| February 17, 2025
Good morning, |
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Despite a couple weeks of unusually cold and wet weather, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU is progressing on schedule for a December completion.
Alison Byrne, Executive Director of Virginia MOCA, has been a wonderful partner in this project. The Virginia MOCA team has a beautiful website dedicated to the progress of their new home. Check it out here.
The new Avenue of the Arts at the entrance to the David R. Goode Arts Complex, leading to the entrance of the Virginia MOCA and Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, has been paved. Lighting and landscaping will be added in the coming weeks before we can seek final approval from the City of Virginia Beach for use.
This exciting project is a testament to the strong partnership between Virginia MOCA and VWU, bringing new opportunities for artistic collaboration and community engagement. As we move closer to completion, we look forward to celebrating the grand opening and the transformative impact this space will have on our campus and the broader arts community. Stay tuned! |
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One of the greatest privileges of serving as president of Virginia Wesleyan is celebrating the achievements of our students. Their dedication, intellect, and commitment to excellence continually inspire us all. This week, I am pleased to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of our Ethics Bowl team and the exceptional research being conducted by our students.
Our VWU Ethics Bowl team recently returned home undefeated after an outstanding performance in the highly competitive Cardinal Division of the VFIC Ethics Bowl. Competing against teams from Virginia Union University, Hollins University (the reigning champions), Marymount University, and Randolph College, our students showcased their ability to engage in rigorous ethical debates with clarity and strength. While Washington and Lee earned more overall points and advanced to the championship round—ultimately falling to the University of Richmond—VWU was the only team that remained undefeated throughout the tournament. Congratulations to team members Casey Bennett, Christian Palmisano, Abigail Villacrusis, and Andrew Steiner, along with alternate Avery Belisle, and special thanks to their coach, Kathy Merlock Jackson, for her guidance and leadership.
Beyond the Ethics Bowl, our students continue to excel in research and scholarship, presenting their work at prestigious regional and national conferences. Recently, Samantha Silvia ’25 represented VWU at the inaugural Posters in Richmond advocacy event at the General Assembly Building, presenting her research, "Race, Class, and the Medicalization of Menopause," under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Toussaint. Additionally, several of our students have been selected to present their research at esteemed academic conferences. Debra Buckalew and Mae Bryant participated in the Phi Alpha Theta (National History Honor Society) Biennial Conference. Miguel Hernandez, Harrison Smith, and Michael Gilbert presented at the Southeastern Association of Biologists Conference. Lauren Bible and Maria Eduarda de Freitas Bernardo shared their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Congratulations to them and their mentors!
Please join me in celebrating the achievements of these talented students. Their success is a testament to the outstanding academic community we continue to build together at VWU. |
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Today, I am delighted to join Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management Jason Seward and a team of students in Richmond during “Thanks for TAG!” Day. Every year, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) organizes a student advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly, where supporters can meet with, thank, and advocate in front of legislators for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) funding which was created to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Virginia. Our students will have the opportunity to tour the recently restored Virginia Capitol and sit in the House or Senate gallery to be introduced by the legislative members. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) remains a vital resource for our students, providing much-needed financial support to Virginia residents pursuing higher education at private institutions like VWU. This state-funded program helps make a high-quality education more accessible, ensuring that our students can focus on their academic and personal growth without excessive financial burden. We encourage all eligible students to take full advantage of this opportunity and remain engaged in advocacy efforts to sustain and expand this crucial funding. Learn more. |
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Congratulations to Nicholas Kent on his appointment as Under Secretary of Education for the U.S. Department of Education. Previously serving as Virginia's Deputy Secretary of Education, Nicholas visited our campus just a few months ago and enjoyed lunch at DeFord Manor. We wish him all the best in this important role. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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VWU Celebrates Black History Month Our celebration of Black History Month continues. Last week, we were delighted to host author and social justice advocate Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove for a thought-provoking lecture about poverty and racial myths in America. Learn more and check out this week's events here. |
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Washington Internship Institute Offerings As a member of the select New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) collaborative, VWU is a partner in the Washington Internship Institute (WII) based in Washington, DC. NACU owns WII. I'm pleased to share the new WII promotional video and encourage everyone to take advantage of our collaborative Washington center. Watch here. |
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The Pharos: February Edition I am proud to share the February 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. |
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Campus Visit with a Great Friend and Benefactor It’s always nice to visit with John Trinder, VWU Trustee-emeritus, benefactor, and friend. He is the namesake of the John A. Trinder Center for Advancement in Godwin Hall and the Trinder Center, supporting lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer. |
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A Community Treasure I had a wonderful time at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s 75th anniversary luncheon, where I enjoyed a great conversation with award-winning Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson. It was also a pleasure to connect with VWU friends Tiffany Boyle ’14 (Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue), Sharon Goodwyn (HRCF Chair/VWU Board), and Bernard Goodwyn H’22 (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia). |
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Marlins Go Green Club Supporting TCA I would like to recognize the Marlins Go Green Club for their meaningful contributions to environmental education. Under the leadership of Batten Honors College scholar McKenna Howenstine, club members partnered with Tidewater Collegiate Academy (TCA) to host a Girl Scout program, providing tours of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and sharing insights on environmental stewardship with approximately 80 young participants. Their professionalism and enthusiasm not only helped the Scouts earn their “It’s Your Planet” journey badge but also served as ambassadors of Virginia Wesleyan’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. |
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Wendy Scott Named a 2025 Girl Scout Famous Former Honoree Please join me in congratulating Wendy Scott, Founder and Director of Tidewater Collegiate Academy, for being named one of the five distinguished honorees for the 2025 Girl Scout Famous Formers award. This prestigious recognition, presented by the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, honors former Girl Scouts who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and significant contributions in their professional fields and volunteer efforts. Learn more. |
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Celebrating the Women’s Volleyball Team Annie and I enjoyed hosting dinner for the VWU’s women’s volleyball team to celebrate their record-setting 27-6 season and NCAA Tournament berth. This remarkable team was led by Outside Hitter Hannah Smith, who earned First Team All-ECAC, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, Honorable Mention All-American, and First Team All-State honors, along with starting setter Salena Jones, who was named Second Team All-ODAC. Congratulations to Head Coach Karissa Cumberbatch, her staff, and the entire team on a historic season! |
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VWU Betty S. Rogers Indoor Track & Field Invitational We had a fantastic morning at the VWU Betty S. Rogers Indoor Track & Field Invitational at the Virginia Beach Sports Center (VBSC) last weekend. It was great to be there alongside Stephen Register, Director of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field; Jason Seward, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management; Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics; and Ryan Ladd, General Manager of the VBSC. Our teams enjoy competing at such an impressive facility. |
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Women's Softball First Pitch Dinner I had a wonderful evening at VWU softball’s First Pitch Dinner, featuring legendary Oklahoma Sooners slugger Jocelyn Alo as the guest speaker. It was great to be with Jocelyn, VWU Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott, and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig. Jocelyn holds the NCAA Division I career record for home runs with an impressive 122. |
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NBCT Recognition Reception It’s always a pleasure to attend the National Board Certified Teachers Recognition Reception at VWU. This year, we celebrated 25 new NBCTs and 30 educators who renewed their certification. Honored to be there with Delrose Adkinson (NBCT President, SEVA), Nancy Traynor (NBCT VP, SEVA), and Laura Benedetto (NBPTS). |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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Have a great week, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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