998 VWU alumnus.

Guest Lecturer at UPenn

I recently had the distinct pleasure of sharing some thoughts on higher education leadership with Dr. Richard Ekman’s students who are pursuing an executive doctorate in Higher Education Management at UPenn.

Alum-Led Williamsburg Winery to be Featured in Film about Climate Change

The Williamsburg Winery will be featured in an upcoming film about the effects of climate change on wine regions in North and South America. The opportunity came about after Mike Weatherly, CEO of the Williamsburg Winery and member of the VWU Class of 2002, had a serendipitous meeting with world-famous sommelier Charlie Arturaola at a 2024 wine exposition in Paris. Read more from The Virginian-Pilot.

The Pharos: January 2025

I am proud to share the January 2025 edition of The Pharos, which is available now online. We hope you enjoy learning more about our talented faculty and staff members who continue to make important contributions to their respective fields through publications, presentations, and more.

Honored Guest at DeFord Manor

We recently hosted an enjoyable lunch at DeFord Manor with Alveta Green, School Board member from our district in Virginia Beach. VWU and VBCPS have been wonderful partners, and we thank Dr. Green and Supt. Robertson for their friendship. With Loren Marquez, AVP for Academic Affairs; Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, VP for Global Campus; and David Black, Executive in Residence.

NCAA National Convention

We were proud to have Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics; Jill Sturts, Faculty Athletics Representative; and student Julia Hathaway represent VWU at the NCAA National Convention earlier this month. Julia serves on the national student advisory council to the NCAA.

New Journal and Guide Features VWU Initiatives

Thank you to The New Journal and Guide for highlighting Virginia Wesleyan's recent initiatives. We are honored to be featured for our efforts in expanding educational opportunities and fostering community partnerships through our IMPACT scholarship and special MLK Day programming.

VWU Joins NetVUE

We are excited to announce our membership in the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE). As a university, we are dedicated to helping students discover their purpose and connect their education to meaningful careers and lives. This partnership provides valuable resources, including grant funding, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative network of institutions, all aimed at strengthening our ability to integrate vocational exploration into academic and co-curricular experiences. Through our participation in NetVUE, we look forward to enhancing our mission of preparing students for impactful and fulfilling futures. Learn more about NetVUE at https://www.cic.edu/programs/netvue.

Hampton Roads Workforce CTE Forum

I was delighted to visit with Susan Long-Molnar, President of Managing Communications. We discussed how VWU can be involved with the Hampton Roads Workforce CTE Forum. With Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Vice President for VWU Global Campus, and Larry Belcher, Director of Innovative Partnerships & Enrollment.

SMU Wants to Separate From the Church but Keep the ‘Methodist’

I am honored to have been quoted in the recent Inside Higher Ed article, "Methodist Church Suit Against SMU Reaches Texas Supreme Court," which discusses the ongoing legal dispute between the United Methodist Church and Southern Methodist University over governance and institutional control. The case, now before the Texas Supreme Court, has significant implications for the relationship between religious institutions and their affiliated universities.

Join Us for “Great Decisions 2025”

Developed by the Foreign Policy Association and presented by the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads, Great Decisions 2025 is a unique opportunity to learn about issues of global importance in an engaging and interactive format. The educational events will be held on eight consecutive Saturdays beginning January 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Blocker Hall Auditorium. Topics include American Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead, U.S.-China Relations, International Cooperation on Climate Change, American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads, and much more. Register to attend here.

Virginia's Renewable Energy Progress and Carbon Market Uncertainty

Dominion Energy’s $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is moving forward despite federal challenges, according to Virginia Business. Dominion has secured all necessary approvals and plans to sell a 50% stake to Stonepeak for $3 billion by the end of the year, ensuring the project's progress. Meanwhile, Virginia’s future in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) remains uncertain. A court ruled that Governor Youngkin's attempt to withdraw the state from RGGI without legislative approval was unlawful, prompting the state to plan an appeal. This leaves Virginia’s role in the carbon market unclear. Learn more from WHRO.

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