Dialogue: June 2025

Monday, June 30, 2025

My heartfelt thanks to Jon Pruden

My heartfelt thanks to Jon Pruden for his dedicated leadership as Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees over the past three years. As his term concludes and we welcome Nancy DeFord as our new Chair, I’m grateful for Jon’s steadfast commitment to Virginia Wesleyan and its mission.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

June 30, 2025

Good morning,

We are delighted to share that Dr. L.D. Britt—one of the most respected figures in American surgery and medical education—will deliver the keynote address at our Winter 2025 Commencement to be held on Saturday, December 13.

A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Dr. Britt is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in American surgery and medical education. He serves as the Henry Ford Professor and Edward J. Brickhouse Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School and is a member of the prestigious National Academy of Medicine.

A graduate of both Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Britt has authored more than 300 scientific publications, held leadership positions in every major surgical organization in the country, and has been recognized with the nation’s highest honors in medical education and clinical leadership—including the American College of Surgeons Lifetime Achievement Award and designation as an “Icon in Surgery.”

Dr. Britt’s participation is especially meaningful as we move forward with the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into Virginia Wesleyan University. A longtime partner of SCOHS and a national leader in healthcare and higher education, Dr. Britt brings a powerful perspective to this milestone moment. We look forward to welcoming him to campus as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and reflect on the shared values of service, excellence, and impact that define both his life’s work and the mission of Virginia Wesleyan.

ET CETERA

I joined presidential colleagues and business trustees for the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Founded in 1952, VFIC advances the distinctive values and strengths of its 17 selective independent member institutions across the Commonwealth. Through private philanthropic support, enhanced visibility, and innovative programming, the Foundation helps ensure that this personalized, high-quality education remains accessible and for future citizen-leaders.

With a $41 million endowment and additional annual giving support, VFIC plays a vital role in supporting VWU and its fellow member institutions through scholarships, academic programming, and leadership initiatives.

It was a pleasure to spend meaningful time with friends and colleagues who champion the mission of independent higher education in Virginia.

Pictured with Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, and Frank Batten; Gary Bonnewell and George Birdsong, who serve on both the VWU and VFIC boards; VFIC COO Mary-Beth Johnson; VFIC Special Events and Communications Manager Dawn Greggs; and VFIC Director of Development Liz Blaine.

The complete 2024-2025 President to President thought leadership series is now available to download here at no cost. This year’s book, titled “Game Changers in Higher Education,” examines how new ideas, strategies, and influences are driving meaningful change on college campuses. I have served as the Executive Editor of President to President and its predecessor publication Presidential Perspectives for over 20 years.

By definition, a game changer is a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way. Higher education is full of game-changing scenarios that college presidents must plan for and address. The 2024-2025 President to President series takes a thoughtful look at some of the game changers impacting higher education in the short and long-term.

Game changers lead; the rest can only learn, grow, and follow. This year’s President to President series explores the perspectives of 10 college and university presidents. Over the course of the year, these experts shared their visions for the future and their strategies for prioritizing the game-changing ideas and innovations that will ensure the ongoing success of their colleges.

Virginia Wesleyan continues to attract national attention for its leadership in climate action and sustainability. The University is prominently featured in the new book Higher Education’s Leadership in Climate Action and Sustainability, edited by Elsa Núñez and Patricia Szczys. Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, and I co-authored a chapter titled “Geographic Advantage, Visionary Philanthropy, and Strategic Growth: Virginia Wesleyan University’s Rise as a Sustainability Leader in Higher Education.”

The chapter highlights VWU’s strategic use of its coastal location, bold environmental initiatives, and transformational philanthropic support—especially from Jane Batten—to become a national model for sustainability in higher education. From adopting Environmental Guiding Principles to building the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the University’s intentional growth reflects a deep commitment to climate leadership. VWU’s inclusion in this publication underscores its growing influence on the national stage. The book was published by IGI Global.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

A New Chair for the VWU Board of Trustees

Nancy T. DeFord, Ed.D., who had a long and distinguished career as an educator, has been elected chair of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. Nancy will assume the role July 1 when current Board Chair Jonathan E. Pruden concludes his three-year term. We thank Nancy and Jon for their excellent service to VWU!

Learn more.

2025 State of the University: Wednesday, August 20

Each August, as we prepare to launch a new academic year, I have the privilege of delivering the State of the University Address to our campus community.

