Â鶹´«Ă˝rtb

Dear friends, 

We just concluded a month filled with accomplishments, connections, and milestones that showcase our wonderful campus community. As we near the end of the academic year, I am proud to reflect on the many ways we continue to grow, innovate, and support one another.

Our Earth Week celebrations provided an opportunity for all of us to come together to take meaningful action for our planet. From hands-on environmental activities to powerful lectures on climate health, the week was a reminder of our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental justice. I was inspired by the energy and passion our students, faculty, and staff brought to these initiatives, embodying the values of responsibility and leadership that define VWU.

Â鶹´«Ă˝rtb earned national recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, receiving the Arts and Sciences designation (formerly known as National Liberal Arts College designation). Just 6% of higher education institutions receive this distinction, marking how special and important our institution is to the higher education landscape. 

In the same spirit of excellence, last month included a series of remarkable achievements that highlight the dedication of the Virginia Wesleyan community. The Spring 2025 Marlin Business Conference featured former Wall Street trader Andrew Cohen, who delivered a compelling keynote on financial ethics and transparency, sharing lessons drawn from his personal experiences with Bernie Madoff’s firm. Spring Alumni Weekend was another highlight, bringing together graduates for reunions, athletic events, and more. We also celebrated the accomplishments of our exceptional student workers at the inaugural Student Worker ALL-STAR Awards, recognizing their invaluable contributions across campus. 

As we move into the final weeks of the academic year, I am excited to build on the momentum we have generated throughout the semester. From academic achievements to personal milestones, our community continues to make a difference both on campus and beyond.



Sincerely,

The ninth chapter of this year’s President to President thought leadership series is now available online. In by Lori S. White, Ph.D., President of DePauw University, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by a police officer outside of a convenience store in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Derek Chavin, the police officer, knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes while the police officer’s colleagues assisted with restraining Mr. Floyd and kept bystanders from intervening, even as Mr. Floyd said, “I can’t breathe,” and called out for his mama.

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.