Staff

A university’s name isn’t just a brand—it’s a covenant with its history, its alumni, and its founding values. That is the core message of a powerful, urgent letter recently sent to United Methodist Church (UMC) leaders by Kay Kerr (Class of 1981). The letter, which passionately opposes the upcoming July 1, 2026, renaming of Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) to "Batten University," pulls no punches. It represents a growing, deeply felt grievance among the university’s stakeholders: the...

The historic ties that bind Virginia Wesleyan to its Methodist heritage aren't just lines in a history book—they are written into the very bricks and mortar of our campus. Today, another massive voice from our community has stepped forward to express deep disappointment over the administration’s decision to erase "Wesleyan" in favor of "Batten University" this coming July 1. The leadership board at Monumental United Methodist Church—a cornerstone of faith and history founded in 1772—has...

Tradition Over Ego: Why the name Virginia Wesleyan should not be for sale For over six decades, the name Virginia Wesleyan has stood for more than just a collection of brick-and-mortar buildings in Virginia Beach. It has represented a promise. It has been the "heart of the 757," a sanctuary for scholars, an underdog that punched above its weight, and a home for thousands of alumni who carry that name with a fierce, quiet pride. But today, that identity is under siege. The recent proposal to...