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VWU Welcomes Second Round of Batten Honors College Competitors
The prospective first-year students compete for a seat in the eighth cohort of the elite program
University News | February 9, 2024
Prospective Batten Honors College (BHC) students were invited to visit Virginia Wesleyan University February 8 and 9 to compete for a spot in the highly-selective program's eighth cohort. The first round of competition for this cohort was held in November 2023 and the final round for will take place in March 2024.
The competition began on Thursday evening with welcome receptions for students in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center and for their parents and families at DeFord Manor. During the receptions, students and parents had opportunities to interact with current BHC students, faculty, and administrators. The opening session provided participants with more information about the highly-selective program and the schedule of events for competition. The students and parents heard remarks from VWU President Scott D. Miller, Dean of the Batten Honors College Dr. Travis Malone, Director of Enrollment for the BHC Nikki Nieves and VWU Senior and BHC Scholar Kai Trehan, who shared her experiences in the program.
Competition continued on Friday with sessions for parents and students on campus. Students met with faculty and engaged in group discussions and collaborative activities, while parents attended panel discussions and informational sessions that enabled them to learn more about programs and opportunities at Virginia Wesleyan.
The very first cohort of Batten Honors College students arrived in fall 2017 in conjunction with the opening of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. The program fully or partially funds 40 new academically talented students each year, with total enrollment of 160 students.
Selected students receive Presidential Scholarships (full tuition) and Dean’s Scholarships which award nearly three-fourths of a students’ tuition. Students also have opportunities to complete global residencies, which are semester study abroad opportunities experienced any time after their first year. This selective academic program is made possible by generous support from Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten H'06 and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr.
Through small class sizes, personalized instruction and especially vigorous faculty-student interaction, the Batten Honors College is designed to prepare leaders and environmental stewards. The curriculum explores diverse disciplines within the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and mathematics.
Learn more about the Batten Honors College at VWU