VirginiaWesleyan
VWU’s Prison Education Program
VWU is the first four-year university in Virginia to launch a degree program for prison inmates
CONGRATULATIONS DECEMBER GRADUATES! Our newest graduates at the VWU Commencement on December 13, 2025.
President's Message
WWe have so much to celebrate!
elcome to the Winter 2026 Special Edition of Virginia Wesleyan Magazine. We have so much to celebrate! Fall is an exciting time on campus as students return and the campus is alive and brimming with activity. Be sure to see the Eye on VWU photo collage with photos from Orientation where VWU welcomed the largest fall class in its history with over 700 new degree-seeking students.
Our State of the University in August was truly historic, as we announced that Virginia Wesleyan University will become Batten University on July 1, 2026. By bringing together three institutions—Sentara College of Health Sciences, the Batten & Black School (Lakeland Japan), and Virginia Wesleyan—under one unified identity, we strengthen our academic offerings, expand opportunities for our students, and honor the values that have guided us since our founding. To learn more, visit vwu.edu/becomingbattenuniversity.
Throughout this change, our core values remain unwavering: innovation, growth, achievement, community and environmental stewardship. In this edition, you’ll find inspiring stories about remarkable Marlins who are making a meaningful impact on our campus, in our community, and beyond.
Thank you for supporting VWU as we strive to provide a practical, well-rounded, thought provoking, and exceptionally empowering educational experience for every student we serve.
Sincerely,
Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President
VWU is the first four-year university in Virginia to launch a degree program for prison inmates.
Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University
Sentara College of Health Sciences moves closer to integrating with VWU.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Nancy T. DeFord, Ed.D., Chair
Scott D. Miller, Ph.D., President of the University*
Sharon S. Goodwyn, Vice Chair
J. Timothy Bailey ’83, Treasurer
Mavis E. McKenley ’11, Secretary
Jonathan E. Pruden, Immediate Past Chair
Susan S. Goode H’22, Parliamentarian
G. Robert Aston, Jr. H’20
Gary D. Bonnewell ’79, H’16
Graham E. Garrenton
William R. Gobble ‘03*
William W. Granger III
Sue Haupert-Johnson H’23*
Jeffrey S. Heller
David L. Kaufman H’19
Howard P. Kern
John F. Malbon H’22
Vincent J. Mastracco, Jr.
Robert W. McFarland
Angela Mercer, M.D.
William L. Murray, Ph.D.
Matthew R. Nusbaum
Eric C. Nyman ’94
Hon. Deborah M. Paxson ’75
Michael R. Rawls ’91
Robin D. Ray
Joseph P. Ruddy ’83
Jaclyn Ruelle ‘04
Louis F. Ryan
Becky Sawyer
James H. Shumadine
Lee T. Stevenson ’85
Joseph R. Thomas
Kenneth G. Trinder II
George K. (Chip) Tsantes III ’83
Jody M. Wagner
Anthony Walters
Douglas B. Wilson ’86
*Ex Officio
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Jane P. Batten H’06
George Y. Birdsong H’16
Joan P. Brock H’10
Thomas C. Broyles
Robert W. Collenberg II ’90
O.L. (Butch) Everett
Ronald M. Kramer
Lemuel E. Lewis
John E. Lingo, Jr.
Elizabeth F. Middleton ’91
Emily S. Miles
Jerry L. Miller
Tassos J. Paphites ‘79
Alan H. Shaw
William S. Shelhorse ’70
William H. Thumel, Jr.
John A. Trinder
PRESIDENT AND LEADERSHIP
Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President of the University
Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President
John A. Groulx Vice President for Finance
Keith E. Moore, Ed.D. Senior Vice President
Kelly R. Cordova, M.B.A ‘21 Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Heather M. Campbell ’04 Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success
ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
Lori Simpers Harris ‘94 Executive Assistant to the President
Kayleigh Poggioli, M.B.A. ‘23 Director of Alumni Engagement
Sarah Guzzo, M.B.A. ‘22 Director of the Stewardship
Alumni inquiries to alumni@vwu.edu
Contents
WESLEYAN WINDOW Year in Review
V
irginia Wesleyan University distributed the Year in Review report in August. The report highlighted Virginia Wesleyan’s continued growth and innovation, with a focus on efforts to meet the goals of the 2016-2026 Campus Master Plan. The Year in Review 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. Scan the QR code on the right to learn more.
VWU Reports Record Enrollment
For the eighth time in 10 years, Virginia Wesleyan University is celebrating record enrollment growth Virginia Wesleyan University anticipates a total enrollment of more than 5,100 students during the 2025-26 academic year across its on-campus and Global Campus programs.
VWU welcomed the largest fall class in its history with over 700 new degree-seeking students—more than 400 traditional undergraduates and 300 in Global Campus programs. “This milestone reflects the growing recognition of VWU’s value, the quality of our programs, and our commitment to student success,” said Heather Campbell ‘04, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success.
The University now enrolls 1,600 students in traditional programs and 3,500 in Global Campus offerings, including online and talent development programs. New Marlins represent 30 countries and every region of the United States, with 65 percent coming from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The University’s Batten Honors College remains a premier program, attracting 10 applications for every available cohort spot.
“This historic enrollment underscores the strength and reputation of our University at a pivotal moment in its history,” said Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the University. “As we prepare to become Batten University in July 2026, these numbers reflect confidence in our future and excitement about what’s ahead.”
Several initiatives continue to propel VWU’s growth, including new state-of-the-art facilities, innovative academic programs, and expanded community partnerships. This fall, the University launched VWU Chesapeake—a Prison Education Program serving inmates at St. Brides and Indian Creek Correctional Centers. In early 2026, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art relocates to a new facility on the VWU campus and, pending accreditation approval, the Sentara College of Health Sciences will integrate into the University later that spring.
Dr. Nancy DeFord Elected Chair of VWU Board of Trustees
Esteemed educator leads the board during an exciting era for the University.
Dr. Nancy DeFord joins VWU President Scott D. Miller, known for innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, in shaping the future of Virginia Wesleyan. DeFord assumed the role July 1 when current Board Chair Jonathan E. Pruden concluded his three-year term.
DeFord began her VWU board service in 2016 and most recently served as vice chair. She is the third woman to lead the board, following trustees emeriti Jane Batten and Joan Brock.
DeFord steps into her leadership role during an exciting era for the University. Her three-year term as chair will see VWU become Batten University, the opening of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU in early 2026, the full integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University, and the full launch of VWU-Chesapeake, the prison education program that was piloted in spring 2025.
After earning a master’s degree in curriculum and supervision from Trinity University in Texas, DeFord earned her doctorate in innovative curriculum design and administration from the University of Southern California. She has additional training in principled decision-making and gifted education and is a retired superintendent of Park City Schools in Utah.
DeFord also served as principal of Princess Anne High School and held other administrative positions in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She is past-president of ASCD, an international education organization focused on research, training and publishing in best education practice. After retiring from her esteemed career in education, she became vice president and then president of DeFord, Ltd., in Virginia Beach. In addition to the Virginia Wesleyan Board, she serves several community organizations in Coastal Virginia.
With her late husband, Robert H. “Bob” DeFord Jr., she has been a generous supporter of Virginia Wesleyan. Together they established the Robert H. and Nancy DeFord Endowed Scholarship to provide merit and need-based assistance for students. They also funded DeFord Gatehouse, DeFord Hall in the Honors Village (IV), and most recently, DeFord Manor, the on-campus residence and meeting space for the University president. Her husband, who died in 2022, had been involved with Virginia Wesleyan since 1972 and joined the Board of Trustees in 1977.
“We’re delighted to have Nancy DeFord serve as chair of our Board of Trustees,” says President Miller. “Her visionary leadership and commitment to education will further her family’s legacy of steadfast support at Virginia Wesleyan.”
Other newly elected and returning officers include Sharon S. Goodwyn as vice chair and Mavis E. McKenley ’11 and J. Tim Bailey ’83, who will remain in their roles as secretary and treasurer, respectively.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Virginia Wesleyan University. It supports the University’s mission, is responsible for securing adequate financial resources for the operation of the University, and establishes long-range goals and institutional policies.
Nancy T. DeFord, Ed.D., who had a long and distinguished career as an educator, has been elected chair of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.
