Wednesday, July 15, 2020
VWU Alumni News
Stay connected and updated through the latest issue of Virginia Wesleyan Alumni News: https://conta.cc/2DDOlV0
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Nota Bene: Returning to Campus Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guide
I recently shared with you the preliminary plans for our return to campus in August, including move-in dates and our altered academic calendar. Today I am pleased to share a more detailed planning document. I ask that you review this information carefully and refer to it often, as it contains important guidelines for the safety and well-being of our campus community.
The Returning to Campus Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guide was formulated by our Emergency Response Team, informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and follows strict guidance from the Office of the Secretary of Education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Health. It covers information pertaining to:
- Repopulation of Campus
- Monitoring Health Conditions and Detecting Infection
- Containment to Spread of the Disease When Detected
- Shutdown Considerations if Necessitated by Severe Conditions and/or Public Health Guidance
This thorough plan, which will be archived on the University's COVID-19 webpage at www.vwu.edu/coronavirus, will allow us to safely return to campus and offer our students the liberal arts experience that is our fundamental mission. Nothing is more important than the safety of our campus community, and it is because of the strength of our community that I have confidence in our ability to come together and meet the challenges that this fall will bring.
More information will be forthcoming about academics, residence life, and campus life. Should you have questions in the meantime, please direct your inquiries to the appropriate contacts below.
Campus Life and Operational Management
Office of Residence Life: reslife@vwu.edu or 757.455.3295
Office of Campus Life and Operational Management: campuslife@vwu.edu or 757.455.3273
Student Counseling Center: counseling@vwu.edu 757.455.5730
Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid: finaid@vwu.edu or 757.455.5733
The Malbon Center for Technology
IT Helpdesk: helpdesk@vwu.edu or 757.524.5900
Academic Affairs
Office of Academic Affairs: academic-affairs@vwu.edu or 757.455.3210
Office of the Registrar: registrar@vwu.edu or 757.455.3358
Learning Center: learningcenter@vwu.edu or 757.455.3122
Student Accounts
Office of Finance and Administration: finance@vwu.edu or 757.455.3280
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Monday, July 13, 2020
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
On July 6, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced concerning new regulations banning international students from remaining at American colleges and universities that, due to the pandemic, have chosen to operate entirely online this fall. While our plan is to hold in-person and remote courses this semester, which may exclude Virginia Wesleyan's international students from these regulations, this information is still an upsetting disruption during an already stressful time. I feel for these students and all of higher education as the administration is making a very difficult situation even more so.
These actions are in direct opposition with our beliefs, values, culture, and mission. For that reason, Ihave joined colleagues on the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in issuing a position statement and signing on to the amicus brief in support of the Harvard/MIT lawsuit challenging the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance. The amicus brief will be submitted on behalf of higher education associations seeking to enjoin the directive. I have also signed, on behalf of the University, a letter to Congress coordinated by the American Council on Education asking for assistance in rescinding the regulation.
I want to express my strong support and admiration for our international students, who are valued and important members of our University community. We have been communicating directly with those affected not only by the COVID-19 crisis but also these restrictive new regulations. We will do everything we can to advocate for and support our international Marlin family, and we will keep the VWU community informed as additional details become available.
