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Annual Spring Town Hall for Faculty and Staff
President Scott D. Miller presents key updates on institutional priorities and national higher education trends
University News | February 7, 2025
President Scott D. Miller welcomed faculty and staff to his 9th Annual Spring Town Hall at Virginia Wesleyan, providing key updates on institutional priorities and national higher education trends. The gathering, held at Brock Commons, offered a comprehensive overview of VWU’s current standing and future direction.
President Miller began by highlighting several major campus developments. Construction on the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU remains on schedule, with completion expected in December and occupancy beginning in early 2026. He recognized outstanding achievements in athletics, congratulating Coach Dave Macedo on reaching his 500th career coaching win, all at VWU, and celebrating Coach Brandon Elliott’s induction into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame.
Enrollment remains strong, with the College of Arts and Sciences reporting 1,600 students and VWU Global Campus serving approximately 3,500, bringing the total enrollment across all programs to 5,075. Projections for the upcoming fall semester continue to be positive. Financially, VWU is in a strong position, supported by steady enrollment, record-breaking private gift support, and increasing auxiliary revenues. The university’s endowment has grown substantially, from $55 million in 2015 to $130 million today, reinforcing long-term financial stability.
Academically, VWU continues to expand its global footprint and online learning opportunities. The Jane P. Batten & David R. Black School for International Studies at LUJ has surpassed 400 enrollments and is now welcoming students from partner institutions within the New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) collaborative. Additionally, VWU has successfully implemented a four-session academic calendar—fall, winter, spring, and summer—enhancing flexibility for traditional and online students while maximizing academic offerings year-round.
One of VWU’s most significant and transformative new initiatives is its prison education program. The university has launched a comprehensive initiative that includes a degree track for incarcerated students, a re-entry program in collaboration with the Urban League of Hampton Roads, and a tuition-reimbursed degree pathway for corrections officers. This pioneering effort underscores VWU’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and providing life-changing opportunities to underserved populations.
President Miller also provided insights from his recent four-day trip to Capitol Hill, where he joined a select group of private university presidents under the theme “Advocacy Amidst Upheaval: Thriving in an Uncertain Political Era.” He shared that shifting federal policies present both challenges and opportunities for institutions like VWU. Among the most pressing national concerns are proposed cuts to key tax benefits that support college affordability, potential expansions of the endowment tax, and efforts to eliminate clean energy credits. While Pell Grants continue to enjoy bipartisan support, efforts to double Pell funding have stalled, with a more modest $200 per recipient increase being the most likely outcome. Meanwhile, several other financial aid programs—including the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Grad PLUS loans, and Federal Work-Study—are facing possible reductions.
As the town hall concluded, President Miller reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to its mission, emphasizing that VWU’s focus remains on supporting students, faculty, and institutional sustainability. Despite the uncertainties in the national higher education landscape, he expressed confidence in VWU’s ability to adapt, thrive, and continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. He also announced key leadership transitions, ensuring that VWU remains well-positioned for the future.
President Miller thanked faculty and staff for their dedication and resilience, recognizing the collective efforts that have propelled the university forward.