The Princeton Review Names Virginia Wesleyan Among Best Colleges for 2026
The streak continues as VWU is once again selected for inclusion in “Best Colleges” and “Region by Region” guides.
VWU is proud to announce its inclusion in The Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Colleges guide for the eighth consecutive year. The annual rankings are based on surveys of students, providing insights into campus culture and the quality of academic and extracurricular life.
“The colleges we profile in our ‘Best Colleges’ book are a truly select group. They constitute only about 15% of America’s nearly 2,400 four-year institutions,” said Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of The Princeton Review and the book’s lead author. “While they vary by locale, type, size, and campus culture, each one offers its students an academically outstanding undergraduate education. In our opinion, they are the nation’s best undergraduate colleges and ideal choices for students seeking their ‘best-fit’ college.”
In its profile on VWU, The Princeton Review states that VWU students enjoy the small classes at Virginia Wesleyan University, a liberal arts school where “you’re more than a number.” Flexibility is the key to “making every single student feel as though this is their second home, and that every person they come into contact with is looking out for [their] best interest.” That can be seen in the research and internship opportunities but is most keenly felt in course offerings, which extend from study away programs ranging from one week to one year to a three-week January term required for first and second-years but open to all. A discounted summer session is also offered to catch up, get ahead, or simply explore.”
Across majors, students find many classes to be “discussion or interaction-based” and “always taught by...professors” rather than teaching assistants. The professors here seem to genuinely care about their students and are approachable outside the classroom.” It’s an environment where “professors make lifelong connections with students.” As one student emphasizes, “I have never met a faculty so invested in my own personal success.”
“Our students are the heart of our University, our purpose,” President Scott D. Miller explained. “Inclusion in this esteemed list clearly demonstrates the quality and value of a VWU education.”
New Carnegie Classification Elevates VWU to Rare Class
Virginia Wesleyan earns “Special Focus: Arts & Sciences” designation, awarded to only 6 percent of institutions in the nation.
Virginia Wesleyan University was classified as “Special Focus: Arts & Sciences” in the newly released 2025 Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction awarded to only 6 percent of the nation’s higher education institutions.
Updated every three years, the Carnegie Classifications is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in higher education. In 2022, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE) partnered to re-envision the future of the Carnegie Classifications.
In the 2025 classifications, Virginia Wesleyan also earned a “Higher Access” distinction in the new Student Access and Earnings Classification—a clear reflection of the University’s success in enrolling and supporting students from traditionally underserved backgrounds. This category indicates that VWU enrolls more Pell Grant recipients and students from underrepresented populations than would be expected based on the demographics of the region it serves. And it places VWU among institutions nationally recognized for removing barriers to higher education and helping students from all walks of life build brighter futures.
“Education opens doors—not just to knowledge, but to a better life,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “We take great pride in serving students who may be the first in their families to attend college and in giving them the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to thrive academically and professionally.”
President Miller continued, “Virginia Wesleyan’s strong performance in the new Carnegie Classifications reaffirms our role as a catalyst for economic and social mobility. This recognition reflects the hard work of our faculty, staff and community partners who remain deeply committed to student-centered education.”
Honorary Degree Recipient and Acclaimed Surgeon Dr. L.D. Britt Delivered a Powerful Winter Commencement
Keynote Address
Suffolk native is one of only of five people awarded the American College of Surgeons’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
Renowned surgeon L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, served as keynote speaker for Virginia Wesleyan University’s Winter Commencement in December.
A native of Suffolk, Dr. Britt is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in American surgery and medical education. He is Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs in the Department of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School, a division of the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
“We were delighted to have Dr. Britt giving the keynote address at our mid-year Commencement exercises,” President Miller said. A graduate of both Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Britt serves as the Henry Ford Professor of Surgery and Edward J. Brickhouse Chair in Surgery at EVMS. Among his countless awards and accolades is the American College of Surgeons’ Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to just five people in the organization’s century-long history.
In his address, Dr. Britt encouraged graduates to consider how their education has positively shaped the “dash” between birth and death—and how they are now positioned for what he called the “pole position” in the next stage of life.
He also urged graduates to distinguish between being “successful” and being “of value.”
“Success should not be defined by wealth or the power of greed. Remember, your first wealth is your health,” Dr. Britt said. “My entire career has been focused on being of value—understanding that my journey would be a marathon, not a sprint, with both strong and challenging legs of the race. Never leave to others the task of defining yourself.
Dr. Britt is the author of more than 220 peer-reviewed publications, more than 50 book chapters and non-peer-reviewed articles and three books. In 2016, he was conferred an honorary doctorate at Howard University, along with President Barack Obama, activist and award-winning actor Cicely Tyson, and Ambassador Horace Dawson. That same year he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, the first and only faculty member from his institution to receive this distinction.
Jane Batten and Joan Brock Named 2025 Champions for the Arts
The VWU trustees emerita were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to Virginia Beach’s cultural and arts community.
The City of Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission selected Jane P. Batten and Joan P. Brock as the 2025 Virginia Beach Champions for the Arts. The annual award is presented to a person or persons who have made a significant impact in Virginia Beach’s vibrant cultural and arts community through volunteer and/or financial contributions.
The Arts & Humanities Commission voted unanimously to recognize both Batten and Brock, visionary leaders and transformational philanthropists, as they continue to redefine the cultural landscape of Virginia Beach through their extraordinary commitment to the arts.
Most recently, their shared vision, leadership and generosity led to one of the most monumental arts initiatives in the City’s history: the expansion and relocation of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to the VWU campus. Together, Batten and Brock contributed and inspired philanthropic support to fully fund this $30 million cultural landmark. Their efforts will provide lasting access to contemporary art and arts education for generations to come.
Batten and Brock, who are VWU trustees emeritae, each have a long history of supporting Virginia Wesleyan, including terms as Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees.
“A longtime Virginia Beach resident, Jane Batten has enriched the community through decades of volunteer service and philanthropic leadership,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “From founding the Batten Honors College—where the arts are a foundational element of civic and global engagement—to championing expanded access to cultural experiences, her impact is broad and lasting.”
Brock’s dedication to the well-being of Virginia Beach extends beyond traditional arts organizations, said Alison Byrne, executive director of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. “Her support for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center demonstrates a broader commitment to community enrichment,” Byrne said. “While its primary focus is environmental education, the center also serves as a valuable space for hosting various community cultural events and forging partnerships with local arts organizations and individual artists, further contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry.”
The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission presented the awards to Batten and Brock during a ceremony in August at The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
Kelly Cordova Receives Women in Leadership Award
Virginia Business honors top women executives for professional excellence and community impact.
Virginia Wesleyan University congratulates Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Kelly Cordova, M.B.A. ’21, who was recognized among Virginia’s top women executives at the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Awards celebration in October at the historic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. The annual awards honor visionary women whose leadership and influence continue to shape business, education, and community success across the Commonwealth. Honorees are selected for their professional accomplishments, civic engagement, mentorship, and commitment to breaking barriers in their fields.
“Each of these transformational leaders has demonstrated remarkable integrity and a lasting impact on their communities and on Virginia as a whole,” said Virginia Business Associate Publisher Richard Foster. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and contributions.”
As Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Cordova advances the University’s strategic priorities across key areas including advancement, marketing and communications, institutional research, and government relations. Her work focuses on aligning programs, partnerships, and initiatives with VWU’s mission, ensuring the University’s continued growth and success.
Cordova joined the Office of the President in 2020 after five years supporting the senior vice president and president through a variety of leadership roles in the University’s Center for Advancement. Before joining Virginia Wesleyan, she spent six years with Operation Smile, an international medical nonprofit providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries to children in developing countries. There, she managed a team of 15 program coordinators and participated in medical missions around the world.
A proud alumna of VWU, Cordova earned her Master of Business Administration from the University and holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“Kelly exemplifies the very best of Virginia Wesleyan University — visionary leadership, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to service,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “This well-deserved honor reflects not only her personal accomplishments but also the growing impact of our University across the Commonwealth.”
VWU, NROTC Partner to Develop Future Military Leaders
High school students who dream of being an officer in the U.S. Navy now have a new opportunity.
Virginia Wesleyan University and the Hampton Roads Navy ROTC Consortium recently launched the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Preparatory Program on the VWU campus.
