September 14, 2026
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In less than a month, alumni, families and friends will return to campus for a Homecoming unlike any we have celebrated before: our first as Batten University.
Homecoming has always been about returning to a place that holds part of our story, reconnecting with the people who helped shape it, and celebrating the traditions that bind generations of Marlins together. This year, that connection is especially meaningful as we carry forward more than six decades of University history while welcoming Sentara College of Health Sciences alumni into our extended Batten family.
The weekend begins Friday, October 2, with the 25th Annual Joanne Renn Golf Outing at Cypress Point Country Club, supporting Marlin Athletics and honoring the lasting legacy of longtime coach and athletic director Joanne Renn-Barnes. Register or become a sponsor.
On Saturday, October 3, following our annual FinFest picnic and athletic games, we will celebrate the 2026 Marlins Athletic Hall of Fame class, honoring Brittaney Brown Kovacs, Jessica Goldyn ’21, Nicholas Pappas ’14, Khory Moore ’17, the 2021 NCAA Division III National Championship Softball Team, and benefactor Michael R. Rawls ’91. Register for the Hall of Fame dinner by September 18.
The name is new, but the welcome home is as warm as ever. We hope you’ll join us October 2-4 for our first Homecoming & Family Weekend as Batten University. View Homecoming & Family Weekend Schedule |
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Batten University’s nearly three-decade partnership with Sodexo continues to enhance campus life and the student experience. We recently welcomed Duke Davis, Vice President for Operations – Universities with Sodexo, to campus and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss our longstanding partnership. Joining us were Heather Beatty, Sodexo General Manager at Batten University, and Jason Seward ‘05, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy. |
Under Heather’s leadership, dining at Batten University has become an increasingly valued part of campus life, not only for residential students, but also for commuters, faculty, staff, and guests. The University offers multiple convenient options throughout the day and into the evening.
From traditional meals at Boyd Dining Center to the extended hours of Coastal Market and the popular Harbor Grill, there is something to fit almost every schedule. Starbucks and Freshens Smoothie Co. provide still more choices for those looking for coffee, a quick bite, or something on the go.
I encourage members of our campus community to take advantage of these convenient dining options. Whether you are between classes, staying late for an event, or meeting a colleague or friend on campus, our dining venues provide welcoming places to gather, recharge, and enjoy the Batten community. |
Our institutional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), announced an important change effective September 1, 2026. The organization will now be publicly known as The Commission on Colleges and Universities, a name intended to better reflect the broad range of institutions it serves.
The Commission accredits more than 780 institutions across 11 states and internationally, including public and private colleges and universities, HBCUs, community colleges, research universities, seminaries, and fully online institutions.
Importantly, this change does not affect Batten University’s accreditation. SACSCOC remains the name of our accreditation, and our accreditation continues to carry the SACSCOC seal. There are no changes to accreditation standards, review timelines, or existing accreditation statements. In short, this is a new public identity for a longstanding organization—not a change in our accreditation or our relationship with SACSCOC. |
The Batten University community mourns the passing of Victor “Vic” Dorsey, who died August 29 following a short illness. Vic retired in February after 21 years of dedicated service to the University, including nine years as Director of Campus Safety and Security. A 20-year veteran of the United States Navy, Vic brought that same spirit of service, steady leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of our campus community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 40 years, Constance, their daughters Tiffany, Shelby and Brianne, and all of his family and friends. Vic will be remembered with great appreciation for his service to our country and to Batten University. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Remembering 9/11: Borrowed Memory The Marlin family gathered in the campus Peace Garden to observe the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with Borrowed Memory: Why We Remember What We Never Lived, presented by the Nusbaum Center. With most of today’s college students born after 9/11, the gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy, the extraordinary ways people came together in its aftermath, and how shared memories are carried across generations. |
Celebrating Jane Batten It was an honor to present Jane P. Batten H’06 with a 2026 Chairman’s Cup award at Cedar Point Club. Each year, the Chairman’s Cup recognizes distinguished business and community leaders whose generosity, leadership and service have made a meaningful impact across our region. Jane’s extraordinary philanthropy and commitment to education, the arts and our community have created a legacy that will benefit generations to come. Batten University Trustee Emeritus George Y. Birdsong H’16 joined Jane and me for the occasion. Congratulations, Jane, on this well-deserved recognition! |
Creating Careers Through the Marlin Business Conference I enjoyed meeting with Marlin Business Conference co-CEOs Thomas Skelly and John Enoch and Chief of Staff Max Davis as they prepare to connect Batten University students with business leaders, career insights, and real-world opportunities. The fall conference, themed “Creating Careers,” will take place November 16-19 and provide students with opportunities to explore career paths, build professional connections and learn directly from industry leaders. |
