October 26, 2026
Good morning, |
|
I am pleased to share that Captain Chad K. Upright, U.S. Navy, will deliver the keynote address at our Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial located on the plaza directly behind Godwin Hall. Captain Upright serves as Commanding Officer of the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Consortium, where he oversees the education, training, and leadership development of future Navy and Marine Corps officers.
A native of Tannersville, Pennsylvania, Captain Upright graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in Systems Engineering. A career Naval Aviator, he previously commanded Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN, known as the “Dusty Dogs,” leading the squadron through two record-breaking deployments aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also served as Deputy Commodore of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific.
Captain Upright holds an MBA from Penn State University and a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College. He brings extensive operational and leadership experience to his current role, preparing the next generation of military officers for service.
We hope all Marlins will join us for this special ceremony as we come together to honor the service, sacrifice, and dedication of our nation’s veterans. |
We look forward to welcoming Dr. William L. “Bill” Murray, Batten University Trustee and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Dominion Energy, as keynote speaker for the fall Marlin Business Conference, November 16–19. With extensive experience in corporate leadership, public policy, government relations, and community engagement, Dr. Murray brings a valuable perspective on leadership in an evolving business landscape.
His keynote address on Monday, November 16, at 6:00 p.m. will open the student-led conference, themed “Creating Careers,” which connects students with accomplished business leaders through career exploration, professional networking, and experiential learning. Organized through the MBE 301: Principles of Management course, the conference is led by student co-CEOs Thomas Skelly and John Enoch and Chief of Staff Max Davis. We appreciate Dr. Murray’s commitment to our students and look forward to the insights he will share. |
|
Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy Jason Seward ‘05, and I joined leadership teams from 18 New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) institutions for a three-day visit to Arizona State University last week. Hosted by ASU President Michael Crow and Executive Vice President Chris Howard, the gathering focused on innovative approaches to higher education, institutional partnerships, and opportunities for collaboration. Much of the program took place at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, with presentations and discussions on EdPlus, AI Transformation, the University Design Institute, Data and Research, and Digital Learning. A particularly fascinating session featured Dreamscape Learn, ASU’s immersive learning initiative combining advanced technology, storytelling, and experiential education. |
The visit provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas with ASU leaders and NACU colleagues, particularly regarding artificial intelligence, emerging educational models, and institutional transformation. ASU’s New American University model, emphasizing access, innovation, and student success, aligns closely with Batten University’s mission. As President Crow often emphasizes, universities should be measured not by whom they exclude, but by whom they include and how those students succeed. With ASU serving more than 200,000 learners and NACU’s 28 member institutions collectively enrolling approximately 100,000 students, these relationships offer significant potential for collaboration. The experience was especially timely as Batten University continues its own transformation through the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences, the addition of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and plans for a new health sciences center. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
|
Trunk-or-Treat Bring your little Marlins, family, and friends to the Student-Athlete Advisory Council's Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 29, for a fun and safe Halloween celebration! Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy treats from festively decorated vehicles in the parking lot of the baseball and softball fields. Join us for an evening of Halloween fun and community spirit. Register Today! |
|
Celebrating 25 Years of Camp Silver Beach The 25th anniversary of Camp Silver Beach brought us to Virginia’s Eastern Shore for a special celebration of its legacy and exciting vision for the future. I was pleased to join Batten University Trustee and YMCA President Anthony Walters and University benefactor Jane Batten H’06 in recognizing 25 years of youth development and community impact. Also pictured are Jason Seward ’05, COO and VP for Enterprise Strategy; Chuck Harris, former YMCA CEO; and Danny Vestal, Executive Director of Camp Silver Beach. |
Strengthening Our Partnership with CBF I enjoyed welcoming Hilary Harp Falk H’23, President and CEO of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, to DeFord Manor for lunch. Our conversation reinforced the strong relationship between Batten University and CBF, rooted in shared priorities of environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement. Joining us were Vice Presidents Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson and Jason Seward. |