It is specifically designed for students who may not have had the academic resources or support systems typically needed to succeed in highly competitive scholarship programs.
The NROTC Preparatory Program is a one-year, college-based initiative designed to strengthen students academically, physically and morally so they are fully prepared to succeed in a traditional NROTC program. Upon successful completion, students are awarded full four-year NROTC scholarships, leading to commissions as officers in the U.S. Navy.
“Our partnership with Virginia Wesleyan University advances the development of future leaders for the Navy, Marine Corps, and our nation,” said Capt. Matt Frauenzimmer, Commander of Hampton Roads Naval ROTC Consortium. “It reflects VWU’s core values while expanding opportunities for civilian students to strengthen their leadership potential and contribute meaningfully to national service.”
With this partnership, VWU joins a select group of institutions nationwide offering the preparatory program, solidifying its role in fostering excellence, diversity and national service in higher education.
“This agreement reflects Virginia Wesleyan’s deep commitment to service, leadership and academic opportunity,” said VWU President Dr. Scott D. Miller. “We are proud to support the Navy’s mission to develop the future leaders of our armed forces.”
In Memoriam
Remembering Dr. D. Henry Watts
The Virginia Wesleyan University family mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed benefactors, Dr. D. Henry Watts, Trustee Emeritus, who passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 94. A prominent civic leader, generous donor and unwavering advocate for higher education, Watts leaves behind a profound legacy that has shaped the University’s past, present and future.
“Henry will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “A devoted friend, steadfast benefactor and one of the most influential leaders in the history of Virginia Wesleyan University.”
Watts’ extraordinary relationship with Virginia Wesleyan began in 1989 when he joined the Board of Trustees. Over the course of four decades, he played key leadership roles, serving as Chair, Parliamentarian and most recently as Trustee Emeritus since 2021. In recognition of his dedicated service and profound contributions to the institution and higher education at large, VWU conferred upon him the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in 2007.
A retired Vice Chairman of Norfolk Southern Corporation, Watts brought invaluable expertise and insight to the University’s governance. Yet it was his deep sense of civic responsibility and heart for service that left an even more indelible mark.
Together with his beloved wife, Eleanor, who passed away in early 2024 after 73 years of marriage, Watts transformed the VWU campus through extraordinary generosity. Their name graces some of the most cherished spaces at the University, including the Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Lobby and Gallery in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, the Watts Field House at Broyles Field in TowneBank Park and Watts Hall in Honors Village.
The couple’s philanthropy also touched students’ lives through the Eleanor and Henry Watts Endowed Scholarships, support for the Marlin Athletic Fund and significant contributions to the Robert Nusbaum Center. Their legacy of generosity and vision for education is perhaps most notably reflected in the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, established in 2019.
Watts’ presence was also deeply felt in the life of the University beyond boardrooms and buildings. He and Eleanor were familiar faces courtside and in the stands, always cheering on the Marlins and championing the student-athlete experience.
The Watts’ portrait, prominently displayed in Founders Foyer, serves as a lasting tribute to two of Virginia Wesleyan’s most treasured and transformative figures. As the University community reflects on this moment of loss, it also celebrates a life defined by dedication, generosity and love for VWU.
The arts are thriving at Virginia Wesleyan University. From ever-changing exhibits in the Neil Britton Art Gallery to exhilarating mainstage theatre productions and vocal and instrumental concerts in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, the Arts at VWU stimulate the senses and broaden the liberal arts experience.
Visit campus and attend a performance
1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: VWU Theatre and Music presented one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays during Spring Alumni Weekend.
2. Honoring Retiring Faculty: The distinguished careers of three faculty members: Kathy Ames, Dr. Linda Ferguson (pictured) and Dr. Doug Kennedy were celebrated during the traditional tree planting in the Wilson Arboretum.
3. Ethics Bowl Team: VWU’s 2025 team, with faculty advisor Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson, competed in the 25th annual statewide collegiate Applied Ethics Bowl, sponsored by the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges (VFIC).
4. Academic Fair Poster Session: Kirkland Butler shared his project with the campus community during the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum.
5. Late Night Breakfast: Faculty and staff join in the “twinning” fun as they served students during late night breakfast in Boyd Dining Center.
6. Riding the Wave of Innovation: Marlin Business Conference Student Executives lead the planning for the four-day conference which included speakers, panel discussions, competitions and a career fair.
7. Commencement 2025: Sport and Recreation Majors celebrate their impressive accomplishments with Professors Jill Sturts and Doug Kennedy.
8. Pomp and Circumstance: Abigail Marie Villacrusis ’25 marches into TowneBank Arena with fellow members of the Class of 2025 during the processional to begin VWU’s Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 17.
9. Page to Podium: Hofheimer Library launched a new lecture series with VWU’s Online Student Success Coordinator Grant Williams delivering the first presentation in September 2025 (pictured with Stephen Leist, head librarian).
10. Pixar’s Inside Out and Ethics: Faculty scholars Steven Emmanuel, Gabriela Martorell and Terry Lindvall shared their perspectives as Pixar characters “Anxiety,” “Joy” and “Sadness” during a panel presentation sponsored by the Robert Nusbaum Center.
11. Spring Honors Convocation: Annual ceremony recognized students’ exemplary academic, leadership and service achievements. Annie O’Shea, Erin Andrews and Emily Lutz received awards from the theatre department: Sally Shedd, Trey DelPo and Travis Malone.
In September, Virginia Wesleyan University celebrated its annual Founders Day Convocation in the Joan and Macon Brock Theater of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. President Scott D. Miller opened the program with reflections on the inaugural Founders Day in 2016 and its purpose: to honor VWU’s beginnings, recognize alumni achievements and look toward the future.
“As we celebrate Founders Day today, we honor not only the vision of our founders but also the enduring spirit of Virginia Wesleyan carried forward by alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends,” said President Miller. “And, in the months ahead, as we transition to Batten University, we do so with gratitude for our past, confidence in our future and pride in the legacy that unites us all.”
The keynote address was delivered by Joseph P. Ruddy ’83, Chief Operations Officer for the Virginia International Terminals, Inc. and recipient of this year’s Wesley Award. Ruddy reflected on his experiences as a student and the individuals who shaped his journey, noting that his connection to the university has remained strong long after graduation.
“It is a true honor to stand before you today on this special occasion—Founders Day,” Ruddy said. “The journey from 1961 until today has been wondrous, magical, adventurous and most of all, rewarding. The secret of this great university is simple: it will provide you with what you need to make the journey—all you need is the ‘willingness to trudge.’”
Following Ruddy’s remarks, President Miller and VWU Alumni Council Vice Chair William Gobble ’08 presented the 2025 Alumni Awards. Honorees included:
• Jaclyn B. Ruelle ’04, Founder of Brand Consulting for Triumphant Studio (Distinguished Alumna Award)
• Glynn F. Goodrich ’82, Senior Field Underwriter for Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance (Alumni Service Award)
• Asha J. Richards ’21, Administrative Associate for Mayors Migration Council (Graduate of the Last Decade Award)
Each recipient shared heartfelt reflections on their VWU experience and expressed gratitude for the people who supported them throughout their college years.
Since its establishment in 2016, Founders Day has become a treasured tradition—honoring the history and heritage of Virginia Wesleyan while celebrating the alumni who carry its legacy forward.
ACADEMIA First-Year Batten Honors College Students Receive Pins During Special Convocation Ceremony
Virginia Wesleyan University officially welcomed the newest class of Batten Honors College scholars during a special convocation ceremony in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Each first-year student received a commemorative pin, symbolizing their induction into a distinguished community of scholars bound by camaraderie, leadership and service.
What began in 2017 as a small recognition gathering has grown into a signature annual event, now drawing together Batten scholars, faculty, staff and the wider campus community every September.
VWU Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten poses with Batten Honors College students.
President Scott D. Miller opened the ceremony with remarks that underscored the historic significance of this year’s celebration.
“Today we formally induct our new class of Batten Scholars into this remarkable program—a community of learning, leadership and service that continues to shape the character and reputation of our university,” said President Miller. “This year carries special significance: as you know, on July 1, 2026, Virginia Wesleyan University will become Batten University. This historic step honors the extraordinary vision and generosity of Jane Batten, whose enduring legacy has elevated this institution and enriched our community in countless ways.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Todd Mooradian, Dean of William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. A respected scholar in marketing strategy and global business, Dr. Mooradian is widely recognized for his commitment to ethical leadership, academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has held visiting appointments at universities worldwide.
