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Dear friends,

As we prepare to welcome students back for the fall semester, I'm pleased to share highlights from a productive and inspiring summer at Â鶹´«Ã½rtb.

On July 1, we welcomed Dr. Nancy T. DeFord as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Her leadership begins at a pivotal time as we advance major initiatives that expand our academic reach, enrich the student experience, and strengthen community partnerships.

We proudly recognize Trustees Emerita Jane P. Batten and Joan P. Brock, recently named 2025 Virginia Beach Champions for the Arts for their extraordinary contributions to the region's cultural life to include their significant support of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU.

Later this month, I will hold my 10th annual 2025 State of the University, taking place Wednesday, August 20. This year's program will carry special meaning as we spotlight the transformative impact of Jane Batten and her family on Virginia Wesleyan's evolution and future.

VWU continues to thrive through experiential learning. In July, Batten Honors College students participated in a hands-on sustainability course in southeast Alaska, led by faculty members and supported by alumnus Scott Ramsey '90 and the Alaska Outdoor Science School—an immersive program connecting environmental science with real-world challenges. Meanwhile, we were proud to connect campus partners with our outstanding programs as students in Tidewater Collegiate Academy's Global Scholars Leadership Academy—Virginia Wesleyan's on-campus lab school—participated in a weeklong summer camp in partnership with the Robert Nusbaum Center, focused on the power of deliberative dialogue.

Finally, I'm pleased to launch the 22nd volume of the national President to President thought leadership series. This year's theme, Intentional Efforts in Belonging, features perspectives from higher education leaders on fostering connection and purpose in today's academic communities. Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, serves as an assistant editor in this series and was named a 2025 Women in Leadership Awards recipient by Virginia Business for her professional accomplishments and civic engagement.

Thank you for your continued support of Â鶹´«Ã½rtb. As we begin a new academic year, we do so with deep pride in our shared accomplishments and a steadfast commitment to student success.

Sincerely,

The 2025–2026 edition of , a national higher education thought leadership series, explores how college and university leaders are creating campus cultures rooted in belonging, engagement, and shared purpose. This year's theme, Intentional Efforts in Belonging, presents case studies of human-centered leadership that strengthens connection among students, faculty, and staff.

Now in its 22nd year, I have served as the Executive Editor of the series since co-founding the series in 2004 with the late Dr. Marylouise "Weezie" Fennell. In 2023, I welcomed Dr. Katelyn M. Sanders, a faculty member at the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University, and Kelly R. Cordova, VWU Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, as Assistant Editors to continue advancing the series' mission of fostering presidential dialogue and thought leadership.

The 2025–2026 foreword, authored by Dr. Amelia Parnell, President of NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, recognizes the influential role of college presidents navigating complex and evolving landscapes. Ten new chapters will be released online throughout the year at , offering presidential insights and practical strategies.

This year's chapter authors include:

James E. Ryan, J.D., President, University of Virginia

Nido Qubein, President, High Point University

David A. Armstrong, J.D., President, St. Thomas University

Bryon L. Grigsby, Ph.D., President, Moravian University

Rear Adm. William G. Kelly (U.S. Coast Guard, Ret.), President, Christopher Newport University

Alberto J.F. Cardelle, Ph.D., MPH, President, SUNY Oneonta

Martin Lemelle, Jr., D.B.A., President, Grambling State University

Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D., President, Illinois State University

Michael K. Davis, Ph.D., President, Fairmont State University

Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., President, Hollins University

Sodexo, world leader in food and facilities management services, will once again provide publishing support for the series this year but will exert no editorial influence. President to President continues to serve as a forum for peer-to-peer insights and innovative solutions in higher education leadership. Enjoy delving into these important topics with leaders in higher education and perhaps gaining a new perspective.