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I am pleased to welcome the fourth class of new Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars to our highly selective Batten Honors College. Founded in 2016, with the first class enrolled in fall 2017, the Batten Honors 
College quickly emerged as a national niche program of Virginia Wesleyan University. Students offered admission to this distinguished program are impressive, and our newest class boasts a collective grade point average of 4.21 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1382, and an average ACT score of 30 (both ACT and SAT are a four-year high). Students hail from all over the country--California, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia--as well as internationally with both Germany and India represented:
College quickly emerged as a national niche program of Virginia Wesleyan University. Students offered admission to this distinguished program are impressive, and our newest class boasts a collective grade point average of 4.21 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1382, and an average ACT score of 30 (both ACT and SAT are a four-year high). Students hail from all over the country--California, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia--as well as internationally with both Germany and India represented:| Raul Agosto Tallon Allway Katelyn Baines Brian Berkeley Felix Bevc Melina Cabral Alex Cain Claire Carter Cara Caruso Abigail Craige Kiera Doyle Erika Eichelberger Makenna Good Henry Handley Brice Johnson Alysia Kelly Elias Kenworthy Dheeraj Koritala Casey Lang Alyssa Lane Abigail Mahoney Breana Mahoney | Jacksonville, NC Ashburn, VA Atco, NJ Oak Hill, VA Frankfurt, Germany Seekonk, MA Chesapeake, VA Loris, SC Ashburn, VA Sea Isle City, NJ Davidsonville, MD McConnellsburg, PA Lebanon, PA Fredericksburg, VA Elkhart, IN Gainesville, VA Perkasie, PA Hyderabad, India Purcellville, VA Temple, PA Dulles, VA Richmond, VA | Edward McDonald Alexander Moody Jillian Mulholland Benjamin Olson Aaron Oman Jack Palmer Gavin Prouty Rachel Quigley Stuart Reyes Nathan Richardson Alexandra Saxon Jaiden Shaw Grace Sweers Rhian Tramontana Kainaat Trehan Brooke Underwood Samantha Vos John Wampler Nolan Wilson Rachel Wilson Davon Young | Chesapeake, VA Portsmouth, VA Beachwood, NJ Henrico, VA New Market, MD Gainesville, VA Round Hill, VA Columbus, NJ Falls Church, VA Fredericksburg, VA Stone Ridge, VA Stafford, VA Winterville, NC Southold, NY New Delhi, India Chesapeake, VA New Paltz, NY Crownsville, MD Binghamton, NY Aliso Viejo, CA Hampton, VA |
The Batten Honors College is gratefully named for Virginia Wesleyan Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr. For nearly 40 years, Mrs. Batten has been a force for change, improvement, and empowerment, and she believes deeply that students of the highest academic ability will flourish through this innovative program. We are endlessly grateful for her passion for knowledge and her enduring support.
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Administrative/Staff Holiday Calendar
I share with our campus community a link to the administrative/staff holiday calendar for 2020. The 2021 calendar will be finalized later this fall as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis and have a better understanding of what the spring semester will look like.
New Website Launches for VWU's Work and Learn Program
Our new Work and Learn Program website is now live. The user-friendly resource allows students to explore 
all options available for on-campus employment experiences through the Campus Cooperative, Federal Work-Study (FWS), Opus, and Residential Leadership programs. The WLP is dedicated to providing students with meaningful work opportunities that allow them to better engage with the Virginia Wesleyan University community. Students will develop the skills and experiences necessary to be competitive in today's job market while also having the opportunity to actively contribute toward the cost of their education. Students can earn up to $2,500 annually through both FWS and the Campus Cooperative. Students selected to serve as a Resident Assistant in the Residential Leadership Program will earn $4,200 annually. The WLP supports the University's focus on affordability of a Virginia Wesleyan education, expanding our reach and providing a longer-term plan that will support our students and University community on many levels. View the new website here.
all options available for on-campus employment experiences through the Campus Cooperative, Federal Work-Study (FWS), Opus, and Residential Leadership programs. The WLP is dedicated to providing students with meaningful work opportunities that allow them to better engage with the Virginia Wesleyan University community. Students will develop the skills and experiences necessary to be competitive in today's job market while also having the opportunity to actively contribute toward the cost of their education. Students can earn up to $2,500 annually through both FWS and the Campus Cooperative. Students selected to serve as a Resident Assistant in the Residential Leadership Program will earn $4,200 annually. The WLP supports the University's focus on affordability of a Virginia Wesleyan education, expanding our reach and providing a longer-term plan that will support our students and University community on many levels. View the new website here.
VWU Organizational Structure Updates
We welcome Heather Campbell '04 as the Chief Enrollment Officer. She replaces David Waggoner, our Vice President for Enrollment over the past five years, who will retire on August 1. In addition to serving as Director of Undergraduate Enrollment, Heather has been an important leader in marketing and events. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University, Heather also holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. Please join me in congratulating Heather on this well-deserved position. I know her leadership will continue to be instrumental to our institution.
I also wish to thank David for his service to the institution and strong leadership as we developed a comprehensive enrollment plan over the last five years. His work here is a fitting capstone to a decorated career in higher education.
