August 2019
Marlin Days of Summer
|
As we wind down from a productive summer and gear up for what promises to be an exciting fall, I am proud to share that enrollment at Virginia Wesleyan is the highest it has ever been in the University's 59-year history at 1,673 students for the 2018-19 academic year. Virginia Wesleyan is growing and thriving, while
staying true to our mission as a student-centered institution with a small student-to-faculty ratio. Our institution's success story
continues to be profiled in national publications.
In the supercharged, highly competitive arena of higher education, Virginia Wesleyan has taken bold actions to steer the campus toward long-term viability. Together with a forward-looking Board of Trustees and academic and business office leaders committed to making necessary changes and exploring new opportunities, we have done the hard work required to remain competitive.
It was a pleasure to be invited to submit a narrative describing our institutional transformation as well as key "takeaway" points designed to inspire other institutions that are meeting the challenges confronting small and mid-sized colleges and universities today. I share with you a link to my latest article appearing in the official publication of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).
# # #
A vital component in Virginia Wesleyan's transformation story and commitment to social responsibility through environmental stewardship and education is our Greer Environmental Sciences Center. The LEED Gold building is the foundation of one of our national niche programs. It is instrumental in our journey to carbon neutrality within ten years while furthering plans to cut emissions and build resilience in the Chesapeake Bay as declared in our climate action plan. Enjoy
this video showcasing the Greer Center and Virginia Wesleyan's innovative practices. Additionally, Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, was recently named Campus Sustainability Director. Dr. Malcolm
has been an integral part of the growth and success of our program. She is the steward of our climate action plan, and her passion shines through in her work. Learn more about Dr. Malcolm here.
Additional highlights from the past month include:
Founders Day Speaker and Alumni Awards
Eric Nyman, a 1994 Virginia Wesleyan graduate and president of Hasbro North America, will serve as the
keynote speaker for Founders Day. The Founders Day Convocation will be held on Thursday, September 5, at 11 a.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. This event will be livestreamed through the
VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. Eric will also be honored during the event with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, joining fellow
2019 Alumni Award recipients
Candice E. Driskell '94, Executive Director of Access Partnership (Alumni Service Award); Wallace R. Driskell, Jr. '00, retired Captain of the Norfolk Police Department (Alumni Service Award); and Amari Agee '15, Production Coordinator at DreamWorks Animation (Graduate of the Last Decade Award). Congratulations to these outstanding alumni on this well-deserved recognition.
Virginia Wesleyan Environmental Institute: Summer Scholars
Last week we hosted the Virginia Wesleyan Environmental Institute: Summer Scholars, a residential environmental science program designed for top-performing, rising ninth-grade females. Participants took part in authentic environmental science, technology, engineering, and math (E-STEM) experiences alongside environmental science professionals in academia, industry, business, government, and non-profit organizations in order to better understand the vast amount of opportunities for women in E-STEM fields.
I enjoyed my time visiting with the group and was impressed with the participants' presentations during
Friday's closing session
National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church (NASCUMC)
While attending the first-ever joint meeting of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church (NASCUMC), the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools (AUMTS), and the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (IAMSCU) in Atlanta, I was elected
President of NASCUMC
for the upcoming year. As President, I will also serve as Chair of the 18-member NASCUMC Board of Directors. It is a privilege to serve as the voice of Methodist higher education during this critical time in the church's history. NASCUMC truly has a vital leadership role to play in serving our diverse and valued Methodist institutions. I will continue to advocate for inclusiveness throughout Methodist higher education as the UMC enforces church policy in relation to human sexuality--specifically toward those who identify as LGBTQ. Read more here.
Renovation of the Boyd Dining Center
Phase I of a three-part renovation and upgrade plan for the Boyd Dining Center is nearing completion.
Through private money, the private dining area--also known as the Board of Trustees Suite--has been fully renovated. At a cost of $200,000, the Shafer Room (Board of Trustees Room), President's Dining Room, and main foyer have been upgraded. The foyer now features portraits of our most generous and supportive benefactors, while the Board Room includes portraits of the 10 Board chairs in Virginia Wesleyan's history.
Expected to be completed in the 2019-20 academic year, Phase II includes a $1.3 million remake of the Marlin Grille and an extensive renovation of the East/West Dining Rooms. The Marlin Grille renovation will likely occur between fall and spring semesters, and the East/West renovation will occur next summer.
Phase III will include an addition to the front of the dining center to include a Commons. Fundraising continues on this $3 million component.
Bray Village Update
Construction was completed yesterday on the improvements
to residence hall space in Bray Village. All four residential buildings now have new restroom and shower facilities, complete with rain-style showerheads and other attractive fixtures. Utilities, including ventilation and HVAC units, are also being updgraded. Incoming first-year students, arriving in just a few short weeks, will be among the first students to enjoy these improvements.
Other improvements in Bray Village during the summer include classroom and office upgrades in the Education Department, and creation of a new office across from the Center for Information Technology.
Extensive Campus Trail System
A very special project was completed with the clearing and surfacing of "The Loop" on Smith Drive and Lake Taylor trails on the south side of campus. Our extensive trail system has been named "The Trails at Wesleyan Woods." The two main trails are ideal for walking, hiking, jogging, and biking. You can access both via the Honors Village parking lot. Directional signage will be added by the fall.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads (VHR), a valued partner of ours in the not-for-profit community, has moved its entire operation to the Virginia Wesleyan campus. We welcome VHR Executive Director Stephanie Gorham and her team, and look forward to expanding our partnership. Read more here
Welcome Coach DeSalvia
We welcomed Nicole DeSalvia to the Marlin Family as the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach. Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tina Hill said it well: "Coach DeSalvia has a deep passion for coaching talented student-athletes, both on and off the field. Her enthusiasm and love of the game are contagious, and she has a strong desire to see student-athletes be successful in all aspects of their lives. The Marlins are in good hands under her leadership." Read more about Coach DeSalvia
here
.
Wesleyan Engaged
Wesleyan Engaged, Virginia Wesleyan's Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning, is a Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Designee. Students and student organizations can receive federal recognition for their service by logging hours within the system established by the Center.
The Virginia Wesleyan community completed more than 20,066 hours of documented engagement across the globe throughout the 2018-19 academic year. The
2019-2020 database is now available
to report hours completed between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. Learn more here.
# # #
Each August, prior to the start of the fall semester, I deliver a State of the University Address to our campus community. The address includes highlights, initiatives and significant accomplishments from the past year, recognition of faculty and staff, points of pride, recent University news and information, current campus projects and direction for the future. The 2019 State of the University Address will take place on August 23 at 12:15 p.m. We look forward to welcoming our Trustees, faculty, staff, and many friends in person. For our students and alumni, the State of the University will be livestreamed on our
VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