In his address, Dr. Mooradian invited students to reflect on the meaning of a purposeful life and the virtues that sustain it—character, grit, courage and gratitude.
“Am I spending my time making the impact on the world and the people I care about that I want to make? How will I be remembered?” he asked, challenging the students to carry these questions with them throughout their academic journey.
He also highlighted the power of a liberal arts education, describing it as preparation for both intellectual enrichment and practical problem-solving.
“Your liberal arts education is not just about being able to appreciate art in a museum or theater. It equips you to understand data, analyze scientific studies, and approach the world with many different ways of knowing,” he said. “You will gain not only knowledge but also the ability to add knowledge and to solve the ‘wicked’ problems that challenge our world today. The world is yours—go solve those problems for us.”
Following Dr. Mooradian’s remarks, the traditional pinning ceremony took place. Dr. Travis Malone, Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the Batten Honors College, introduced each student, who then crossed the stage to receive their pins from President Miller and Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson. The pinning marked the students’ full integration as members of both the Batten Honors College and the broader university community.
The Batten Honors College is recognized nationally for its selectivity and mission. Its scholars, drawn from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, share a unifying commitment to addressing some of the most urgent challenges of our time—particularly climate change and environmental sustainability. The program honors the vision and generosity of Virginia Wesleyan Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband Frank Batten Sr.
Jane Batten and David Kaufman, long-time friends of VWU and of Bobby Levin, hold a Levin original at the kickoff celebration for the Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship at DeFord Manor.
Bobby Levin Art Scholarship Established to Support Future Art Therapists
Honoring a remarkable legacy through art, healing, and student opportunity.
Virginia Wesleyan University announced the establishment of the Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship, a tribute to the late Bobby Levin and his lifelong passion for the transformative power of art. This inspiring new initiative reflects the University’s commitment to preparing students to meet the world’s challenges through creativity, empathy and purpose.
Bobby Levin was known for his magnetic spirit, deep compassion and love of life. A Norfolk native and longtime friend to many in the Hampton Roads region, Bobby was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who found comfort, strength and meaning in art—particularly in the healing power of art therapy during his own battle with cancer. His life was, in many ways, a masterpiece of joy, humor and human connection.
The Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship will support academically talented juniors and seniors at VWU who are pursuing the combined coursework in studio art and psychology required for admission to accredited master’s programs in Art Therapy. Levin Scholars will curate exhibitions featuring works created by individuals using art therapy to navigate pain, trauma and other challenges—gaining invaluable real-world experience while helping others find healing through creative expression.
“This initiative is a living tribute to Bobby’s love of art and people,” said President Scott D. Miller. “It’s a perfect example of our liberal arts mission in action—where students not only learn, but lead with purpose.”
Art therapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting job opportunities to increase by more than 27% annually through 2029. Virginia Wesleyan’s robust curriculum and strong partnerships place it at the forefront of preparing students for this impactful profession.
Each Levin Scholar’s exhibition will be shaped by their own passion and calling—whether that’s working with pediatric patients, veterans, the elderly or those in palliative care. Thanks to VWU’s extensive community connections with partners such as EVMS, Sentara Healthcare, Naval Station Norfolk, Westminster-Canterbury on the Bay, and the University’s two on-campus academies, students will be well-equipped to make a meaningful difference.
Through the Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship, Virginia Wesleyan celebrates the life of a beloved community member while advancing the role of art in emotional resilience, health and community well-being.
NOAA Grant Will Enable VWU to Develop Accessible Environmental Education
VWU has been awarded nearly $200,000 as part of the Chesapeake Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program, a grant funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This funding will enable VWU to modify curriculum designed for third- through fifthgrade students with learning differences and those who are neurodivergent to make environmental education more inclusive and impactful across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The project, titled “Meaningful and Accessible Environmental Education,” addresses the underrepresentation of students with disabilities in environmental education. Research indicates that students with learning differences often miss out on critical aspects of environmental science, despite its inclusion in standard curricula. By focusing on accessibility, this initiative ensures that all students, regardless of learning ability, can engage meaningfully with environmental science.
Led by Dr. Bill McConnell, dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, and Dr. Mindy Gumpert, adjunct assistant professor, VWU’s team of faculty and students will adapt the curriculum it designed for its highly successful Shared Waters project, also funded through a NOAA grant.
“We’ll be working with teachers who know their kids and how they learn,” Dr.Gumpert said. “By accommodating the learning styles of this student population, we want to create experiences for these students that really resonates with them, instilling within them the importance of environmental stewardship.”
Accommodations may require some trial and error, while others can be handled with a simple fix. “Students with autism may need gloves to engage in the stream activities,” Dr. Gumpert said, “or an emotional regulation break if they need a breather from the outdoor experience because of a sensitivity to noise.”
The program will provide teachers with comprehensive training and materials, including ready-to-use lesson plans and a kit filled with resources. This approach ensures that the curriculum can be seamlessly integrated into classrooms and sustained long-term.
As a result of this grant, participating schools will permanently integrate the enhanced curriculum into their science programs. By engaging students in activities such as water quality testing, simulation modeling and environmental action projects, the program fosters critical thinking, scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship.
Research underscores the benefits of outdoor learning for students with learning differences. Studies show that just 20 minutes of outdoor education can improve attention and decrease disruptive behaviors, while participation in hands-on science activities can boost academic performance by as much as 27 percent.
In addition to serving the immediate needs of participating schools, the project aims to disseminate its findings and materials to a broader audience. VWU plans to present the curriculum at educational conferences, create online resources, and collaborate with other institutions to expand its impact across Virginia and beyond.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the educational mandates established under the 2014 Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Signed by the governors of the five states within the watershed, the agreement emphasizes the importance of environmental literacy and stewardship to support the bay’s health. By fostering inclusive education through grants like this one, VWU helps fulfill these commitments, ensuring that all students gain the knowledge and skills to protect this critical resource.
“The health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed depends on the collective action of the next generation,” Dr. McConnell said. “By making environmental education accessible to all students, we’re not only addressing achievement gaps but also empowering future leaders to protect our natural resources.”
VWU Researchers
Co-Author
Virginia Heat Watch Study
A new study published in Urban Climate highlights how extreme heat affects neighborhoods in Virginia Beach and across Virginia, revealing stark disparities in temperature exposure linked to race, income, and tree cover.
The Virginia Heat Watch initiative is the largest study of its kind in the Commonwealth. The research team included researchers from Virginia Wesleyan and 11 other colleges and universities across Virginia who—during a single high-heat day in July 2021—coordinated over 200 community volunteers to collect more than 490,000 temperature readings. The new publication includes high-resolution maps of heat exposure in 10 small- to mid-sized cities, from Virginia Beach to Abingdon.
The data revealed temperature differences within cities of up to 15°F, with the hottest areas often located in neighborhoods with:
y less tree cover;
y more surfaces that don’t allow water to penetrate the ground, including pavements, rooftops and structures;
y higher proportions of people of color who historically have been subjected to redlining, the practice of denying mortgages to residents based on race or ethnicity and other discriminatory policies.
The study’s key findings include:
y Neighborhoods with more trees were significantly cooler; for every 10% increase in tree cover, temperatures dropped an average of 0.28°C.
y In many cities, redlined or low-income neighborhoods were consistently hotter than others.
y Local environmental risks often overlapped: areas already burdened by poor air quality or limited food access were also among the hottest.
“Extreme heat disproportionately affects vulnerable individuals,” says Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability, one of two VWU faculty members who co-authored the study.
“Our research in Virginia Beach identified neighborhoods prone to high heat with vulnerable populations, based on risk factors like asthma and income. We then planted over 140 trees and shrubs in two of these neighborhoods, including at shelters run by Seton Youth Services and Samaritan House. We are repeating this in Portsmouth, where we plan to plant hundreds of native trees this fall.”
The project’s community-based approach engaged students, residents, and local governments, generating actionable data that has already led to new greening and cooling strategies in several cities.
“This research project,” Dr. Malcolm adds, “has gotten our students out of the classroom and into the community working on climate solutions.”
The study was funded by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, Capital One, and the Virginia Department of Forestry, with technical support from CAPA Strategies.
