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May 11, 2026
Good morning,
| | You made it, Marlins! Congratulations and best wishes as you wrap up finals, prepare to move out of the residence halls, and head into your summer plans. | |
I am pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Seward ‘05 to Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy, recognizing his exceptional leadership and the increasingly important role he plays in advancing the University’s long-term strategic initiatives. Since joining the senior leadership team, Jason has provided steady oversight of facilities, operations, campus planning, and institutional projects while helping guide the continued transformation and growth of the University.
As the University’s footprint and enterprise continue to expand, Jason’s role becomes central to coordinating and advancing major institutional initiatives. These include the integration of the Sentara College of Health Sciences into the University, the opening and operation of Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art on campus, and the continued development of nearly 10 campus-based partner organizations and programs. In this newly expanded leadership role, Jason will help ensure that the University’s physical planning, operational strategy, partnerships, and long-range growth initiatives remain aligned with its mission and momentum as it enters an important new chapter.
A proud alumnus, Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies before completing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Regent University. Since returning to his alma mater in 2006, he has held a series of progressively responsible leadership roles and has become a respected and trusted member of the University’s leadership team. In 2014, he was recognized with the University’s Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award in recognition of his professional accomplishments and dedicated service to the campus community.
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This year’s Baccalaureate service is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. this Friday, May 15, in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center as a part of the spring 2026 Commencement exercises. This prelude to Commencement is a service of worship in celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom. The Rev. Brian Boettcher, Class of 2012 and Pastor of Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church in Covington, Virginia, will serve as our Baccalaureate speaker. All graduates and their families are encouraged to attend. (Open seating. No tickets required.)
Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. in TowneBank Arena of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. We look forward to a powerful message of leadership, purpose, and civic engagement from keynote speaker Clifford B. "Cliff" Fleet III, retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Read more in Commencement FAQs and Important Information.
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Over the weekend, Trustee Emerita Jane Batten, Executive in Residence David Black, and I traveled to Wisconsin, where we each had parts in Lakeland University’s 164th Commencement Ceremony. The occasion provided an opportunity for us to visit with some very special friends and to reflect on the longstanding and meaningful relationship among Lakeland University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Lakeland University Japan. Through the years, our institutions have partnered on a variety of innovative academic and international initiatives, creating transformative opportunities for students on both sides of the globe.
The weekend was especially meaningful given David’s deep connection to Lakeland University, where he twice served as president and founded Lakeland University Japan. David and Jane are also the namesakes of the Batten & Black School for International Studies in Tokyo, a collaborative partnership among VWU, Lakeland University, and LUJ that continues to expand global engagement and experiential learning opportunities for students.
We are grateful to our special friends at Lakeland — especially President Beth Borgen and Board Chair Jeff Spence — for their warm hospitality, generous welcome, and the special recognitions extended to the three of us throughout the weekend.
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As most of you are aware, Sentara College of Health Sciences is transitioning into a professional college within Virginia Wesleyan University/Batten University, and prospective students can read more about the acquisition here.
To apply to programs being offered in Fall 2026, please visit the page for Sentara College of Health Sciences on the VWU website here.
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Last Tuesday, the Marlin Athletics Awards & Senior Recognition Banquet celebrated the accomplishments of our student-athletes, recognized our graduating seniors, and honored the many individuals who support and strengthen our athletics program. Special thanks to Jimmy Hall and Michelle Paul, our friends from Venture Tours, for sponsoring the evening.
It has been one of the great privileges of my career to support and celebrate Division III athletics. The student-athlete experience is about far more than competition. It is about preparation for life.
Through athletics, you develop leadership, discipline, time management, teamwork, and resilience. You learn how to work toward shared goals, how to respond to adversity, and how to grow through both success and challenge. These are lessons that will serve you long after your final game.
Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the 2026 Norfolk Sports Club Award to Laci Campbell. This prestigious honor recognizes Laci’s outstanding performance throughout her collegiate career at our University, not only as an accomplished softball player, but also as a respected leader among her peers.
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We were also pleased to recognize Sarah Guzzo, Director of Stewardship, as the recipient of the Lawrence D. Hultgren Friend of Athletics Award, presented by Director of Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig. Sarah plays an important role in advancing athletic fundraising efforts, including leadership support for the Marlin Athletics Fund, and this honor reflects her outstanding commitment to our student-athletes.
Congratulations to Laci, Sarah, and to all our student-athletes. You make us proud to be Marlins, and you continue to elevate the University wherever you compete.
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Virginia Beach Vision Executive Committee Meeting
I joined fellow members of the Virginia Beach Vision Executive Committee for a productive meeting at Runnymede Corporation in Virginia Beach. Our discussion focused on business development, city visioning, housing, resort growth and safety, and the VBCPS Community Roundtable. Virginia Beach Vision continues to play an important role in bringing together business and community leaders to help shape a strong and vibrant future for Virginia Beach.
