Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

June 15, 2026

Good morning,

Last week, I attended a meeting of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (PAHEI) at Georgetown University’s Capitol Campus in Washington, D.C. Nearly 80 higher education leaders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape for undocumented and immigrant students, the policy, regulatory, and litigation outlook affecting international students and scholars, and strategies for building bipartisan pathways and legislative readiness. The Presidents’ Alliance includes approximately 500 public and private colleges and universities committed to advancing thoughtful dialogue and policy on immigration issues affecting higher education. My thanks to Louis Caldera, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Presidents’ Alliance, and Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO, for their superb leadership and thoughtful stewardship of these important conversations.

A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of congressional champions advancing bipartisan immigration solutions, including U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, who was honored by host Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US. As a proud son of Delaware, it was especially meaningful to reconnect with U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Jonathan Starkey, former journalist and political strategist, from an earlier chapter of my professional life in the First State. Also pictured (below) are Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University, Diego Sanchez, Vice President of the Presidents’ Alliance, and Don Graham, Chair of Graham Holdings Company, whose leadership and advocacy continue to strengthen higher education.

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is a national coalition of college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices affect students, campuses, and communities. The Alliance works to educate policymakers and the public about the significant contributions of immigrant, undocumented, and international students while promoting policies that foster welcoming and supportive learning environments. Grounded in the belief that higher education serves as an engine of opportunity and social mobility, the Alliance advocates for practices that allow talented students from all backgrounds to pursue their educational and professional aspirations.

The University’s involvement in the Alliance reflects our longstanding commitment to access, opportunity, and global engagement. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, including many who are first-generation college students, immigrants, and international learners representing countries around the world. As an institution dedicated to educational opportunity, workforce development, and civic engagement, VWU recognizes the important role immigrant and international students play in enriching campus life, strengthening communities, and contributing to the nation’s economic and cultural vitality. Participation in the Alliance allows us to collaborate with fellow higher education leaders, share best practices, and support policies that align with our mission of preparing students to live, work, and lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

ET CETERA

Recently, I attended the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Commission on Faith-Based Colleges and Universities convening at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Hosted in partnership with the National Center for Higher Education, the gathering brought together university presidents, scholars, faith leaders, legal educators, and civic leaders from across the nation to explore the theme, “Learning to Disagree Better – What Faith-Based Colleges and Universities Can Bring to the National Dialogue.” The conversations were both timely and thought-provoking, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing faith-based institutions as they seek to foster civil discourse, character development, and constructive engagement in an increasingly polarized society.

I was grateful for the opportunity to engage with an outstanding group of higher education leaders, including Robert A. Dowd (left) (University of Notre Dame), Peter K. Kilpatrick (Catholic University of America), Linda A. Livingstone (Baylor University), C. Shane Reese (Brigham Young University), Ari Berman (Yeshiva University), David Hoag (CCCU), and Aaron Hale (right) (Southern Virginia University). Special thanks as well to Clark G. Gilbert and Utah Governor Spencer Cox for their insightful reflections on leadership, faith, and the future of higher education. The gathering reinforced an important truth: faith-based colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to cultivate the habits of citizenship, character, and respectful dialogue that our nation needs now more than ever.

We were pleased to showcase the innovative partnership between Virginia MOCA and VWU/Batten University during a recent meeting of the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors, hosted at the museum's new home on campus. Board members enjoyed an informative presentation by Executive Director Alison Byrne followed by a tour of the facility.

Pictured with Alison and me are Bart Dexter, Regional Vice President of Hourigan, the contractor for the project, and Brad Martin, Chair of the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors. Since opening its doors, Virginia MOCA has welcomed strong attendance and enthusiastic community engagement. Together, Virginia MOCA, the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, and Beverly Hall form the David R. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Complex, creating a vibrant cultural destination at the heart of campus and throughout the Hampton Roads region.

Congratulations to Brad Hall, a longtime member of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Board of Trustees, on his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Following a national search, he will assume the position on June 29, succeeding Keith Martin, who has served as Interim CEO since August 2025 and will remain with the Chamber as Executive Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel.

Brad brings more than 25 years of experience in business, government, and community leadership. Most recently, he served as Vice President of External Affairs for Appalachian Power, overseeing government affairs, economic development, communications, customer relations, and community engagement across Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. He previously served as President and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, providing him with a strong understanding of chamber leadership and member-driven organizations.

