Excelsis | Fall 2025

XCELSIS E FALL 2025

A B AT T E N H O N O R S C O L L E G E P U B L I C AT I O N | V I R G I N I A W E S L E YA N U N I V E R S I T Y

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

A LegacyFulfilled When Jane Batten’s daughter enrolled as a student at Virginia Wesleyan in 1978, it sparked a nearly five-decade commitment from Mrs. Batten, her late husband Frank, and the Batten family to ensuring that all students have access to an education where personal discoveries in the classroom, in the residence halls, and in the community lead to transformations of self and society. In honor of this enduring and unparalleled philanthropic legacy, our institution will become Batten University in July 2026. It is an incredible opportunity for us to recognize the philanthropic dedication that has fundamentally reshaped who we are and what we aspire to become.

In further recognition, the honors college will become the Jane P. Batten Honors College. As the Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the Batten Honors College, I have had the extraordinary privilege of witnessing how our students transform Jane Batten’s visionary legacy into lived reality. Students come from around the world to pursue this legacy in remarkable ways. Honors students practice environmental stewardship with organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. They embody principles of global citizenship when studying abroad in more than 20 different countries on 6 different continents. They enact leadership while participating in campus organizations, the arts, Model UN, Ethics Bowl, and NCAA athletics. They conduct groundbreaking environmental research at the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and pursue internships with NASA, NATO, and Fortune 500 companies. Perhaps even more importantly, honors students serve the local campus community by mentoring, supporting, lifting up, and giving back to the students, faculty, and staff.

We do our best to promote all our alumni and student work in our social media, university communications, and our publications. However, it is impossible to display an immense tapestry of student experiences. The Jane P. Batten Honors College is not just an academic program but a thriving community of scholars committed to making our campus and the world better. They are the environmental stewards, the global citizens, the ethical leaders, and the problem solvers that Jane Batten envisioned. Our alumni have moved from our campus and taken their lessons around the world.

As we become Batten University, I see all our students not as beneficiaries of philanthropy but as the fulfillment of a legacy. Students will carry the vision and values forward not as an obligation to a scholarship but as fuel for lives of purpose. Each inspiring new cohort brings with them excitement, renewal, and the potential to change the world.

jane p. batten honor s college of BATTEN UNIVERSITY

Travis Malone Travis Malone Anne B. Shumadine Dean

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A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

The Mosaic Project: Building Cultural Bridges Through Shared Traditions Stephanie Clark, Founder and President of The Mosaic Project

The Mosaic Project (TMP) is a student-led organization I founded at Virginia Wesleyan University to celebrate cultures from around the world through music, food, language, and tradition. Our mission is to create a space where international and American students can come together to share their heritage and learn from one another, fostering a community that is rooted in inclusion, respect, and curiosity.

The idea for The Mosaic Project first came to me during my freshman year at VWU, but at the time, I hesitated to move forward, unsure if others would share my passion for cultural exchange. During my first two years at university, however, some of my most meaningful memories were made with friends from around the world who shared that same fascination. We bonded over our unique traditions; everything from trying Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, to celebrating holidays I had never experienced or heard of before. These moments opened my eyes to the joy and connection that come from sharing cultures.

My time studying abroad in Galicia, Spain, solidified my commitment to this idea.

Initially, I felt isolated and far from home, but that began to change when I began connecting with local and international students. They welcomed me into their homes, introduced me to their families, and shared their traditions with me. That experience-being fully immersed in another culture- transformed the way I viewed community and belonging. When I returned home to the United States, I knew it was time to bring my original idea to life.

As founder and president, I lead The Mosaic Project’s event planning, community outreach, and collaborations with other campus organizations. Each event is designed to highlight a different aspect of cultural identity; whether that be through food, festivals, art, or storytelling, this allows students to both teach and learn in a hands-on, and engaging way. While organizing these events can be challenging due to the diversity of cultures represented, the process has been deeply rewarding.

Watching students participate in traditions that are meaningful to their peers is an unforgettable experience.

Furthermore, the Marlin community has warmly embraced The Mosaic Project. Our events have drawn enthusiastic participation and inspired collaborations with other student organizations. The positive feedback and growing attendance affirm our mission: to cultivate a space where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated.

