Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

April 14, 2025

Good morning,

The 15th Annual Strike Out Cancer Day, led by Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott ‘03 in memory of his mother, Elaine F. Sears, raised an astounding $94,412.11. This figure more than doubles the program’s previous high of $42,067 in 2023. What began with $3,309 in 2009 has grown into the country's top Division III fundraising effort under the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s Strike Out Cancer initiative—raising $359,089 in 15 years.

This year, the VWU community rallied around #JackieStrong, honoring 11-year-old Jackie Meeks, diagnosed last summer with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and now four months cancer-free. The Meeks family and Meeks Disposal donated $33,090—a symbolic gift that is ten times the amount raised in 2009.

This year’s efforts included community support from Sam’s Club (contributing $10,000) and more than 50 travel softball organizations through the VWU Travel Team Challenge, collectively raising over $13,000. Even our dear friend Henry Watts supported the effort with $6,000 just prior to his passing. Together, these contributions have made Strike Out Cancer the leading Relay for Life team in South Hampton Roads.

Of course, none of this would happen without Brandon—the coach, the visionary, the son. Best known for his on-field accomplishments—including three NCAA Division III National Championships (2017, 2018, 2021), ten ODAC titles, and more than 620 career wins—he’s just as driven by what happens off the field. That passion was recognized in 2024 with his induction into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame.

Brandon’s impact is deeply personal and profoundly shared. While his name will endure at VWU in the record books, his legacy is embodied by how he rallies our community to #outlove for the greater good. Congratulations!

ET CETERA

Last week, I shared appointments by Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, who will assume the position of Provost and Vice President, effective tomorrow. Today, I am sharing some office relocations as a result of the appointments and the construction of The Athenaeum in the H.C. Hofheimer Library (the listing only includes new assignments).

H.C. Hofheimer Library Administrative Suite

Sarah deRosa, Research & Electronic Resources
Kelsi Dunman, Outreach and Access Services Librarian

The Athenaeum – Center for Exploration and Discovery (H.C. Hofheimer II Library)

Brooke Novkovic, Director of Global Engagement
Bethany Smeeton, Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning
Alice Jones, Director of Career Development
Andrea Grant, Coordinator of Student Professional Development
Dr. Bryson Mortensen, Director of VWU Online
Grant Williams, VWU Online Student Success Coordinator
Lisa Geiger, Director of Continuing Education/Instructional Technologist
John Rudel, Director of Undergraduate Research & Creativity/ Curator of Exhibitions (Neil Britton Art Gallery and Barclay Sheaks Art Gallery)

The Truist Lighthouse – Center for Student Success (Clarke Hall)

Crit Muniz, Associate Vice President for Student Success
Sandra Ewell, University Advisor
Nancy Rechkemer, Coordinator of University Advising

Academic Administration Suite (Clarke Hall)

Dr. Loren Marquez, Associate Provost, to office 205
Dr. Victor Townsend, Assistant Provost, to office 203
Dr. Drian Glyde, new Dean of VWU Global Campus, to office 208
Dr. Travis Malone, Dean of the Batten Honors College, to office 204
Dr. William McConnell, new Dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, to office 207

David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment (Godwin Hall)

Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, and Nikki Nieves, Director of Enrollment, Batten Honors College, will move to the former VWU Global Campus Suite in the David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment
Malleri Santiago, Director of Admissions, will move into Ms. Campbell’s former office

Our partner, Bishop Courtney McBath, President of Virginia Christian College, will have an office in Monumental Chapel and Beazley Recital Hall.

In other personnel matters:

Sarah Guzzo, Director of The Wesleyan Fund, has been promoted to Director of Stewardship.
Malleri Santiago, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, has been promoted to Director of Admissions.

We look forward to how grouping these operations will streamline our enterprise to better serve our students.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

New Leadership for Marlins Field Hockey

I’m excited to share that Baylor Baxley has been named the new Head Coach of Virginia Wesleyan’s Field Hockey program. Coach Baxley brings an impressive mix of collegiate coaching experience, club-level leadership, and a passion for student-athlete development. Her dedication to player growth—both on and off the field—makes her a tremendous fit for the Marlin family.

Please join me in welcoming Coach Baxley to campus. Go Marlins! Read More.

Honoring Outstanding Student Workers

I am especially proud to share that we recently celebrated the exceptional contributions of our Work and Learn students during the inaugural Student Worker ALL-STAR Awards. Hosted by the Truist Lighthouse Center for Exploration and Discovery, this event recognized students who exemplify dedication, professionalism, and leadership across various campus roles. These students embody the values and mission of VWU, contributing meaningfully to campus life while achieving academic success. Their roles are part of VWU’s Work and Learn Program, which offers students meaningful employment that aligns with their academic interests and helps offset the cost of their education. Through this, they gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and strengthen their engagement with the VWU community.