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Batten Honors College Academic Journal Released
The Jane P. Batten Honors College has released the second edition of its student-run Academic Journal, continuing to build a platform for undergraduates to publish their scholarly work in a professional setting. This year’s issue, titled Beyond Borders, features eight submissions spanning a range of disciplines, including three senior capstone projects and work completed during study abroad experiences.
Led by student Editors-in-Chief Gabrielle Barnett and Calee Lukowski, the publication reflects months of thoughtful research, writing, and editorial collaboration. The journal highlights the Batten Honors College mission to develop well-rounded leaders by encouraging students to explore ideas across disciplines and engage with the world beyond traditional boundaries.
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University Earns National Recognition for Democratic Engagement
The University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge with the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the 2026 election cycle, reflecting the strength of its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts. The institution’s action plan earned a score of 33 out of 36 possible points, placing it among 167 campuses nationwide to receive this distinction.
This recognition underscores the University’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility and encouraging informed, nonpartisan participation in the democratic process, further advancing its mission of preparing engaged and thoughtful citizens.
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Ice Cream Social Celebrates Dining Services Team
Annie and I hosted an ice cream social at DeFord Manor for our valued partners from Sodexo Dining Services, enjoying a fun and relaxed afternoon together. Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy Jason Seward joined in as server, fully embracing the spirit of the occasion.
Special thanks to Tim Lockett for his outstanding service and leadership as he prepares for retirement, and to Heather Beatty, who now steps into the role of General Manager of Dining Services. We are grateful for their continued commitment and for all they do to support the campus community.
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Marlins Night at Mission BBQ
Alumni, along with faculty, staff, and friends, gathered for Marlins Night at Mission BBQ Norfolk, enjoying an evening of great food, conversation, and connection. The event offered a relaxed, off-campus opportunity for alumni to reconnect with one another and with the University community.
Gatherings like this continue to strengthen alumni engagement and reflect the enduring connections that define the Marlin network.
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Virginia Beach Police Leadership Briefing
I appreciated the opportunity to join fellow Virginia Beach business leaders for an informative briefing with Chief Paul Neudigate and the leadership team of the Virginia Beach Police Department. The discussion provided valuable insights into public safety priorities, community partnerships, and the Department’s continued investment in technology and innovation.
We are grateful for Chief Neudigate’s strong leadership and for the Department’s ongoing commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of residents and visitors across our city.
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Chi Alpha Sigma Induction
Congratulations to Juliette Coffey (golf) and Tudor Vlad (tennis) for their outstanding keynote remarks on behalf of the women’s and men’s athletic programs at the Chi Alpha Sigma induction ceremony in Brock Commons, where 31 student-athletes were recognized as new members of the National College Athletic Honor Society. Both are scholars in the Jane P. Batten Honors College and exemplify the balance of academic excellence, leadership, and athletic achievement that defines Chi Alpha Sigma.
Pictured with Jill Sturts, Faculty Athletics Representative, and Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Director of Athletics, this year’s inductees represent the very best of the University, excelling both in the classroom and in competition.
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Green Workspace Program
The Green Workspace Program hosted a well-attended Brown Bag Lunch & Learn in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, bringing together members of the campus community for a thoughtful discussion on recycling and sustainability initiatives. Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability, and student Isabella Grosswiler led the program, engaging attendees in meaningful conversation about ways to strengthen campus practices.
The session also included an overview of the University’s recycling process presented by COO Jason Seward and members of the Facilities team, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and collaborative campus agreement.
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Designing Freedom: Student Art Contest
The Robert Nusbaum Center, in partnership with Assistant Professor Derek Eley, hosted the Designing Freedom student art contest and reception, featuring work from students in digital art and photography courses. Through projects in ART 208 and ART 204, students explored the concept of freedom through visual expression, producing thoughtful pieces that examined identity, culture, and lived experience.
The exhibition recognized standout student artists across both disciplines and reflected the University’s commitment to creative inquiry and interdisciplinary learning, highlighting the power of student work to engage with complex ideas.
Learn More | View Photo Gallery.
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President to President: Chapter 10 Available Now
The tenth and final chapter of the 2025-2026 President to President thought leadership series is now available online. In "Creating Campus Belonging by Leading with Love,” Hollins University President Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., reflects on how she maintains a passion for her work despite the challenges inherent to higher education today. She urges leaders to act with authenticity, build genuine relationships, and practice “relentless welcome” and offers practical strategies for ensuring even tough leadership decisions are grounded in a sense of genuine care for all involved. Read Chapter 10.
This insightful chapter concludes another year of the President to President series, which focused on “Intentional Efforts in Belonging.” In the coming weeks, all 10 chapters will be published online in a comprehensive volume. Thank you to each contributing president for sharing their perspectives and experiences on this timely topic.
As we close this edition, we are already looking ahead to next year’s series, which will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, including its opportunities, challenges, and broader implications. We look forward to continuing the conversation this fall.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Sincerely,
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