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Excelsis: A Batten Honors College Publication
The fall 2025 edition is now available online
University News | January 9, 2026
The Fall 2025 edition of Excelsis, the signature publication of the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University, is now available online.
This issue features a letter from Dean of the Batten Honors College Dr. Travis Malone and highlights the voices and achievements of Batten scholars through original student-written features, academic and co-curricular accomplishments, and coverage of Batten Honors College events. Readers will also find spotlights on a first-year scholar and a distinguished alumnus.
Fall 2025 feature highlights include:
- The Mosaic Project: Building Cultural Bridges Through Shared Traditions by Stephanie Clark, Founder and President of the Mosaic Project at VWU
- First-Year Spotlight: Meredith Gailey
- Dirty Work, Deep Purpose by Kendall Abercrombie, Coastal Resilience Intern with the Virginia Tech Coastal Collaborator
- Shaping Norfolk’s Future by Kaylee Grimstead, Intern for the City of Norfolk Department of Housing and Community Development
- From Observation to Action by Madi Mellon and Amalia Houff, Batten Fellows at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
- Chillin’ In…
- Studying Abroad in Canada by Gabrielle Barnett
- Studying Abroad in Finland by Haley Cummins
- Studying Abroad in Greece by Elena Lictenwalner
- An Alaskan Adventure by Mia Skaggs, studying away during the Seminar in Alaska Environmental Science course
- BHC Events and Achievements
- Alumni Spotlight: Asha Richards ’21, Chair of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council
The Batten Honors College inspires, engages, and prepares academically talented students to become leaders, environmental stewards, and impactful citizens in a global community.