Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

June 29, 2026

Good morning,

There are moments in the life of an institution when a page turns – not to close a story, but to begin a new chapter. This is one of those moments.

As Virginia Wesleyan prepares to become Batten University, I find myself reflecting not on endings, but on beginnings: the vision that launched this institution more than six decades ago, the generations of students whose lives have been transformed here, and the countless faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who have shaped our journey.

On Wednesday, our name will change. Those who expect everything else to change with it may be surprised to discover that the qualities that have always defined this institution remain firmly intact. Our values, our mission, our commitment to our students, our community and the environment – these endure. What changes is not who we are, but our ability to become even more of what we aspire to be.

The months and years ahead promise exciting possibilities, and I am grateful to each of you who is part of this remarkable journey.

ET CETERA

We were delighted to welcome our newest Marlins and their families to campus this past Friday for the first Marlin Nation Orientation program of the summer and are excited to welcome another group today.

Through informative sessions, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and current students, Marlin Nation Orientation prepares new students for a successful transition to University life while introducing them to the welcoming community that defines Batten University.

My sincere thanks to the faculty, staff, and student leaders whose enthusiasm and dedication make these programs such a success. I am especially grateful to our colleagues in Campus Life and the David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment for their outstanding leadership and the important role they play in making these events possible. Pictured with Jason Seward ‘05, Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy, Kelly Cordova, MBA ‘21, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, and Bob Marlin just before the opening session in TowneBank Arena.

Please join me in extending a warm Marlin welcome to our newest students and their families as they begin this exciting journey.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

2026 State of the University: August 19

Each August, prior to the start of the fall session, I deliver a State of the University Address to our campus community. Alumni, parents, and friends are encouraged to tune in to the Batten Digital Broadcasting Network to watch this year’s program as we celebrate Batten University’s continued momentum and share an exciting vision for the year ahead.

WACHR Leadership Transition

I extend my sincere appreciation to Susan Borè for her outstanding leadership as President of the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads. Since the Council relocated its offices to campus last year, Susan has been an exceptional partner whose leadership has strengthened both the organization and its relationship with the University. We wish Susan all the best as she concludes her service and warmly welcome Trustee and alumnus Gary Bonnewell '79, H’16 as he assumes the presidency. We look forward to continuing our valued partnership under Gary's leadership.

YMCA Camp Red Feather Impact Tour

It was a pleasure to join YMCA of South Hampton Roads President and CEO Anthony Walters for an Impact Tour of YMCA Camp Red Feather on our campus. Anthony, a member of our Board of Trustees, was joined by Board Chair Nancy DeFord, Board Secretary Mavis McKenley ‘11, and YMCA leader Molly Thompson (center). The visit highlighted the people, programs, and partnerships that make Camp Red Feather an important community resource. This summer, more than 2,500 will benefit from the camp’s enriching experiences in a safe, supportive environment.

Strengthening Our Chesapeake Partnership

We enjoyed meeting with our friends from Chesapeake Economic Development to discuss the University’s expanding workforce development initiatives and opportunities to strengthen our partnership in the City of Chesapeake. Pictured with Steven Wright, Director; Sherry Barnette, Senior Business Development Manager; and Constantia Cobert, Management Analyst. Jason Seward, COO and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy, joined us.

Sodexo Leaders Visit Campus

We were pleased to welcome Melissa Martz and Stacy Bowman-Hade, Vice Presidents with Sodexo, to campus as we celebrated our longstanding partnership and explored new opportunities to enhance the student experience. Following a productive meeting, Jason Seward, COO and Vice President, led a campus tour that included a visit to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, where the group was joined by Deputy Director Truly Matthews. Also participating were Heather Beatty, General Manager of Sodexo Dining Services, and Angie Murphy of Sodexo Conference and Catering Services.

Welcoming The Achievement Center

I enjoyed visiting with Oliver Walmon, Executive Director of The Achievement Center, and learning more about the organization's mission to empower "at-promise" students. We look forward to exploring opportunities to work together in support of student success and expanded educational opportunity throughout our community.

Celebrating a Dedicated Friend and Community Leader

We were delighted to celebrate our friend Amelia Ross-Hammond, Virginia Beach City Council member and dedicated civic leader, at the Town Center City Club. Joined by fellow Virginia Beach City Council member Cal "Cash" Jackson-Green, we recognized Amelia's many contributions to our community and her longstanding friendship with the University. We are grateful for her continued support and engagement.

Expanding Educational Opportunity Through Partnerships

We are grateful to Congressman Bobby Scott for his steadfast support of the University’s Prison Education Program serving students at St. Brides Correctional Center and Indian Creek Correctional Center in Chesapeake. We also extend our appreciation to our valued partners, Warden Dara Watson of St. Brides Correctional Center and Gilbert Bland (far right), President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, whose collaboration continues to expand educational opportunity and transform lives.

Marlin Softball Standout Earns Statewide Honor

It was a pleasure to attend the 79th Annual Norfolk Sports Club Awards Ceremony and celebrate Marlin softball standout Morgan Tucker, recipient of the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Memorial Award recognizing her as Virginia's Most Outstanding Athlete. Congratulations to Morgan on this well-deserved honor and for representing Marlin Athletics with distinction through an extraordinary season, both on the field and in the classroom. Pictured with Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott ‘03.

The Pharos: June Edition

The June 2026 edition of The Pharos is available now online. We hope you enjoy learning more about our talented faculty and staff members who continue to make important contributions to their respective fields through publications, presentations, and more.