Dear friends,
June marked a meaningful close to the academic year—a season defined by powerful partnerships, bold progress, and renewed momentum across our campus. In just a few short weeks, we announced a transformational academic integration, launched new pathways in science and military leadership, celebrated national athletic success, and honored one of our most beloved trustees for her enduring impact on faith-based education. Each milestone reflects our continued evolution as a distinctive, forward-looking institution—committed to student opportunity, national relevance, and the enduring values at the heart of our mission.
In a bold step forward, we announced a landmark agreement establishing the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University. This integration blends VWU’s liberal arts tradition with Sentara’s excellence in healthcare education, creating new pathways for students and addressing critical workforce needs across the region.
In keeping with our growing investment in the sciences, we hosted a special luncheon at DeFord Manor to mark the launch of 13 early assurance programs with Old Dominion University and the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU—an exciting expansion of academic collaboration and student opportunity. We also signed an agreement with the Hampton Roads Navy ROTC Consortium to establish the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Preparatory Program on our campus, broadening access to leadership pathways for future Naval Officers.
Our Marlins Softball team concluded an extraordinary season as the national runner-up, earning ODAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, two All-Americans, and Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. Their achievements reflect the drive and excellence that define the Marlin experience.
We were especially proud to celebrate longtime trustee Joan P. Brock, recipient of the 2025 Francis Asbury Award from the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Also honoring her late husband, Macon, the award recognizes their lasting contributions to faith-based higher education and their profound impact on Virginia Wesleyan’s mission and legacy.
Looking ahead, I’m pleased to share that Dr. L.D. Britt—acclaimed surgeon, educator, and recipient of the American College of Surgeons’ Lifetime Achievement Award—will serve as our Winter 2025 Commencement speaker. This spirit of leadership and service will also be celebrated at our upcoming Founders Day on September 4, where we will honor distinguished alumni and welcome VWU Trustee Joseph Ruddy ’83 as keynote speaker.
As we turn the page to the next fiscal year, I remain grateful for the collective strength of the Virginia Wesleyan community—and deeply optimistic about the future we are building together. Sincerely, | 