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Virginia Wesleyan alumnus Trey DelPo '17 is the new Operations Manager and Technical Director for 
the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. He replaces Tammy Thornes, who retired this spring. Trey graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2017, where he was honored to receive the Hite Award for Distinguished Service to the Theatre Department, and received his master's in theatre from Bowling Green State University in 2018. During his time at these institutions, he worked on a variety of productions serving as an actor, director, dramaturg, set designer, and more. Since then, he has worked on productions for the MLB, the NFL, Netflix, HBO, and the Busch Gardens Entertainment Department. After moving back to the area, while serving as a member of the Virginia Wesleyan University Enrollment team, he continued to work with the Theatre Department on their most recent production of "The Shield" and is incredibly excited to work directly with the professors who helped him find his passion for theatre.
the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. He replaces Tammy Thornes, who retired this spring. Trey graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2017, where he was honored to receive the Hite Award for Distinguished Service to the Theatre Department, and received his master's in theatre from Bowling Green State University in 2018. During his time at these institutions, he worked on a variety of productions serving as an actor, director, dramaturg, set designer, and more. Since then, he has worked on productions for the MLB, the NFL, Netflix, HBO, and the Busch Gardens Entertainment Department. After moving back to the area, while serving as a member of the Virginia Wesleyan University Enrollment team, he continued to work with the Theatre Department on their most recent production of "The Shield" and is incredibly excited to work directly with the professors who helped him find his passion for theatre.
Coastal 61 at Oxford Village
I've received a number of inquiries about eligibility to live in Coastal 61 at Oxford Village. 
A reminder that when we received approval from the City of Virginia Beach for the complex, we agreed to certain restrictions because it was being constructed in a residential community. Undergraduate student housing there is limited and is based on upper-level standing, with a series of eligibility requirements established by the University in concert with the local civic league and city (see the Office of Residence Life for those criteria before contacting management). Graduate students, 12-month international students meeting criteria, and faculty and staff are welcomed. Visit coastal61.com to learn more.
A reminder that when we received approval from the City of Virginia Beach for the complex, we agreed to certain restrictions because it was being constructed in a residential community. Undergraduate student housing there is limited and is based on upper-level standing, with a series of eligibility requirements established by the University in concert with the local civic league and city (see the Office of Residence Life for those criteria before contacting management). Graduate students, 12-month international students meeting criteria, and faculty and staff are welcomed. Visit coastal61.com to learn more.
Athletics Partners with SIDEARM Sports
I am pleased to share our athletic department has launched a multi-year partnership with industry leader SIDEARM 
Sports. As part of the new partnership, the athletics website will undergo a redesign that will go live on August 12. SIDEARM Sports is one of the biggest brands in collegiate athletics as they have partnered with numerous colleges and universities across all three NCAA divisions as well as NAIA and the NJCAA. The new design will be fully responsive, allowing users to easily access the website on multiple platforms (mobile, desktop, tablet). The redesign also features new looks to the team roster and statistical pages, larger images on story pages, and easy navigation to specific areas for fans and prospective student-athletes, while still providing the comprehensive coverage of Virginia Wesleyan's 22 athletic teams that have been a staple of the Marlins athletic website.
Sports. As part of the new partnership, the athletics website will undergo a redesign that will go live on August 12. SIDEARM Sports is one of the biggest brands in collegiate athletics as they have partnered with numerous colleges and universities across all three NCAA divisions as well as NAIA and the NJCAA. The new design will be fully responsive, allowing users to easily access the website on multiple platforms (mobile, desktop, tablet). The redesign also features new looks to the team roster and statistical pages, larger images on story pages, and easy navigation to specific areas for fans and prospective student-athletes, while still providing the comprehensive coverage of Virginia Wesleyan's 22 athletic teams that have been a staple of the Marlins athletic website.
2020 State of the University
Each August, prior to the start of the fall semester, I deliver an annual State of the University address to the campus community. The address includes highlights, initiatives and significant accomplishments from the past year, recognition of faculty and staff, points of pride, recent University news and information, current campus projects and direction for the future of the University. This year's State of the University will be delivered virtually on Friday, August 21. The program will be streamed and archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
COVID-19 Information
As a reminder, please be sure to check Virginia Wesleyan's COVID-19 resource page for updates and information: www.vwu.edu/coronavirus
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
Branding for our recently refreshed Recreation and Wellness program (UREC) is in progress across campus. Check out the new graphics at the racquetball courts in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
Our newest issue of the Wesleyan Review is now available. Read about the latest VWU news and events here.
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez
Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez
Instagram: @prezscottmiller
LinkedIn: Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.
Flickr: Scott D. Miller
Dialogue: prezscottmiller.blogspot.com
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email)
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Have a great week!
