A Letter To The Board, Jane Batten, and Scott Miller

(A copy of the letter is displayed in the photo below)

February 17, 2026

Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees

Mrs. Jane Batten

President Scott Miller

5817 Wesleyan Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Dear Board of Trustees Members, Mrs. Batten, and President Miller,

I am writing with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes holding on to stored photos of fond memories from my favorite educational institution experiences. As a Presbyterian, I was even married in the Monumental Chapel.

I had planned to donate my New York City and Texas Literary, Art/Film Awards to the VWU Fine Arts Center Hall of Fame, however, due to the upcoming name change, I have decided otherwise.

I want VWU to return my abstract painting from the Student Art Collection, selected by famous Professor Barclay Sheaks. He was my advisor and taught me many life lessons, most importantly to live life with gusto and to share talents with others to make the world a better place.

Everyone who has attended VWU knew the United Methodist connections and attended regardless of their beliefs and lifestyles. Removal of the cross from the official Beacon logo and the removal of the Wesleyan name is a mistake and invites a cloud of darkness. This is not a faith-based continuation of Wesleyan traditions but an erasure of our history. Actions speak louder than words.

I believe God can move mountains and will restore the love and strength of the VWU community and historical legacy. I continue to pray alongside many others for all of you, current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Professors Emeritus for wisdom, humility, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to transparency and for faithful stewardship of our institution.

I want to personally thank Jane Batten and her family for their financial contributions, but plea that they reconsider keeping the Virginia Wesleyan University name and brand. Instead, consider a "Batten Campus." A Batten family statue could be placed in front of one of the campus buildings, perhaps in front of the Jane Batten Student Center. Please do what is right.

Sincerely,

Katherine L. Kerr, Class of 1981