Those of us in higher education know Brad as a thoughtful advocate for Virginia and a steadfast supporter of independent colleges and universities. Through his service on the VFIC Board, he has been a valued friend of Virginia Wesleyan University and many institutions across the Commonwealth. We congratulate Brad on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to working with him to strengthen Virginia’s economy, workforce, and communities. Read More.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

University Closed for Juneteenth (June 19)

As a reminder, the University will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Additionally, all non-essential federal, state, and city government offices will be closed for this holiday. Please consult local listings and websites for information about other services that may be impacted that day as well.

Sodexo Leadership Visits Campus

It was a pleasure to welcome Josh Hubbard, Interim Mid-Atlantic Senior Vice President for Sodexo, to campus. As a longtime partner of the University, Sodexo continues to play an important role in enhancing the student experience. During his visit, we discussed future initiatives for Dining Services and opportunities to support the institution’s continued growth as we prepare to become Batten University. Pictured with Josh are Heather Beatty, General Manager for Sodexo Dining Services, and Jason Seward '05, Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy.

Innovation and Collaboration Across Virginia

As Virginia’s Innovative University of the Arts and Sciences, the University values partnerships that advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Jason Seward, COO and Vice President, recently represented the University at the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) Ecosystem Reception, where attendees heard from Joe Benevento, President and Chief Executive Officer, about VIPC’s efforts to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the Commonwealth. We look forward to continued engagement with organizations like VIPC that bring together higher education, business, and industry to create meaningful opportunities for students while strengthening the regional economy and workforce.

Provost Honored with Virginia Business C-Suite Award

We proudly celebrate Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, on receiving a 2026 C-Suite Award from Virginia Business at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Selected as one of only 38 honorees across the Commonwealth, Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson was recognized for her exceptional leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and impactful service to both the University and the broader community. This well-deserved recognition reflects her dedication to advancing student success and strengthening the University’s mission. Pictured with 2026 VWU Spring Commencement keynote speaker and fellow honoree Cliff Fleet. Learn More.

Celebrating Trustee Vince Mastracco

The University extends its congratulations to Trustee Vince Mastracco on the remarkable milestone of 60 years with Kaufman & Canoles. A respected leader in the legal profession and a dedicated advocate for higher education and community service, Vince has made a lasting impact throughout Hampton Roads. We are grateful for his service to the University’s Board of Trustees and for his steadfast commitment to advancing opportunities for our students and the broader community. We join Kaufman & Canoles in celebrating this extraordinary achievement and honoring a career defined by leadership, integrity, and service.

A Tribute to CeeCee Tucker

Cecelia T. “CeeCee” Tucker’s extraordinary legacy continues to inspire our community. A recent article in the New Journal and Guide highlighted the posthumous honorary degree conferred upon Mrs. Tucker during Spring Commencement and celebrated her lifelong commitment to education, public service, and civic leadership. We remain honored to recognize her enduring impact on Hampton Roads and grateful to the Tucker family for sharing her remarkable story and legacy with the University community. Read More.

The Pharos: June Edition

The June 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.

President to President: Download the 2025-2026 Series

The complete 2025-2026 President to President thought leadership series is now available to download here. This year's book, titled “Intentional Efforts in Belonging,” highlights leadership strategies for proactively building community, encouraging engagement, and creating a sense of belonging on campus.

College and university presidents play a pivotal role in shaping campus culture and fostering a sense of community. This year’s President to President series features insights from ten presidents who have taken deliberate steps to create welcoming campus environments and strengthen connections among students, faculty, and staff. These higher education pioneers embody a human-centered leadership approach, prioritizing intentional actions that foster belonging, engagement, and a sense of purpose across campus. By sharing these stories, the series aims to inspire other leaders to recognize that even seemingly small efforts can engage students and support their need to belong on campus.

Norfolk Tides Tickets

As many of you know, I enjoy baseball and maintain two season tickets for the Norfolk Tides located behind the first base dugout at Harbor Park. I am pleased to once again make these tickets available to faculty and staff throughout the season. If you are interested in attending a game, please contact Anja at aswilkens@vwu.edu with your preferred date. You can view the Tides schedule here.