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Enrollment Innovation During COVID-19
COVID-19 has presented higher education with many unique and unprecedented challenges. No institution has been spared its impact—national or global, public or private, liberal arts or research institutions, nor those with large or small endowments. It has become clear in the higher education landscape, however, that those who acted swiftly and thoughtfully appear to be in better shape than their competitors who waited to enact a plan.
Read more in my latest Enrollment Manager article: https://www.dwyereducationstrategies.com/enrollment-innovation-during-covid-19/
Read more in my latest Enrollment Manager article: https://www.dwyereducationstrategies.com/enrollment-innovation-during-covid-19/
Friday, July 10, 2020
The Wesleyan Review: July 10, 2020
Our newest issue of the Wesleyan Review is now available. Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/3iOU76u
The Inside Splash with Coach Dave Macedo
Virginia Wesleyan Athletics has launched a new "Inside Splash" segment, featuring members of the coaching staff. In this inaugural piece, head men's basketball coach Dave Macedo is interviewed by VWU Sports Information intern Taylor Major '20. Check it out: https://bit.ly/2ZVYgwG
Thursday, July 9, 2020
2020 Millennial on the Move: Tiffany M. Boyle
Congratulations to CovaBiz "Millenial on the Move" honoree Tiffany Boyle, a 2014 Virginia Wesleyan graduate. Tiffany is the Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Newport News and serves on the President's Council at VWU. Read more: https://covabizmag.com/2020-millennial-on-the-move-tiffany-m-boyle/
Monday, July 6, 2020
VWU Founders Day Keynote Speaker
Pleased to share that Anthony Walters, President & CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee, will be the featured speaker for our annual Founders Day Convocation on September 10.
Anthony Walters, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, to speak on Founders Day September 10. Read more: https://bit.ly/2AziSlT
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!
Since the founding of the distinctive Batten Honors College in the fall of 2017, an intimate recognition ceremony has been held at the beginning of the academic year for the newest Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars. A ceremonial pinning of each student represents their completion of orientation and formal induction into the program. As the Batten Honors College has flourished, the ceremony has also grown. As such, we have adopted a convocation format this year, which will bring all four classes together for the first time.
This fall, we will virtually welcome Dr. Ian Solomon, Dean of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy, as the keynote speaker. This special event will be held on our Founders Day, September 10, in a modified format to prioritize the health and well-being of our campus community and guests.
Both the Batten Honors College Convocation Ceremony (September 10) and the Matriculation Ceremony (August 20), will be livestreamed and archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
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Founders Day is a Virginia Wesleyan tradition that gives students, faculty, staff and special guests 
an opportunity to honor the University's history. Founders Day Convocation, which includes the
an opportunity to honor the University's history. Founders Day Convocation, which includes the
Alumni Awards, is normally attended by all students, faculty and staff of the University. This year, given the special circumstances we face, we will be livestreaming our virtual Founders Day event on Thursday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m.
As I shared in my July President's Letter, our Founders Day Keynote Speaker will be Anthony Walters, President and CEO for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and a valued member of our VWU Board of Trustees. Read more here.
I am also pleased to share our 2020 Alumni Awards recipients:
Distinguished Alumni Award - Lee Stevenson '85
Lee T. Stevenson '85 is a VWU Board of Trustees member and President of LineSlip Solutions, Inc. a software company at the heart of the commercial insurance industries digital transformation. Prior to joining LineSlip in January 2020, Lee spent 25 years in a variety of operational and strategic leadership roles at the global firm Marsh & McLennan Companies. Most recently he served as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director for Marsh North America where he helped oversee day-to-day business and served on the division's Executive Committee. He was responsible for driving and implementing strategic, financial and operational initiatives as well as managing operations and technology. Lee started his career at Marsh in the Private Equity Mergers and Acquisition group where he spent 16 years. He is a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Turnaround Management Association, is an active angel investor and sits on numerous boards. He is a native of Virginia's Eastern Shore and lives in Chicago with his wife, Lara (D'Domenicus) Stevenson '88. They have three children, Taylor, Jack and Natalie.