Learning Behind Bars
VWU is the first four-year university in Virginia to launch a degree program for prison inmates.
Christina Todd, VWU Instructor of Business, was inspired by how engaged her students were from class to class. “They did the reading,” she said. “They were prepared, they asked good questions and they talked with each other. Because of that, I was easily able to connect their personal experiences to the course content.”
That may not sound surprising—except that these students are inmates at correctional centers in Chesapeake, where Virginia Wesleyan just launched a pioneering prison education program.
The program is funded by a federal Pell Grant initiative called Second Chance Pell. For decades, national studies showed that when incarcerated individuals earn a college degree, their recidivism rates drop from as high as 68 percent to 6 percent. But after Congress eliminated Pell Grants for prison inmates in 1994, recidivism rates began surging.
In 2016, Congress restored funding for these Pell Grants at technical colleges, and in 2024 expanded them to Baccalaureate institutions. Earlier this year, in partnership with the Urban League of Hampton Roads, VWU launched a pilot program for 40 inmates to begin coursework toward a degree. Conducted at St. Brides and Indian Creek Correctional Centers in Chesapeake, the pilot proved so successful that in July, VWU was approved by the U.S. Department of Education to administer Pell Grant funding for inmates at both facilities. One strong supporter along the way has been U.S. Representative Bobby Scott.
VWU was the first four-year institution in Virginia to offer a degree program to prison inmates. And the response has been impressive. This fall, more than 225 inmates in the two correctional centers were approved by prison leadership to enroll in the program. For those who start without any college credits, earning a bachelor’s degree will take nine semesters.
“We’re overwhelmed by the level of interest,” said Drian Glyde, Dean of VWU Global Campus, who oversees the program’s academic structure. “Everyone who’s working on this really wants it to do well. The Virginia Department of Corrections is extremely committed to being a good partner in this.”
Some leaders at the prisons who hold advanced degrees are supplementing VWU’s faculty by teaching in the program.
And thanks to the University’s strong relationship with the Department of Corrections, a unique aspect of the VWU program includes tuition reimbursement for correctional officers who pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The high level of interest by inmates didn’t surprise VWU’s Rebecca Hooker, Associate Professor of English, who jumped at the chance last spring to teach in the pilot program.
“These inmates are hungry for education and what we have to offer them,” she said. “I’m a strong believer in education, and this is an opportunity for me to pay it forward.”
We have to be flexible.
We have to learn how to work with these students around the things that are beyond our control.
Because most students in her class were older, she explained, they took more initiative than many anxious 18-year-olds. “They asked questions immediately, and they’re very willing to communicate and ask for what they need to learn. That makes the dynamic of the class different.”
Conducting classes without the usual resources like internet access or lab equipment makes the dynamic different as well. “We have to be flexible,” Dr. Hooker said. “We have to learn how to work with these students around the things that are beyond our control.”
This past summer Dr. Glyde—also an Assistant Professor of Management, Business, and Economics— attended a conference in Richmond about the benefits of prison education. There he heard former inmates speak about how earning a degree while in prison helped them turn their lives around and become productive citizens.
“We all like to assume that we won’t—or our kids won’t—end up in prison,” he said. “But I can tell you from my fraudexamination background that good people do bad things. You hope that there’s some way to learn from that.”
One study reported that after inmates are released, employment rates for those with a college education increased by more than 20 percent. Another study found that every dollar invested in correctional education saves nearly $5 in reincarceration costs over three years.
Dr. Hooker also emphasized the benefit of rehabilitation. “These men have made mistakes that have brought them to where they are,” she said, “but they are intelligent and ready to move on with their lives. We’re giving them the opportunity to become the kind of citizens that we want all of our students to become. I think we’ll be very proud of the work we’ve done.”
Everyone involved, Dr. Glyde added, believes that the program is aligned with VWU’s long-held values and principles. “The people working on this across our campus is impressive,” he said. “It’s a rare group of people who are motivated in this way to provide help and support. It speaks volumes about the faculty and the leadership we have here.”
Gilbert Bland, President of Urban League of Hampton Roads; Dr. Scott Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University; Dara Watson, Warden at St. Brides Correctional Center and Rick White, Warden at Virginia Department of Corrections
LIVING AND LEARNING
Alum Brings Alaska Environment to Life for VWU Students
In July, students gained a hands-on environmental experience in the natural laboratory of southeast Alaska.
When Scott Ramsey, ’90, graduated from Virginia Wesleyan, he never imagined that 35 years later, the Alaska Outdoor Science School he’d establish would enable current VWU students to experience the wisdom of nature.
But thanks to Ramsey’s guidance and the VWU course “Environmental and Cultural Sustainability in Haines, Alaska,” six Virginia Wesleyan students gained a hands-on environmental experience in the natural laboratory of southeast Alaska.
Through river rafting, tree coring, and hiking in the world’s largest remaining temperate rainforest—along with lectures and talks by geologists, biologists and native Alaskan community leaders—students expanded their insight into the complexity of environmental issues and the interdisciplinary nature of the search for appropriate solutions.
Faculty members Elizabeth Malcolm, Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmosphere Sciences and Director of Sustainability, and Chris Haley, Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Professor of Earth Science, led the students on their experiential learning adventure in July.
“Students are more open to new ideas and experiences during travel courses,” Dr. Malcom explained. “They have a sense of adventure and curiosity that allows them to make new connections when their perspective is changed. In Alaska, they can see firsthand how glaciers have shaped the terrain and forests, and they start asking questions about how that has affected salmon and native food sources, and how a warming climate is causing rapid changes for organisms and people.”
Ramsey’s school is known for bringing students from all over the world to experience nature. Haines, Alaska, offers students tangible, practical examples of natural phenomena that in the traditional classroom are only theoretical concepts. For example, holding ice from a melting glacier provides a completely different connection to a changing climate than reading about it in a textbook.
The Alaska course ties in to VWU’s responsibility to protect and enhance the environment and its biodiversity for the health of local and global ecosystems, future generations, and ourselves. Through the University’s Environmental Guiding Principles, VWU is committed to responsible stewardship of campus resources and to demonstrating leadership in sustainability.
Breanne Bessette ’26 Wins Ryan Environmental Prize for Excellence in Research
At the third annual Louis and Prudence Ryan Environmental Research Symposium, Batten Honors College student Breanne Bissette was awarded the Ryan Environmental Prize for Excellence in Research. Bessette, a junior from Salt Lake City, Utah, is double majoring in Hispanic studies and political science with a prelaw track, while working on a certificate for international organizations and diplomacy. A campus ambassador for the Office of Enrollment, she spent a semester studying away in Spain. Bessette is leading a new campus pre-law society and is a member of the Political Science Honors Society. She has attended Model United Nations, presented at regional and national conferences, and is a VWU Global Citizen. Bessette plans to apply to law school in the fall and pursue a legal career with a focus on international law.
During the symposium, students from the Batten Honors College presented research on innovative approaches to addressing issues of the environment and sustainability. The event featured a poster session showcasing the work of all the participating students, as well as presentations from the three finalists: Bessette, who presented “More than Sex Ed: Empowering Women Through Comprehensive Sexual Health”; Jalen Major of Virginia Beach, who presented “Wasting Away: Optimizing Food Waste Management with Bacterial Composting”; and Marco Molino of Alexandria, Virginia and Torino, Italy, who presented “Redefining the Lawn: Implementation of Eco Lawns On Virginia Wesleyan’s Campus.”
Once the papers were completed, a campus panel—using blind review—adjudicated the papers to recognize the three finalists whose recorded presentations were sent to three community judges: Chris Moore, Virginia Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Lacy Shirey, Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Project; and Theresa Augustin, Vice President of Education at Norfolk Botanical Garden. They selected Bessette as the winner. She received the top cash prize and a donation in her name to the nonprofit environmental organization of her choosing.
The Audience Choice Award went to Harrison Smith for his research on “The Effects of Overhead Shades on Coral Bleaching of Agaricia tenuifolia, Porites astreiodes, and Porites divaaricota.”
Before the awards were presented, VWU President Scott D. Miller reminded students of the guidance he offered when they were accepted into the Batten Honors College. “I told them that their education and experiences in the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan would prepare them to solve problems creatively, think globally, make connections and work towards a better world.”
