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November 10, 2025
Good morning,
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I am pleased to share that Jane P. Batten, longtime benefactor, former Chair of our Board of Trustees, and namesake of our future Batten University, is the cover feature and has been honored by Virginia Business as a recipient of the Virginia Icon Honors Awards, recognizing lifetime achievement and leadership across the Commonwealth. This distinction reflects Mrs. Batten’s extraordinary philanthropic vision and her decades of dedicated service to higher education, community enrichment, and the advancement of opportunities for future generations. Her enduring support of VWU has shaped our institution in profound and transformative ways, continuing to guide our mission and direction today and in the future.
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It is also our pleasure to share that G. Robert “Bob” Aston, Jr., Executive Chairman of TowneBank and a member of our Board of Trustees, is among those honored by Virginia Business. Mr. Aston’s leadership in building one of the Commonwealth’s most impactful community banking institutions, and his steadfast commitment to civic engagement, education, and regional advancement, have made a lasting difference throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.
G. Robert Aston Hall, home to Chesapeake Bay Academy, honors his personal generosity to the University. TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center and TowneBank Park (softball and baseball) recognize his corporate generosity.
I extend my warmest congratulations to Mrs. Batten and Mr. Aston on this well-deserved recognition of their remarkable legacies and their meaningful contributions to the Virginia Wesleyan University community.
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Last Tuesday’s statewide elections were historic for the Commonwealth of Virginia and will inevitably shape the policy environment for higher education in our state.
Abigail Spanberger was elected as the first woman to serve as Governor in Virginia. In other statewide races, state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi was elected Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first Muslim woman to hold statewide office in the United States, and former Del. Jay Jones was elected Attorney General, becoming Virginia’s first Black Attorney General.
Locally, alumna Kelly Convirs-Fowler (House District 96), Michael Feggans (House District 97), and Alex Askew (House District 95) were all reelected to the House of Delegates. Rocky Holcomb retained his position as Virginia Beach Sheriff, and Colin Stolle was reelected as Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach.
Additionally, the Virginia Beach Charter Change Referendum—affirming a 10–1 Council/Mayor format—passed with 53.1% of the vote, compared to 46.9% opposed.
These outcomes will influence state and local priorities in areas such as education funding, workforce development, and community partnerships—key policy areas that directly intersect with Virginia Wesleyan University’s mission, strategic planning, and continued institutional growth.
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I’m proud to share that this year’s Marlin Family Campaign was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity and spirit of our faculty and staff community. Together, 127 members of the Marlin Family participated, including 29 alumni employees, reaching an impressive nearly 65% participation rate across campus.
The contributions of time, talents, and financial support from our faculty and staff truly embody what makes our community so special. Each gift demonstrates a shared commitment to our students and to the mission we advance together every day.
I look forward to gathering soon to celebrate our campaign participants. A special highlight: Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, will take the mic for a round of karaoke in honor of her area’s top participation rate!
I thank those who contributed and for their continued dedication to our Marlin Community. Together, we make the Marlin spirit shine.
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After 30 years of outstanding service, Mike Rigby will retire from Virginia Wesleyan University in December. His leadership and dedication have shaped the beauty of our campus and established a lasting standard of excellence in grounds management. We are deeply grateful for his commitment and stewardship over three decades.
We are glad to welcome Joe Holleman, who joined the University last week as Senior Grounds Manager, and will carry this legacy forward. A Hampton Roads native, Joe grew up on his family farm in Isle of Wight County and studied business management at Ferrum College and Piedmont Community College. He brings more than 38 years of landscaping experience and a passion for cultivating outdoor spaces that inspire learning, reflection, and connection with nature.
I am also delighted to share that our longtime partners at Winn Nursery are now maintaining the 25,000 native plants surrounding the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Winn has supported the University for many years, assisting with campus plantings and the care of distinctive landscape features. Their expanded role strengthens our commitment to environmental stewardship and the natural beauty of our grounds.
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I’m pleased to announce the transition of WesBridge to a new name—the Beacon Scholars Program—reflecting our upcoming transformation to Batten University. This summer bridge experience, now in its fifth year and led by Crit Muniz, Associate Vice President for Student Success, helps first-year students make a smooth transition to college life. Participants take one VWU course (earning two credits), strengthen academic and personal skills, and begin their journey as successful members of Marlin Nation.
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Our implementation teams are reporting on time progress on all aspects of the July 1, 2026 roll out of Batten University. My thanks again to Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, and Jason Seward, Chief Operations Officer, for leading the process.
