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February 16, 2026
Good morning,
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I’m delighted to share that the University has secured a highly competitive grant through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), a statewide initiative funded by the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and administered in partnership with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. SCHEV serves as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s coordinating body for higher education, charged with advancing statewide goals related to student access, affordability, workforce alignment, and institutional effectiveness. The award builds on VWU’s successful receipt of a V-TOP Vision Grant last year and reflects continued progress in strengthening the University’s internship and work-based learning infrastructure.
The grant-funded “Bridging Gaps & Building Opportunities” initiative will expand student participation in work-based learning, strengthen employer partnerships, and enhance career development infrastructure. A key component will be the new Community Career Works Internship Program, which provides targeted financial support to reduce economic barriers that can limit students’ ability to pursue unpaid or low-paid internships—ensuring access to experiential learning is based on opportunity rather than circumstance.
The initiative also supports expanded credit-bearing internship opportunities, improved coordination across disciplines, and stronger data collection to track outcomes and inform continuous improvement. Together, these efforts position the university to better serve students, meet regional workforce needs, and advance an inclusive, outcomes-focused approach to career education aligned with statewide goals.
My special thanks to Alice Jones, Director of Career Development, and Dr. Loren Marquez, Associate Provost, for their assistance in securing this grant.
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I extend my sincere appreciation to Victor Dorsey, who has retired after 21 years of dedicated service to our community. Vic joined the University in 2005 and assumed the role of Director of Campus Safety and Security in November 2017. We are grateful for his steady leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of our campus.
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I am also pleased to share that Carl Cartwright (center) has assumed the position of Director of Campus Safety and Security. Carl has served the University as a security officer for the past two years and brings 25 years of experience as a retired corrections officer. We welcome Carl to his new role and look forward to his continued service to our community. Pictured with Senior Vice President Dr. Keith Moore.
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With the start of the new year, we officially launched our Batten University awareness campaign across Coastal Virginia. In recent weeks, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends throughout the region have likely noticed our presence—on billboards along major corridors, through television placements, and in both print and digital media. Over the coming months, the campaign will continue to roll out in phases, expanding regionally and digitally as we build momentum toward the official launch. This is a coordinated and strategic effort to ensure that our community clearly understands who we are becoming and why.
The transition to Batten University represents far more than a new name. It reflects more than a decade of thoughtful evolution, growth, and strengthened financial footing. As we approach July 1, 2026, our messaging emphasizes continuity of mission, academic excellence, and our deep commitment to Coastal Virginia—while also signaling the expanded scope, reach, and ambition of the institution.
This is an exciting and historic chapter. Together, we are shaping the future of Batten University—grounded in our Wesleyan heritage, strengthened by transformational philanthropy, and positioned confidently for the decades ahead.
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Work continues toward the integration of the Sentara College of Health Sciences into the University on July 1, pending SACSCOC approval. This health sciences initiative will significantly expand our capacity to prepare healthcare professionals and meet workforce demands across the region. Executive-in-Residence Dr. David Black, Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, together with the integration team, are finalizing plans to align academic programs, operations, and student services to ensure a seamless transition. The integration builds on the longstanding success of SCOHS and opens new pathways for students by connecting career-focused health sciences education with the broader academic resources of a highly respected national university of the arts and sciences.
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The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art’s new campus facility received its Certificate of Occupancy last week, and staff have begun occupying the building. Driving past the building, you may have noticed a large crane positioned in front, which is being used to address a project closeout issue involving several pre-cast panels that caused minor interior leaking. The panels are being removed and properly reinstalled, with the subcontractor taking full responsibility, and the work is expected to be completed within approximately two weeks. Thanks to our partners at Hourigan for identifying and correcting the issue.
Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Black History Month
A series of events are planned for the Virginia Wesleyan community throughout the month of February to recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
VWU, along with the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) and the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA), hosts "Honoring Black Joy Throughout the Diaspora" on February 23 at 6 p.m. in the Athenaeum in H.C. Hofheimer II Library. Join in the student-centered celebration of the Black Diaspora featuring dance, music, spoken word, step, and powerful storytelling, including the reenactments of playwrights.
View calendar of events here.
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The Pharos: February Edition
The February 2026 edition of The Pharos is now available online. This month’s issue highlights the outstanding achievements of our faculty and staff, showcasing their scholarly publications, professional presentations, and continued impact across their disciplines.
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Environmental Stewardship Partnership
It was a pleasure to welcome Lacy Shirey, Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Project, to campus. Virginia Wesleyan University and the Elizabeth River Project share a strong commitment to environmental education and stewardship, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore areas of alignment that advance these shared priorities.
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Spring Student Involvement Fair Energizes Campus Life
It was great to see Marlins dive into campus life at the Spring Student Involvement Fair held in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, where students explored the many opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom and connect with organizations across campus.
Led by Dr. Jen Cohen, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life, the Office of Student Engagement plays a central role in helping students find their place, build leadership skills, and form lasting connections. From student organizations and Greek life to student government and signature events, involvement empowers Marlins to shape campus traditions and develop skills that prepare them for life well beyond graduation. Learn more | View Photo Gallery
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Virginia Beach Vision Board Meeting
Rick Dwyer, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, provided an informative briefing for the VBV Board of Directors, highlighting the strength of the public-private partnership and its role in growing the federal presence across our region. The briefing underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing regional economic vitality and national security priorities. Pictured with Delceno Miles, President and CEO of The Miles Agency.
I also enjoyed having my good friend Brad Martin (pictured bottom), who recently succeeded me as Chair of the Board of Directors of VBV, to campus for a visit. Brad now serves as Head of Civil and Municipal Engineering for Pennoni.
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Spring 2026 Marlin Business Conference Student Leaders
It was a pleasure to meet with the student leadership team for the Spring 2026 Marlin Business Conference, including (from left) Sara Wall, CEO; Brayden Thorne, Chief of Staff; and Courtney Mills, Chief of Staff. Their professionalism, preparation, and enthusiasm reflect the strong leadership emerging among our Marlins.
We were joined by Frank Futyma, Lecturer in Management, Business, and Economics, and Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, in discussing plans for the upcoming conference and recognizing the students’ commitment to delivering a meaningful and impactful experience.
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Celebrating National Board Certified Educators
It was a privilege to offer welcome remarks as we hosted the South-Eastern Virginia National Board Certified Teachers Regional Network recognition program, honoring more than 50 outstanding educators for their excellence and dedication to the profession. This year’s celebration marked the network’s 20th year at Virginia Wesleyan University, reflecting a long-standing and meaningful partnership.
Joined by Delrose Adkinson (left), SEVA President; Carol Bauer, President of the Virginia Education Association; and Nancy Winter-Traynor, SEVA Vice President and Program Chair, we recognized and celebrated educators whose work continues to shape classrooms and communities across our region.
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WACHR Launches New Democracy Series
I am pleased to share that the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads is launching a new Democracy Series, further advancing its commitment to informed civic dialogue and global engagement. The inaugural event will take place on March 10 at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center and will feature NPR White House Correspondent Tamara Keith. A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the speaking engagement at 7:00 p.m. Registration is required. Visit www.hrwac.org for more information.
February programming continues through WACHR’s Great Decisions 2026 series. As part of the series, we welcomed Dr. Kelebogile Zvobgo (center), Associate Professor of Government at William & Mary, who spoke on The Future of Human Rights and International Law, joined by Dr. Soji Akomolafe, Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Norfolk State University and a WACHR board member.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Have a great week, Marlins!
Sincerely,
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