Dr. Miller explained that the evening’s symposium and prize helped realize the vision of philanthropist Jane Batten for an honors college with a global mission. “We are so grateful that the Ryans believed in Mrs. Batten’s vision,” he said, “and generously created an endowment to fund this symposium and the Ryan Prize.”
From left: Board of Trustees Immediate Past Chair Jon Pruden, Louis Ryan, Breanne Bessette, Jane Batten, Dean of the Batten Honors College Travis Malone, and President Scott D. Miller
The Marlin Chronicle Garners 10 National Journalism Awards, Staff Earns Local Recognition
The student-led publication continues to earn national acclaim, including first place in breaking news writing.
The Marlin Chronicle, Virginia Wesleyan University’s student-run newspaper, continues to earn national acclaim, receiving 10 awards in the 2024 Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ) National Contest. Entries spanned breaking news, opinion writing, infographics, photography, and sports journalism, showcasing the work of a newsroom now over 30 student staff strong.
“These prestigious, national SCJ recognitions are a testament to not only their dedication to the craft of journalism, but the remarkable quality of the work they produce,” said Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne, professor of communication and longtime adviser to The Marlin Chronicle. “I really marvel at the content produced by the Chronicle leaders.”
Editor-in-Chief Lily Reslink earned first place in Breaking News
Writing for “Methodist disaffiliation off the table,” along with thirdplace honors in both Infographics (“Virginia Wesleyan’s history of educational equity”) and Editorial Writing (staff) for “A message for people on the road to burnout.”
Isaac Fick, serving as both News and Opinions Editor, took second place in Election Coverage for “Trump plans to eliminate the Department of Education.”
Sports Editor Sydnee Washington placed third in Sports News for “VWU Athletes take advantage of NIL opportunities” and received an honorable mention in Sports Feature Writing for “Freshman commands defensive end.”
Sports Co-Editor Coy Camiscioli won second place in the Sports Column category for “SportsHead | Will the Chiefs 3-peat?”
Photography Editor McKenna Howenstine received second place in News Photography for her image accompanying “Celebrating Veterans Day on Campus.”
Two recent graduates were also recognized for work produced during their time on staff. Carey Seay, former Community Co-Editor and Managing Editor, earned second place in Infographics for “How to combat senioritis.” Former Sports Co-Editor Colette Kearney took top honors in Sports Feature Writing for her article “Juliette Coffey secures first ODAC title in Women’s Golf.”
“This team is among the most dedicated and courageous I’ve led as the Chronicle adviser of over a decade,” said Payne. “The work they produce both reflects and informs the community they serve.”
Lily Reslink also received individual recognition beyond campus, attending the Virginia Professional Communicators 2025 Spring Conference at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. She was honored with the 2024 Agnes Cooke Scholarship, awarded by the Virginia Press Women Foundation.
“This was such a positive experience,” said Reslink. “I am beyond grateful for everyone who made this opportunity possible and the new connections I have because of it.”
Adding to the accolades, Liam Castellano produced a behind-thescenes documentary on the newspaper’s operations. Titled Eyes & Ears: The Marlin Chronicle, the film offers a first-ever public look at the student-run newsroom and is now available on YouTube.
Founded in 1982, The Marlin Chronicle publishes five issues per semester and remains an editorially independent publication dedicated to ethical, student-driven journalism. The Society for Collegiate Journalists is the nation’s oldest honor society for student media leaders, with approximately 100 active chapters across the country.
Student Spotlight: Isaac Fick ‘27
When junior Isaac Fick ’27 talks about his passion for puppets, his eyes light up and soon those listening are engaged and thinking about their own experiences with puppets. To him, puppets aren’t just felt, string or googly eyes. They’re storytellers, entertainers and even research topics. Last spring, that passion earned him the Hofheimer Library Research Award, and this fall he shared his work during the lunchtime speaker series, Page to Podium, hosted by Hofheimer Library.
A media and communication major from Scottsville, Virginia, Fick is actively engaged on campus. He wears many hats at The Marlin Chronicle—news editor, opinions editor and one of two managing editors—and still finds time to work on developing a Marlin Popcast, a student-led podcast built on thoughtful conversation.
But his most imaginative project may be the brand-new Puppetry Guild, a club he founded this semester with a mission to create puppets, craft stories and perform original plays at the end of each semester. The club made its debut at the Student Involvement Fair.
His love for puppets began, fittingly, with Jim Henson. “I watched Sesame Street before going to elementary school, I watched Muppet movies shortly after, and my first DVD was Labyrinth,” Fick said. “My dad also introduced me to The Dark Crystal. All of this content was created by Jim Henson, often renowned as the greatest puppet master to ever live.”
The media and communication major has started a new club on campus—the Puppetry Guild.
Now, Fick isn’t just a fan, he’s a scholar of puppetry. With encouragement from Professor of Religious Studies Terry Lindvall, he has written about puppet humor and is currently studying how puppets portray evil in film. It was his paper on puppet humor that won him the Library Research Award, presented during the Honor’s Convocation last May.
“I realized in college that I can study and write about anything I want in most classes,” he said. “That academic freedom led me to research what I am most interested in, puppets. I want to understand their communicative abilities and artistic intricacies, to hopefully encourage others to see their value.”
When he’s not researching or planning meetings for his guild of future puppet masters, Fick can usually be found in The Marlin Chronicle newsroom—his favorite campus spot. “No matter what assignment I need to get done, this is always a place where I can write an article, edit, and read or write a paper for class,” he said. “It is peaceful, communal, and welcoming.”
As for what’s next, Fick dreams big. He hopes to pursue graduate study, write a book about puppetry, and maybe even create a documentary series. “Perhaps I could combine journalism, puppetry and unorthodox education,” he said. “With my deep care of the environment and respect for critical thinking, I imagine there is a way to accomplish everything I want and potentially more.”
For now, though, the stage belongs to VWU’s newest guild. With a little imagination and a lot of felt and string, Fick is proving that the power of puppets can inspire, entertain, and maybe even teach us all to see the world with more introspection, humor and creativity.
Step by Step
“We are proud to build on our strong relationship with Sentara as we take this important step forward,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller.
That important step forward, which was taken in August, moved the Sentara College of Health Sciences closer to full integration into VWU. That was when both organizations signed initial agreements to transition Sentara College of Health Sciences into a professional college within the University.
The growing relationship between Sentara Health and VWU, President Miller explained, will expand and strengthen health sciences education in Coastal Virginia.
Beginning Fall 2026 (pending accreditation approval), the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University will operate as a professional college within Batten University’s academic structure, housing all existing degree and certificate programs. This integration not only builds on the longstanding success of the Sentara College, it opens new pathways for students by linking career-focused health sciences education with the broader academic resources of a highly respected national university of arts and sciences.
Established in 1892, the Sentara College of Health Sciences embraces the same experiential learning philosophy that sets Virginia Wesleyan apart. “By uniting Sentara’s rich legacy of healthcare excellence with our University’s academic infrastructure and student-centered mission,” President Miller said, “we are creating a powerful model for the future of health sciences education in Coastal Virginia and beyond.”
Sentara College of Health Sciences moves closer to integrating with VWU.
The institutions’ shared vision, explained Dr. Angela Taylor, President of Sentara College of Health Sciences, is to prepare the healthcare workforce of the future while honoring Sentara College’s deep community ties and proud academic legacy. “We look forward to working closely with the University,” she said, “to create new opportunities for students, expand access to in-demand programs, and continue meeting the growing healthcare workforce needs of our communities.”
President Miller was equally enthusiastic, “Integrating Sentara College into Virginia Wesleyan’s academic community will create exciting new opportunities for students and strengthen health sciences education across our region.”
The collaboration represents a shared commitment to innovation, opportunity, and student success. Both institutions are focused on ensuring a smooth and successful transition, including the required regulatory and accreditation processes. Key details include:
y Through summer 2026, all current students will complete their programs and courses of study under the Sentara College of Health Sciences name. Starting in fall 2026, students will receive their credentials from the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Batten University (pending approval by SACSCOC).
y For current Sentara College students, out-of-pocket costs, courses of study, or graduation timelines will not change.
y Sentara College’s existing campus and facilities will continue to be used, supporting continuity for students, faculty, and staff while preparations are being made to transition all programs to the University’s campus.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment for the most up-to-date information.
