Share this Story
Alumni Spotlight: Mindy Garrenton Class of 2001
Marlin community proudly welcomes newest member of the VWU Alumni Council
University News | June 26, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to welcome Mindy Garrenton as the newest member of its Alumni Council. A member of the class of 2001, she graduated Summa Com Laude with a degree in Social Ecology. Mindy’s family has a long and storied history at Virginia Wesleyan beginning with her father-in-law, Trustee Emeritus William "Bill" Shelhorse ’70 and her husband of 14 years, Graham Garrenton, who is a current member of the Board of Trustees. 
“We are absolutely honored to welcome Mindy back home,” says VWU Director of Parent and Alumni Relations Tina Milligan ’88. “We are grateful and thankful for her willingness to serve on the Virginia Wesleyan University Alumni Council. Go Marlins!” Mindy recently took part in the pinning of VWU’s newest Marlin Alumni following May Commencement. She says, “It was so special and inspiring to pin the newly minted Alumni.”
What inspired you to major in Social Ecology?
I was drawn to this new major, literally being the first student to graduate from the program, because it addressed the complex nature of our climate crisis with an interdisciplinary approach. The interconnectedness of the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences rounded out and made thorough my own worldview and enhanced my understanding of the nuanced global issues we face as a civilization.
Current title/profession:
I live at the Virginia Beach oceanfront with my husband of 14 years, 8-year-old son, and Boston Terrier. I have chosen not to work outside the home at this time to serve as primary caregiver to my son and manager of my household. I have developed an interest in native, pollinator friendly gardening and bird watching and can often be found digging in my yard and caring for my numerous habitat areas. My yard has been certified as a Monarch Waystation and Wildlife Habitat. In addition to my passion for sustainable gardening and lawn care, I volunteer my time at my son’s elementary school. I can say with certainty that my chosen role is a source of joy for me, for which I am extremely grateful! 
Previous professional roles/titles:
My path after Wesleyan has been unconventional yet has functioned to cultivate my strength of character, work ethic, and interpersonal communication skills. My time in hospitality, followed by teaching yoga for many years, honed an important skill set that I believe serves me well today as I navigate parenting, family life, and community involvement.
How did your time at Virginia Wesleyan most impact your success?
My time at VW equipped me with invaluable oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to be a critical thinker with a broad base of knowledge. I bring these strengths to all my endeavors and have found myself to be an asset in the many roles I have occupied.
Professors/coaches who had the greatest impact on you:
Dr. Larry Hultgren, Dr. Maynard Schaus, and Dr. William Gibson impacted me greatly. Not only were they, at the time, the coordinators of Social Ecology (now Environmental Studies), but they helped me to gain the well-rounded knowledge and insight that I believe is more important than ever in understanding today’s world.