Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

March 30, 2026

Good morning,

It was a special night last Thursday at the Westin Town Center, where the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) hosted its 62nd Annual Humanitarian Awards Celebration. Jane P. Batten—visionary philanthropist, Trustee Emerita, and the namesake of our future Batten University—was among those honored, and it was a privilege to be there as her extraordinary impact on inclusivity, education, the arts, and communities across our region and beyond was celebrated.

Jane received VCIC’s Distinguished Virginian Award, the organization’s highest and most rarely given honor. It’s a fitting recognition of her lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities throughout the Commonwealth.

This recognition joins a series of recent accolades reflecting her leadership in education, environmental science, the arts, and business across the Commonwealth and beyond.

VWU and VCIC have been strong partners for many years, and we’re proud to serve as the Coastal Virginia home of VCIC while supporting its important work advancing inclusion and understanding across our region.

Pictured: (top) Jane Batten with Jonathan Zur, President of VCIC, and Nancy DeFord, Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees; (below) Jane Batten with Frank Batten, Jr.

ET CETERA

I am pleased to share that Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson has been named a 2026 C-Suite Awards honoree by Virginia Business. The awards recognize executive leaders across the Commonwealth who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, performance, and community engagement.

Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson’s career at VWU reflects deep institutional knowledge and a steady ascent through senior academic and administrative roles. Her leadership continues to advance academic innovation, strengthen workforce-aligned programs, and guide the University through complex initiatives, including the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences. This well-deserved recognition affirms her significant contributions to the University and her broader impact across the region and Commonwealth. Learn more.

The new historical wall installation in H.C. Hofheimer II Library reflects the University’s commitment to honoring its past while inspiring its future. The installation weaves together key moments, milestones, and defining themes from the University’s history into a cohesive visual narrative that engages students, faculty, and visitors alike. Designed by Kayla Monroe, Branding and Design Manager, and produced in partnership with Allegra 360, the display combines thoughtful storytelling with high-quality materials and modern design techniques, transforming the library into a space where history is both preserved and actively experienced. The result is a dynamic, accessible tribute to the University’s evolution—one that connects the community to its heritage while reinforcing a shared sense of identity and purpose.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Free Self-Defense Sessions on April 2

On Thursday, April 2, Greg Mills, founder of American Drengr, will lead two self-defense sessions in the Cunningham Multi-Activity Center (CMAC) in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Sessions will be offered at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., each lasting approximately 90 minutes. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend one of these free sessions and may come and go as schedules allow.

Greg’s program provides a practical, reality-based approach to personal safety and workplace violence prevention, with a focus on situational awareness, boundary setting, de-escalation strategies, and high-stress response techniques. Special thanks to VWU Trustee and Alumnus Chip Tsantes for helping to make this valuable opportunity possible for our campus community.

Hourigan Leadership Visits Campus

We were pleased to welcome Mark Hourigan, Founder and CEO of Hourigan, to campus for a visit that included a tour of the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Joined by Alison Byrne, Executive Director, and Truly Matthews, Deputy Director of Virginia MOCA, along with Jason Seward, VWU Chief Operations Officer, the visit highlighted the continued strength of this valued partnership.

The Museum represents one of 21 campus projects completed in collaboration with Hourigan over the past 11 years, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and the continued growth of the University.

Virginia Private Colleges President Visits Campus

It was a pleasure to welcome Chris Peace, President of Virginia Private Colleges, to campus for a productive visit. Discussions focused on public policy and the continued strength of Virginia’s independent higher education sector, and we were grateful to receive a rebate check through the Virginia Private Colleges Purchasing Collaborative. The visit also included time with senior staff and a tour of the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.

Virginia Private Colleges serves as the collective voice for 28 accredited independent institutions across the Commonwealth, advancing collaboration, advocacy, and cost-saving initiatives that benefit campuses and students alike. We appreciate Chris’s leadership and partnership in supporting the important work of our University and our peers across Virginia.

VWU Model UN Delegation Heads to New York

Best wishes to our VWU Model United Nations delegation as they travel to New York City this week to participate in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference, the world’s largest and most prestigious intercollegiate Model UN program. Representing the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our students will join peers from around the globe to engage in simulated UN committees, debate pressing international issues, and develop diplomatic, negotiation, and public speaking skills.

Thank you to the faculty for supporting these students as they represent the University on an international stage and take part in this outstanding experiential learning opportunity.

Lactation Station Opens in The Athenaeum

We are pleased to share the addition of a lactation station in The Athenaeum: Center for Exploration and Discovery in the H.C. Hofheimer II Library. This private, comfortable space provides nursing mothers with a dedicated location to breastfeed or express milk.

This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of our campus community and ensuring an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Spring Session: First Chat & Chew

It’s always a pleasure to host a Chat & Chew for staff at DeFord Manor. At last week’s first gathering for the Spring Session, we discussed recent campus developments and looked ahead to upcoming initiatives. These informal lunches, held throughout spring, provide a valuable opportunity to connect with staff, share updates, and engage in open dialogue about the life of the University.

Don’t Miss Spring Alumni Weekend: April 10-11, 2026

Spring is the perfect time to return to campus! Join us for Spring Alumni Weekend and enjoy favorites like the Marlin Family Picnic, alumni games, class reunions, our spring musical, and intercollegiate athletics. Kick off the weekend at the Alumni Gathering on April 10 from 5–7 PM at VMOCA to reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and celebrate the Marlin community! View the full weekend schedule.

Rooted in Impact: Save the Date for Marlins Day of Giving

Mark your calendar for Marlins Day of Giving on April 24, 2026! Join us in celebrating the Marlin spirit and enjoy the perfect time to connect, serve, and give. Alumni, friends, and students will come together to support the experiences that make our community so special. Together, we can grow our impact and support the people and programs that make our University strong. Participate early here.

Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project Reaches Milestone

Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project off the Virginia Beach coast has delivered its first power to the regional grid, marking a major milestone for the nation’s largest commercial offshore wind development. The first completed turbine is now generating nearly 15 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 3,600 homes, with additional turbines coming online in the months ahead.

Now more than 70 percent complete, the project is expected to be finished by early next year and will ultimately generate enough energy to power roughly 660,000 homes, supporting the region’s growing energy demands.

Congratulations to University Trustee Bill Murray, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Dominion Energy, and his colleagues on this significant and impactful milestone. Learn more from WHRO.