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Dear friends,

As we approach the close of another remarkable academic year, it is my pleasure to reflect on and share the many achievements and celebrations that have marked our journey together.

We celebrated Spring Commencement with the Class of 2024, a momentous occasion where we were honored to have U.S. Senator Mark Warner as our keynote speaker. Our Baccalaureate Service with R. Perez Gatling, President of Virginia Beach Interdenominational Ministries Conference and Pastor of neighboring Ebenezer Baptist Church, delivered a message of faith and perseverance to our graduates. We are pleased to announce Del. Don Scott as the keynote speaker for our 2024 Winter Commencement.

This spring, we showcased our students' academic achievements through various events like the Academic Symposium and the Spring Honors Convocation. The Louis and Prudence Ryan Environmental Research Symposium, featuring the best of student research in the Batten Honors College, was a highlight, and Breana Mahoney '24 was awarded the prestigious Ryan Prize for Excellence in Environmental Research. These events recognize student excellence and commitment across all disciplines.

Additionally, we honored the dedication of our full-time faculty, staff, and friends in contract services, celebrating their significant milestones and retirements. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the vibrant and supportive community we cherish at VWU.

Looking ahead, we announced the Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies at our collaborative campus in Tokyo, Japan. The Batten & Black School will offer unparalleled opportunities for students to study at all three campuses (Japan, Virginia, and Wisconsin) through this innovative partnership.

This year has truly been extraordinary at VWU. I thank you for being an engaged member of our community as we move ahead to the next chapter of our story.

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 “,” University of Southern Indiana President Ronald S. Rochon, Ph.D., explores pervasive social issues, such as housing insecurity and financial struggles, and their impacts on members of marginalized communities. He discusses how higher education leaders can help address these issues by raising awareness, preparing students to advocate for change, and urging collective action.

I have been proud to serve as Executive Editor of the series for the last 20 years. I hope this series provides valuable insights that you can apply to your own workplaces as you work through the unique and ongoing challenges of our time.
Dr. Scott D. Miller is president of 鶹ýrtb. Respected as one of the most entrepreneurial higher education executives in America, he is in his 34th 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.