Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

April 20, 2026

Good morning,

Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson H’23 announced this week a pastoral transition that will impact our Epworth Campus Ministries.

Beginning July 1, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Evelyn Archer-Taminger as the new pastor of Haygood United Methodist Church. In that capacity she also serves as our Chaplain and collaborative partner in the Haygood UMC / Epworth Campus Ministries program.

A Virginia native, she brings a strong background in ministry, theological education, and community engagement, and holds degrees from Randolph-Macon College and Duke Divinity School. She is joined by her husband, Aaron, who works in forestry, and their daughter, Adeline. We look forward to the positive impact she and her family will bring to our community and to our continued partnership in supporting the work of Epworth Campus Ministries.

I am grateful to Pastor Doug Sasser for his faithful leadership and dedicated service to the Haygood congregation and to our campus community, including his support of campus ministry, and I wish him good blessings in this next chapter of ministry.

Each year, the University has welcomed each new class of Batten Honors College scholars through a distinguished Convocation ceremony marking their formal induction into the program.

I am pleased to share that Dr. Eileen Chou, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Batten Family Bicentennial Teacher-Scholar Leadership Professor of Public Policy at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, will serve as the keynote for this fall’s Jane P. Batten Honors College Convocation.

A nationally recognized scholar, Dr. Chou’s research explores the organizational, social, and psychological forces that shape individual and group behavior. Her work, published in leading academic journals, examines topics such as cooperation, hierarchy, trust, and leadership, offering valuable insight into how individuals and organizations navigate complex decision-making environments.

Jane P. Batten Honors College Convocation will be held on Founders Day (September 3, 2026), and we look forward to welcoming Dr. Chou to campus for this meaningful academic tradition.

ET CETERA

I was thoroughly impressed by the energy and professionalism displayed during our Spring 2026 Marlin Business Conference, themed “Leadership Reimagined.” Under the leadership of student CEO Sara Wall ’28 and her dedicated team, the conference offered a dynamic and engaging lineup of programs that enriched our campus community.

The week opened with an inspiring keynote by Bob Pizzini, Co-Founder of iFLY and a retired U.S. Navy leader, who shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and innovative leadership. Throughout the conference, students participated in a range of hands-on experiences, including the Ethics Competition, Shark Tank Competition, and a series of professional development sessions and panels featuring regional leaders and industry experts.

I extend my appreciation to the many speakers, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of this year’s conference. The initiative, collaboration, and leadership demonstrated by our students continue to exemplify the strength of experiential learning at our University.

2026 Spring Marlin Business Leadership Team: Chief Executive Officer Sara Wall; Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer Brayden Thorne; Chief of Staff Courtney Mills; Chief Operating and Logistics Officer Gavin Tanner; Chief Marketing Officer Bailey Gray, and Chief Information Technology Officer Daniel Dewing

The University continues to advance its commitment to environmental stewardship with the launch of its first Green Workspace Program, an initiative that brings sustainability into the daily rhythm of campus life. Designed to empower faculty and staff, the program encourages simple yet meaningful changes—reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and fostering environmentally responsible habits within offices and shared workspaces. Early participation from areas such as the Robert Nusbaum Center, Enrollment, the Athenaeum, and Counseling reflects a growing culture of engagement and shared purpose. As the program grows, it aims to build a stronger culture of sustainability and inspire more participation across campus. Offices and workspaces can participate in this program by reaching out to Elizabeth Malcolm (emalcolm@vwu.edu), committing to complete five sustainability goals, and contributing to a greener campus.

Complementing this effort, the University will celebrate Earth Week with a series of interactive and educational programs that invite the campus community to learn, serve, and reflect. Activities begin with hands-on opportunities such as “Plarn Together,” transforming plastic bags into reusable materials, and a volunteer tour at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center. Midweek events continue with outdoor engagement, including leaf identification and recycling awareness initiatives, while Thursday’s programming highlights both experiential learning and civic engagement—from a birdwatching walk beginning at the Athenaeum to a timely discussion on environmental resilience led by the Norfolk Office of Resilience. Service remains central to the week, with opportunities such as “Gardening Grace,” connecting students and staff with local community gardens.

