Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

May 5, 2025

Good morning,

Is it just me, or has the semester flown by? What an incredible year it’s been! From academic milestones to campus traditions, our community has accomplished so much together. As we wrap up the academic year, I’m filled with gratitude for the energy, resilience, and dedication our students, faculty, and staff have shown every step of the way.

In recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating student success through honor society inductions, The Bobbies, and many other meaningful moments. Each recognition reflects the talent, commitment, and Marlin spirit that define our community—and I couldn’t be prouder of all our students have achieved.

A particular highlight was the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum - or SURF - where students shared the culmination of their academic experiences through research, internships, performances, and global engagement. This day-long event brings the campus together in celebration of the depth and diversity of student scholarship at VWU.

Opportunities for undergraduates to engage in original research alongside faculty mentors are part of what makes Virginia Wesleyan so distinctive. Year after year, I’m inspired by the creativity, intellect, and curiosity our students bring to their work—and by the dedicated faculty who help them reach their full potential. Congratulations to all who presented, performed, and mentored. You continue to make us proud.

This year’s symposium included Spring Honors Convocation, held in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Every year, I present the President’s Leadership Award during this ceremony and am delighted to share that the 2025 recipient is Batten Honors College scholar Jessica Wilson ’25. Jessica is a shining example of purpose-driven leadership in action. A double-major in Sustainability Management and Environmental Sciences, her extraordinary dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability leadership has left an indelible mark–not only on Virginia Wesleyan, but on our region and world.

The evening before, we celebrated the annual Louis and Prudence Ryan Environmental Research Symposium, with the awarding of the Ryan Environmental Prize for Excellence in Research. Our student finalists were Breanne Bessette, Jalen Major, and Marco Molino. Congratulations to Breanne, who took home the Ryan Prize for her research project on “More than Sex Ed: Empowering Women Through Comprehensive Sexual Health.” We thank our guest judges: Theresa Augustin, Vice President of Education, Norfolk Botanicals Garden; Chris Moore, Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and Lacy Shirey, Executive Director, Elizabeth River Project for their thoughtful evaluation and generous investment of time and expertise.

We offer our continued gratitude to Louis and Pru Ryan for their extraordinary vision and generosity in supporting this program. We are equally grateful to Jane Batten, whose visionary leadership and unwavering support made the creation and endowment of the Batten Honors College possible. Her commitment to academic excellence and student opportunity has transformed lives and elevated the very heart of our institution.

Congratulations to all!

Pictured: (Left) Chair of the Board Jon Pruden, Trustee Louis Ryan, Breanne Bessette, Trustee Emerita Jane Batten, and Dean of the Batten Honors College Travis Malone; (middle) Marco Molino; and (right) Jalen Major.

ET CETERA

I am pleased to share that William “Will” McGuire will be joining us as our new Chief Information Officer, arriving on May 19. Most recently, Will served as Executive Director of Technology Services & Support at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), part of the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, and was previously Chief Technology Officer at EVMS.

Will holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University and brings extensive experience in higher education IT.

A native of Coastal Virginia, he currently resides in Virginia Beach with his wife. As a car enthusiast, Will enjoys working on vehicles in his free time.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Recognizing Deans’ Service

Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, recognized Dr. Ben Dobrin for his years of dedicated service as Dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, and Dr. Victor Townsend for his leadership as the Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, a role from which he will now transition to serve as Assistant Provost.

VFIC Ethics Bowl Gets New Faculty Coordinator

Congratulations to Dr. Levi Tenen, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, who will serve as faculty coordinator for Virginia Wesleyan’s VFIC Ethics Bowl team in 2025–26. The VFIC Applied Ethics Program brings together distinguished professionals, faculty, and students from across the Commonwealth to engage in thoughtful debate on real-world ethical dilemmas. Established in 1997 by the VFIC Ethics Task Force—co-chaired by journalist and VFIC Trustee Roger Mudd and Bridgewater College President Phillip Stone—the Ethics Bowl underscores the vital role of personal ethics in the workplace, classroom, and everyday life.

Learn more about the VFIC Ethics Program.