It Takes Little to Be Big A new collaborative mentorship initiative is connecting Batten University students with elementary and middle school students at Tidewater Collegiate Academy through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Batten students serve as “Bigs,” meeting weekly with their mentees to build supportive relationships while strengthening their own leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. Coordinated through The Athenaeum, the initiative brings together civic engagement, experiential learning, professional development, and career development to create a meaningful opportunity for students to learn through service. Big Brothers Big Sisters recently hosted “Mentorship 101” on campus to prepare participating students for their roles as mentors. Learn More. |
Page to Podium Lecture Series Returns The H.C. Hofheimer II Library opened its Fall 2026 Page to Podium Lecture Series on September 2 with a presentation from Liam Castellano ’27, who explored how student journalism can evolve to reach audiences in an increasingly visual and social media-driven world. Castellano, a media & communication major and student photographer and videographer for Batten’s Office of Marketing & Communications, presented “Making Headlines Move: Adapting Student Journalism for the Age of Social Media.” His presentation highlighted a project that combined his academic interests, professional skills, and passion for visual storytelling while creating a new avenue for the student newspaper, The Marlin Chronicle, to engage readers. Read More. |
Welcoming Our New Faculty Annie and I were delighted to host the first of several dinners at DeFord Manor welcoming new faculty members to the Batten University community. These small gatherings provide an opportunity to get to know our newest colleagues, share updates on the University’s continued growth and momentum, and discuss the important role faculty play in advancing academic excellence and student success. Welcome to the Marlin Family! |
Labor Day Tradition Labor Day offered two enjoyable opportunities to connect with friends and community leaders in Hampton Roads. I joined Congressman Bobby Scott H’22 for brunch at The Landing at Hampton Marina with Ross Mugler, President and CEO of the Association of Governing Boards; Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi; Attorney General Jay Jones; Virginia Beach School Board member Alveta Green; and others.
Later, Jane P. Batten H’06, Executive in Residence David R. Black H’21, and I attended Congressman Scott’s annual Labor Day Cookout in Newport News, where we enjoyed visiting with Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Norfolk Mayor and Richard Bland College President Kenny Alexander, Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré, Virginia Beach City Council member Amelia Ross-Hammond, Hampton University President Darrell Williams, Joni Ivey, Gaylene Kanoyton, former Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Virginia Secretary of Education Jeff Smith, and many others.
I am grateful to Congressman Scott for his friendship and hospitality and for bringing together leaders from across the Commonwealth. |
Celebrating Our Newest Batten Honors Scholars We proudly celebrated the newest scholars of the Jane P. Batten Honors College at our traditional Convocation and Pinning Ceremony. Our thanks to Dr. Eileen Chou, Interim Dean of the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, for delivering an inspiring keynote address and accepting the Wesley Award.
We were also honored to welcome Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten, Board of Trustees Chair Nancy DeFord, Trustees Louis Ryan and Jim Shumadine, each of whom has played a meaningful role in the vision, development, and continued success of the Honors College. We are grateful for their enduring commitment to our students and the University.
Read More | View Photo Gallery | Watch Event on BattenU Digital Broadcasting Network |
A Historic Founders Day Celebration It was a delight to celebrate our first Founders Day as Batten University with members of our platform party: (from right) Bill Gobble ’03, Alumni Council Chair; Dr. Andy Edwards ’98, keynote speaker and 2026 Beacon Award recipient; and Rev. Evelyn Archer-Taminger, Pastor of Haygood United Methodist Church and University Chaplain.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize three outstanding Marlins with our 2026 alumni awards: Tassos Paphites ’79, Distinguished Alumnus Award; Julie Kissell ’82, Alumni Service Award; and Stephanie Gorham, MBA ’23, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award. Each represents the lasting impact of a Batten University education and the many ways our alumni continue to lead, serve, and strengthen their communities.
Congratulations to all of our honorees on a memorable and historic Founders Day! Read More | View Photo Gallery | Watch Event on BattenU Digital Broadcasting Network |
Building the Future of Healthcare in Coastal Virginia I was proud to share my latest op-ed in The Virginian Pilot on how the union of Batten University and Sentara College of Health Sciences is expanding opportunities for students, strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce, and helping build the future of healthcare in Coastal Virginia. Read Op-ed. |
Hands-On Learning at Virginia MOCA Virginia MOCA is offering a new Education and Engagement Student Assistant position for a current Batten University student, made possible through the support of a Friend of Batten University and Virginia MOCA. The part-time position will provide hands-on experience in museum education and audience engagement through public programs, studio classes, tours, community outreach, and other projects. The opportunity further strengthens the partnership between Batten University and Virginia MOCA while connecting students with meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. Learn more and apply. |
Timbaland Brings CreatorVerse to Batten University CreatorVerse, a festival celebrating youth innovation, creativity, and live music, will take place Saturday, October 24, across Batten University, including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Created by Grammy Award-winning producer and Virginia Beach native Timbaland and his nonprofit Timbaland Way Cares, in partnership with Access College Foundation and Batten University, the festival will bring students and community members from across the region to explore emerging technologies, the creative economy, and future career pathways. Timbaland will be showcased in discussions at the Goode Center in addition to a ticketed event at Virginia MOCA. Learn More | WTKR News Most events are free and open to students and the public, but registration is required. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
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