Looking ahead, my hope is that The Mosaic Project will continue to thrive beyond my time at VWU. I envision the organization expanding its collaborations with other cultural groups on campus, and perhaps one day inspiring similar initiatives at other universities. Above all, I hope TMP remains a home for cultural connection, curiosity, and shared humanity for years to come.

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A Search for Excellence A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Nikki Nieves

As Director of Enrollment for the Batten Honors College, I lead recruitment and strategic enrollment initiatives for high-achieving and mission-driven scholars.The process consists of seeking out exceptional students that have an interest in challenging ideas, expanding knowledge, and becoming ethical leaders with purpose and environmental awareness. The recruitment process includes a specialized application and a competition where candidates are invited to participate in faculty interviews, collaborative discussions, and take on a creative challenge that is inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The Batten Scholar embodies critical thinking, ethically-bound leadership, and a commitment to positive global impact.

While planning for each of the three competition rounds is both exciting and intricate to compose individualized schedules for each candidate, I enjoy piecing the components together and working with the Batten Honors College office team to ensure that all guests have a positive and informative experience. My favorite aspect is getting the opportunity to meet the competitors face-to-face along with their families and showcasing for them who we are as a University community and how we can take part in their visions for the future.

Prospective students may think that their major must reflect environmental studies, however, though focusing on global impact from a variety of perspectives is a part of the mission, the Batten Honors College represents a wide variety of the over 70 majors/minors we offer.

When embarking on our search for the next cohort, we enjoy diving deeper into who the prospective students are as people and learning about their interests. When they ask the deeper questions, or show they have had experiences volunteering with purpose, or even delving into their education, it excites us into viewing their potential as a Batten Scholar to continue the program’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and service to become future leaders.

Where are you from?

I’m from Dayton, Tennessee.

What groups have you gotten involved in on campus so far?

I’m on the golf team, which is a large time commitment due to it being a dual season sport.

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What are you looking forward to most in the BHC and at VWU?

Within the BHC, I am looking forward to my study abroad, such as going on the Costa Rica trip during J Term. I am excited to compete in the ODAC Championship for golf!

What is your favorite home cooked meal?

Do you know what you want to major and/or minor in?

A steak, rare, grilled by my dad, with my mom’s baked mac n cheese and rolls. Greatest meal ever!

What made you choose the BHC?

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Did you complete any summer jobs or volunteering?

If so, please explain.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I want to major in Elementary Education.

While I originally found out about the program through my golf coach, I loved the focus on sustainability and the opportunity to link I would love to go to Banff National Park in Canada. I think it would be unreal to be able to explore the mountains there. I love to be it with my future career. out in nature.

I work at First Tee of Chattanooga in the summer. It’s the best job since I love to teach little kids about golf.

I am really good at doing nails. I love doing a french tip!

When you were little, what did you wanna be when you grow up?

I wanted to be a librarian, just like my dad. Turns out I hate reading.

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Shaping Norfolk’s Future

Kaylee Grimstead

Dirty Work, Deep Purpose Kendall Abercrombie Last summer I had the opportunity to work with Virginia Tech Coastal Collaborator (VTCC) as a Coastal Resilience Intern, it quickly became one of the most meaningful professional opportunities I have had. VTCC focuses on research and education regarding a wide range of environmental issues including sea level rise, flooding, water contamination, and more. Through working with VTCC, their mission also became mine as I learned firsthand how pressing these issues are.

My day-to-day work included grant research, designing flyers, creating education programming, and writing research summaries. The most tedious project involved working on my own publication, in which I created an overview of benefits and steps to oyster gardening in Virginia. Working on my publication pushed my writing skills to a higher level that is required for academia. Advanced research and writing skills is something I am grateful to have in my pocket moving forward thanks to this internship.

Though I enjoyed being in the office, my favorite part of working with VTCC was fieldwork. I have discovered I am, without question, a “field monkey”. Whether installing living shorelines, planting native species on tribal reservations, or crab lining with children and teaching them about our waterways, I came home exhausted, dirty, and genuinely fulfilled. My most notable memory was surveying and installing auto-samplers for water quality testing, which involved me climbing into various stormwater drains in the Hampton Roads area. It smelled bad, was messy, and unconventionally fun. Needless to say, I loved every second of it.

