Becoming Batten University FAQs
Have questions about the name change or what it represents?
Here's the story behind the name change and what it stands for.
Why is the University changing its name?
The decision to adopt the Batten University name is both a recognition of our history and a bold step toward the future. While the Virginia Wesleyan name will always be honored, the Batten name reflects the unmatched impact of the Batten family's generosity. For a small, private institution without state funding or a century-old endowment, their support has been truly transformational.
The Batten name also elevates our visibility and reputation. It is distinctive and free of confusion often associated with "Wesleyan," and it aligns us with a philanthropic family whose leadership and values are widely respected. This clarity strengthens our standing in national and international markets, helping us attract students, donors, and partners.
Finally, the timing of the name change underscores our momentum. As we integrate Sentara College of Health Sciences, welcome the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to our campus, and expand our presence in Chesapeake and Tokyo, the Batten name marks a new chapter in our evolution. Alumni remain proud graduates of Virginia Wesleyan while gaining the prestige of being connected to a University of rising recognition and distinction.
Why change the name if we do not have to?
We recognize that the University's decision to change its name may be difficult to accept, especially since it is not something that "had" to happen, but rather a thoughtful, strategic choice about our future. To some, it may feel sudden or without clear reason. It is not.
Here is some broader context, which has been in the national news for years. Across the higher education landscape, the challenges are profound:
- Closures and mergers: 112 accredited four-year colleges and universities have closed in the last 20 years, and many more are struggling.
- Enrollment Cliff: Following the Great Recession, U.S. birth rates declined sharply. Eighteen years later, this has produced a steep decline in the number of traditional college-age students—a reality that will drive more closures and consolidations nationwide for at least the next decade.
- Federal oversight: New policies and regulations from Washington and the Commonwealth aim to strengthen higher education but also introduce uncertainty for small, private institutions like ours.
- Denominational turmoil: Between 2019 and 2023, the United Methodist Church was in turmoil over LGBTQ+ rights. Alumni and friends criticized our affiliation, and the turbulence inevitably affected institutions with instantly recognizable connections. While we are proud of our Methodist heritage, it is significant that the Church has supported our name change.
For all of these reasons and more, WE MUST BE BOLD. We must build on our strengths. Virginia Wesleyan would not be what it is today without the Batten family, whose leadership has transformed our campus and our future. Taking the long view, we believe Batten University better reflects who we are today and who we aspire to become.
What happens to the "Virginia Wesleyan" name and legacy?
The legacy of Virginia Wesleyan will continue to be honored through our archives, traditions, and celebrations. We are still located on Wesleyan Drive.
We are working to preserve the spirit of VWU in many visible and meaningful ways across campus. Please plan to join us on campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 3-5, for a special tribute to VWU.
What was the role of the United Methodist Church in this decision?
Sue Haupert-Johnson, Bishop of the Virginia Annual Conference, serves on our Board of Trustees and was consulted about this decision prior to the announcement. The Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church released this statement of support on August 21, 2025, only one day after the announcement.
Our values and foundation remain unchanged. Furthermore, many institutions of higher learning in Virginia are related to the Methodist Church without a direct naming affiliation—Randolph-Macon College and Shenandoah University are good examples.
Does this change mean the university is no longer historically affiliated with the United Methodist tradition?
No. Our values and foundational relationships remain unchanged. While the name is new, our mission, ethos, and commitment to character, service, and faith-based inquiry remain deeply rooted in the United Methodist tradition.
Why pull out of the Wesleyan college network?
There is no network of Wesleyan colleges. In fact, some schools like Wesleyan University in Connecticut and Indiana Wesleyan University, Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Montana Wesleyan University, and Roberts Wesleyan University in New York are not Methodist affiliated.
Why name the university after a family instead of a place or ideal?
The Batten name has long been associated with visionary philanthropy, educational excellence, environmental stewardship, and public service in Virginia and beyond. Naming the university after a family that has shaped its past, present, and future is a way of rooting the institution in legacy, generosity, and gratitude. Just as names like Stanford, Duke, and Vanderbilt became synonymous with innovation and purpose through the transformative power of individual vision, Batten University will embody strength for the journey ahead—anchoring tradition while charting a bold course for the future.
How does Jane Batten feel about the name change?
Jane Batten is passionate about education and the environment. She is much more focused on the results of her philanthropy than she is with recognition.
However, Jane did realize the benefits to renaming the University. She is a strong proponent of the University to continue to draw on its enduring Methodist heritage of social responsibility, its focus on distinctive teaching and community service, and graduating students who take care of our planet and the people living on it.
And, finally, Jane believes that we have built a strong foundation for the University to become an even better version of itself. Watch her video.
Do alumni voices matter?
This past week has reminded us how deeply Virginia Wesleyan lives in the hearts of our alumni. We have read each comment, question and story. We hear you. While it has been hard at times, it is also beautiful to see a community come together. That passion is something we never want to lose.
We know this announcement feels sudden. For many, it feels like something important has been taken away. Virginia Wesleyan will forever be a part of who we are. We understand that many of you are grieving. This is normal and expected. It means that you care, and we are grateful that you care.
We respect the passion you have for Virginia Wesleyan. And we are deeply grateful for the role you have played, and continue to play, in building the foundation for the University's future. Virginia Wesleyan shaped generations of Marlins. That history will never be erased.
We also know that trust takes time. We cannot ask you to feel differently overnight. What we can do is show — through our actions, our celebrations of alumni, and our commitment to honoring our past — that your legacy is safe and central to our future.
We look forward to sharing more about Homecoming and Family Weekend, happening on October 3-5, as we move forward into the Fall Semester. If you are ready and able, we would love to see you back on campus. We have special events planned to honor Virginia Wesleyan.
Who made the decision?
Our Board of Trustees voted unanimously to honor the Batten legacy by renaming the University to reflect both our future and the values that have propelled us forward.
When is the change effective?
We will become Batten University on July 1, 2026.
What about our diplomas?
After July 1, 2026, all diplomas will reflect the Batten University name. Diplomas issued under the name Virginia Wesleyan College or Virginia Wesleyan University will always remain valid and respected. Graduates of Virginia Wesleyan who would like a diploma that displays the new name can request one after July 1, 2026.
How will this affect the name of our athletic teams?
The Batten University campus community and athletic teams will still be known as the Marlins, and our mascot will still be Bob Marlin.