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ATHLETICS
Marlins Softball Achieves Greatness— Again!
The 2025 season for Marlins Softball was another extraordinary one, concluding with the team reaching the finals in the NCAA Division III National Championship Series.
The series’ national runner-up had much to celebrate this year—earning ODAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors; producing eight All-ODAC selections, five All-Region players, and two All-Americans; and securing both NCAA Regional and Super Regional titles.
The team made their return to the National Championship Series for the first time since 2021. Adding to the accolades, the coaching staff were named the 2025 ATEC/ NFCA Division III Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.
“In time,” said Brandon Elliott ‘03, VWU’s Head Softball Coach, “this will end up as a historic season not only for our softball program but for the athletic department. Pressure and expectations are a privilege, and watching this team, first-hand, live up to the expectations of this program has been remarkable. There are so many stories of triumph and perseverance with this team, and I am honored to share the field and be in the history books with them.”
This remarkable group truly embodies what it means to be a Marlin—on and off the field of competition.
Congratulations to the VWU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Gary D. Bonnewell ’79, H’16, Benefactor
Gary Bonnewell is a longstanding advocate for Marlin Athletics. His visionary leadership, generosity and dedication have helped shape the future of Virginia Wesleyan’s athletic programs and the studentathlete experience. A proud alumnus, he remains the only graduate to have served as Chair of the Board of Trustees. His enduring contributions include establishing the Bonnewell Sports Medicine Center in the Jane P. Batten Student Center and playing a pivotal role in the creation of the VWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
Courtney Bogan ’16, Softball (2012-2016)
Bogan was a two-time NFCA First Team All-American and was named 2016 HERO Sports All-American and First Team All-Region in 2015 and 2016. She was awarded ODAC Player of the Year in 2015, First Team All-ODAC in 2016 and 2015, Third Team All-ODAC in 2014, and Second Team All-ODAC in 2013. She ranks fourth in single-season batting average (.487 in 2015). In her career, she is top-10 in three different categories including; career batting average (.416), career triples (10), and is second in program history for runs scored (179). She was also a terror on the bases, awarded the NFCA Golden Shoe in 2016 and broke the record for stolen bases in a single season with 70 in 2016.
Jayla Harris ’19, Women’s Basketball (2015-2019)
Harris is the All-Team leading scorer for the program with 1,931 points and top-10 in career assists. She was named D3Hoops.com Third Team All-American in 2019 and All-South Region in 2019. Selected as ODAC Player of the Year in 2018-19, Jayla is a four-time All-Conference recipient, Second Team in her First Year, and First Team the next four years. Awarded Second Team VaSID All-State in 2017 and 2018 and First Team All-State in 2019, she holds three of the top-10 single season points scored in school history in 2017, 2018, and 2019, is second in program history in field goals made with 674, and second on program history in made free throws with 377.
Hanna (Hull) Mazingo ’20, M.B.A. ’21, Softball (2016-2021)
Hull was a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018, NFCA Pitcher of the Year in 2021, and named NFCA Freshman of the Year 2017. She is a four-time NFCA First Team All-American in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. In 2017 and 2018, she was named FPN Sports All-American, selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament team in 2017, (Most Outstanding Player), 2018 (Most Outstanding Player), and 2021 (Most Outstanding Pitcher). In addition, she is a four-time First-Team All-Region (20172021), four-time NCAA Region All-Tournament Team (2017-2021), and was named Most Outstanding Pitcher from 2017-2021. The only four-time ODAC Pitcher of the Year (2017-2021), she was named ODAC Rookie of the Year in 2017, ODAC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2020, four-time First-Team All-ODAC, four-time All-ODAC Tournament Team, ODAC Most Outstanding Player in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She holds five program records including career ERA with a 0.80 (880.1 innings pitched), career appearances at 170, Career Record 132-12 (.917), career strikeouts with 1,353, and career saves with 15. Pete Sadin ’91, Men’s Soccer (1988-1992)
Sadin was named to First Team All-South Region in 1990 and 1991 and helped the team make the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. Awarded First Team All-Conference by the ODAC in 1990 and 1991, he holds ODAC records in career goals against average at 0.464, tied for first with 13 shutouts in a single-season, fifth in the ODAC in career shutouts with 26, and holds two top-10 single season goals against average records in 1991 (0.378) and 1990 (0.401). Has the best career save percentage in program history at .946, the best single-season save percentage in 1990 at .957, and the third best single-season save percentage at .951.
Four former Marlin athletes and one steadfast benefactor were inducted into the Virginia Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame in October. Honorees are pictured with VWU President, Scott D. Miller.
Marlin Athletics Welcomes New Coaching Leaders
Four dynamic coaches step into key roles as VWU athletics expands with new opportunities
Virginia Wesleyan University is making big moves in Marlin Athletics this year, welcoming four new coaches who will guide student-athletes in cross country, track & field, women’s lacrosse and women’s flag football. With this new lineup of leaders, VWU looks forward to an exciting season of growth, competition and tradition.
Cross Country and Track & Field:
Pham and Balot Lead
the Way
BT Pham (pictured on the right) has been named Director of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field. Joining him is Jacob Balot, who will serve as head coach for cross country and assistant director of track & field. Together, they bring a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh energy to the program.
Coach Pham, a proven NCAA Division III leader with national championship experience, joins the Marlins after a standout tenure at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania. There, he coached an NCAA National Qualifier and guided athletes to multiple Centennial Conference championships, meet records, and school records. Known for his holistic approach that balances athletics, academics and personal growth, Pham is eager to elevate VWU’s program.
“I look forward to building a competitive and consistent program that reflects the values and vision of Virginia Wesleyan,” Pham said.
Balot, a former collegiate athlete and rising star in coaching, adds momentum to the team’s future. Most recently a graduate assistant at Goucher College in Maryland, he played a pivotal role in a record-setting season, coaching NCAA All-American Tanise Thornton-Fillyaw and developing USTFCCCA Regional Field Athlete of the Year, Aryanna Paulena. At VWU, Balot is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, achievement, and resilience both on and off the course.
Women’s Lacrosse: Foster Brings Winning Experience
Emerson Foster (pictured on the left) takes the helm as Head Coach of the Women’s Lacrosse program after a successful tenure at Randolph-Macon College. There, she helped the Yellow Jackets achieve back-to-back 14-win seasons—tying the program record—and coached multiple All-ODAC, All-State and All-Region players.
“I am beyond excited and honored to be named the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Virginia Wesleyan University,” Foster said. “I am committed to empowering our studentathletes and fostering a culture of growth, accountability and leadership.”
A standout defender and midfielder herself, Foster was a decorated four-year starter and two-year captain at Roanoke College, earning All-ODAC, All-State and All-Region honors while helping her team reach consecutive ODAC Finals and an NCAA Tournament berth.
A Richmond native, she brings both personal achievement and coaching experience from Susquehanna University, Yellow Jackets South and MFL Lacrosse Club.
A Historic First: Women’s Flag Football Launches
Rounding out the new hires is Jamaar Hawkins, who will make history as VWU’s first-ever Head Coach of Women’s Flag Football—set to debut in spring as the University’s 26th intercollegiate sport.
Hawkins is a respected educator, coach and founder of the I-64 Sports All Girls Flag Football League. With a passion for mentoring and building programs from the ground up, he is eager to establish a foundation of excellence for the Marlins.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build something special from the ground up—a program rooted in competition, leadership and community,” Hawkins said. “I look forward to shaping a culture where our athletes can thrive both on the field and in the classroom.”
Annual Golf Tournament Now Honors Long-Time Athletics Director
Virginia Wesleyan University Athletics is proud to announce that its annual golf tournament held each year on the Friday of Homecoming is known as the Joanne Renn Annual Golf Outing, honoring the legacy of longtime Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Joanne Renn.
Renn, who retired in 2018 after 25 years with the Marlins, served as athletics director for 11 years and left an indelible mark on Virginia Wesleyan’s athletics program. She was the first female athletic director at a co-educational institution in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and guided the department through a period of unprecedented growth and success.
During her tenure, Renn oversaw the expansion and improvement of athletics facilities, including Birdsong Field, the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex, the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center, Kenneth R. Perry Field, and the development of TowneBank Park and Broyles Field. She was instrumental in the addition of new sports programs, and under her leadership, Marlin teams achieved historic milestones, including NCAA Division III National Championships in men’s basketball (2006), men’s golf (2016) and softball (2017).