This internship served not only as a learning experience, but also as a confirmation that I am on the right career path! Thanks to VTCC, I left with a strong and diverse skill set, professional connections, and a renewed passion for coastal resilience.

During this past summer, I interned for the City of Norfolk’s Department of Housing and Community Development, within the Housing Preservation Division. I worked under the supervision of Sr. Design and Rehab Consultant Frederick Moore Jr. The goal of the Housing Preservation Division is to increase the value of Norfolk’s existing housing stock through the beautification and rehabilitation of these neighborhoods.

Throughout the experience of my internship, I was able to participate and assist in many of the administrative tasks associated with the construction projects. This included, but is not limited to pre-bid conferences, pre-construction meetings, conducting progress checks, historical and environmental reviews, preliminary inspections, change orders, and project close-out meetings.

I was also given the opportunity to work within other divisions as well. I worked within the People First Initiative to compile a vetted and reliable directory of non-profit organizations that residents could use as resources. I also worked within the Real Estate Division to create a data driven income statement for large multifamily developments in areas of opportunity within Norfolk, with the intention of demonstrating that there is a financial viability and community benefit to accepting Housing Choice Vouchers in these developments.

Throughout the internship, I was also given the opportunity to have talks and coffee with a few important public figures of the City of Norfolk. This includes Deputy City Manager Trista Pope and Deputy City Attorney Michelle Foy. Both offered great insight into what it is like to work in local government. DCM Pope gave great advice about being persistent and bold with my career. Also, DCA Foy gave great insight into the life of an attorney, as well as some current projects within the city. This internship gave me much appreciated insight into what I want in my future career.

Pictured from left to right is Nadine Crawley, Frederick Moore Jr., myself, Breah Stephens, Dr. Susan Perry, and Jessica Lowing Rosenberg.

Pictured is the Department of Housing and Community Development on ‘Take a Selfie at City Hall Day’.

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Madi Mellon I had the opportunity this summer to participate in a 10 week long fellowship at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center as a Batten Fellow. For this fellowship, I helped to run The Watershed Warriors summer program. This program allows teenagers to learn valuable skills such as field work and communicating scientific information and knowledge to the public. The teens learn field skills by doing small projects such as collecting soil samples and checking water quality. The communication portion came as stations were set up around the Aquarium that the public could interact with and learn more about the science behind the exhibits. The teens were tasked with manning these tables and engaging with the public.

As part of my responsibilities I helped to run these projects and made lesson plans. I also acted as a supervisor for the volunteers when they worked the stations set up around the aquarium.

Afterwards, I led feedback sessions to give constructive criticism to the volunteers in an effort to improve their communication skills.

I greatly enjoyed the connections this fellowship allowed me to make and being able to work in an environment that allowed me to be surrounded by likeminded people daily. The chance to see the ‘behind the scenes’ of the Aquarium was also amazing and it gave me the opportunity to work in a field of study that I greatly enjoy and can see myself doing in the future.

From Observation to Action Amalia Houff

During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to complete a Batten Fellowship at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (VAQ). This experience served as the perfect bridge between my undergraduate studies in Biology and Marine Science at Virginia Wesleyan University and the career I hope to pursue in conservation. I grew up being inspired by aquariums, museums and science centers alike, which solidified my belief that people protect what they understand and care about. As such, my project at the VAQ focused on helping visitors form genuine emotional connections with the environment through persuasive storytelling, hands-on biofacts, and providing accessible opportunities for action.

As part of the leadership for the Watershed Warrior volunteer program, I helped develop and evaluate interactive education stations that encourage guests to stop, ask questions, and explore. Through structured observations of nearly 2000 guests and 100 surveys, we saw clear results: stations that highlighted real conservation challenges with captivating imagery reached engagement rates up to 84% and consistently inspired empathy and interest in future conservation efforts, at the VAQ and beyond.

This fellowship also gave me the chance to learn and grow as both a mentor and teammate, as I adapted to difficult situations individually and with the help of my coworkers.

Supporting the teen volunteers, addressing challenges, and celebrating their success strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment. As I prepare to graduate in December and to pursue my M.S. in Marine Science at Nova Southeastern University, I am incredibly grateful for this experience and excited to use the skills, confidence, and knowledge it helped me develop.

