As the excitement from Commencement recedes into memory, we are busily planning to welcome the Class of 2020 in late August. At the July mid-point of our summer as we close one fiscal year and officially start a new one, Virginia Wesleyan looks forward to a new academic year in which we continue to position the College to meet the needs of a highly competitive and volatile marketplace.

The College's strategic plan for sustainable growth continues to undergird all our endeavors, driving program initiatives. Our recent agreements with Duke University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University, and Shenandoah University for a variety of early assurance/dual degrees are a strong example of our growth potential. This fall, we will complete plans for two new master's programs and an online program.

As we reflect on the new academic year ahead, we note other significant recent developments:

The incoming Class of 2020 is a strong and talented group. We look forward to welcoming them into the Marlin Family. Our enrollment team, led by David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment, continues to expand its recruiting beyond our immediate region.

Virginia Wesleyan's new $60 million capital campaign "Pathway to Prominence," led by Dr. Mort Gamble, Vice President for Advancement, will define our future. The campaign benefits campus operations, capital improvements and the endowment. We seek additional partnerships, auxiliary enterprises and gifts to ensure that a Virginia Wesleyan College education retains its accessibility, affordability and value.

Alumni continue to give back to their alma mater, mentoring young alumni and current students. The capital campaign provides an opportunity to greatly expand our alumni participation rate, an area ripe for growth. I believe that the strength of our alumni network and enduring, close faculty-student relationships represent a significant marketing advantage that Virginia Wesleyan can leverage in the recruiting process. We welcome a familiar face to a new role leading the Office of Alumni Relations, Lori Simpers McCarel '94, newly appointed Executive Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. Lori has worked in advancement at Virginia Wesleyan since 2007 and two of her children are currently enrolled here.

Although Virginia Wesleyan is doing all of the right things to remain competitive, it is critical for us to stay on top of the trends that impact the health of private colleges. Cost, competitiveness and value are dominant themes of importance. College expenses nationwide have grown at rates in excess of the cost of living, and educational costs now make up more than half of median family income. On campuses, the cost-per-student rate has risen faster than the economy.

We are already seeing some results of shifts in consumer confidence toward traditional colleges and universities. These include a proliferation of online education and for-profit providers and growing discussion about the number of years it takes--and should take--to complete a four-year undergraduate degree. The good news for private colleges is that those institutions offering a comprehensive, residential learning environment, committed faculty, strong post-graduate outcomes and the formative educational approach offered through the liberal arts, with careful financial management and wise investments in technology, will be sustainable. I would add that sound strategic planning, understanding of shifting demographics in the higher education market and a focus on student-centeredness are imperative. Virginia Wesleyan College definitely meets these criteria.

# # # 

 

• It was exciting to welcome former President Billy Greer, his wife Fann, and Trustee Emerita Jane Batten to campus June 21 for a ceremonial signing of the last piece of structural steel to be placed on the forthcoming Greer Environmental Sciences Center. The new 40,000-square-foot academic building is scheduled to open in fall 2017 and will be a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research. Read more about our "beam signing" ceremony on the VWC website.

• Our New Student Orientation on June 24 and June 27 brought incoming freshmen and their families to campus for advising sessions and information about becoming a Marlin. The Class of 2020 was engaged in "Welcome Aboard" sessions focused on topics from financial aid and roommates to the common freshman read and The Lighthouse, and more. Thanks to Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore and all faculty and staff who contributed to making the orientation events so successful. A feature and photo gallery is on our website.

• Virginia Wesleyan's Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) Dr. Larry Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Portfolio, has been selected as a 2016 NCAA Division III FAR Fellow. The FAR Fellows Institute was launched in 2010 and aims to increase the effectiveness of Division III FARs at the campus, conference and national levels. Dr. Hultgren will participate in a three-day professional development program at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis in October.

• I attended the ACCESS College Foundation's Scholarship Awards Luncheon on June 24 to be a part of the celebration for nearly 200 local high school students who will be attending college in the fall. Several of the students are coming to Virginia Wesleyan, thanks to scholarship support from this incredible Foundation. ACCESS Scholars attending VWC are Lorenzo Austin, Monique Ayers, Kaniah Elkerson, Rickiece Poulson, Jazmine Rogers and Myah Williams. We are happy to welcome them to our campus as members of the Class of 2020.

• I recently joined Dr. Soraya Bartol, Professor of Marine Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research, and David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment, for a fascinating visit to the beautiful campus of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point. We met with Dr. John Wells, Dean of the School of Marine Science and Director of the Institute, and Dr. Linda Schaffner, Associate Dean of Academic Studies, to discuss collaborative opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and dual degrees. The School of Marine Science at VIMS is a graduate school of the College of William and Mary. VIMS offers both masters and Ph.Ds and has more than 50 faculty. We hope to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with VIMS in the near future.

• I'm pleased to share that Virginia Wesleyan College has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges. Our 10-year reaffirmation included no follow up reports or recommendations. Congratulations to all faculty and staff who worked so diligently on this for the past few years. 

 

# # #  

 

Finally, let me offer the sympathy, thoughts and prayers of the Virginia Wesleyan College community to the victims, their families and the citizens of Orlando. The recent, tragic shootings remind us painfully of the dangers and growing sense of vulnerability that our nation has experienced during the past few years. As an  institution of higher education, we stand with our fellow educators, students, alumni and many others around the country who are fighting racism, intolerance and hatred. As they do, we advocate for inclusiveness, acceptance and understanding. 

 

We trust that the enlightening power of education and the commitment of our scholarly community to faith, knowledge and truth will sustain us now, in the aftermath of this tragedy, and in years to come as we aspire to a more peaceful, more accepting society.

In my August 23 State of the College remarks to trustees, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, volunteer leadership and friends (to be webcast), I will highlight the continued momentum of the College in enrollment, fundraising, academic and student-life programs. I will also discuss opportunities that will prepare us to prosper in a changing higher-education landscape with shifting demographics. Although it's a tall order for a small private college, Virginia Wesleyan College is up to the task.

Enjoy your summer, and be sure to visit if your travels take you in the direction of Coastal Virginia's Premier Private, National Liberal Arts College.