Batten University coffee mugs, mousepads, hoodies, hats and shirts are now available in the Scribner University Store. Additional items will be available later this fall.
The Board of Trustees is united in its commitment to ensuring a strong and vibrant future for our institution. By bringing together three institutions—Sentara College of Health Sciences, the Batten & Black School for International Studies (Lakeland Japan), and Virginia Wesleyan—under one unified identity, we strengthen our academic offerings, expand opportunities for our students, and honor the values that have guided us since our founding while securing a bright and sustainable future for generations to come.
As part of our commitment to honoring our heritage, we encourage you to explore the Letters of Legacy collection online—personal reflections from alumni and friends celebrating what Virginia Wesleyan has meant to them.
You can learn more about the transition and its progress by visiting our “Becoming Batten University” page here.
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Work has begun on the expanded Special Collections and Archives room located on the second floor of the H.C. Hofheimer II Library. The current Mansfield Archives will be transformed into the Stephen S. Mansfield Special Collections and Archives, a newly designed facility that will triple the existing archival space. This expansion will allow the University to preserve and display its growing historical record more effectively while providing enhanced access for students, faculty, and researchers.
The project is also a forward-looking investment in preparation for the integration of the Sentara College of Health Sciences archives following the institution’s full merger with our University in 2026. Founded in 1892, Sentara College brings with it a rich legacy in healthcare education, and its approximately 8,800 alumni will become part of the expanded university family. Combined with Virginia Wesleyan’s own 10,000 graduates since its founding in 1961, this integration represents a powerful union of two institutions with long-standing commitments to academic excellence and community service.
To learn more about Sentara College of Health Sciences, visit www.sentara.edu.
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Work continues on schedule and within budget for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) located within the David R. Goode Arts Complex on campus. The 35,000-square-foot facility will reach significant completion by mid-December, marking another milestone in this exciting collaboration between the University and Virginia MOCA.
In January, Virginia MOCA will begin moving newly purchased furnishings into the new space, with the full transition from its longtime location near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to be completed in February. A series of soft openings for special constituencies are planned for March, culminating in a formal ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration in April.
We are delighted with the progress and look forward to the extraordinary opportunities this newest partnership will bring to our campus and the broader Coastal Virginia community.
Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Honor Tree Pays Tribute to Veterans
The VWU Veterans Day Planning Committee has placed a Military Honor Tree in the Jane P. Batten Student Center (at the Hub). Members of the campus community are invited to visit and select a ribbon to tie on the tree as a gesture of gratitude or remembrance ahead of the Veterans Day Ceremony tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, at 12 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial outside Godwin Hall. Ribbon colors include white (in memory of someone who gave their life in service), blue (in honor of someone currently serving), yellow (general support), black (POW/MIA), red (VWU community members currently serving or who have served), and purple (Purple Heart recipients).
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BHC Competition Welcomes Prospective Scholars
The Batten Honors College hosted its fall competition on campus last week, welcoming a distinguished group of prospective students and their families. This cohort represented an average GPA of 4.01 and included students from Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Participants engaged in academic and leadership activities, met with faculty and current scholars, and learned about the mission of the College to prepare students for lives of purposeful leadership with a focus on environmental stewardship and global engagement.
We extend our thanks to the faculty, staff, student ambassadors, and members of the Batten Honors College community who helped create a warm and meaningful campus experience for our guests.
Pictured from left: Dr. Travis Malone, Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the BHC; Sarah Richards ‘26, BHC Scholar; Dr. Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean of the BHC; and Nikki Nieves, BHC Director of Enrollment.
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First-Generation Student Celebration
It was wonderful to see so many members of our campus community at our First-Generation College Student Celebration last week. Special thanks to Meagan Starks with our valued partner, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, for leading the workshop Belonging for First-Generation Students in The Athenaeum in the H.C. Hofheimer II Library, and for creating space for students to reflect on their experiences and strengths.
Additional first-generation recognition events continue today at 11:00 a.m. with a “Why I’m Proud” Sidewalk Chalk & Pins activity in the Harbor Grill, and a First-Gen Mingling and Networking event beginning at 3:30 p.m., followed by First-Generation Speaker Chris Taylor ‘06, former Virginia Beach City Council member, in the Pearce Suite of the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
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HRCC Monthly Meeting
It was great to catch up with colleagues and friends from the business community at the monthly Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) meeting.
