Virginia Wesleyan Athletic Legends Resign from Hall of Fame As Wesleyan Name is Removed from Institution

Four of the most decorated figures in Virginia Wesleyan athletic history have formally resigned from the University’s Hall of Fame, following the decision to remove the "Virginia Wesleyan" name from the institution.

The joint resignation, submitted to Director of Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig and President Scott Miller, marks a high-profile protest against the school’s rebranding and the subsequent creation of the Batten Hall of Fame. The signees include standout athletes Robert Valvano (2009), Greg Plummer (2010), Brandon Adair (2012), and Matthew Sinnen (2015).

In their formal statement, the inductees expressed a profound sense of loss regarding the school’s identity, noting that the "Virginia Wesleyan" name was central to their collegiate careers and the honors they received.

"To be a part of a Hall of Fame honoring a school for which we never played, and never attended, seems absurd," the members stated. "As disappointing as this may be, resigning from inclusion going forward with the Batten Hall of Fame is the right thing to do."

The departure of these Hall of Famers strikes at the heart of the school's athletic legacy. Virginia Wesleyan’s history includes 5 National Championships and approximately 90 All-Americans—milestones achieved under a banner that the resigning members feel is being erased.

The group further noted that institutional officials have shown "little regard" for the sentiments of alumni and have offered no alternative plans to honor the specific history of Virginia Wesleyan athletes separate from the new Batten identity.

"The honor of being selected to the Virginia Wesleyan Hall of Fame was one of our most treasured honors," the letter continued. "Recent events have tarnished those memories immensely."

This mass resignation highlights a growing rift between the university administration and the alumni who built its storied athletic reputation.

Read their letter to the Director of Athletics and President Scott Miller HERE.