July 7, 2025
Good morning, |
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Annie and I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing holiday weekend! |
The Batten Honors College is a program of national distinction, one of only 147 honors colleges in the United States. Enrolling a highly selective group of 160 scholars, the Batten Honors College’s mission focuses on Environmental Stewardship, Global Engagement, and Leadership. I thank Travis Malone, Dean of the Batten Honors College, for his outstanding leadership of this niche program.
The Batten Honors College boasts a significant endowment that funds scholarships, environmental, global, and leadership opportunities for scholars and supports teaching faculty.
I am pleased to announce Batten Professors for the 2025-26 academic year:
- Kellie Holzer - Batten Professor of English, Lambuth M. Clarke Chair in English Literature
- Elizabeth Malcolm - Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Director of Sustainability
- Travis Malone - Batten Professor of Theatre, Anne B. Shumadine Dean, Batten Honors College
- William McConnell - Batten Associate Professor of Education, Director of Education Programs, Dean, D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies
- Stu Minnis - Batten Professor of Media and Communication, Chair of Media and Communication
- James Moskowitz - Batten Lecturer of Political Science, Coordinator of NATO Partnership
- Annika Quick - Batten Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Sally Shedd - Batten Professor of Theatre, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, Dean, Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities
- Jill Sturts - Batten Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions, Chair of Sport and Recreation Professions, Assistant Dean, Batten Honors College
- Craig Wansink - Batten Professor of Religious Studies and Leadership, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, Chair of Religious Studies
The Batten distinction is a renewable term appointment (July 1-June 30) afforded to full-time faculty teaching in the Batten Honors College for the corresponding academic year. Those teaching short-term study away courses are not eligible. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Gratitude for Outgoing Board Chair Jon Pruden My heartfelt thanks to Jon Pruden for his dedicated leadership as Chair of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees over the past three years. As his term concludes and we welcome Nancy DeFord as our new Chair, I remain deeply grateful for Jon’s steadfast commitment to Virginia Wesleyan and its mission. |
Welcome, Dr. Nicole Charles We extend a warm welcome to Dr. Nicole Charles, recently appointed Executive Director of the Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC). Dr. Charles brings extensive experience from advisory roles with Health People Community Preventive Health Institute, Thrive NYC, the Commission on the Public’s Health System, and the CUNY Institute for Health Equity.
Learn more about Dr. Charles and her background here.
VWU has been the educational partner of VAACC. Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, serves on the VAACC Board of Directors. |
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Lunch with Valued Partner in Student Success I enjoyed a great lunch with John Meyer, CEO and Founder of CompleteU and a valued friend of VWU. John has been a strong partner in our student success initiatives, and it was a pleasure to host him alongside Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, and Chief Operations Officer Jason Seward.
CompleteU has been a strong supporter of VWU, including serving as a sponsor of Collision on the Coast, our signature Rocket League esports event. We’re grateful for John’s continued partnership and commitment to student success. |
V-MOCA Construction Progressing On Schedule Construction is moving forward on schedule for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VA-MOCA) at Virginia Wesleyan University. This image, captured by the TrueLook camera mounted on the roof of Hourigan’s construction management mobile office, highlights the exciting progress taking shape. We look forward to celebrating the project’s completion in early 2026. |
Back to School Supply Drive Challenge We’re excited to take part in the Back to School Supply Drive Challenge hosted by Volunteer Hampton Roads and benefiting Communities In Schools Hampton Roads. This initiative helps provide essential school supplies to students in need across our region. Requested supplies include; bulk packs of pencils and pens, paper (wide-ruled, printer, and construction), dry erase markers and boards, notebooks and composition books, sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer, and tissue boxes.
Now through July 31, donations can be dropped off at the H.C. Hofheimer II Library. Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed. |
2025 State of the University: Wednesday, August 20 Each August, as we prepare to launch a new academic year, I have the privilege of presenting 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 alumni, students, parents, and friends to join us by tuning in to the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network for this special occasion. |
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! |
Title IX Training due July 31 On July 1, VWU Human Resources emailed students, faculty, and staff regarding annual, mandatory Title IX training. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights requires every institution of higher education to define our responsibilities under Title IX. Whether we are a member of the student body, faculty, or staff, understanding our roles in matters involving Title IX is a priority for each of us. If you haven’t already completed the training, please review the presentation materials and complete the online quiz no later than July 31. |
City Leaders Weighing Options for the Future of the Virginia Aquarium With the Virginia Aquarium nearing the end of its usable life, Virginia Beach city leaders are weighing whether to invest in $28 million in repairs over six years or begin planning for a full rebuild—a process that could take up to seven years. Urgent issues, including aging animal tanks, remain a top concern. While City Council has not committed to a plan, discussions continue around ownership, funding, and long-term viability of this important civic asset. Read more from WHRO. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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Soak up the sunshine, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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