September 21, 2026
Good morning, |
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I am honored to share that Batten University has been selected by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council as the recipient of a 2026 Workforce Innovation Award, recognizing our contributions to the regional workforce. The award highlights three major initiatives expanding educational access, strengthening career pathways and responding to the workforce needs of Coastal Virginia:
- Batten University Global Campus Workforce Development, including our partnership with Virginia Beach Economic Development to provide education and training aligned with regional employers and emerging workforce needs.
- The acquisition and integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences, expanding opportunities in nursing and health sciences while addressing critical healthcare workforce needs.
- The Prison Education Program, offered through Batten University’s Gilbert T. Bland Center for Urban Leadership Education at St. Brides and Indian Creek Correctional Centers, extends higher education and pathways to meaningful employment for justice-impacted learners.
I am especially grateful to the faculty and staff, community partners and colleagues whose vision, hard work and commitment have made these opportunities possible. This recognition belongs to all who have helped extend the reach of a Batten University education and strengthen our ability to serve students, employers and communities throughout the region. Together, these initiatives reflect Batten University’s growing role across Coastal Virginia and our commitment to meeting the educational and economic needs of the communities we serve. I look forward to accepting the award on behalf of the University at the Workforce Innovation Awards reception on November 5 at Rivers Casino Portsmouth. |
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Each October, the Marlin Family Campaign for Faculty and Staff brings our campus community together around the pride we share in Batten University. More than an annual giving campaign, it is a chance to celebrate what makes our Marlin community special, connect with colleagues, and reflect the spirit of generosity and shared pride that make this place so meaningful.
Our faculty and staff make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The campaign is another way to demonstrate our shared investment in Batten University and the future we are building together. Every gift, regardless of size, represents participation and a belief in the people, programs, and experiences that make Batten University extraordinary.
And, of course, we’ll have some fun along the way! Weekly prize drawings will include Norfolk Admirals tickets, $120 to our campus dining locations courtesy of Sodexo Dining Services, and Batten University swag. Make your gift early for a chance to be entered into every drawing.
Back by popular demand: Trivia Tuesdays! Every Tuesday in October is Marlin Family Trivia Tuesday. Test your knowledge of our community, and each correct answer earns you another entry into our prize drawings. Special this year: Submit a childhood Halloween costume photo for our October 27 Halloween Edition and let your colleagues guess who’s who! Submit your photo here.
Thank you for being part of the Marlin Family and for all you do each day to make Batten University an extraordinary place to learn, work, and grow. |
I am pleased to share that Jason Seward ’05, Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Central Business District Association of Virginia Beach (CBDA). CBDA serves as a leading voice for the business community in the Pembroke Strategic Growth Area, bringing together business, civic, and community leaders to advance economic growth, development, and quality of life across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. Jason’s service on the CBDA Board represents an important opportunity for Batten University to strengthen its partnership with the region’s business and civic leadership while bringing the perspective of higher education to conversations about economic development, workforce preparation, innovation, and community vitality. Pictured with Jason is Jeanne Evans-Cox, Executive Director at Central Business District Association. |
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), of which Batten University is a longtime member, has released its 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting its work to strengthen independent higher education during a period of significant change. The report showcases how CIC and its member institutions are turning challenges into opportunities through collaboration, innovation, and new approaches to institutional sustainability and student success.
Highlights include expanded resources for constructive dialogue and free expression; CIC’s confidential Partnerships and Mergers Program, which helps institutions explore strategic partnerships and long-term stability; and the CIC Tuition Exchange Program, providing full-tuition opportunities at hundreds of participating institutions for eligible employees and their families. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the valuable advocacy, programming, and collaboration CIC provides to independent colleges and universities nationwide.
I encourage members of the Batten University community to review the CIC Annual Report and learn more about the organization’s work and the collective strength of independent higher education. |
Batten University, recognized as Virginia’s Innovative University of the Arts & Sciences, is a proud member of New American Colleges and Universities (NACU), a national consortium of private comprehensive colleges and universities committed to integrating the liberal arts, professional studies, and civic engagement. We are pleased to welcome Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, as NACU’s newest member, bringing the consortium to 28 institutions nationwide. Lynn is a natural fit, with its innovative, student-centered approach emphasizing hands-on learning, global experiences, career preparation, four-week block scheduling, accelerated degree options, and integrated technology. Its approximately 3,500 students represent more than 100 countries.
