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The end of this academic year brings not only warmth but also a wave of new developments in academic and leadership programs. I'm delighted to share the recent appointment of Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson as Vice President of VWU Global Campus, expanding VWU to learners of all ages and in all corners of the world.

In some exciting news, we announced that Jody Wagner is joining our Board of Trustees and celebrated recent win in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference women's golf championship tournament, a first in program history. The University joined the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (Navy ROTC), enhancing scholarship and career training opportunities for interested students. Additionally, thanks to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, the University received federal grant money to create the VWU Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity, providing vital support for undergraduate students and adult learners as they seek meaningful employment.

We celebrated Spring Alumni Weekend, welcoming home Marlins to reconnect and rediscover their alma mater. We hosted the Marlin Business Conference and GreenFest, along with other Earth Day-inspired activities, aligning with the summer’s themes of growth and renewal. These events promote professional networking and sustainable practices across the VWU community.

Overall, these activities at VWU create a vibrant, evolving environment that reflects the University's commitment to excellence and inclusivity, fostering a place where students not only learn but also lead and engage with the world around them.

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 ",” McMurry University President Sandra S. Harper, Ph.D., examines the dilemma of higher education institutions striving for sustainability amidst financial constraints and evolving societal needs. It suggests exploring strategic approaches, as demonstrated by a small private university, to ensure long-term viability beyond the current decade.

In “,” University of Holy Cross President Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D., examines the financial challenges many campuses have faced recently and offers strategies for overcoming them with a results-oriented plan. He highlights the need for adaptability and offers ideas for leveraging meaningful partnerships, online instruction, niche programs, auxiliary income, and more to ensure long-term success.

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.