鶹ýrtb

Dear friends,


As we transition from the long days of summer into the brisk beginnings of autumn, I am thrilled to share reflections on an event that wonderfully encapsulates our tradition and vision: Founders Day at VWU. This year's event brought our community together in a celebration of the enduring spirit and ongoing evolution of our university.


During our Founders Day celebration, we honored four accomplished alumni and a community leader, each embodying the values that define Virginia Wesleyan and a liberal arts education. Among our honorees was our keynote speaker, Jennifer V. Rouse, Virginia Beach City Councilmember and Class of 2008 alumna, whose address inspired our current students, faculty and staff.


The Batten Honors College Convocation was another cornerstone event, with Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, delivering a keynote address that reflected on our institutions' shared values and mission to develop leaders who champion innovation and inclusivity.


We are also celebrating achievements across our campus community: Jeffrey S. Heller has joined the VWU Board of Trustees, bringing vast experience from his career at Norfolk Southern that will guide us in our strategic efforts. The Princeton Review has once again recognized Virginia Wesleyan among the Best Colleges for 2025. Our athletic and academic circles saw notable accomplishments with senior Waylo Wilson developing a new app for the Lingo Fitness Center and Brandon Elliott '03, Head Softball Coach, being inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. These achievements, alongside vibrant events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and our students' global learning experience in Japan, reflect the dynamic and inclusive spirit of VWU.


As we move forward, we thank you for your ongoing dedication to Virginia Wesleyan, where we honor our past, thrive in our present and innovate for our future.


Sincerely,

2024 Founders Day Celebrates Virginia Wesleyan’s Rich History

Batten Honors College Convocation 2024: Leading from the Margins

Jeffrey S. Heller Joins VWU Board of Trustees

The Princeton Review Names Virginia Wesleyan Among Best Colleges for 2025

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 Virginian-Pilot

The first chapter of the 2024–2025 President to President thought leadership series is now available online. In “,” Adrian College President Jeffrey R. Docking, Ph.D., investigates the vital role collaboration plays in the future of higher education. He explores how innovative partnerships can unleash surprising creativity, grow a culture of innovation, and augment the academic experience, ultimately energizing students and faculty and making new achievements possible.


This year's  series, titled “,” features fresh insights and time-tested strategies for supporting positive student outcomes and ensuring the college’s long-term resilience. A new chapter of this 10-part series, authored by a diverse range of college and university presidents, will be published online each month. We hope you will find value in the unique perspectives offered by these prescient higher education leaders, and we look forward to examining the variety of game changers driving the evolution of modern higher education as the series continues.

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.