Lynn joins NACU during an exciting period of growth, following the recent additions of the University of Evansville, University of Redlands, York College of Pennsylvania, and Augsburg University. NACU’s collaborative spirit connects faculty, staff, and administrators to share ideas, develop new approaches, and address common challenges in higher education. The consortium also oversees the Washington Internship Institute, providing students with immersive experiences in Washington, D.C. We welcome President Kevin M. Ross and the Lynn University community to a network that shares Batten University’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and student success. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show The Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, sponsored by Atlantic Union Bank, celebrates its 70th anniversary October 9–11 along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. More than 160 artists will participate in the free weekend event, along with family-friendly activities and performances in the Virginia MOCA ART Park. Volunteers play an essential role in bringing this longstanding community tradition to life, and opportunities are available throughout the weekend. Sign up to volunteer. |
Welcoming Our Newest International Students It was a pleasure to welcome our new international students to DeFord Manor for lunch and an opportunity to get to know one another. This year’s group, hailing from eleven countries including France, Italy, Taiwan, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Togo, Japan, Norway, Finland, and the United Kingdom, brings a rich diversity of cultures and perspectives that will greatly enrich our campus community. We are delighted to welcome them to Batten University and the Marlin family. |
Executive Leadership Series It was a pleasure to attend Regent University’s Executive Leadership Series luncheon at The Founders Inn. Pictured are Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer (top, far right); Police Chief Paul Neudigate (bottom, far left); Sgt. W. L. Gervin (bottom, far right); City Council members Amelia Ross-Hammond (bottom) and Cal “Cash” Jackson-Green (top left); and Marlin alumnus Stephen Bruce (Class of 1994), Executive Vice President of Regent University. Many thanks to Regent University Chancellor Gordon Robertson for hosting an engaging gathering and bringing together leaders from throughout our community. |
Regional Connections at Chamber Legislative Reception It was great to visit with friends and colleagues from higher education at the Hampton Roads Chamber’s Regional Legislative Reception at the Harbor Club at Waterside. I was pleased to connect with Towuanna Porter Brannon (top left), President of Virginia Peninsula Community College; Billy Kelly, President of Christopher Newport University; Javaune Adams-Gaston (bottom), President of Norfolk State University; and Virginia Beach City Council member Amelia Ross-Hammond (top right). It is always valuable to connect with leaders working together to strengthen our region. |
A Festive Start to the Academic Year Annie and I enjoyed hosting Batten University faculty and staff at DeFord Manor for our annual start-of-the-academic-year gathering. A Caribbean theme, great food, wonderful fellowship and music by the One Love Steel Drum Band made for a festive evening and a great way to begin the year together. |
Answering the Call The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry has released its 2025 Impact Report, Answering the Call, highlighting the continued work of The United Methodist Church to strengthen educational institutions, develop transformational leaders and expand access to theological education. The report highlights investments in United Methodist-related colleges, universities and seminaries, as well as scholarships, grants and strategic partnerships supporting students and institutions around the world. Read the 2025 Impact Report. |
The Pharos: September 2026 Available Now I am pleased to share the September 2026 editionof The Pharos, our monthly newsletter celebrating the professional accomplishments of Batten University faculty and staff. From publications and conference presentations to performances, grants, professional awards, and campus and community contributions, The Pharos highlights the many ways our colleagues are making an impact in their fields and beyond.
Have an accomplishment to share? Submit yours for a future edition. |
P2P: A New Way to Think About AI in Higher Ed As executive editor of the President to Presidentthought leadership series, I am pleased to share the first chapter of the 2026–2027 series, “Reframing AI in Higher Education: Perspectives from University Presidents.” In “The Fourth World — Reframing AI in Higher Education,” Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun, Ph.D., examines the impact of artificial intelligence and offers strategies for institutions seeking a holistic approach to its use and integration. Each month, the series will feature perspectives from college and university presidents exploring the challenges and opportunities AI presents for higher education. Read Chapter One. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Marlins! Sincerely, |
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