The NCAA Final Four field is set

 

The NCAA Final Four field is set: #1 Virginia Wesleyan University will play #8 Randolph Macon College at 12 (EST) tomorrow, followed by #3 Trine University v. #4 Linfield College at 2:30 (EST). Should #1 or #3 lose.a second game will be played tomorrow afternoon/evening. A best of three series for the NCAA National Championship will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Go Marlins!

Off day for the top-seeded Marlins on Saturday

 

Off day for the top-seeded Marlins on Saturday.  On Sunday, just four teams will remain in the hunt as VWU pursues its fourth NCAA National Softball Championship.  Go Marlins!

Heading back to the NCAA Final Four

 

Heading back to the NCAA Final Four.  So proud of Coach Brandon Elliott and this team!

A beautiful day in Bloomington for the second round of the NCAA National Softball Championship

 

A beautiful day in Bloomington for the second round of the NCAA National Softball Championship. With loyal Marlins — James Hill (photographer) and Tyler Costello (Director of Athletic Communications) and Jennifer Myers (mother of third baseman Mackenzie Myers). Go Marlins!

2025 NCAA Elite Eight in Bloomington, Illinois

 

Morgan Tucker, unquestionably the best all-round First Year in the country, smacked 2 home runs, including a walk-off for the 8-run rule in the fifth inning as the No. 1 Marlins pounded RMC in the NCAA Elite Eight in Bloomington, Illinois.  I enjoyed the game with loyal VWU Parents Council members Warren and Martha Prosser (Sarah’s parents) and Jackson (her brother).

Nota Bene: VWU Softball Opens NCAA Championship Play Today!

 

May 29, 2025 Good morning, Today’s the day! VWU softball opens play in the 2025 NCAA Division III Softball Championship Series at Inspiration Field in Bloomington, Illinois, and we couldn’t be more proud of how this talented program represents our university on and off the field. The Marlins (46-3-1) will be seeking their fourth NCAA National Softball Championship. The Marlins once again enter the national spotlight following a dominant postseason run: ODAC Champions: The team captured its 16th Old Dominion Athletic Conference title with a 5-0 tournament sweep. NCAA Regionals: VWU defeated Messiah 12-4 to complete a 3-0 run through the regional bracket. Super Regionals: The Marlins swept Gettysburg in a best-of-three series, including a decisive 10-1 victory to punch their ticket to the NCAA Championship round. We wish skill, strength, and success to Head Coach Brandon Elliott ’03, his coaching staff, and the entire team as they aim for another historic championship.     Follow the Championship Series: Schedule | Stats | Livestream Let's go, Marlins! Sincerely, -- Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455   Phone: 757.455.3215 Email: president@vwu.edu Web: www.vwu.edu/president  Blog: prezscottmiller.blogspot.com

2025 NCAA Softball National Championship Banquet in Bloomington, Illinois

 

With Jim Quinn, Brandon Elliott (Head Coach), Chris Smith, and Tyler Costello (Director of Athletic Communications) at the NCAA Softball National Championship Banquet in Bloomington, Illinois. Top seeded VWU opens play at 12 noon (Eastern), 11 a.m. (Central) tomorrow (Thursday).  Go Marlins!

Enjoyable flight to Bloomington, Illinois with John and Nicole Piotrowski

 

Enjoyable flight to Bloomington, Illinois with John and Nicole Piotrowski — proud parents of Marlin standout Julia Piotrowski.  We’re here to watch the top seeded Marlins vie for the NCAA National Softball Championship.

Chat & Chew luncheon at DeFord Manor

 

Annie and I enjoyed hosting the Facilities Management team from Aramark Higher Education for a Chat & Chew luncheon at DeFord Manor. Good food and conversations!

VWU Top Seed in NCAA Softball Finals

 

VWU Top Seed in NCAA Softball Finals

Virginia Wesleyan University not only advanced to the NCAA Division III Softball Championship, but did so in dominant fashion. The Marlins swept Gettysburg College (PA), 8-0 and 10-1, in the best-of-three NCAA Virginia Beach Super Regional held Thursday and Friday at TowneBank Park.

The top-seeded Marlins (47-3-1) head to Bloomington, Illinois, riding a 16-game winning streak. Play begins Thursday, May 29, at Inspiration Field.

Under Head Coach Brandon Elliott, VWU has earned 13 NCAA Tournament appearances in 18 seasons. The Marlins will be vying for their fourth national title, having previously won in 2017, 2018, and 2021.

Follow the VWU Athletics website for details and updates: 

https://vwuathletics.com/

Congratulations to Coach Brandon Elliott and the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins

 

Congratulations to Coach Brandon Elliott and the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins — 2025 Super Regional Champions. Next stop Bloomington, Illinois  and the NCAA DIII National Championships!

Pleased to host successful VWU grad Bill Miller for lunch at DeFord Manor

 

Pleased to host successful VWU grad Bill Miller for lunch at DeFord Manor. Bill’s family own Fairlead, and we are pleased to be a workforce development partner with them.

