CALL TO ACTION: WHY THE FIGHT OVER VIRGINIA WESLEYAN'S NAME MATTERS

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 feeling that institutional soul and heritage are being traded away for corporate-style benefactor branding.

The Core of the Controversy

Kerr’s letter highlights several critical tensions that often arise when historic, faith-based institutions face massive modern financial decisions:

• Principles vs. Endowment: The commentary speaks directly to the frustration that "money is taking the forefront over principles and morals." While universities face immense financial pressures, the erasure of the "Wesleyan" name feels to many like a formal decoupling from the Methodist tradition and John Wesley’s moral compass.

• A Breakdown in Transparency: A particularly stinging point in the letter is the revelation that key UMC leaders on the Board of Trustees voted in favor of the change before the wider church congregations and alumni were even informed. For a community built on shared faith and governance, finding out after the fact feels like a breach of trust.

• The Physical and Spiritual Legacy: Kerr reminds leaders of the literal brick-and-mortar sacrifices made by the community, pointing to the Monumental Chapel—funded significantly by Monumental UMC in 1972. The argument here is vital: if the university is experiencing a moment of reflection, it should be expanding its spiritual footprint (restoring the cross to the logo, building out religious studies), not diminishing its identity.

Speaking Truth to Power

This letter is a final, urgent rallying cry ahead of the Virginia Conference’s upcoming sessions at James Madison University. With the July 1st contract deadline looming, alumni and community leaders are demanding that Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and other leaders have the "faith and courage" to reverse course.

Whether the UMC leadership will introduce a resolution to halt the name change remains to be seen. But Kerr’s letter ensures that if the name is wiped away, it won’t happen in silence.

The Letter

Dear Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, UMC Bishops, Superintendents, Reverends, Delegations, Council and others,

This letter is being sent to express disappointment and anger about money taking the forefront over principles and morals. The VWU name change will erase our connection to the Methodist Church/Commonwealth of Virginia. I am writing to request advocacy for immediate action by the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church to discuss/act at the upcoming June 17-20th James Madison University Agenda sessions. Please take a leadership role in opposing the VWU name change to Batten University.

A day after the official announcement Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and Coastal District Superintendent Beth Givens announced to the public they voted in favor of the name change as Board of Trustees and church congregations were left in the dark. They can reverse their favorable votes by living in faith with courage to stand up for John Wesley’s ideals/ moral compass to preserve VWU’s history, brand/legacy. A Resolution of opposition MUST be sent immediately by the Bishop to dismantle the current contract which is not final until July 1st.

Thousands of alumni, students, faculty, staff, Professors Emeritus/community members are counting on you.

Please see the attached Resolution from the Leadership Board of Monumental United Methodist Church (published on this website as a separate news item) that adamantly opposes the July 1,2026 VWU name change. The hope is that other Conference Methodist church leaders follow suite. In 1972, to mark the church’s 200th Anniversary Celebration, Monumental UMC raised/donated significant funds to VWU. Working in close coordination with the Beasley Foundation, this massive effort resulted in the construction of the Monumental Chapel-the spiritual heart of the campus. In our difficult times youth/adults are seeking faith, revivals, baptisms/religion. If anything, the Chapel should be expanded with a larger sanctuary for weekly services/choir, add classrooms for Religious Studies, new Seminary, add a baptismal pool/columbarium. Also, reinstate the cross on the official VWU logo.

Let’s speak truth to power. For years, the alumni of VWU have been told about the growth/success of the institution. Now inexplicably, we have been told the name will change to honor a benefactor. VWU is the product of the collective effort of thousands of alumni, administrators, faculty, staff, clergy, United Methodist laity and community leaders.

The erasure of the Virginia Wesleyan name is totally unnecessary. Abandoning the name feels to many like abandoning its soul. Silence is not an option in this situation. The Bishop MUST immediately present a Resolution of opposition to Dr. Nancy DeFord, Chair of Board of Trustees, prior to July 1st deadline.

Let’s have, ”A Great Awakening “as experienced by John Wesley/George Whitfield for our 250th Celebration! Many are praying for you all including other denominational leaders, Pope Leo, Cardinal, Archbishop of Washington-Bob McElroy, CBN/Joel Osteen ministries. Please do what is right for the VWU flock and keep the Virginia Wesleyan name.

Respectfully, Kay Kerr-Class of 1981

Retired Civil Service- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and AFGE Union Steward