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A Great Time to Transfer
A Great Time to Transfer
For students like Caroline Rutledge, the difference is in the details at Virginia Wesleyan
By Laynee Timlin | June 21, 2011
There are many reasons to transfer to Virginia Wesleyan College. Transfer students are often attracted by College†s exceptional faculty, commitment to academic excellence, and inspiring location. Affordability is also an important factor for many prospective Marlins. Recently announced scholarships for transfer students have created new financial assistance opportunities for those who are ready to take their education to the next level.
Perhaps the most cited reason for transferring to VWC is the supportive atmosphere. That was certainly the case for 24-year-old business administration major Caroline Rutledge.
†I found it to be a diverse, yet intimate campus,†explains Rutledge, who transferred to VWC in January 2011 after earning her associates degree at Tidewater Community College. †The small classes and student-to-professor ratios allow for one-on-one attention and a more customized learning environment. I felt this was a place where I could develop and grow as an individualâ€" broadening my life and educational experiences.â€
Like many Virginia Wesleyan students, she quickly realized the difference a caring, student-focused approach can make. She credits her advisor, Dr. Paul Ewell, Assistant Professor of Management/Business Economics, with helping her quickly acclimate to VWC life.
†As a commuter, I didn†t expect to be so connected to the campus so soon, but Dr. Ewell has been a godsend. He assigned projects that extended my experience beyond the classroom, and I was introduced to people who are not only concerned about my success and education, but who challenge me to be the best leader, citizen and person I can be.â€
Rutlege came to VWC not only as a transfer student, but also as someone with experiences in the work world. Dr. Ewell, who taught the management and information systems classes Rutledge took during her first semester at VWC, says those experiences are invaluable in the classroom.
†Learning new terms and concepts and remembering them for exams is only one part of mastery in the classroom,†says Ewell. †It's much more difficult to lead a real project to a successful conclusion. Caroline was able to do both. I attribute her success in the classroom to her experience in the work world. It's also especially nice to have students like Caroline in a class. It makes for a great classroom dynamic.â€
Rutledge is currently taking two summer courses while gearing up for an internship experience during the 2011-12 academic year. She is considering a minor in environmental studies. With plans to graduate in December 2013, she hopes to use her business degree in a †green†organization that is environmentally proactive.
For more information about the benefits of transferring to VWC, visit our transfer page.