Thanks to the Virginia Beach Rotary Club

 

Thanks to the Virginia Beach Rotary Club for the invitation to keynote their Annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner tonight.  With good friends Donald Robertson (Supt. of VB City Public Schools) and Dan Edwards (Scholarship Chair and Past-President of the VB Rotary Club). Talented students from throughout VB were recognized as Brickell Scholars.

It is always a real delight to visit with my good friend Delceno Miles

 

It is always a real delight to visit with my good friend and impactful leader throughout Coastal Virginia Delceno Miles, CEO of The Miles Agency.  Today we enjoyed lunch at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen, a Town Center favorite.

Enjoyable meeting this morning with our friends from the Arts Alliance

 

Enjoyable meeting this morning with our friends from the Arts Alliance.  With CEO Michael Berlucchi and President Lewis Webb III along with Travis Malone, Dean of VWU’s Batten Honors College.

Enjoyable visit to Amazon Logistics in Virginia Beach

 

Enjoyable visit to Amazon Logistics in Virginia Beach with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Community Roundtable. Our new VWU Board Chair Nancy DeFord, right, and I serve on the roundtable from the VBV Board of Directors.  Pictured with Lindsay Winter, Head of Virginia Public Policy for Amazon.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

 

May 19, 2025 Good morning,

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025! As you move forward toward your personal and professional goals, we send our very best wishes for continued success. We were honored to welcome retired Navy Captain Janet H. Days as our 2025 Commencement speaker. Her inspiring remarks reflected both wisdom and strength, encouraging graduates to lead with courage and integrity in an ever-changing world. Captain Days was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of her distinguished service and commitment to leadership. This year’s Commencement also marked Virginia Wesleyan’s participation in From Campus to Community, a national campaign launched by more than 60 college and university presidents to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement during graduation ceremonies. As a member of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness—a nonpartisan coalition convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars—I used the occasion to remind graduates of the importance of civic responsibility, free inquiry, and empathy in today’s divided world. Also receiving an honorary doctorate was Bishop B. Courtney McBath, who delivered a moving Baccalaureate message during our Friday evening service. His words were thoughtful, grounding, and deeply resonant—reminding all of us of the power of faith, purpose, and perseverance. The service also featured a heartfelt student address by Casey Bennett ’25.

Earlier on Friday, graduating students in the Batten Honors College received medallions to mark their successful completion of this signature program. Senior Christian Palmisano served as the class speaker for the event, and Batten Lecturer in Political Science James Moskowitz was presented with the Jane and Frank Batten Distinguished Scholar Award.

This year’s faculty honorees included Dr. Lydia Kennedy (Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award), Dr. Craig Wansink (Birdsong Community Engagement Award), and Dr. Ben Dobrin (United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award). Congratulations! We were also proud to recognize three graduates recently commissioned into the U.S. Army during our Commencement ceremony. Emily Burgess, Aanykka Jackson, and Shaunice Rone were each awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Award for Emerging Leaders by the MacArthur Foundation. To the Class of 2025—our heartfelt congratulations. You’ve made us proud, and we look forward to staying connected in the years ahead.  View Photo Gallery: 2025 Commencement Ceremony | View Full Program | Learn more View Commencement Ceremony on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network Congratulations to our softball team's NCAA Regional win defeating Messiah 12-4 to complete a 3-0 run through the double-elimination bracket. The team (44-2-1), ranked fifth nationally before the 64-team field was unveiled, will meet Gettysburg in a round-of-16 Super Regional best-of-three series. Way to go, Marlins!

