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February 23, 2026
Good morning,
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Following the meetings of all Board committees, the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees convened its Winter Business Meeting Wednesday. I am deeply grateful to our Board Chair, Nancy T. DeFord, and to each Committee Chair for their thoughtful leadership and steady guidance during this important period of transition.
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During the meeting, the Board heard reports and took action on the following:
- Continued progress toward the July 1, 2026 renaming to Batten University, including operational, academic, and communications planning
- Review of all institutional planning documents
- Strategic growth and programmatic updates at VWU-Chesapeake (prison education program)
- Advancing the public-private partnership and campus integration of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Implementation progress and academic alignment for the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences
- Continued development of global partnerships and program expansion, including the Batten & Black School for International Studies at Lakeland Japan
- Review of key financial indicators, including operating performance, composite financial score, cash on hand, and required bank ratios
- Comprehensive review of the Long-Held Investment and Endowment Report
- Current enrollment metrics and forward-looking projections
- Approval of tuition and fee structures for the upcoming academic year
- Faculty advancement approvals reflecting continued academic excellence
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In addition, the Board participated in a pre-session presentation led by Kelly Cordova MBA ’21 (Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives) and Heather Campbell ’04 (Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success) titled “Enrollment and the Bottom Line,” highlighting the direct connection between diversified enrollment strategies and long-term financial sustainability. The Board heard a lengthy presentation on the role of “Partners in Progress” in advancing the University’s overall programming and strategic growth.
Following the meeting, Trustees enjoyed lunch in Brock Commons with music provided by senior Joaquin Garza, followed by a tour of the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Winter Meeting underscored the University’s strong governance, disciplined planning, and continued momentum as we prepare to become Batten University. We thank our Board for their continued stewardship in guiding this University forward.
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Barry D. Knight, a longtime member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing parts of Virginia Beach, passed away at age 71 following a battle with cancer. First elected in 2009, Barry was widely respected for his work on the state budget and his steady leadership on fiscal and agricultural issues important to Hampton Roads. He was also a consistent friend to higher education and a strong supporter of student scholarships, recognizing the transformative power of access and opportunity. A native of Princess Anne County and a successful agribusiness owner, he served his community with integrity and bipartisan respect. He is survived by his wife, Paula, and their three sons.
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Our Virginia Wesleyan Ethics Bowl team competed in Richmond, winning three of four rounds and finishing in the top tier of a highly competitive field. In one of the day’s standout moments, our students prevailed in a tightly contested debate against Washington and Lee, drawing on feedback and preparation from recent campus programming to strengthen and refine their arguments.
Team members Andrew Steiner ’26, Daren Abramaitys ’28, Elena Lichtenwalner ’26, Raymond Slattery ’28, and Abigail Wigginton ’29 earned high praise from judges and audience members alike for their analytical rigor, responsiveness, and professionalism—one judge even remarking that they would gladly offer each student a job application.
Congratulations to these outstanding students and sincere thanks to Assistant Professor of Philosophy Levi Tenen for his dedicated mentorship and leadership throughout the season. Their work reflects the very best of Virginia Wesleyan’s commitment to ethical inquiry, critical thinking, and academic excellence.
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A full house in TowneBank Arena on Saturday for Marlins Day – the class that will become the first under the new name Batten University. It’s A Great Day To Be A Marlin!
Pictured with Chief Operations Officer Jason Seward ‘05, Senior Vice President Keith Moore, and Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott ‘03.
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As we look ahead to July 1, I am grateful for the leadership and collaboration guiding the anticipated integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into the Marlin family. Pictured at Marlins Day with VWU–SCOHS Integration Workgroup member Megan Hunsinger (top center), Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, and faculty and program leaders as we prepare for this important next chapter, pending SACSCOC approval.
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We are pleased to welcome our friends from the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to the Marlin Family. Twenty-two full-time staff members officially moved into their beautiful new campus facility last week and are now settling in as they prepare for several soft openings and a grand opening in April.
On Thursday at precisely 2:23 p.m., I had the pleasure of being inside the beautiful new home of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art as the final piece of the acclaimed Chihuly installation was carefully set into place following its move from the Museum’s former location. The expert team from Chihuly traveled here to meticulously disassemble the artwork at its former site and then reassemble it in its new setting. Watching the final element come together was a meaningful moment—one that symbolized both continuity and a new beginning as this iconic piece begins its next chapter in our stunning campus facility.