The week culminates on Friday with the Marlin Earth Day Bash on the Quad, a vibrant celebration of sustainability and community partnership. Featuring local environmental organizations, hands-on activities, and volunteer initiatives, the event underscores the University’s collaborative approach to environmental leadership. Highlights include a campus cleanup, a climate reflection session hosted by Counseling, the launch of the Thirst Project Walk for Water, and volunteer work in the University’s pollinator garden alongside partners such as the Virginia Zoo. Together, these efforts reflect a holistic approach to sustainability—one that blends education, action, and community engagement, and positions our campus as a leader in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious future. Learn More.

Congratulations to Virginia MOCA on the successful Grand Opening & Inaugural Exhibition Celebration held April 17. It was a remarkable evening as guests experienced the Museum’s striking new home on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University—bringing together art, music, and community to mark an exciting new chapter for the Museum and for Coastal Virginia.

The inaugural exhibitions—Seamless: Art and Design and Nina Chanel Abney: The Pursuit of Happiness—set a bold and engaging tone for what lies ahead. Abney (center), one of the most compelling voices in contemporary art, draws viewers in with vibrant, graphic works that explore identity, power, and the complexities of the American experience. Thoughtfully selected by Executive Director Alison Byrne and Senior Curator Heather Hakimzadeh, these exhibitions reflect Virginia MOCA’s commitment to accessible and thought-provoking contemporary art. Also pictured with Sally Shedd, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities. Learn more from WHRO.

This milestone further strengthens the University’s partnership with Virginia MOCA and affirms our shared vision of the campus as a vibrant cultural and educational hub—expanding opportunities for student engagement, creative exploration, and meaningful connection across our region. Pictured with Board Chair Nancy DeFord and David and Susan Goode.

View highlights: Virginia MOCA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Marlins Day of Giving: Friday, April 24

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.

Marlin Business Conference at The Hive

We are grateful to Virginia Beach Economic Development for hosting our Marlin Business Conference at The Hive in Town Center. My special thanks to Emily Archer (center), Acting Director of VB Economic Development, and Natalie Guilmeus (left), Deputy Director, for sharing their career journeys and professional insights with our students. Also pictured are Sara Wall, CEO of the Marlin Business Conference, and Professor Frank Futyma.

State of the City Recognition

I attended Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander’s State of the City Address at The Main where he included the University with kind recognition during his remarks. We appreciate his continued support and partnership on behalf of Coastal Virginia.

Engaging with AAUW Leaders

I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the impactful work of the American Association of University Women with local leaders Sandra Brandt (left), Sally Daniel (center), and Barbara Woodlee. For more than 140 years, AAUW has championed equity in higher education and the workplace, empowering women and girls, and advancing meaningful, lasting change.

Strengthening Workforce Partnerships

I enjoyed hosting Shawn Avery, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and Latonya English, Vice President of Workforce Operations, on campus. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss continued collaboration and shared priorities in workforce development across the region.

As the designated workforce development entity serving 16 localities across Hampton Roads, the Council plays a vital role in aligning education, training, and employment needs. Partnerships like this strengthen the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers while supporting the economic vitality of Coastal Virginia.

The Pharos: April Edition

The April 2026 edition of The Pharos is now available online. This issue highlights the accomplishments of our faculty and staff, recognizing their scholarly publications, professional presentations, and continued contributions across their fields.

Freedom to Laugh: Comedy, Taboo, and the Line Between Humor and Harm in the Theatre

Hosted by the Robert Nusbaum Center, coinciding with the opening night of “Avenue Q”, a thought-provoking faculty panel explores how humor challenges boundaries and sparks dialogue. The discussion featured faculty members Travis Malone, Eric Mazur, and Sally Shedd, who explored how humor can challenge authority, reveal uncomfortable truths, and test the line between insight and harm.

Framing comedy as both a tool for connection and a source of tension, panelists encouraged the audience to consider who defines the boundaries of humor and why certain jokes resonate. The conversation served as a meaningful prelude to Avenue Q, reflecting the University’s commitment to engaging complex cultural questions through the arts and interdisciplinary dialogue. Read More | View Photo Gallery.