August 17, 2026
Good morning, |
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Batten University celebrated another historic milestone with the first Sentara College of Health Sciences commencement ceremony hosted since the College became part of the University on July 1. We were honored to welcome Sentara Health President and CEO Dennis Matheis as the commencement speaker and to confer upon him the honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his distinguished leadership and service to healthcare in our region. |
The ceremony celebrated graduates earning the Master of Science in Nursing (Entry to Nursing Practice) and RN-to-BSN degrees. We also recognized Dr. Angela Taylor and Dr. Cynthia Banks with emerita status in recognition of their distinguished service and lasting contributions to the College.
The occasion marked an important moment in the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for health sciences education at Batten University.
View Photo Gallery | Watch Pinning & Commencement Ceremony on Batten Digital Broadcasting Network |
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As we welcome Sentara College of Health Sciences into the Batten University community, I am pleased to recognize Dr. Megan Hunsinger, Dean of the College, who is helping lead this important new chapter. Megan brings extensive experience in healthcare and higher education and a deep commitment to preparing compassionate, highly skilled professionals.
A lifelong learner herself, Megan understands the transformative power of education and the importance of preparing students for meaningful careers of leadership and service. She is especially proud of the College’s dedicated faculty, strong community, and exceptional clinical experiences.
As we build upon the distinguished history of Sentara College and expand health sciences education at Batten University, I am grateful for Megan’s leadership and look forward to all that she and her colleagues will accomplish.
I invite you to learn more about Dr. Hunsinger, her journey, and her vision for the College. |
A special new space is taking shape on the second floor of Godwin Hall to preserve and celebrate the history of Sentara College of Health Sciences. Furniture, photographs, and memorabilia from the College’s Chesapeake facility have been moved to the new SCOHS Alumni Room in the John A. Trinder Center for Advancement, with final touches planned in the coming weeks.
Founded in 1892 as Norfolk’s first nursing school, Sentara College of Health Sciences has a remarkable history of educating healthcare professionals and serving Coastal Virginia. The Alumni Room will provide a permanent home for pieces of that history while honoring the more than 9,500 SCOHS alumni who are now part of the Batten University community.
The new space is part of a broader effort to bring together and preserve the histories and traditions that comprise Batten University. Read more about the SCOHS Alumni Room and the legacy it preserves. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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2026 State of the University: August 19 The Batten University community will come together on August 19 for the 2026 State of the University Address, an opportunity to reflect on our remarkable progress and look ahead to the University’s first academic year under our new name. Alumni, parents, and friends are invited to join us virtually on the Batten Digital Broadcasting Network as I share highlights of our continued momentum, recent milestones, and priorities for the year ahead. |
Sustainability Leadership Recognized Batten University has once again earned a Silver rating through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS provides a comprehensive framework for colleges and universities to measure and report their sustainability performance. Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability, for her leadership and hard work in completing the reporting process and advancing the University’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. |
United Way Community Leaders Luncheon The United Way of South Hampton Roads brought together business, civic, and philanthropic leaders at The Main for its annual Community Leaders Luncheon and the kickoff of its campaign season. It was especially good to visit with Stephanie Gorham, MBA ’23, Chief Development Officer of United Way of South Hampton Roads, who will receive Batten University’s Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award during our 2026 Alumni Awards on Founders Day in September. Also joining the gathering were Ken Chandler, Deputy City Manager of Norfolk, and Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance. Special thanks to United Way President and CEO Mark Uren for his leadership and continued commitment to our region. |
Visit to 13News Now A visit to the studios of 13News Now included time with President and General Manager Brian Gregory, followed by a recording of CONNECT at 13News Now with Cheryl Nelson. Producer Alicia Lundy also joined the visit. We value our longstanding relationships with friends throughout the Hampton Roads media community. |
Community Leaders Visit Campus Community leaders Ayanna and Eric Spence visited Batten University, accompanied by our good friend and Virginia Beach City Council member Amelia Ross-Hammond. Eric is a cousin of music icon Timbaland, whom the University looks forward to welcoming to campus on Saturday, October 4, for Timbaland CreatorVerse 2.0. The visit provided an opportunity for conversation and new connections within our community. Most events are free and open to students and the public, but registration is required. Visit Timbaland Way Cares to learn more. |
