Âé¶ą´«Ă˝rtb

Dear friends,

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate Founders Day, a special occasion that allows us to reflect upon and honor the rich history of our institution. This year's ceremony was particularly remarkable as we welcomed Leighton Clarke Krips, daughter of former president Lambuth M. Clarke, as our keynote speaker. Additionally, we proudly recognized four outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields with our annual Alumni Awards presented by the VWU Alumni Council.

During my recent 2023 State of the University Address, I delved into the exciting potential that lies ahead for both our students and the broader community through our innovative partnership with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. This collaboration not only boldly expands upon our founders' visionary ideals but also redefines the possibilities of a liberal arts education. The address also highlighted the strides we're making in enrollment, academic programs, student wellness, and fundraising while also reaffirming our commitment to affordability, ensuring that a high-quality education remains within reach for all deserving students.

As we commemorate our founding, it is important to reflect upon the individuals who have propelled us to where we stand today. We mourn the passing of former president William T. Greer, Jr., who played a pivotal role in shaping Virginia Wesleyan during his tenure spanning over two decades. Among his enduring legacies are the introduction of our four-credit curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and the establishment of the Birdsong Community Service Program, which has become a cornerstone of our university's mission.

Our mission is interwoven into each of our endeavors, and we invite you to explore the remarkable stories of achievement and progress in our newly released fall edition of the VWU Magazine. Continuously, we ensure our good future through community and corporate partnerships that benefit our students and thought-provoking discussions led by guest speakers on pressing topics such as artificial intelligence and its implications for education.

With a new semester dawning, the campus is buzzing with anticipation for the exciting events, academic pursuits, and personal growth that lie ahead. There's so much to explore this semester at Virginia Wesleyan, and we look forward to sharing in the vibrancy of our thriving academic community with you.

Sincerely,
Over the years I have enjoyed writing regular columns and contributing to articles.
Included below are links to several recent publications. Visit vwu.edu/president for more.
The 2023-2024 edition of , a groundbreaking higher education thought leadership series featuring insights from college and university presidents, begins now! This year’s series, titled “,” will examine the many facets of sustainability as well as its importance to students and its impacts on campuses.

In a new chapter published online each month, esteemed college and university presidents will share how they’re proactively pursuing responsible business practices and sustainability strategies that meet students’ needs and create lasting impacts on both the local and global levels. Catch the series’ , written by Sean Creighton, Ph.D., president of the New American Colleges & Universities and Washington Internship Institute, to learn more about what to expect in this year’s series.

We hope you will enjoy delving into these important topics with us and perhaps gaining a new perspective. aims to provide valuable insights that you can apply to your own campus as you work through the unique and ongoing challenges of modern higher education.
Dr. Scott D. Miller is president of Âé¶ą´«Ă˝rtb. Respected as one of the most entrepreneurial higher education executives in America, he is in his 33rd year as a university president. Dr. Miller has dedicated his career to the opportunities available through education. He especially values the small, classical, liberal arts college environment that offers students personalized pathways to life and career success.

Previously, he was president of Bethany College (2007-2015), Wesley College (1997-2007), and Lincoln Memorial University (1991-1997). He was also Executive Vice President (1988-1991) and Vice President for Development (1984-1988) at Lincoln Memorial University and Director of College Relations and Alumni Affairs at Rio Grande College (now University) in Ohio. Read more.