ET CETERA

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees held their Spring Meeting Wednesday in the Shafer Room (Board of Trustees Suite) in the Boyd Dining Center of Brock Commons.   Among the actions: Approved actions of Board Committees (February to May 2025) Approved the May-August 2025 Candidates for Graduation Accepted the endowment report of Brown Advisory  Accepted the audited financial statements from BrownEdwards Approved new Officers of the Board (for the period beginning July 1, 2025) Nancy T. DeFord, Chair  Sharon S. Goodwyn, Vice Chair J. Timothy Bailey, Treasurer  Mavis E. McKenley, Secretary  Susan S. Goode, Parliamentarian  Jonathan E. Pruden, Immediate Past Chair  Affirmed signature policies Virginia Wesleyan University Mission Statement Virginia Wesleyan University Environmental Guiding Principles The Wesleyan Creed Virginia Wesleyan University Quality Service Pledge Virginia Wesleyan University Honor Code Virginia Wesleyan University Athletics Mission Statement Approved Policy Documents (for the period beginning July 1, 2025): Virginia Wesleyan University Policy and Procedure Handbook, 2025-26 Virginia Wesleyan University Academic Catalog, 2025-26 Virginia Wesleyan University Online Degree and Graduate Catalog, 2025-26 Virginia Wesleyan University Student Handbook, 2025-26 VWU Student-Athlete Handbook, 2025-26 VWU Batten Honors College Student Handbook, 2025-26 Approved Faculty Emeritus/a Status (June 30, 2025 retirements): Kathy Ames, Linda Ferguson, and Doug Kennedy Accepted detailed written reports from Colleges, Schools and Departments of the University.   During the meeting, we honored Jon Pruden for his three years of leadership as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Stand-out alumnus Tassos Paphites ’79 was named Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his decades of dedicated Board service and unwavering support of the University. We extend our heartfelt thanks to both for their commitment to Virginia Wesleyan. Immediately following the meeting, the Boards of Virginia Wesleyan University and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art came together to celebrate the “topping out” of the new Virginia MOCA at VWU facility—a major milestone in this transformative partnership. The event began with a tour of the construction site, followed by a celebratory reception and program in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. During the program, Scott Duncan, former Chair of Virginia MOCA, received The Wesley Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions. As Virginia MOCA’s Board liaison throughout the planning of the new facility, Scott’s collaborative leadership played a vital role in bringing this visionary project to life. Scott and I are pictured with outgoing VWU Chair Jon Pruden and incoming Chair Nancy DeFord—a symbolic passing of the torch on a day filled with forward momentum. It was a fitting and inspiring close to an extraordinary academic year—one that celebrated service, partnership, and progress. As we look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude and great anticipation for what’s to come. We were honored to host a delegation of educators and policymakers from Mongolia as part of a professional study tour led by Mr. Otgonbat “Ogi” Barkhuu, President of Global Leadership University. The visit was part of a broader initiative to observe and exchange best practices in teaching, curriculum development, and institutional innovation. During their time on campus, the Mongolian delegation met with faculty and administrators, toured academic facilities, and engaged in discussions on student success strategies and education exchange opportunities. We look forward to continued dialogue with the Ministry of Education and Mongolian academic leaders as part of an evolving partnership that supports innovation and educational advancement on a global scale.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating the Class of 2025 at DeFord Manor We celebrated the Class of 2025 at DeFord Manor last week. Those that participated in the Senior Giving Campaign were invited to join Annie and I in a special toast, and a few brave graduates did the DeFord Dunk.

A Marlin Legacy One of the great joys of Commencement season is watching stories come full circle—and few are as meaningful as the Harris family’s. Among this year’s graduating students is Betsy Harris, who is continuing a proud VWU legacy that spans generations. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with her mom, Lori Harris ’94, in the President’s Office, and I’ve seen firsthand the deep love and commitment this family has for our University.  From her father Joe’s days on the basketball court to the five siblings who’ve called VWU home, the Harris family represents the very best of our Marlin spirit—family, tradition, and purpose. Congratulations, Betsy—you’ve made us all proud! Learn more.

Marlin Softball: Team Success and Individual Excellence Congratulations to VWU’s Laci Campbell for being named ODAC Softball Player of the Year and Morgan Tucker for being named ODAC Softball Rookie of the Year! The Pharos: May 2025 The May 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. College Presidents Launch National Campaign to Champion Civic Leadership at Commencement I’m honored to stand alongside more than 60 college and university presidents across the country in launching the From Campus to Community campaign—an initiative focused on inspiring our 2025 graduates to lead with empathy, think critically, and engage in meaningful civic dialogue. As part of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, I believe deeply in higher education’s responsibility not just to prepare students for successful careers, but to help shape thoughtful, informed citizens who will strengthen our democracy.

VWU’s Climate Action Efforts in National News Virginia Wesleyan is featured in a new article by Second Nature highlighting our leadership in the Cool Down P-Town initiative. This collaborative effort with the Center for Sustainable Communities addresses extreme heat and environmental justice in Portsmouth through community science, student engagement, and climate resilience strategies. It’s a strong example of how VWU lives out its commitment to service, sustainability, and meaningful impact. Read article. Student Artwork on Display at Town Center Five of our incredibly talented student artists have completed large-scale chalk murals now on display in Virginia Beach’s Town Center. Coordinated by the Central Business District Association, this temporary public art exhibit showcases the creativity, professionalism, and passion of our Marlins in a high-visibility community space. I invite you to visit the plaza near the fountain to see the finished work on display through June 15. Learn more. End of the Year Athletic Reception We had an enjoyable reception last week for faculty team advisors and their respective coaches from the Virginia Wesleyan University athletics department in Brock Commons. Pictured here with Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Athletics Director, Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean of the Batten Honors College and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, and Doug Kennedy, Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions / FTA for swimming and a retiring faculty member after 37 years. Extending Gratitude and Best Wishes It has been my practice for 35 years to thank students working as Presidential Associates with a diploma frame upon graduation. Congratulations and best wishes to Ashleigh Lockard ‘25, Camille Jernigan ‘25 and Adrianna Gunther ‘25. They will all complete their graduate studies this summer. Congressional Art Competition We were pleased to welcome U.S. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to Virginia Wesleyan’s Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center last week for the annual Congressional Art Competition, celebrating the creative talents of students from Virginia’s 2nd District. It was a privilege to host this special event, which brings students, families, and educators from across the district to our campus in recognition of artistic excellence and civic engagement.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES Features News Briefs VWU Athletics