Chillin’ in...

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Studying abroad in Canada in the winter was definitely off the beaten path and right onto the snowy one, filled with enlightening experiences and a new way of life.

Regina, Canada, is the capital of the province Saskatchewan, but it’s still a pretty small city in the middle of the prairies. While the city’s bus system made it easy to get around, seeing Regina could also feel daunting because of how different it was from other places I’ve lived. For the first time in my life, there was no ocean nearby. I was shocked by how much it snowed, and startled by how flat everything was outside of the city. Additionally, I felt alienated by the large school size, which made it hard for me to get to know people.

CanadaBarnett Gabrielle

Still, I was determined to make the University of Regina my home, so slowly but surely, I became accustomed to my life abroad. I learned about Canadian law through a class that explored children in the legal system, went to my school’s and the local team’s hockey games, and spent as much time in the bountiful snow that I could, including skiing, snowball fights, and walking outside to see the northern lights. With the help of friends I made, I travelled twice out of the province and learned how to use the bus system to get around the city (I only got lost once or twice). I went to every museum I could to explore Canadian culture, and learned about Indigenous culture from members of the First Nations.

Even though Canada is our neighbor, I learned so much living there, and I will treasure that experience forever!

My experience studying abroad in Finland was such a unique and eye opening experience that will forever shape my life.

Looking back to what feels like so long ago, when I first received my placement in Finland, I will admit, I was terrified. I had never left the country before. Finnish culture is so different from American culture.

However, I swiftly became overwhelmed with excitement over this new adventure. This came with my research into what Finnish culture is really like especially in the winter. I had never experienced a real winter before, since I am from Delaware and we are lucky to get one snow storm in a year. Well, when I first stepped off the plane in Kuopio, Finland, it was pitch black outside, freezing and the ground was covered in snow, but it wasn’t until I woke up for my first day in this new country that I realized how mesmerizing this winter was going to be.

Throughout my stay I explored my city, made some great friends, tried to immerse myself in Finnish culture and explored some of the nearby countries.

One of the highlights of my experience was travelling up to Finnish Lapland which is the area of Finland above the arctic circle. On this trip I got to see a true winter tundra, experience the incredible northern lights, and ski in the arctic circle. Overall this experience will be one that I fondly remember as it has given me experience with cultures so different from my own, and given me a new appreciation for winter.

Finland

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A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

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Chillin’ in...

Greece

Elena Lichtenwalner

Like the poets and authors of the past, the true skill and love that I gained from my study abroad was hearing stories from others.

My adventure began by traveling for two weeks before my classes started, exploring France and Northern Ireland. I then went to Nottingham and got to know my 28 dorm mates at Nottingham Trent University. The mix of nationalities in the dorm meant there was always a new smell coming from the kitchen, or a new game or song being played in the living room.

A new university also meant new classes, such as Living in an United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) City of Literature. The goal of a UNESCO City of Literature is to encourage reading and literature within a city using local stories. Examples of these stories include the legends of Robin Hood, the poems of Lord Byron or the novels of Alan Sillitoe. The class offered a great way to learn about the city landmarks, such as Nottingham Castle and the Arboretum.

I took multiple weekend trips throughout the semester, such as a solo trip to Prague, Czech Republic. This trip was important because it showed how you can always find someone to talk to, no matter where in the world, as long as you are willing to listen.

Throughout the five day trip, I traveled with new friends from the hostel and explored the Old European charm of the city. I even visited a local art gallery and bought a print of Prague to bring back home.

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At the last minute, I extended my trip by another two weeks, spending a week in Athens, Greece. This worked well as a wrap up for my study abroad, as I got to explore one more culture, one more late dinner, one more time exploring gardens with a new friend, and one more time wandering around a city. In this way I was able to explore the Parthenon in my new favorite dress that I found while I was in Greece.

I went back to the states having talked to hundreds of people and exploring 16 cities. With 30 new Instagram posts, I was ready to share the stories I had heard and discovered during my study abroad. What travel teaches you is that you will always come back with stories, whether it is your own or from others, and these stories will expand your world view beyond your own experience.