Kudos to Executive Director Alison Byrne for her exceptional leadership throughout this exciting transition. Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Tonight: Honoring Black Joy Throughout the Diaspora
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.
Tonight, VWU along with the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) and the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA) hosts "Honoring Black Joy Throughout the Diaspora" at 6:00 p.m. in the Athenaeum in H.C. Hofheimer II Library. Join us for a student-centered celebration of the Black Diaspora featuring dance, music, spoken word, step, and powerful storytelling, including the reenactments of works by Black playwrights.
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Legislative Reception in Richmond
I had an enjoyable evening at Gateway Plaza in Richmond for the Legislative Reception hosted by McGuireWoods, bringing together leaders from across Virginia’s civic and public service communities. The reception offered an opportunity for meaningful conversation and connection around issues shaping the Commonwealth.
It was a pleasure to spend time with Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi and Virginia Private Colleges President Chris Peace; Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott; former Secretary of Education Jim Dyke; former House Majority Whip Kirk Cox; and Kameron Clark ‘21, legislative aide to Virginia State Senator Angelia Williams Graves—a reminder of the strong connections between higher education, public service, and leadership across the Commonwealth.
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Unity in Knowledge Lecture Series
VWU Global Campus, in partnership with the Virginia African American Cultural Center, continues the 3rd Annual Unity in Knowledge Lecture Series this spring. The series brings together scholars, educators, and community leaders to explore how history, culture, public memory, and lived experience shape our shared values and civic life through thoughtful, accessible public conversations.
Presented at locations across the region, these free lectures reflect VWU Global Campus’s commitment to community engagement, inclusive dialogue, and the power of education to deepen understanding and foster connection beyond the classroom.
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Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture: High for a Higher Power?
The Robert Nusbaum Center welcomed author and scholar Dr. Brad Stoddard, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at McDaniel College, for the 2026 Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture. Drawing on real-world cases involving entheogenic sacraments, Dr. Stoddard examined how religious belief, law, and power intersect and the challenges nontraditional faith communities face in navigating religious-freedom protections in the United States. Watch Dr. Brad Stoddard’s full lecture via VWU Digital Broadcasting Network here.
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Love Liberally Hosted by INTEL
Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL) hosted “Love Liberally” in H.C. Hofheimer II Library in honor of Valentine’s Day. The campus community was invited to drop in for a love-in-the-liberal-arts–themed event featuring interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
Special thanks to our talented faculty and staff who brought the event to life, including Breanna Noffsinger (Lecturer in Biology), Benjamin Haller (Professor of Classics), Jerome White (Instructional Technologist), Denise Wilkinson (Professor of Mathematics), and Abe Nemon (Instructional and Online Learning Librarian), who engaged participants through theater, classical languages, instructional technology, mathematics and art, and digital design. From exploring ancient expressions of love and disdain to mastering Blackboard, creating origami art, and experimenting with digital tools, the program offered something for everyone.
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A Special Day for Marlins Basketball
It was a special day for the Marlins as we honored the 2006 NCAA National Champions alongside this year’s seniors. We are grateful to Head Coach Dave Macedo, whose leadership has built a legacy of national distinction for the program. Adding to the celebration, the Marlins defeated Washington and Lee, 76–59.
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WACHR Launches New Democracy Series
The World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads Great Decisions 2026 speaker series continues to bring timely global conversations to the region. As part of the series, we welcomed Dr. Soji Akomolafe (top center), Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Norfolk State University, and a WACHR board member, who offered a compelling examination of “American Engagement in Africa: Episodic Engagement or Sustained Strategy.” Pictured with WACHR President Susan Bore (top left) and VWU scholar/WACHR intern Eleanor VanDuyne (bottom).
Building on this momentum, WACHR 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.
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Augsburg University Joins NACU Network
New American Colleges & Universities (NACU) has announced that Augsburg University has joined its growing national consortium of mission-driven institutions. Located in Minneapolis, Augsburg serves approximately 3,200 students and is known for its strong liberal arts foundation, community engagement, and innovative teaching and learning.
VWU is proud to be a NACU member institution, collaborating with peer colleges and universities through shared learning communities, professional development, and benchmarking initiatives. With Augsburg’s addition, NACU now includes 28 member institutions nationwide, reflecting continued momentum and the strength of this collaborative network.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Thanks to the Kaufman Center for Enrollment for a great Marlins Day over the weekend!
Sincerely,
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