Virginia Wesleyan University will officially become Batten University on July 1, 2026. The change honors the extraordinary contributions of Jane Batten and her family, whose philanthropy and leadership have shaped the institution for nearly five decades. More than a renaming, it represents a tribute to vision, progress, and ambition.
A Partnership Rooted in History
Jane Batten’s relationship with the university began in 1978, when her daughter Mary enrolled. Her influence grew quickly. By 1981, she joined the Board of Trustees, and in 1995, she became its first female chair. From then on, the Batten family’s support fueled unprecedented growth across academics and facilities.
Catalysts for Institutional Growth
Over the last decade, the Virginia Beach campus has experienced transformative expansion. The Greer Environmental Sciences Center, opened in 2015, introduced sustainable architecture and advanced academic programming. In 2016, the Batten Honors College launched, supported by a significant endowment. New graduate, online, and continuing education programs further diversified academic opportunities.
Expanding Global Reach
The university has broadened its impact well beyond Virginia. A collaborative campus in Tokyo extends its international presence, while a prison education initiative in Chesapeake highlights a commitment to inclusive access. Plans to integrate the Sentara College of Health Sciences—founded in 1892—signal a bold new chapter of academic collaboration and innovation.
Philanthropy Shaping Campus Life
The Batten family’s philanthropy is visible throughout the institution. The Jane P. Batten Student Center, created through a major gift, serves as a vibrant hub for student life. Endowed scholarships provide life-changing opportunities, funding both full and partial tuition. These investments have supported hundreds of students and strengthened faculty excellence.
Art and Science in Partnership
In a bold move, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is relocating from the oceanfront to campus. This integration merges art, education, and community. Meanwhile, the Greer Environmental Sciences Center has earned national praise for both design and mission, underscoring the university’s dual focus on creativity and sustainability.
Rebranding With Purpose
Renaming as Batten University represents more than gratitude—it signals repositioning toward national and international distinction. Like Stanford, Duke, and Vanderbilt, the institution embraces a benefactor’s name as a symbol of strength. Still, the “Virginia Wesleyan” legacy endures in archives, traditions, and alumni pride, ensuring continuity alongside transformation.
Academic and Cultural Evolution
Under President Scott D. Miller’s leadership since 2015, the university has expanded in scope and ambition. Initiatives include the Batten & Black School for International Studies in Japan, correctional outreach in Chesapeake, and workforce development tied to the Virginia Beach economy. The institution is now global, inclusive, and forward-looking.
A Growing Student Body
Enrollment now spans international students, Virginia residents, and online learners across the nation. Continuing education programs serve thousands, while partnerships abroad extend the university’s reach. This academic diversification highlights a commitment to meeting modern workforce needs without losing sight of its liberal arts foundation and faith-inspired heritage.
Looking Toward 2026 and Beyond
On July 1, 2026, students will graduate with diplomas bearing the Batten University name. Alumni diplomas will retain the Virginia Wesleyan title, respected and valid. Athletic teams will remain the Marlins, preserving continuity. The institution’s mission—rooted in community, service, and liberal arts—will continue to anchor its evolving identity.
A Future Built on Purpose
The renaming is not an endpoint but a milestone. It celebrates philanthropic brilliance, strategic leadership, and community vision. As Batten University, the institution stands poised to advance education through sustainability, creativity, service, and global engagement, reaffirming its place as a leader in higher education.
A Name That Inspires
The transition to Batten University is a bold statement about the power of philanthropy and vision. It symbolizes resilience, ambition, and commitment to future generations. For students, faculty, and the community, the name carries a promise: education with purpose, leadership with integrity, and innovation with global impact.
Leave a Comment