Â鶹´«Ã½rtb

Dear friends, 

June marked a meaningful close to the academic year—a season defined by powerful partnerships, bold progress, and renewed momentum across our campus. In just a few short weeks, we announced a transformational academic integration, launched new pathways in science and military leadership, celebrated national athletic success, and honored one of our most beloved trustees for her enduring impact on faith-based education. Each milestone reflects our continued evolution as a distinctive, forward-looking institution—committed to student opportunity, national relevance, and the enduring values at the heart of our mission.

In a bold step forward, we announced a landmark agreement establishing the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Â鶹´«Ã½rtb. This integration blends VWU's liberal arts tradition with in healthcare education, creating new pathways for students and addressing critical workforce needs across the region.

In keeping with our growing investment in the sciences, we hosted a special luncheon at DeFord Manor to mark the launch of 13 early assurance programs with Old Dominion University and the —an exciting expansion of academic collaboration and student opportunity. We also signed an agreement with the Hampton Roads Navy ROTC Consortium to establish the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Preparatory Program on our campus, broadening access to leadership pathways for future Naval Officers.

Our Marlins Softball team concluded an extraordinary season as the national runner-up, earning ODAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, two All-Americans, and Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. Their achievements reflect the drive and excellence that define the Marlin experience.

We were especially proud to celebrate longtime trustee Joan P. Brock, recipient of the 2025 Francis Asbury Award from the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Also honoring her late husband, Macon, the award recognizes their lasting contributions to faith-based higher education and their profound impact on Virginia Wesleyan's mission and legacy. 

Looking ahead, I'm pleased to share that Dr. L.D. Britt—acclaimed surgeon, educator, and recipient of the American College of Surgeons' Lifetime Achievement Award—will serve as our Winter 2025 Commencement speaker. This spirit of leadership and service will also be celebrated at our upcoming Founders Day on September 4, where we will honor distinguished alumni and welcome VWU Trustee Joseph Ruddy '83 as keynote speaker.

As we turn the page to the next fiscal year, I remain grateful for the collective strength of the Virginia Wesleyan community—and deeply optimistic about the future we are building together.



Sincerely,

The complete 2024-2025  thought leadership series is now available to download  at no cost. This year's book, titled "Game Changers in Higher Education," examines how new ideas, strategies, and influences are driving meaningful change on college campuses. I have served as the Executive Editor of President to President and its predecessor publication Presidential Perspectives for over 20 years. 

By definition, a game changer is a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way. Higher education is full of game-changing scenarios that college presidents must plan for and address. The 2024-2025 President to President series takes a thoughtful look at some of the game changers impacting higher education in the short and long-term.

Game changers lead; the rest can only learn, grow, and follow. This year's President to President series explores the perspectives of 10 college and university presidents. Over the course of the year, these experts shared their visions for the future and their strategies for prioritizing the game-changing ideas and innovations that will ensure the ongoing success of their colleges.