Bay Advocacy Institute The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Batten Engaged will present the Bay Advocacy Institute on November 4, 11, and 18 at The Lighthouse in Clarke Hall. This three-part program will introduce participants to state and federal environmental policies, emerging threats and solutions for clean water, and effective advocacy strategies for protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. Participants will hear from Chesapeake Bay Foundation staff, connect with environmental advocates and professionals, and have the opportunity to earn certification as a Bay Advocate. Register Today! |
How Ordinary People Change History The Robert Nusbaum Center, in partnership with the Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning, hosted a timely panel discussion titled Does Anything I Do Actually Matter? How Ordinary People Still Change History. Held in recognition of Vote Early Day, the program explored how individual actions, from voting and advocacy to volunteerism and community involvement, can contribute to meaningful change. Panelists included James Moskowitz, Lecturer in Political Science and Coordinator of NATO Partnership; Arin Shatto, Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning; Kate Slayton, Executive Director of Virginia21; and Rev. Donna Tucker, Pastor of Heritage United Methodist Church. The discussion reinforced the importance of civic participation and the power of ordinary citizens to strengthen their communities and shape the future. Read More. |
From the Classroom to the Campaign Trail Batten University students Abby Culley ’28 (center left) and Sadey Mathis ’30 (center right) are putting classroom learning into practice through internships with candidates for the Virginia Beach School Board ahead of the November 3 General Election. Under the guidance of Lecturer in Political Science James Moskowitz, Culley is working with District 9 candidate Suzanne Berman (far left), while Mathis is assisting District 10 candidate Dr. Betty Spencer (far right). Through voter outreach, campaign communications, and community events, both students are gaining firsthand experience in the democratic process while developing valuable skills in leadership, civic engagement, and public service. Their experiences reflect the University's commitment to experiential learning and the meaningful connections between academic study and community involvement. Read More. |
CIVIC Scholars Begin Leadership Journey The inaugural Class of 2027 CIVIC Scholars recently gathered for an opening retreat, bringing together students from participating institutions for a weekend of leadership development, relationship-building, and collaboration. As a new partner of the CIVIC Leadership Institute, Batten University is pleased to provide students with opportunities to connect with emerging leaders from across Hampton Roads, explore civic engagement, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their academic and professional careers. We look forward to following their experiences as the program progresses. |
Denim, Diamonds, and TowneBank Friends A little rain did not dampen the festivities at the TowneBank Fall Extravaganza: Denim & Diamonds, held at TowneBank’s headquarters campus in Suffolk. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our longstanding partnership with TowneBank and the many friendships that have grown from it. Representing Batten University were COO and VP for Enterprise Strategy Jason Seward ’05, Director of Business and Corporate Development Lora Fara ’20, and VP for Enrollment and Student Success Heather Campbell ’04. Also pictured are TowneBank Founder and Chairman and University Trustee Bob Aston H’20 (bottom center), TowneInsurance Risk Advisor Trent Blythe (top right), and TowneBank Commercial Relationship and Loan Specialist Melina Cabral ’23 (top left center). My thanks to our friends at TowneBank for another memorable evening of fellowship and celebration. |
A Campus Partnership in Action As Tidewater Collegiate Academy (TCA) celebrates its 10th anniversary, its students continue to benefit from meaningful connections across the Batten University campus. A recent week of activities included printmaking at Virginia MOCA, participation in the Robert F. Nusbaum Center lecture series, a National Odyssey Day celebration, a visit to the University’s Career Fair, and a softball clinic with our Marlins. TCA students also engaged with University faculty and student mentors through classroom visits, literary discussions, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. My thanks to TCA Founder and Director Dr. Wendy Scott and our faculty, staff, and students for demonstrating the value of this distinctive educational partnership. |
Fall 2026 Batten University Magazine The Fall 2026 edition of Batten University Magazine, titled Tradition Transformed: Learning in a Changing World, is now available online. This latest issue highlights the people, programs, and partnerships shaping the University's future, with features on academic achievements, student experiences, alumni accomplishments, and institutional progress. From Faces of Transformation and Cornerstones of Success to Partnerships That Power Progress and Building the Next Great Tradition, the magazine celebrates the spirit and momentum of the Batten community. Explore the latest issue. |
Take a Ride at Virginia MOCA Step inside Know Self, a new drawing by Shantell Martin now wrapping the elevator at Virginia MOCA. Martin’s site-specific artwork turns an everyday ride into an opportunity to look closer, follow the lines, and discover something unexpected.
Virginia MOCA is proud to have Martin’s work back at the Museum after featuring her in Seamless: Art and Design, one of the inaugural exhibitions in the new building this spring.
The elevator design installation is part of Virginia MOCA’s Art Everywhere initiative, a long-term vision to activate non-gallery spaces throughout the Museum with art. Art lives at Virginia MOCA. Come take a ride. |
|
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
|
Have a spook-tacular week, Marlins! Sincerely, |
|
|
|