Pictured from left: Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater CEO Tyler Williamson, Hampton Roads Chamber Vice President Justin Saunders, LifeNet Health Foundation & Community Outreach Director Will Driscoll, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia Director of Development Talya (Carroll) Davis, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia President & CEO Kevin Will, The Miles Agency CEO Delceno Miles, and VBV Executive Director and CEO Laura Chalk.
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Leadership Council Meeting
We had a productive monthly meeting of the President’s Leadership Council in the Board of Trustees Room. The Leadership Council meets monthly in an effort to broaden discussion and to foster collaborative processes on key administrative issues.
2025-2026 Members of the Leadership Council
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Bank of America Study of Philanthropy
I enjoyed a thoughtful lunch discussion of the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy with Bill Jarvis, Managing Director, Philanthropic Executive – Bank of America Private Bank. Bill leads strategic thought leadership for institutional and private nonprofit organizations. With more than 40 years of experience in investment policy and governance, he serves as the managing editor of the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy and is a respected speaker in the nonprofit sector.
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Athletics Management Council
The Athletics Management Council met last week with Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics; Dr. Jill Sturts, Assistant Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions/NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative; and student representatives Megan Setlak ‘26, Women’s Soccer, and Marcell Whitfield ‘26, Baseball, to discuss priorities and ongoing initiatives. I appreciate their leadership and thoughtful engagement on behalf of our student-athletes.
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Roundball Insiders Kick Off Basketball Season
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dave Macedo began the season by hosting the annual Roundball Insiders Luncheon, a tradition that brings together the program’s most dedicated supporters. Their enthusiasm and commitment play an important role in the continued success of Marlins Basketball.
We look forward to another exciting season ahead. Go Marlins!
View 2025-26 Men’s Basketball Schedule
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VBV Executive Committee Concludes 2025
The Virginia Beach Vision (VBV) Executive Committee held its final meeting of the year this week. It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the VBV Board for the past two years. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside leaders committed to advancing the economic and civic vitality of our region.
My thanks to Laura Chalk, VBV’s Chief Executive Officer, for her impactful leadership of the organization, which continues to serve as Virginia Beach’s leading business advocacy voice.
Pictured from left: Southern Bank Senior VP Neal Crawford, McLeskey Executive VP Mark Rosenfield, MEB VP Business Development Eric Keplinger, The Miles Agency CEO Delceno Miles, VBV Executive Director and CEO Laura Chalk, Aloha Snacks CEO Jesse Wykle, Ripley Heatwole Company President Jimmy McCune, and Retired Virginia Beach City Manager Jim Spore.
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Page to Podium: Disney’s Menagerie
The H.C. Hofheimer II Library hosted a Page to Podium presentation titled Disney’s Menagerie: Animals in Disney Culture, featuring Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson, Professor of Media and Communication; Dr. Terry Lindvall, Professor of Religious Studies; and Dr. Kathy Stolley, Professor of Sociology. The faculty trio examined how animals in Disney films and storytelling reflect cultural identity, values, and the evolving relationship between humans and the natural world. Read more here.
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The Great Dismal Swamp
The Robert Nusbaum Center recently hosted Dr. Marcus P. Nevius, historian and author of City of Refuge: Slavery and Petit Marronage in the Great Dismal Swamp, 1763–1856. Speaking to a full audience, Dr. Nevius shared research on the enslaved individuals who sought refuge in the nearby Great Dismal Swamp, forming covert communities and forging fragile freedoms in one of the region’s most challenging landscapes. His presentation highlighted the concept of petit marronage—a lesser-known yet widespread form of resistance in which freedom was pursued by hiding in plain sight. The event exemplified the Robert Nusbaum Center’s mission to encourage thoughtful dialogue on justice, equity, and human dignity.
Learn more | View Photo Gallery
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Honoring History Through Land Acknowledgement
We recently welcomed representatives of the Nansemond Indian Nation to return ancestral artifacts and dedicate a permanent land acknowledgment plaque on campus. This meaningful moment affirms our commitment to recognize and respect the Indigenous peoples whose presence continues to shape our community.
We are grateful to Chief Keith Anderson, Assistant Chief Nikki Bass, and Thomas Badamo, Council Treasurer, Assistant Chief Emeritus, and President of the only Native American–led chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, for joining us in this important ceremony.
Support for the land acknowledgment plaque was provided through the William Granville Sale, Jr. Award, given by the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia Peacemaking Committee in honor of the legacy of longtime committee member Bill Sale.
Special thanks to the Robert Nusbaum Center for organizing this impactful event.
