August 10, 2026
Good morning, |
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As part of our commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Sentara College of Health Sciences, we have established the SCOHS Alumni Room in the John A. Trinder Center for Advancement on the second floor of Godwin Hall. Furniture and selected memorabilia were moved into the space last week, with final touches planned in the coming weeks. The room will provide a welcoming place to honor the College’s history and generations of alumni.
Additional historical materials will be preserved in the Stephen S. Mansfield Special Collections and University Archives in the H.C. Hofheimer II Library. Over the coming year, artifacts and displays will also be incorporated throughout Blocker Hall, the future academic home of Sentara College of Health Sciences, ensuring that its story remains a visible part of the Batten University campus.
Founded in 1892 as Norfolk’s first nursing school, Sentara College of Health Sciences has spent more than 130 years preparing healthcare professionals for Coastal Virginia and beyond. From its beginnings as a hospital-based nursing school, it grew into a comprehensive health sciences college offering undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs.
The College will celebrate its 135th anniversary in 2027. On July 1, 2026, following approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Sentara College of Health Sciences officially became an operating division of Batten University. While it will continue to operate independently until the U.S. Department of Education grants final authorization for financial aid integration, its history and traditions are now an enduring part of Batten University.
As we write this next chapter together, we are committed not only to preserving this remarkable legacy, but to building upon it. I am especially proud to welcome more than 9,500 alumni of Sentara College of Health Sciences into the Marlin family. Your accomplishments and commitment to caring for others have enriched our region for generations. Together, we will honor that heritage while creating new opportunities for the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. |
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I am pleased to share that this Thursday, Batten University will celebrate the Sentara College of Health Sciences Summer Class of 2026 by hosting the College’s commencement ceremony for the first time since our historic integration.
The August 13 ceremony will honor graduates earning the Master of Science in Nursing (Entry to Nursing Practice) and RN-to-BSN degrees. During the ceremony, the University will also confer an honorary degree upon Dennis Matheis, Chief Executive Officer of Sentara Health, and award emerita status to Dr. Angela Taylor and Dr. Cynthia Banks in recognition of their distinguished service and lasting contributions to the College.
We invite the entire Marlin community to join us in celebrating this historic milestone by watching the ceremony via the Batten University Digital Broadcasting Network.
To learn more about the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into Batten University, read our feature story. |
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The President's Cabinet has developed an elevator pitch to help faculty and staff confidently describe Batten University during this historic period of institutional transformation.
In addition to our transition in name, the University has welcomed the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) to campus, integrated Sentara College of Health Sciences, and established two new educational centers in Chesapeake through our Prison Education Program.
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive summary—typically delivered in 30 to 60 seconds—that explains who we are, what makes us distinctive, and why it matters. Whether you're speaking with prospective students, families, alumni, donors, community leaders, or friends, a well-crafted elevator pitch helps ensure we all tell the Batten University story with clarity, confidence, and consistency. We hope you'll find this resource helpful as you share the Batten University story. You may download the printable PDF or pick up a printed copy in the Office of the President. |
Displayed prominently throughout the Batten University campus, the Cornerstones of Success posters serve as a visible reminder of the principles that define who we are and how we fulfill our mission. They highlight the University’s unwavering commitment to an inclusive liberal arts and sciences education rooted in scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship; our Quality Service Pledge, which calls upon every member of the Batten community to provide friendly, responsive, and exceptional service; and our Environmental Guiding Principles, which affirm our responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment while preparing future generations of environmental leaders. Together, these three cornerstones reinforce the values that shape the Batten experience and inspire excellence in every aspect of university life. |
Resurfacing of all courts at the Everett Tennis Center is underway this summer, made possible through generous private gift support. We are especially grateful to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for its grant award supporting the resurfacing of eight 78-foot championship tennis courts. Recognized as one of the premier outdoor NCAA Division III tennis facilities in the region, the Everett Tennis Center serves both our student-athletes and the broader tennis community. These improvements will ensure the facility continues to provide an outstanding venue for competition, practice, and special events for years to come. |
The room, pictured at left, inside Monumental Chapel and Beazley Recital Hall has been designated as the Multi-Faith Prayer Room. This meaningful initiative of Epworth Campus Ministries reflects Batten University’s commitment to serving the spiritual needs of our growing and increasingly diverse student population. The space provides a quiet, welcoming environment for prayer, reflection, and meditation for members of all faith traditions. Marie Porter, Director of Epworth Campus Ministries, has led this important effort. |
The former gravel parking lot behind DeFord Manor and across from the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art along Smith Drive has been paved, creating 28 new parking spaces on campus. The newly improved lot will be named the David R. Goode Arts Complex West Parking Lot, further enhancing access to the University’s growing arts district. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Policies, Handbooks & Guidelines As we begin the 2026–27 academic year, please note that all University policy documents have been updated and are now available on the Batten University website.
Following the June 30 acquisition of Sentara College of Health Sciences, the College will continue to operate under certain provisions of its existing faculty and staff handbooks until the U.S. Department of Education completes its approval of financial aid integration, which is anticipated later this academic year. During this transition, Sentara College of Health Sciences will continue to function as an independent college within Batten University to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
If you have questions regarding University or Sentara College of Health Sciences policies or procedures, please contact your respective vice president for guidance. |
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. |
Final Weeks for Inaugural Virginia MOCA Exhibitions The inaugural exhibitions celebrating Virginia MOCA's new home at Batten University are entering their final weeks. Since opening this spring, Nina Chanel Abney: The Pursuit of Happiness and Seamless: Art and Design have welcomed visitors from across the region while marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Museum and our campus.