This year’s address will be especially meaningful as we celebrate the enduring impact of the Batten Legacy at Virginia Wesleyan. I invite students, alumni, parents, and friends to join us by tuning in to the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network for this special occasion.

2025-26 Policies, Handbooks and Guidelines

All policies, handbooks, and guidelines for the 2025-26 academic year have been posted on our website. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact humanresources@vwu.edu.

Restoring Trust in Higher Education

I’m proud to share my latest op-ed in The Virginian Pilot: “What Responsibility Does Higher Education Have to America?” In a time of shifting public perception, I offer a call to restore trust, civic purpose, and meaningful public impact through our work in higher education. Read the full piece here.

Strengthening Ties with the Virginia Aquarium

Virginia Wesleyan enjoys a longstanding and multifaceted partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center—one that reflects our shared commitment to environmental education and community engagement.

This summer, VWU students Amalia Houff and Madison Mellon brought that partnership to life through their work as Guest Engagement/Watershed Warriors Batten Fellows at the Aquarium. These prestigious fellowships are made possible VWU trustee emerita Jane Batten, whose philanthropic priorities—education and the environment—are deeply reflected in the program. Learn more.

I am also proud to serve on the Virginia Aquarium’s Foundation Board, led by Chair Dan Peterson and the Aquarium’s President and CEO Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis. We recently celebrated the dedication of the Bob and Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center—an inspiring new addition to the Aquarium’s mission. Joining the celebration was Nancy DeFord, our new Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees, who also previously served on the Aquarium Foundation Board.

DeFord Manor: Presidential Hospitality in Action

As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect once again on the many elements that contribute to the University’s success. Now in its fourth year, DeFord Manor has continued to serve as a vibrant hub for campus hospitality, hosting an impressive 71 events over the past year.

Annie and I extend our sincere thanks to Tim Lockett, Heather Beatty, Matt Scott, Angie Johnston, and the outstanding team in Catering & Conference Services for their consistent excellence in welcoming and serving our many guests.

We are also deeply grateful to the DeFord family for making this gathering place a priority—and for their extraordinary generosity in making it possible.

The Pharos: June Edition

The June 2025 edition of The Pharos 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.

Wesleyan Wednesday at Ballyhoos: August 6

Mark your calendars to join us at Ballyhoos for our annual summertime Wesleyan Wednesday. The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on August 6 from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

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REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

University Business

Enrollment Manager

President to President

Friday, June 27, 2025

Construction is progressing on schedule

Construction is progressing on schedule for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU. This picture was taken by the True Look camera on the roof of the Hourigan construction management mobile office (west side of the building). Looking forward to an early 2026 completion.

Dr. Nancy T. DeFord has been elected chair of the VWU Board of Trustees

I'm proud to share that Dr. Nancy T. DeFord has been elected chair of the VWU Board of Trustees, effective July 1. With a long and distinguished career as an educator, Nancy will lead the board during an exciting era for the University, including the opening of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU in early 2026, the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences of VWU, and the full launch of VWU-Chesapeake, our prison education program that was piloted in spring 2025. DeFord Hall and DeFord Manor are named after Nancy and her late husband, Bob. We thank Nancy for her service. Learn more: https://ow.ly/pm8H50WhENq

Monday, June 23, 2025

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

June 23, 2025

Good morning,

Early last week, I announced that Sentara Healthcare and Virginia Wesleyan University signed an agreement for Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCOHS) to become part of VWU. While many in our community are familiar with our successful joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, I’d like to take this opportunity to more fully introduce our newest institutional partner.

Sentara College of Health Sciences operates from a 40,000-square-foot facility on Crossways Boulevard in Chesapeake—just two exits from our main campus. They enroll approximately 500 students, just less than 300 full time.

The College has a proud legacy dating back to 1892, when it began as a modest nursing school in Norfolk’s “Retreat for the Sick.” Over the decades, SCOHS has evolved to meet the changing needs of healthcare education, expanding to include certificate and associate degree programs in a variety of areas as well as nursing at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Learn more about their offerings at: www.Sentara.edu

With outstanding licensure exam pass rates—99% for BSN and 100% for MSN graduates—and a hybrid instructional model combining online coursework, lab simulation, and hands-on clinical experience, SCOHS is widely recognized for its excellence in preparing healthcare professionals.