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Mia Skaggs

An Alaskan Adventure This past summer I participated in the Seminar in Alaska Environmental Science class with Dr. Malcolm and Dr. Haley for my study away experience. During the duration of our trip the class traveled to Juneau and Haines Alaska. When we arrived in Alaska we were guided throughout the entire experience by Scott Ramsey, a VWU alumni who currently lives in Alaska and was a very helpful wilderness education guide. This class focused on environmental topics that have shaped Alaska such as glaciation, geology, native plants, the yearly salmon run migration, and even getting to talk to locals who live in the area about their point of views. The trip consisted of a lot of hiking through Alaska national parks and other nature preserves to observe the biodiversity and get closer looks at the glaciers. Throughout the course we chose a topic of interest and conducted our own research project based on some aspect we discussed during the class. I conducted independent research on the presence of whale species in the passage channel between Juneau and Haines and how their migration patterns have changed over time by making my own identifications of the species I saw on the ferry ride there and back. My favorite parts of the trip included seeing the Mendenhall glacier, the rafting trip we took, camping along the river, and whale watching. Overall I had a great time on this trip because I had never been to Alaska before and this helped me to learn a lot about its ecosystem and see sights I wouldn’t have ordinarily seen so I was very grateful for the opportunity!

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A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

EVENTS & ACHIEVEMENTS BHC Students accompanied VWU President Dr. Scott Miller and Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the Batten Honors College to hear Jenna Hager speak at the Norfolk Forum.

The Marlin Chronicle Editorial team with their faculty advisor Dr. Lisa Lyon-Payne presented at Mediafest ‘25 in Washington, DC.

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A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Laila Jones ‘27 was awarded the “Groundbreaker” award at the 17th annual WPA Garden Heritage Celebration hosted by the Norfolk Botanical Gardens President’s Council on Inclusions and Diversity. The celebration is in memory and honor of the 200 African-American women and 20 African-American men whose work under the WPA cleared the land and created the grounds for the gardens.

Sarah Richards ‘26 was awarded the Bobby Levin Scholarship and opened her curated Exhibition “The Art of Healing” at the Hofheimer Library on November 7th. The Bobby Levin Scholarship supports juniors and seniors who are looking at going into a master’s program in Art Therapy by providing art curation experiences.

Lily Reslink ‘26 received the 2024 Agnes Cook Scholarship from the Virginia Press Women Foundation. Lily was honored at the Virginia Press Conference.

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A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

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Asha Richards ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

My career goal and aspiration is to advocate and support the advancement of developing countries, particularly the Caribbean, in ways that minimize inequality and uplift marginalized communities. While I have refined the language of this over the years and have since found a niche sect of the international development field, I had this mindset even as an incoming freshman in the inaugural Batten Honors College cohort. My experiences during my four years at Virginia Wesleyan not only provided me with the capabilities to pursue this path but they gave me the confidence to own it.

The Batten Honors College was instrumental in shaping the leader I’ve become. From the very beginning, BHC emphasized intellectual curiosity, global engagement, and interdisciplinary thinking. It pushed me beyond the bare minimum. My study abroad in Barcelona was especially pivotal, offered through BHC, because it exposed me to global issues in real time. Interacting with migrants amid the city’s tense political climate challenged me to think differently, culminating in my final paper, Outsiders: The Lock and Key to Catalan Independence. The BHC curriculum also required two of three key experiences— study abroad, independent research, or an internship—but I completed all three. Each one deepened my global perspective and prepared me to thrive in graduate school and the field of international development.

Today, I serve as Chair of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, leading efforts to deepen engagement between Jamaican youth abroad and our homeland. Last year, I was selected as one of the United Nations IOM’s inaugural Youth Changemakers, an opportunity that has allowed me to advocate on the global stage for the power of diaspora communities in advancing development. Through this role, I participated in high-level convenings including COP29 and the UN Summit of the Future, while continuing to lead initiatives like the upcoming Jamaica Diaspora Youth Forum and the second GJDYC Youth Innovation Challenge.

To current students: your purpose may evolve, but your passion will guide you. Lean into what BHC offers—it will challenge you to grow. With time and experience, you too can become a thoughtful, globally engaged leader, committed to impact far beyond the classroom.

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