President Miller delivers his 10th State of the University Address
Institutional growth connects the classroom to the community like never before
University News | August 23, 2024
Watch on VWU Digital Broadcasting Network
In his much-anticipated State of the University Address, Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller delivered inspiring remarks to a packed audience at TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. This year's address highlighted Virginia Wesleyan's continued growth and innovation, with a focus on the university's efforts to expand community outreach and serve a diverse population. 
“Ironically, our growth is also happening at an inauspicious time in higher education,” stated President Miller. “Due to falling enrollments, escalating costs, and growing skepticism about the long-term fiscal value of a traditional four-year college education, it continues to be a difficult time for many of us in higher education, especially at small private colleges. Yet, I am proud to say that Virginia Wesleyan is bucking that dire trend; while others are struggling, we are thriving.”
With more than 5,000 learners in the 2023-24 academic year, including 1,500 in the traditional College of Arts and Sciences and more than 3,500 in VWU Global Campus, Virginia Wesleyan’s "multiversity" of distinctive schools and programs is serving a wider variety of students than at any previous time in the history of the university.
President Miller then proceeded to share an impressive number of milestones and achievements during the past year, along with some exciting new announcements.
The Jane P. Batten & David R. Black School for International Studies
Developed in partnership with Lakeland University in Wisconsin and Lakeland University Japan, the establishment of the Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies aims to prepare students for international leadership roles. The program is designed to address the growing importance of Asia in the global economy and the environmental challenges facing the region.
“This School grew out of our institutions’ shared commitment to prepare students for international work who understand cultures that operate from individualistic context and those that operate from a context valuing harmony,” said President Miller. “Further, it recognizes that by 2027 more than half of global GDP will be generated by the US and three Asian countries – China, Japan and India – and that 99 percent of the world's most environmentally threatened cities are in Asia and need leader-stewards.”
Students who complete their residency in Tokyo will earn a Bachelor of Arts from Lakeland University Japan and a concurrent Batten Fellow and micro-credential certification from Virginia Wesleyan University.
Announcement of the VWU Center for Urban Leadership Education in partnership with the Urban League of Hampton Roads
President Miller announced the Center for Urban Leadership Education in partnership with the Urban League of Hampton Roads. The Center will include the Incarcerated Persons ReEntry Program, formed in collaboration with the Urban League of Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Corrections. This program represents VWU's goal of reducing recidivism and providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals.
“The program was well-received in the office of U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, who made it a top priority in awarding $1.17 million in congressionally directed spending,” noted President Miller. “This was the top-funded initiative of Representative Scott’s requests, and we are so grateful that he advocated for this program at Virginia Wesleyan. And we will be the first four-year institution in Virginia to take a degree program to people behind prison walls.”
Announcement of G. Robert Aston, Jr. Hall
To honor the lasting contributions of G. Robert Aston, Jr., Founder and Executive Chairman of TowneBank, Virginia Wesleyan will dedicate the facility housing Chesapeake Bay Academy (CBA) as G. Robert Aston, Jr. Hall this October. This dedication recognizes Mr. Aston's unwavering support for both VWU and the CBA, highlighting the university's commitment to serving the neurodiverse community.
As previously announced, through donor generosity, VWU purchased the CBA building in June and executed a long-term lease back to them. CBA will continue to operate as a separate organization and a VWU Partner in Progress.
Announcement of Anne B. Shumadine Hall
Through a private contribution of an unspecified amount, President Miller announced the dedication of Anne B. Shumadine Hall. Located in Honors Village on campus, Anne B. Shumadine Hall memorializes a local visionary and long-time Trustee who was a visionary partner in the design of the academic and business model for VWU’s prestigious Batten Honors College (BHC). Last year, the leader of the BHC was designated as the Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the Batten Honors College. All 160 scholars in the BHC live in Honors Village.
Announcement of David R. Goode Arts Complex
Earlier this week, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art broke ground on its brand-new home, located on the Virginia Wesleyan campus. This facility will not only house the museum itself but also serve as an interactive learning lab, making it one of the largest classrooms on campus.
“This monumental project would not be possible without the support of lead donors Jane Batten, Joan Brock, and Susan and David Goode, said President Miller. “I thank these three wonderful families and visionary philanthropists who have done so much for our university.”
Additionally, the surrounding area, including the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Susan Beverly Hall, and Louise Eggleston Hall, will be named the David R. Goode Arts Complex, in recognition of David Goode’s significant contributions to the university.
“Few realize how active David has been here,” added President Miller, “not just as a generous donor, but as a speaker, advisor and friend. He is the only person in our 63-year history to hold not one, but two honorary degrees from Virginia Wesleyan University.”
National Science Foundation STEM Grant
VWU has been awarded a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships for students interested in STEM majors who are the first in their family to attend college. This grant underscores VWU's dedication to expanding access to high-quality education in critical fields.
Additional Announcements:
- Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity - Several months ago, the University announced a $625,000 federal grant made possible by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Dr. Miller shared additional details of this new center’s goal to increase the employability and long-term career prospects for neurodivergent individuals.
- Commitment to Democracy: College Presidents for Civic Preparedness – President Miller discussed the university’s involvement in the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness initiative, joining 92 college presidents nationwide in fostering civic engagement and preparing students for active participation in democracy.
President Miller concluded his address with an eye on the future, most notably the approval by the Board of Trustees to embark on a new capital campaign. "Renaissance 2028,” a five-year capital campaign with a goal of $100 million, aims to raise $50 million for sustainable infrastructure projects, $40 million for the university’s endowment, and $10 million in operational funds for daily activities, from academic programs to campus life.
“Virginia Wesleyan stands at a critical juncture, one where the past meets the future,” emphasized President Miller. “The ‘Renaissance 2028’ campaign is a call-to-action to ensure that our university will serve as a leading light for our region’s learners, dreamers, and doers for generations to come.”
President Miller's 10th State of the University Address not only celebrated the university's many milestones but also set an ambitious course for the future. With a steadfast commitment to educational equity and community impact, Virginia Wesleyan continues to inspire learners of all ages, ensuring that Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and science remains a place of both tradition and transformation.