Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

July 21, 2025

Good morning,

I hope everyone is enjoying a restful and refreshing summer. While the season offers a break from the traditional academic calendar, it’s been an exceptionally productive time on campus. We’ve made significant strides on several key initiatives—advancing $10 million in facilities upgrades, moving forward with construction of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, receiving approval for VWU, Chesapeake (our new Prison Education Program), continuing integration efforts with Sentara College of Health Sciences, and preparing for August’s major celebration of The Batten Legacy.

Faculty and staff have used this time to recharge, while many of our students have spent their summer gaining valuable experience—through jobs, internships, global travel, or coursework.

Whether you’re working or relaxing, near or far, we’re grateful for all you do to advance Virginia Wesleyan University and look forward to launching a dynamic new academic year together.

We began the tradition of Founders Day in 2016 to recognize and honor the rich heritage of this institution. This year, we will celebrate Founders Day on Thursday, September 4, at 12:00 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Our keynote speaker will be Joseph P. “Joe” Ruddy ’83, a distinguished member of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees and a 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Joe will reflect on his accomplished career in the maritime industry and the important role Virginia Wesleyan played in shaping his success. He will also speak to the great history of this University and its lasting impact. In recognition of his professional achievements and contributions to Coastal Virginia, Joe will be honored with The Wesley Award during the ceremony. We look forward to celebrating this special day with our campus and alumni community.

Our formal Founders Day convocation ceremony will include the presentation of our annual Alumni Awards. I am pleased to share more about the 2025 Alumni Awards recipients, an honor the VWU Alumni Council bestows upon graduates in recognition of outstanding professional and personal accomplishments.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD

Jaclyn B. Ruelle ’03

Jaclyn is a seasoned brand marketing leader and cultural strategist known for turning bold ideas into breakthrough business impact. She has shaped the trajectory of some of America’s most iconic brands—including Homes.com, Papa Johns, JetBlue, DoorDash, and UPS—through innovative creative strategy and culturally fueled activations. Named to Adweek’s Creative 100 and Campaign US’s Female Frontier, Jaclyn is a collaborative force in her field and a proud alumna of Virginia Wesleyan. Jaclyn lives in Richmond with her husband Stephen, who is a 2006 VWU graduate.

ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD

Glynn F. Goodrich ’82

A dedicated alumnus and ambassador for Virginia Wesleyan, Glynn Goodrich has remained actively engaged with the University for more than four decades. A Social Sciences major and four-year member of the Marlin soccer team, he has continued to represent VWU with pride—both at home and away—through his enthusiastic support of athletic programs and consistent presence at campus and alumni events. Glynn has served multiple terms on the VWU Alumni Council, lending his time, insight, and leadership to advance alumni engagement initiatives. He is a steadfast advocate for the University’s mission and a familiar, welcoming face within the Marlin community.

Professionally, Glynn has served with Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Company since 1987 and is currently a Senior Field Underwriter, supporting farmers and rural communities across the Commonwealth. He and his wife, Sheryl, reside in Mechanicsville, VA and are proud parents to their daughter, Jordan.

GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE (GOLD) AWARD

Asha J. Richards ’21

Asha is a passionate advocate for human development and global equity. She currently serves with the Mayors Migration Council and is Chair of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, an initiative of the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asha holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from VWU (Batten Honors College) and an MPA in Development Practice from Columbia University, where she specialized in International Organization and Latin American Studies. Her work has taken her to the United Nations and several global development organizations, and she continues to empower communities through research, policy, and advocacy. Asha resides in Silver Spring, MD.

Alumni play a vital role in the life of a university—they are living examples of our mission in action and serve as ambassadors, mentors, and champions of our continued growth. I am deeply proud to present these distinctive honors to four extraordinary graduates who exemplify the best of Virginia Wesleyan. Their accomplishments and service inspire our community and affirm the lasting value of a VWU education.

Construction is back on schedule for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VMOCA) at Virginia Wesleyan University, with completion expected by January and building occupancy anticipated in February 2026. The project represents a significant cultural addition to the region and is made possible through the generous support of VWU philanthropists Jane Batten, Joan Brock, and David and Susan Goode. Renowned architecture firm Tymoff & Moss is leading the building’s design, with Hourigan serving as the general contractor. The new museum will strengthen the University’s commitment to the arts and its partnerships across Coastal Virginia.

Work continues on the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCOHS) into Virginia Wesleyan University, a strategic merger that enhances health sciences education in the region. Founded in 1892, SCOHS offers certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs to approximately 500 students and currently operates on a Chesapeake campus just two exits from our campus.

We expect to make the necessary accreditation filings by September 1 and begin transitional operations on January 1, 2026, when SCOHS will become Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University. The combined institution will include SCOHS’s traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, MENP, MSN-CNL, AAS in Cardiovascular and Surgical Technology, and continuing education certificate programs.

The integration will bring all academic and operational functions under VWU’s governance, aligning with the University’s mission and expanding opportunities for students seeking careers in healthcare.

Earlier this spring, Virginia Wesleyan was designated a “National Arts & Sciences” institution—commonly known as a National Liberal Arts university—under the updated Carnegie Classifications. Fewer than six percent of colleges and universities in the United States maintain this prestigious designation, which recognizes our broad commitment to undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences. When combined with the additions of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and Sentara College of Health Sciences, these national distinctions further elevate VWU’s profile and reputation, both in Coastal Virginia and across the country, as a vibrant, forward-looking university rooted in excellence.