Learn more.

Daren Abramaitys '28 Recognized by 2025 ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge

Congratulations to Daren Abramaitys '28, who has been named a 2025 Student Voting Honor Roll Recipient by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. Daren's leadership in nonpartisan voter engagement—organizing registration drives, facilitating civic discussions, and promoting inclusive participation—has made a significant impact on our campus community. His dedication exemplifies the spirit of civic responsibility we strive to instill at Virginia Wesleyan. Learn more.

We Cured Marlin Fever!

Our Spring Day of Giving campaign asked alumni, parents, and friends to cure their Donation Deficiency Disorder (more commonly known as Marlin Fever) through CONTRIBUTIN, the once-a-semester treatment of giving. I’m thrilled to share that we’ve cured Marlin Fever by raising nearly $36,500 during our Spring Day of Giving on April 11!

I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible outpouring of support from the Marlin community. Your generosity empowers our students, strengthens our programs, and fuels the Marlin spirit. We are truly grateful for every gift, share, and show of support. Your involvement made a real difference!

Marlin Business Conference Begins Today!

The Spring 2025 Marlin Business Conference, “Riding the Wave of Innovation,” kicks off today and runs through Thursday, April 17. The exciting four-day event begins this evening with a keynote address by Andrew Cohen—former Wall Street trader, academic entrepreneur, and creator of the groundbreaking Future Traders platform—at 6:00 p.m. in Brock Commons. Cohen’s unique blend of real-world financial experience and educational innovation promises an engaging and insightful keynote that you won’t want to miss.

Organized by students in Professor Frank Futyma’s MBE 301 class, the conference offers a dynamic opportunity to connect with leaders, entrepreneurs, and peers around the future of business. Check out the full conference schedule here.

The Pharos: April 2025

The April 2025 edition of The Pharos is now available 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.

Enrollment Manager: How to Showcase Your Campus Culture in a Way That Resonates with Prospective Students

My most recent article in Enrollment Manager explores effective strategies for conveying the unique culture of a college campus to prospective students, discussing the importance of showcasing traditions, student involvement opportunities, and the overall sense of community that defines the student experience. By providing insights into daily life and the distinctive aspects of campus culture, institutions can better connect with potential students and help them envision their place within the community.

Norfolk Mayor Announces Efforts to Spur Redevelopment of Two City Malls

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander recently announced significant redevelopment plans for the city's former Military Circle and MacArthur malls during his annual State of the City address. The Military Circle site is set to feature a new state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center and library, serving as an anchor for a larger mixed-use development. For MacArthur Center, the city has appointed Hg80 Real Estate as the master developer to transform the downtown mall into a vibrant mixed-use community. These initiatives aim to revitalize key areas of Norfolk without relying heavily on city funding. Learn more from WHRO.

Virginia Beach Considers Holding a Referendum on Voting System

Virginia Beach is considering a referendum to determine the future of its City Council election system. The proposed ballot question would ask voters whether to retain the current 10-1 system—where 10 district-based council members and an at-large mayor are elected—or revert to a modified 7-3-1 system, which includes seven district-based members, three at-large members, and an at-large mayor. Residents can provide feedback through various channels, including a public hearing on April 15, ahead of the City Council's vote on May 6 to decide if the referendum will appear on the November ballot. Learn more from WHRO.

Seeking Cultural Arts: Virginia Beach Solicits Interest in Oceanfront Virginia MOCA Building

Virginia Beach is seeking proposals for the future use of the city-owned building at 2200 Parks Avenue, currently housing the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). With MOCA planning to relocate to our campus by the end of 2025, the city is looking to repurpose the 37,829-square-foot facility, ideally maintaining its cultural arts focus. Potential uses include performing or visual arts, literary arts, music, culinary arts, community engagement, or a museum. A non-mandatory building tour is scheduled for April 28, and submissions are due by June 9, 2025. Read more in The Virginian-Pilot.

U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Luncheon

We enjoyed an enlightening U.S. Global Leadership Coalition lunch discussion with former Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen at The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. With Justin Saunders, Vice President of the Hampton Roads Chamber.

Welcoming Virginia Beach’s New Economic Development Director

We welcomed Virginia Beach’s new Economic Development Director, Christian Green, to last Wednesday’s meeting and social of the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors at The Attic at Waterman’s. Pictured with Laura Chalk, VBV Executive Director/CEO. Also pictured with Laura Chalk and Delceno Miles, CEO of The Miles Agency.