I am also pleased to share our 2020 Alumni Awards recipients:
Distinguished Alumni Award - Lee Stevenson '85
Lee T. Stevenson '85 is a VWU Board of Trustees member and President of LineSlip Solutions, Inc. a software company at the heart of the commercial insurance industries digital transformation. Prior to joining LineSlip in January 2020, Lee spent 25 years in a variety of operational and strategic leadership roles at the global firm Marsh & McLennan Companies. Most recently he served as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director for Marsh North America where he helped oversee day-to-day business and served on the division's Executive Committee. He was responsible for driving and implementing strategic, financial and operational initiatives as well as managing operations and technology. Lee started his career at Marsh in the Private Equity Mergers and Acquisition group where he spent 16 years. He is a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Turnaround Management Association, is an active angel investor and sits on numerous boards. He is a native of Virginia's Eastern Shore and lives in Chicago with his wife, Lara (D'Domenicus) Stevenson '88. They have three children, Taylor, Jack and Natalie.
Alumni Service Award - Dr. James Embrey '72
James P. Embrey, Ph.D., CRNA '72 entered the United States Army upon graduation from Virginia Wesleyan and completed training as a medic and Licensed Practical Nurse. Dr. Embrey transferred to the United States Army Reserves while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Augusta University (formerly the Medical College of Georgia) in 1977. He then returned to Richmond and received his commission in the United States Army Reserve Nurse Corps. Dr. Embrey began his nursing career at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals while completing his Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia. From 1980 to 1998, he assumed roles in clinical and didactic instruction, and administrative roles in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In 1984 and 1991, respectively, he completed a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and a Doctorate in Education from VCU. In 1994, Dr. Embrey retired from the United States Army Reserves at the rank of Major. He served twice as the Interim Chairperson for the Department of Nurse Anesthesia until he accepted the role of Chief Nurse Anesthetist at Johnston-Willis Hospital for Commonwealth Anesthesia Associates in 1999. During his tenure at VCU, he was a recognized national lecturer and coordinator of nurse anesthesia continuing education meetings. After 15 years with the Commonwealth Anesthesia Associates as one of their lead nurse anesthetists, Dr. Embrey began working as a freelance nurse anesthetist at numerous health care facilities in central Virginia. He is married to Ann Grayson Price Embrey and they have two adult children and three grandchildren. He and his family live in the Richmond metropolitan area.
Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award - Dominique Fowler '12
Dominique Fowler '12 is the Director of Alumni Relations at Virginia Union University in Richmond. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Urban Education with a focus in Higher Education and expects to graduate in December. He is a founding member of the Virginia Wesleyan Black Alumni organization and 
currently serves on the VWU Alumni Council and the University's President's Council for Inclusive Communities. While at VWU, he participated in the Student Government Association, Off the Hook (formerly the Wesleyan Activities Council - WAC), and he was a student ambassador as well as the 2011 Homecoming King.
currently serves on the VWU Alumni Council and the University's President's Council for Inclusive Communities. While at VWU, he participated in the Student Government Association, Off the Hook (formerly the Wesleyan Activities Council - WAC), and he was a student ambassador as well as the 2011 Homecoming King.
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Moving Ahead: Lakeland University Japan and Virginia Wesleyan University Global
Earlier this spring, Virginia Wesleyan launched an exclusive agreement with Lakeland University to jointly operate a campus in Tokyo. The name change of the campus in Tokyo--Lakeland University Japan / Virginia Wesleyan University Global--recently received final approval from all appropriate regulatory authorities.
The joint marketing team from LU/VWU has developed a temporary website to provide pertinent information to current and prospective students. The team will now begin work on a fully co-branded website. This donor-funded venture will create a variety of opportunities for the University and is a part of Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus (formerly University College), led by Dr. Paul Ewell (Dean).
LUJ/VWU Global is a liberal arts college located in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo, Japan. After two years, students enroll at Virginia Wesleyan or Lakeland University in Wisconsin to continue their bachelor's degree studies.
VWU Offers Test-Optional Admission Policy for Fall 2021
COVID-19 mandates against mass gatherings unfortunately resulted in the cancellation of SAT and ACT
administrations this spring, and there is no certainty that either organization will be able offer testing this fall. Our competition is already acting. FairTest: the National Center for Fair and Open Testing has identified over 1,250 accredited four-year colleges and universities with optional testing policies for Fall 2021. More than 20 Virginia institutions are on this list. For that reason, we have chosen to adopt a test-optional policy at Virginia Wesleyan for the 2021 recruitment cycle. If we had not chosen this path, we would in effect "freeze" the admission process, as without test scores we could not make admission decisions on Fall 2021 applications.