ET CETERA

Beginning this fall, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)—which includes Virginia Wesleyan University—will join FloCollege, a division of FloSports, through an exclusive five-year media rights agreement. The partnership will provide live and on-demand coverage of more than 1,500 ODAC events annually, expanding athletic visibility for the conference’s 14 member institutions.

FloSports supports 18 NCAA conferences and will invest in production, marketing, and original content to enhance coverage.

The ODAC anticipates that the agreement will broaden the reach of Marlin athletics and supplement VWU’s existing Digital Broadcasting Network. The VWU Digital Broadcasting Network will continue to operate independently, providing coverage of University events beyond athletics. According to the conference, the expanded visibility is expected to strengthen branding, alumni engagement, and recruitment, while providing consistent, high-quality coverage across all VWU teams.

Athletics Director Andrea Hoover-Erbig noted that the partnership enables broader access to VWU athletics through a range of platforms, including mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs.

Read the ODAC Release here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The Passing of Sharon Wilson ’79

The Marlin family mourns the passing of Sharon Wilson, Class of 1979 and a 39-year staff member. As a student, she was a pioneer. As a staff member, she made an indelible mark on the campus community for decades, working in student services such as enrollment and the registrar’s office from 1980 through 2019. She will be missed.

Alumnus Opens Doors to Alaska Learning Adventure

This summer, a group of Batten Honors College scholars explored environmental and cultural sustainability through a unique field course in Haines, Alaska—an opportunity facilitated by Scott Ramsey ’90, founder of the Alaska Outdoor Science School. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmosphere Sciences and Director of Sustainability, and Dr. Chris Haley, Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Professor of Earth Science, students engaged in hands-on activities like river rafting, tree coring, and glacier observation, deepening their understanding of complex environmental systems and climate change.

This immersive experience exemplifies VWU’s commitment to sustainability, experiential learning, and preparing students to be responsible stewards of the natural world.

Read the full story here.

Honoring a Dedicated Trustee and Alumnus

We are proud to announce the naming of the “Mike and Lisa Rawls Foyer” in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Serving as the main entryway to TowneBank Arena, this prominent space now honors VWU Trustee Michael R. Rawls, Class of 1991, and his wife Lisa. Mike and Lisa have been steadfast supporters of Virginia Wesleyan, generously contributing to The Excellence Fund and faithfully championing men’s basketball. A former Marlin basketball player himself, Mike remains a loyal fan of the program. It is fitting that this area—dedicated to Marlin Athletics champions—now bears their name in recognition of their enduring commitment to campus life and student success.

VWU Trustee/Alumnus Appointed to Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges Board

Congratulations to Douglas B. Wilson ’86—a valued VWU Trustee and Executive Vice President at LifeNet Health—on his recent appointment to the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC). A leader in transplant policy, public health, and regenerative medicine, Doug brings more than 25 years of experience and service to this important statewide role. His appointment is a reflection of his ongoing commitment to education, health, and community. His appointment is a reflection of his ongoing commitment to education, health, and community.

Cool-Down P-Town: Goal to Plant 100 New Trees

Virginia Wesleyan University, in collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Communities and local partners, convened in early March to present findings from last summer’s “Cool-down P-town” heat mapping project in Portsmouth. This collaborative initiative—led by Virginia Wesleyan and funded by the Virginia Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry (IRA UCF) grant—reflects VWU’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship and civic engagement.

The project was directed by Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, a valued member of the VWU faculty for nearly two decades. Over the past 10 years, she has led significant institutional progress in advancing environmental priorities, including the development and implementation of the University’s Environmental Guiding Principles.

The study confirmed the existence of dangerous urban heat islands—areas with elevated temperatures due to limited tree canopy and excess pavement. In response, project leaders developed a strategic plan to plant at least 100 native trees across the city, beginning this fall, to mitigate heat exposure and support long-term climate resilience.

Watch the latest WVEC media coverage here.

Welcoming Partners in Faith and Philanthropy

It was a pleasure to host leadership from the Virginia United Methodist Foundation on campus, including Rev. Dr. Steve Summers, former assistant to the Bishop and newly appointed President; Rev. Matt Charlton, Vice President of Philanthropy & Development; and Mark Manasco, Chair of the Board. We value our longstanding relationship with the Foundation and their continued commitment to supporting faith-based education and leadership development.

Back to School Supply Drive Challenge: Drop Off Supplies by July 31

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.

Join Us! 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 PM. We hope to see you there!

2025 State of the University: A Celebration of The Batten Legacy - Wednesday, August 20

As we look ahead to a new academic year, I’m pleased to share that this year’s State of the University will take on special significance—and a different approach. In recognition of the conclusion of my 10th year as president, we will commemorate the extraordinary influence of The Batten Legacy at Virginia Wesleyan. This unique occasion will pay tribute to visionary philanthropist Jane Batten—widely considered the most transformative figure in our institution’s history—and her exceptional family. While the campus community and invited guests will gather in person, I warmly invite alumni, parents, students, and friends to join us virtually on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network for what will surely be one of the most memorable moments in our University’s history.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

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