Employee Service Milestones and Retirement Celebration

It was a joy to recognize our remarkable faculty and staff at this year’s Employee Milestone and Retirement Celebration. We honored 34 dedicated members of our campus community, including four retirees – Dr. Doug Kennedy, Dr. Linda Ferguson, Joyce Walden, and Lisa Williams – whose decades of service have left an indelible mark on Virginia Wesleyan. These individuals have helped shape who we are—and where we’re going. I invite you to read more about this special event and join me in celebrating their contributions. Read more.

Lunch with Friends of Bobby Levin

Annie and I enjoyed hosting lunch at DeFord Manor for friends of Bobby Levin where we announced a scholarship and art exhibition bearing his name. The Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship honors the life and legacy of a cherished member of our community. Created in tribute to Bobby’s deep belief in the healing power of art, this scholarship will support students pursuing graduate study in Art Therapy—helping them make a lasting impact through creativity, empathy, and service. Jane Batten and David Kaufman are pictured here holding a Bobby Levin original. Learn more.

Sigma Zeta National Honor Society

Congratulations to 19 of our exceptional students who were recently inducted into the Beta Omega Chapter of Sigma Zeta, the national undergraduate honor society for science and mathematics. This recognition speaks to their academic excellence in the natural and computer sciences and mathematics. We commend these students for their hard work and commitment to scholarly achievement— hallmarks of the Virginia Wesleyan experience. Learn more.

Alice Jones Honored with Leadership Award at Statewide Conference

Please join me in congratulating Alice Jones, our outstanding Director of Career Development, on receiving the Leadership Award at the annual Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE) Conference. This honor celebrates Alice’s exemplary service and contributions to the organization, including her recent term on the Board of Directors and leadership as Conference Co-Chair. Her dedication to professional development and student success reflects the very best of VWU.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

We had a wonderful evening at the 52nd Annual Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where we proudly celebrated the induction of our own VWU Class of 2012 Brandon Adair—former standout of the Marlins National Championship Basketball team and now a respected NBA referee. It was a memorable night honoring a true Marlin success story.

Pictured: (Left) Brandon Adair, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Heather Campbell, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dave Macedo, Head Women’s Soccer Coach and Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Bowers, Batten Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions and Faculty Athletics Representative Jill Sturts, and Retired VWU Professor of Political Science Bill Gibson; (middle left) Executive Director of Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Will Driscoll; (middle right) former Detroit Tiger star Lou Whittaker; and (right) NBA referees Natalie Sago and Matt Myers.

Hosting a Legendary Marlin Benefactor

It was a pleasure to host George Birdsong—longtime friend, Trustee Emeritus, and legendary benefactor of Virginia Wesleyan—at DeFord Manor last week. Joining us were Tom Chamberlain and Billy Baldwin of Healthier 757, the public health literacy platform now accessible to our campus community. We were also joined by Dr. Craig Jackson, Dean of the Birdsong School of Social Science, and Campus Life team members Bethany Smeeton, Bethany Arrington, and Kayleigh Poggioli.

A New Friend

Special thanks to Special Advisor to the President CeeCee Tucker for introducing me to Hugo Owens, Jr. last week. The son of the late Dr. Hugo A. Owens—a pioneering civic leader and one of our region’s most respected voices for justice and progress—Hugo, Jr. continues his family’s legacy with distinction, leadership, and vision.

Tonya Byrd Shares Her Story with Students

Many thanks to Tonya Byrd, Senior Policy Director for Community Engagement at Dominion Energy, for sharing her story with a select group of student scholarship recipients. She offered valuable insights about leadership, the power of mentorship, and the importance of uplifting others through intentional engagement and service.

SACSCOC Announces Appointment of New President

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt as the organization’s next president. Pruitt will assume the role on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, who has served as president since 2005. Dr. Pruitt comes to the role with more than 30 years of professional experience in the field of education, including leading classroom instruction to, most recently, serving as the president of the Southern Regional Education Board. SACSCOC is the accrediting body of Virginia Wesleyan University.

President to President: Effective Leadership for Any Organization

The tenth and final chapter of the 2024-2025 Presid ent to President thought leadership series is now available. In Chapter 10, “From General to President: Game-Changing Leadership and Thoughts for Higher Education Excellence,” Hampton University President Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams (U.S. Army, Ret.) explores a central truth shared by effective leaders across all sectors: a deep respect for an organization’s mission is essential. With that foundation, leaders can draw on past experiences to guide decisions and drive institutional success.