Athletics Prepares for the Fall The Batten University Athletic Department returned to campus for its annual staff workshop in Brock Commons in preparation for the fall session. The gathering also provided an opportunity to welcome back Joanne Renn-Barnes and her husband, Gordon. Joanne served the University for many years as a coach and athletic director and remains an important member of the Marlin family. Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy Jason Seward ‘05 joined the group. |
An Enduring University Tradition One of the University’s most cherished traditions, the alma mater, has been thoughtfully updated to reflect our transition to Batten University while preserving its original melody and spirit. Composed by David Clayton with lyrics by Sandra Billy in 2002, the alma mater celebrates honor, service, learning, and lifelong connection. Sung at Convocation, Commencement, Homecoming, and other special occasions, it remains a meaningful tradition connecting generations of the Batten University community. Read More. |
First Naval ROTC Preparatory Cohort Reaches Milestones Batten University’s inaugural Naval ROTC Preparatory Program cohort has reached an impressive milestone, with all nine students completing New Student Indoctrination at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. Four students who completed their preparatory year at Batten have met the academic and physical requirements to earn four-year national Naval ROTC scholarships and will continue as NROTC Midshipmen through the Hampton Roads Consortium. Five additional students begin their preparatory year at Batten this fall. Bravo Zulu to these pioneering students as they prepare for lives of leadership and service. Read More. |
The Boardwalk Art Show is where Virginia MOCA's story began. Long before Virginia MOCA became an accredited museum, artists gathered along the Virginia Beach oceanfront to celebrate creativity, support fellow artists, and build camaraderie. In doing so, they laid the foundation for the current-day Virginia MOCA. For seventy years, the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show has brought artists, volunteers, visitors, and neighbors together in extraordinary ways. Many people have been part of this tradition for decades, and Virginia MOCA would love to feature their stories as we mark this milestone anniversary. Do you have a fond memory of the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show? Email your personal story to BoardwalkArtShow@VirginiaMOCA.org. |
AI Without Losing Your Mind Batten University welcomed Athena Kan, President and CEO of Dreambound, for an interactive workshop with Beacon and STEM Scholars exploring how students can use artificial intelligence to become better thinkers and more effective learners. Titled “AI Without Losing Your Mind,” the session challenged students to think critically about when AI enhances learning and when it can hinder it, while developing practical habits they can carry from the classroom into their future careers. |
Summer Evening at Virginia MOCA Anne and Lawrence Fleder and Debbie and Trustee Gary ‘79, H’16 Bonnewell hosted a summer gathering at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art featuring art, conversation, cocktails, and live music by Lewis McGehee. Joining the evening were Batten University Board Chair Nancy DeFord, Trustee Doug Wilson ‘86, philanthropist David R. Goode H’17, and Virginia MOCA Deputy Director Truly Matthews. |
Celebrating the Arts in Virginia Beach The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission hosted an evening celebrating the arts at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Congratulations to 2026 Champion for the Arts Betsy Atkinson and Champion for Arts Educator John Brewington on their well-deserved recognition. Joining the celebration were Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, School Board member Alveta Green, Deputy City Manager Monica Croskey, and Hugh Copeland of The Hurrah Players. |
Virginia Business Honors Women in Leadership Congratulations to Class of 2004 alumna Tracy Keller, CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, and Amanda Jarratt, Deputy City Manager of the City of Virginia Beach, who have been named 2026 Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award recipients. The annual awards recognize women executives for their professional accomplishments, civic engagement, mentorship, leadership, and impact on their communities. We are proud to see both Tracy and Amanda recognized among an outstanding group of women leaders from across the Commonwealth. They will be honored at the Women in Leadership Awards celebration on October 6 in Richmond and featured in the October issue of Virginia Business. |
A Tribute to Wayne Pellenberg A meaningful tribute to longtime WTKR NewsChannel 3 photojournalist Wayne Pellenberg was recently dedicated in his memory at the station. Wayne’s wife, Priscilla Monti, a member of the Batten University President’s Council, and their son, Charlie Pellenberg ’24, joined the WTKR NewsChannel 3 family for the dedication of the Wayne Pellenberg Photographer’s Den. The space honors Wayne’s many years behind the camera and the lasting impact he made on his colleagues and the community. A wonderful tribute to his life and legacy. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
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So excited to welcome new and returning Marlins to campus this week! Sincerely, |
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