Hunt Scanlon Media Podcast: "The Future of the College Presidency"
In a recent episode of "Talent Talks," Jay Lemons (President of Academic Search, Inc.) and I joined Hunt Scanlon Media host Rob Adams for a lively discussion. In this exclusive podcast, I reflect on the evolution of the college presidency over my 30 years in the industry and provide an outlook as to how I expect this role to continue to evolve over the next 30 years. Jay then provides his expertise as to how Academic Search is keeping up with the transforming role of the college presidency. Listen here.
VWU Digital Broadcasting Network to Stream Fall Events
A wide variety of insitutional events, which have been moved to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 crisis, will be streamed on the Virginia Wesleyan University Digital Broadcasting Network this fall:
- State of the University Address (August 21)
- Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony (August 20)
- Founders Day Convocation (September 10)
- Batten Honors College Convocation (September 10)
Visit the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network and the VWU athletics website for
details.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
In celebration of Pride Month, and in support of all LGBT members of our VWU family, our community, this nation, and beyond, we proudly flew a Pride flag on our campus adjacent to the American flag and Virginia state flag.
I am pleased to share that non-credit continuing education courses offered by VWU Global Campus enrolled over 8,000 learners during the COVID-19 crisis. We offer hundreds of non-credit personal and professional development courses online that have become very attractive in the Coastal Virginia region. Kudos to Dr. Paul Ewell, Dean of VWU Global Campus, Larry Belcher, Director of Enrollment, VWU Global Campus, and Marion Hibbler, Coordinator of Evening and Weekend Program, for their leadership.
Here is an interesting visual perspective of the main entrance to campus as seen from the clubhouse at Oxford Village. For additional information on the unique P3 project with The Franklin Johnston Group, check out coastal61.com The eight-building, 244-unit luxury apartment complex is expected to have two buildings ready in September with completion of the entire complex by early 2021. Kudos to Marlyn Development Corporation for their leadership on this project.
The platforms for new seating in TowneBank Arena were completed early last week and contractors have now turned their attention to bench-style seating in the end stands and stadium-style seating in the main concourse (view photos here).
Atlantic Culinary Environments, Inc. of Danville, Pennsylvania, is hard at work on renovations to Boyd Dining Center, which are scheduled for completion August 5. Stay tuned for pictures of the beautifully updated center in the coming weeks.
Block Roofing is wrapping up the new roof on the recently-renovated Monumental Chapel and Beazley Recital Hall. When they finish this week, work will start work on the new roof for Susan T. Beverly Hall (formerly Fine Arts Building).
Taylor Construction of Virginia Beach is completing all new bathroom facilities in Beverly Hall, and Alwayz Frezh of Norfolk is completing the renovation of classrooms and studios in the facility.
If you're in the area of the Alumni Galleria in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, be sure to stop by and see the new Student Activities Suite and Dining and Conference Services Suite. Renovation was completed to include both areas after Duplication and Postal Services moved to the Scribner University Store.
During yesterday's walkabout, I had the opportunity to experience the beauty of the gardens at the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Since the completion of the center three years ago, the gardens have matured not only into a another picturesque area on our beautiful campus, but also a valuable educational resource. The landscaping features 25,000 native plantings, wildlife habitats, vegetated bioretention basins, and constructed wetlands for stormwater runoffs. Special thanks to our partners from the Norfolk Botanical Garden for their special care of this area and contribution to the educational value and experience of our students.
As we enter Phase III of the Governor's Reopening Plan, it's good to see so many faculty and staff taking a break and walking some of our newly-surfaced paths. The Trails at Wesleyan Woods (Honors Village to Brock Village connector, and Lake Taylor path) and the path connecting to Oxford Village have been particularly popular. Trail maps are posted on campus for your convenience and can also be viewed here.
As time permits, staff and volunteers have been working on the Norfolk component of The Trails at Wesleyan Woods with hopes of having them open to the community by next spring. Starting on Norfolk Lane (the roadway to Facilities Management), the trails currently loop the wooded 44 acres located in Norfolk that are bordered by the west side of Lake Taylor and Interstate 64.
We are proud to call Virginia Beach our home, and are excited for the Oceanfront-themed wallpaper signage in the Batten Student Center across from Coastal Market (view photos here).
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez
Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez
Instagram: @prezscottmiller
LinkedIn: Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.
Flickr: Scott D. Miller
Dialogue: prezscottmiller.blogspot.com
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email)
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Have a great week!
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