Although our institutional paths were distinct—VWU rooted in the liberal arts and SCOHS focused on applied health sciences—we have long shared core values: academic rigor, service to the community, and a strong commitment to experiential learning. These shared priorities have laid the groundwork for a transformative integration.

The transition period has begun. When complete, Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University will mark a new chapter—blending healthcare expertise with the breadth of a liberal arts education. The result will be expanded student opportunity, deeper community impact, and an innovative approach to educating leaders who serve both body and mind.

We are proud to welcome SCOHS into the VWU family.

In April, we proudly shared that Virginia Wesleyan University has again been recognized in the newly released 2025 Carnegie Classifications with a designation that affirms our mission and momentum. VWU is now classified as a “Special Focus: Arts and Sciences” (a.k.a. “National Liberal Arts”) institution—placing us among just 6% of U.S. colleges and universities recognized in this category. This distinction aligns us with a select group of institutions nationally known for their strong emphasis on both the arts and sciences.

We see this designation reflected in our growing campus. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, currently under construction at VWU, marks a transformative step forward in our commitment to the arts. Simultaneously, the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University establishes a new and robust presence in the sciences, particularly in nursing and allied health.

Further reinforcing our mission, VWU was also awarded a “Higher Access” distinction in the new Student Access and Earnings Classification—recognizing our success in enrolling and supporting students from underserved backgrounds and first-generation college families.

These milestones make clear: Virginia Wesleyan is an innovative university of the arts and sciences with a growing national reputation. I couldn’t be prouder of who we are and where we’re going.

ET CETERA

We welcomed our newest Marlins to campus this past Friday for Marlin Nation Orientation (MNO) and are excited to welcome another group today.

New students and their families are attending a wide variety of information sessions and engaging activities that invigorate and immerse them in Virginia Wesleyan culture. The MNO program is carefully designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the campus experience and to provide new Marlins with everything they need to know to be successful during their first year.

Many thanks to all faculty, staff, and students who have contributed to the success of this year’s Marlin Nation Orientation, and a special thank you to our dedicated Campus Life and David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment staff members for the notable role they play in these events.

Please be sure to give our newest students and families a warm Virginia Wesleyan welcome today.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

2025 State of the University: August 20

Each August, prior to the start of the fall semester, I deliver a State of the University Address to our campus community. Alumni, parents and friends are encouraged to tune in to the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network to watch this year’s special event as we celebrate the Batten Legacy at our institution.

Join us this week for Wesleyan Wednesday in Chesapeake: June 25

Mark your calendars to join us at Wild Wing Café in Chesapeake for our first Wesleyan Wednesday of the summer and a celebration of John Wesley’s birthday!

The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on June 25 from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Coffee + Conversation with Clean Virginia Waterways and Virginia MOCA

Join our friends at Virginia MOCA for a casual conversation exploring their current exhibitions on Thursday, June 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The conversation will be led by Virginia MOCA staff and guest speaker Christina Trapani, Program Director of Clean Virginia Waterways. Christina brings years of experience in environmental advocacy and marine debris reduction.

This event is a terrific example of the University’s shared values with Virginia MOCA. Register here.

Celebration Luncheon for Early Assurance Program Partnership

We were delighted to welcome our colleagues from Old Dominion University and the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU to DeFord Manor for a special luncheon celebrating the launch of 13 early assurance programs for students pursuing careers in the health sciences. Senior leadership from both institutions came together to formally initiate this exciting new chapter in academic collaboration and student opportunity.

Pictured from left: Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Executive Vice President Alfred Z. Abuhamad, M.D., ODU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Brian K. Payne, Ph.D., and VWU Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Ph.D.

Connecting with Longtime Friend of VWU

Always a pleasure to visit with Congressman Bobby Scott during his Town Hall in Norfolk. A steadfast advocate for education and a good friend of Virginia Wesleyan, we’re grateful for his continued support and leadership.

A Preview of What’s to Come

We were excited to welcome David and Susan Goode to the construction site of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU, located within the David R. Goode Arts Complex, last week. The museum is on track to open on our campus in early 2026—an exciting milestone for the arts and for the region.

Pictured from left: Hourigan Project Manager Charlie Blakeley, David and Susan Goode, and Hourigan Assistant Project Manager Justus DiPeppe.

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