Beyond championships and facilities, Renn’s impact was felt across the campus and region. She served on numerous NCAA and community boards, chaired the ODAC, and brought national visibility to Virginia Wesleyan by helping secure NCAA tournament bids.
“Joanne Renn’s leadership shaped the trajectory of Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in profound ways,” said current Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Andrea Hoover-Erbig. “Renaming our annual golf tournament in her honor is a fitting tribute to her vision, dedication, and the countless opportunities she created for our student-athlete alumni.”
The Joanne Renn Golf Outing will continue the tournament’s tradition of bringing together alumni, friends and community supporters to benefit Marlin athletics while celebrating Renn’s lasting contributions.
Virginia Wesleyan Men’s Basketball Gains Culture and Competition on Summer Trip to Portugal
The Virginia Wesleyan University men’s basketball team embarked on a 10-day adventure to Portugal from August 4–13. The trip combined competitive basketball with immersive cultural experiences in Lisbon and Porto. The Marlins went 1-1 over the two games on the trip; playing the University of Manitoba and a local team NCR Valongo.
The Marlins began their journey in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city. On their first day, they took part in a guided tour that introduced them to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Lisbon Cathedral and the bustling Mercado da Fusão. The following day featured a scenic walking tour of Sintra, a picturesque town filled with palaces and gardens nestled in the Sintra Mountains.
Continuing their cultural exploration, the team made memorable stops in the medieval town of Óbidos and the coastal village of Nazaré, known for its stunning cliffs and record-breaking waves.
From Lisbon, the Marlins traveled north to Porto, where they delved deeper into Portugal’s rich history. A guided walking tour on August 8 began at the famous Clérigos Tower and led them through Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, followed by a visit to the ornate São Bento Railway Station and the imposing Porto Cathedral. The tour concluded with views of the Palácio da Bolsa and a scenic walk through the colorful Ribeira district along the Douro River.
The next day, the team enjoyed a relaxing boat tour along the Douro River, known as the “6 Bridges Tour,” offering stunning views of Porto’s architecture and waterfront life from a unique perspective.
Before heading back to the U.S., the team made final stops in Coimbra and Fátima for a relaxing afternoon at the beach. The trip marked more than just a chance to play international basketball; it was a unique opportunity for the team to build chemistry, experience a new culture, and create lasting memories.
Go Marlins!
Check out the VWU Athletics schedule below and catch a game!
Support the Excellence Fund!
Each year, the Excellence Fund provides the University with the flexibility to respond where resources are needed most. Whether it’s supporting academic programs, funding annual scholarships, enhancing student life, or advancing library and technology services, gifts to the Excellence Fund ensure students have the tools to succeed. Just as importantly, this unrestricted support allows the University to meet unexpected challenges or seize new opportunities as they arise. By contributing to the Excellence Fund, you make a direct and immediate impact on the quality of the Marlin student experience.
Questions?
Contact Sarah Guzzo, M.B.A. ‘22 Director of Stewardship
Student Leads Effort to Engage Next Generation of Marlin Alumni
Third-year student Miles Pifer collaborates with University leaders to create an alumni undergraduate association.
When Miles Pifer wrapped up his term as Student Government Association president, his leadership journey was far from over. Now, he is working alongside the university’s leadership team to launch a new initiative: the creation of an undergraduate alumni association—a student-led effort to help graduating Marlins stay connected to the Virginia Wesleyan community.
Pifer, a double major in Psychology and Music with a concentration in Choral and Vocal Studies, recently reached out to President Scott D. Miller about wanting to be an alumnus who will be remembered. In a meeting with President Miller and Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, the idea of an undergraduate alumni association took shape.
The association would connect current students with the University’s alumni network, preparing them to become engaged alumni after graduation. It would foster relationships through networking events, panels, and mentorship opportunities, while creating a sense of belonging within the community.
“I want to make a difference,” Pifer said. “I want to be an alumnus that people look up to, not to necessarily follow in my footsteps, but to follow in creating their own steps and trying to better their community. I wanted to cement an idea for other people to take inspiration from.”
Pifer was inspired to choose VWU because of his connection with his high-school choir teacher, Ajee Church ‘16, a Virginia Wesleyan alumnus. “That connection makes Wesleyan feel so much more personal, and that’s something that you can kind of only really achieve here.”
He started to feel an even stronger urge to help the community when his higher education journey began, especially after joining Sigma Nu fraternity—a place where he could exercise values focused on bettering the community.
Pifer’s campus involvement started through music; as a sophomore he was already a member of Virginia Wesleyan’s three choirs. He has been cast in several theatre productions and is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society, a cooperative leader of the Campus Ministries, a Learning Center Tutor, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and President of Sigma Nu fraternity.
This summer, he worked as a Batten Staff Supervisor on campus. In that role, Pifer demonstrated leadership by overseeing daily operations at the University’s recreation facilities, managed student staff teams, ensured safety protocols were followed, and served as the primary student leader on duty during his shifts.
Pifer also was inspired by the impact Ajee Church made in his community when he was a Sigma Nu member.
“I wanted to make an impact as well, but it wasn’t until I got involved with the fraternity and Student Government that the idea truly took shape. Those experiences gave me opportunities to lead and contribute in ways I hadn’t before.”
Pifer will collaborate with Cordova and members of the Trinder Center for Advancement team to shape the association. Drawing inspiration from universities where student-alumni engagement is a longstanding tradition, he hopes the association will create opportunities for mentorship, networking and ongoing connection. It would help cement that sense of belonging and give alumni a reason to stay connected—whether they live nearby, move far away or are busy with graduate school.
“It helps build upon the community we already have. When you look at certain universities that have undergraduate alumni associations, that alumni community is essentially a future foundation for incoming students.” Access to a strong alumni network, he added, gives students a deeper sense of belonging and reinforces the idea that they are part of a lifelong community.
Student Miles Pifer with VWU President Scott D. Miller
FINANCIAL REPORT
The University completed the fiscal year on June 30, 2025, with net operating revenues totaling $42,276,108 and expenses of $42,067,155. Contributed gifts, grants and pledges for 202425 totaled $59,523,719. The Excellence Fund gifts totaled $1,631,249 and are critical for underwriting all aspects of the Marlin experience – high-impact academic programs, faculty development, annual scholarships, and meaningful student-life experiences such as undergraduate research and study-away opportunities.
The University’s endowment is affected by several factors each year, including investment returns, new contributions, and the annual payout for University programs, scholarships, and professorships. The endowment was valued at $134,265,562 on June 30, 2025, compared to $126,233,947 on June 30, 2024. An additional $50 million irrevocable trust is a long held investment designated for the endowment bringing all long held investments to $184.3 million.
Thank You TO OUR DONORS
With this edition of the Annual Report, we gratefully acknowledge the generous financial support of alumni and friends; faculty and staff; students and parents; businesses; foundations; and organizations, as well as the time, talent, and leadership so freely and faithfully shared by our dedicated volunteers, during the 2024–25 fiscal year, ending June 30. Together, these commitments reflect a shared belief in the mission of the University and a deep investment in the success of our students and the vitality of our campus community. On behalf of all who benefit from this extraordinary generosity—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader region—we extend our heartfelt thanks. The philanthropic and volunteer leadership of our supporters makes possible innovative academic programs, transformative student experiences, meaningful community partnerships, and continued institutional strength. As Virginia Wesleyan University prepares to become Batten University, your engagement and support remain essential to advancing our mission and shaping the University’s future.
We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and stewardship, and we invite your continued involvement in the life of the University in the years ahead.
A complete list of donors may be found at vwu.edu/donors
A complete list of volunteer leadership groups may be found at vwu.edu/about/presidentand-leadership.
REVENUES AND TRANSFERS
n Student Tuition and Fees 44%
n Auxiliary Enterprises 26%
n Gifts & Grants 11%
n Endowment Distribution 14%
n Other 5%
EXPENDITURES
n Instruction 30%
n Institutional Support 23%
n Student Services 17%
n Auxiliary Enterprises 11%
n Operation and Maintenance 14%
n Academic Support 5%
OPERATING STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025 44+ 30+