Learn more | View Photo Gallery
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VWU Recognized in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges
I am proud to share that VWU has once again been included in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges for 2026. The annual resource, first published in 2010, highlights institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. This year, VWU is among 388 colleges featured out of 401 institutions surveyed.
Selections are based primarily on data from a 25-question survey of campus sustainability policies, practices, and programs conducted during the 2024–25 academic year. Way to Go Green, Marlins! Learn more here.
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Celebrating Marlins Softball
Annie and I were delighted to host the 2025 NCAA National Runner-Up Marlins Softball Team for a celebratory dinner at DeFord Manor. This outstanding group, led by a dedicated coaching staff, continues to make our University proud both on and off the field.
Their impact extends beyond athletics. VWU Softball once again set the standard in the NFCA’s annual StrikeOut Cancer initiative, which supports cancer research and awareness. Under Head Coach Brandon Elliott’s leadership, our 15th annual event raised $94,412—the highest total among all collegiate programs nationwide and the ninth time Virginia Wesleyan has led NCAA Division III. Since 2009, Marlin Softball has raised nearly $350,000 for the American Cancer Society in honor of Coach Elliott’s late mother, Elaine Sears.
Congratulations to Coach Elliott, our student-athletes, and all who continue to make an extraordinary impact. Read more.
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Marlin Chronicle Editors Inspired at MediaFest25
As a former journalist and editor of my college newspaper, I hold a special interest in the prosperity of print media—particularly during these challenging times for the industry.
A dedicated team of student editors from The Marlin Chronicle recently returned from MediaFest 25 in Washington, D.C., the joint national convention of the College Media Association and Associated Collegiate Press. Accompanied by Professor of Media and Communication and Marlin Chronicle advisor Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne, the group participated in workshops, panels, and networking sessions with professional and collegiate journalists from across the nation.
The experience sparked creative restructuring within the newsroom, inspired new story ideas, and strengthened the students’ professional preparation as they pursue careers in journalism. They returned energized—motivated by the connections made and committed to delivering quality journalism and meaningful content for the campus community.
Learn more.
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Hampton Roads World Affairs Council Events
The World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads, one of our valued campus-based Partners in Progress, will host two upcoming programs of interest to our campus community.
On Thursday, November 13, the Council will present its 25th Annual WorldQuest Global Knowledge Competition at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Sponsored by TowneBank and Towne Insurance, this popular international trivia event brings together teams from universities, businesses, and community organizations for an evening of challenge, camaraderie, and global conversation. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., with the competition starting at 6:30 p.m. We send our best wishes to the VWU faculty and student teams who are participating in the event.
Then on Tuesday, December 2, the Council will host Fiona Alexander for Geopolitics at the Internet’s Core: A Policy Practitioner’s Perspective at Slover Library in Norfolk from 7:00–8:30 p.m. A leading voice in global internet governance and technology policy, Alexander will examine the intersection of digital infrastructure, national security, and public interest policymaking. This event is free and open to the public.
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Global Campus: December Term Workshops
Global Campus is offering online, synchronous December Term workshops in CompTIA Data+ and CompTIA Security+ from December 8, 2025, through January 23, 2026. These instructor-led sessions provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional skills and earn valuable technical certification—participants pay only for course materials. Register today at vwu.edu/workshops or contact ceinfo@vwu.edu for more information.
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Girls on the Run: Fearless 5K
Girls on the Run of Hampton Roads, one of our valued community partners, will host the Fearless 5K on Sunday, December 14, at The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. A limited 200 community bibs are available. Early registration is $50 and includes race entry, event activities, and a commemorative shirt. Register by November 15 to guarantee sizing. For more details or questions, visit gotrhr.org or call (757) 965-9040.
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VFIC Scholarship Celebration at Lifenet Health
Members of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Board, supporters, and student scholarship recipients gathered at LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach to celebrate the transformative impact of VFIC scholarships. The event was graciously hosted by Doug Wilson ’86, Executive Vice President of LifeNet Health and member of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.
The program included inspiring student reflections—among them remarks from Paul “Pauly” Bolt ’26, pictured with Dr. Travis Malone, Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the VWU Batten Honors College—followed by a behind-the-scenes tour highlighting LifeNet Health’s leadership in medical science and innovation.
We are grateful for the continued partnership and generosity that make VFIC scholarships possible for students across the Commonwealth.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Thank you to all our Marlin servicemembers!
Sincerely,
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