These exhibitions close on August 16, making way for Virginia MOCA's next season, featuring the Made in VA Biennial, Vivian Chiu: From Here, and a reimagined ARTlab. If you have not yet experienced these landmark exhibitions, now is the perfect time to visit. Plan your visit and reserve admission tickets here. Free admission for Virginia residents is generously supported by The Sokol Family Foundation, and admission is always free for children under 12. |
HRCF Celebrates Black Philanthropy Month Batten University has a strong partnership with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, and both are committed to making a difference in the community. Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy Jason Seward ‘05 attended HRCF’s annual Black Philanthropy Month Celebration. The theme, “Afrofuturism: Black To The Future,” highlighted innovation, collaboration, and investing in future generations.
We are grateful for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s continued support of Batten University and for our shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening our region. Pictured with Jason is Deborah DiCroce, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. |
Greater Norfolk Corporation Builds Hampton Roads’ Future The Greater Norfolk Corporation's Annual Meeting at the new Brock Pavilion at the Norfolk Botanical Garden provided another opportunity to engage with business and community leaders committed to the future of Hampton Roads. I am honored to serve on the GNC Board of Directors and value the collaboration that continues to strengthen our region's economic vitality. Pictured are Linda Peck, CEO of the Greater Norfolk Corporation, and Peter Schmidt, CEO of the Norfolk Botanical Garden. |
BHECM of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministries of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in Norfolk. The Board plays an important role in strengthening the connection between the Church, higher education, and campus ministries while supporting the mission of United Methodist-related colleges, universities, and campus ministries across the Conference. Pictured are Sherry Wright, Chair of the Board, and Dwayne Stinson, Director of Connectional Ministries. |
VB Chamber Strengthens Regional Connections A productive meeting of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce at Virginia Beach Economic Development brought together regional leaders committed to supporting Hampton Roads' business community. Special thanks to Rick Dwyer and Todd Nichols of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance for an informative program, and to Will Driscoll, Chair, and Justin Saunders, Vice President of the Hampton Roads Chamber, for their leadership. Pictured also is Delceno Miles, CEO of The Miles Agency. |
A Shared Commitment to Education I enjoyed catching up with Virginia Beach School Board member Alveta Green during her visit to campus. As the School Board representative for Virginia Beach's District 4, which includes Batten University, Alveta has long been a valued friend and supporter of the University. We appreciate her leadership, her commitment to public education, and our ongoing partnership as we work together to strengthen educational opportunities throughout our community. |
Neighbors in Education It was a pleasure to welcome Dylan Denslow, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Norfolk Academy, to Batten University for a campus tour. Pictured with COO and Vice President Jason Seward.
As neighboring institutions, Norfolk Academy and Batten University share a deep commitment to educational excellence, environmental stewardship, and strengthening the communities we are privileged to serve. We value our longstanding relationship and look forward to continuing to learn from one another while exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the years ahead. |
Celebrating the Humanities I greatly appreciated joining friends and colleagues at the Celebration of Virginia Humanities, hosted at the WHRO studios in Norfolk. The evening provided an opportunity to visit with Congressman Bobby Scott, philanthropists Susan H’22 and David H’17 Goode, and WHRO President Bert Schmidt, who will retire next year following years of outstanding leadership. The program highlighted the important partnership between Virginia Humanities and Coastal Virginia and celebrated the enduring impact of the humanities across the Commonwealth. |
Remembering MaryAnne Dukas We extend our sincere condolences to the Chesapeake Bay Academy community on the passing of former Head of School MaryAnne Dukas. During her two decades of visionary leadership, MaryAnne transformed Chesapeake Bay Academy, expanding educational opportunities for students while establishing a strong foundation that continues to benefit generations of learners. We join our campus affiliate in honoring her remarkable legacy and extend our sympathies to her family, friends, and the entire CBA community. |
Former Virginia MOCA Board Chair William T. “Bill” Campbell Passes It is with sadness that we share the passing of former Virginia MOCA Board Chair William T. "Bill" Campbell. Bill served as Board Chair from 2006 to 2008 and remained a dedicated Honorary Trustee, helping guide and support the museum for many years. We are grateful for Bill's many contributions to Virginia MOCA and the region's arts community. |
New Regional and National Leadership for Sodexo We congratulate Ellen Wilson on her appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer, Campus, U.S. for Sodexo. With nearly two decades of leadership experience, Wilson will oversee Sodexo’s campus operations nationwide, advancing operational excellence, client partnerships, and the student experience.
As part of Sodexo’s organizational realignment, Batten University will now work directly with Duke Davis, newly appointed Vice President of Operations, who will assume responsibility for our account. We look forward to welcoming Duke to campus in the near future.
Sodexo has been a valued partner of Batten University for many years, serving as the University's provider of dining services, catering, campus hospitality, and conference operations. We look forward to working with Ellen, Duke and the Sodexo leadership team as we continue to enhance the campus experience for our students, faculty, staff, and guests while building on a partnership that has contributed significantly to the life of our University. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
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Welcome home, Beacon Scholars!
Sincerely, |
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