Dear friends,
Just one month ago, we proudly embraced a new identity as Batten University.
While our name may be new, the work before us remains rooted in a principle that has guided our University for many years: great institutions do not succeed alone.
Every meaningful advancement we celebrate is made possible through partnership.
This past month alone, we welcomed new colleagues from Sentara College of Health Sciences, watched Virginia MOCA's inaugural exhibitions continue to attract visitors from across the region, expanded relationships with business, civic, and educational leaders, and prepared to welcome a new class of students whose futures will be shaped by the strength of those connections.
These partnerships are not incidental. They are central to who we are. Later this month, we look forward to celebrating another milestone in our partnership with Sentara as we host the first Sentara College of Health Sciences commencement ceremony on Batten University's Virginia Beach campus.
Partnerships enrich the student experience through internships, mentorship, research, service-learning, and career preparation. They strengthen our academic programs, create opportunities for innovation, and enable Batten University to serve as an active partner in addressing the needs of Coastal Virginia and beyond. That same spirit of collaboration extends to our partnership with the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, where together we continue expanding opportunities for outstanding students across the Commonwealth.
As we prepare for our annual State of the University Address later this month, I am reminded that every milestone in our University's history has been built through the shared vision and commitment of others. Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and community partners all have a role in shaping the future of this institution.
Our future will not be defined simply by what happens on our campus. It will be defined by the relationships we continue to build beyond it.
At Batten University, we believe higher education should prepare students not only to earn a degree, but to lead meaningful lives of purpose and service. That requires classrooms, certainly, but it also requires communities willing to invest in the next generation.
For every partnership we celebrate, there is a student whose life is changed because someone chose to invest their time, expertise, encouragement, or resources.
For that, I remain profoundly grateful.
Thank you for believing in Batten University and for helping us write this exciting next chapter together.
Sincerely, | 
