Virginia Wesleyan University: A Legacy of Service, Innovation, and Community Impact
Nestled on a scenic 300-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) stands as a testament to the power of vision, community support, and academic evolution. Since its founding in 1961, the institution has grown from a small local college into a globally connected university, all while staying true to its core mission: to serve those who seek knowledge, opportunity, and the means to make the world a better place .
A History Rooted in Service
The university’s story began with a bold vision. In 1959, Methodist minister Joseph Johnston proposed the creation of a four-year private college—the first of its kind in South Hampton Roads . Chartered in 1961, Virginia Wesleyan College first opened in a Norfolk office building before moving to its permanent home in Virginia Beach in 1966 . The first graduating class in 1970 numbered just 41 students, a humble beginning that foreshadowed remarkable growth . Buy fake USA diploma online.
Today, VWU serves approximately 1,750 traditional undergraduate students, alongside over 1,200 learners through its VWU Global Campus and 300 students at its collaborative campus in Tokyo . In 2017, the institution achieved university status, reflecting its expanding graduate and professional programs .
Academic Excellence and the Liberal Arts Tradition
At its heart, VWU remains committed to the liberal arts and sciences. The university offers over 50 undergraduate majors, ranging from traditional disciplines like Biology, English, and History to professional programs such as Nursing, Business, and Criminal Justice . Graduate offerings include Master’s degrees in Education, Business Administration, Applied Psychology, and Environmental Studies .
A hallmark of the university’s academic distinction is the Batten Honors College, established in 2016 through the transformative generosity of Jane P. Batten and the Batten family . The Honors College attracts high-achieving students from across the nation and around the world, providing them with a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on leadership, sustainability, and global citizenship.
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A Campus Committed to Sustainability and Civic Engagement
VWU’s commitment to environmental stewardship is visible across its campus. The Greer Environmental Sciences Center, opened in 2017, serves as a hub for sustainability research and education, preparing students to tackle pressing environmental challenges . The university’s location on land with a profound historical legacy—once a site where recently freed slaves transitioned to freedom in 1866—adds a powerful layer of meaning to its mission of social mobility and inclusion .
The Robert Nusbaum Center, named for a local civil rights activist, fosters respectful dialogue and mutual understanding across differences, embodying the university’s dedication to building a just and civil society .
Recognition and National Distinction
VWU has earned national recognition for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked the university among the top 25 for “Ethnic Diversity” among national liberal arts colleges and has named it a “Top Performer on Social Mobility” . These accolades reflect the university’s success in creating an inclusive community where students from all backgrounds can thrive.
A Future of Transformation: The Batten University Era
In a bold and forward-looking move, Virginia Wesleyan University announced plans in 2025 to rebrand as Batten University, honoring the family whose philanthropy has been instrumental in the institution’s growth . Jane P. Batten, who has given an estimated $150 million to the university over the years, has supported everything from scholarships to the student center, the School for International Studies, and the Honors College that bears her family’s name .
As the university prepares for this new chapter, its founding mission remains unchanged: to provide a transformative, accessible, and values-driven education that prepares students to lead lives of purpose and impact. For over six decades, Virginia Wesleyan University—soon to be Batten University—has been a cornerstone of Coastal Virginia’s educational landscape. Its future promises to be even brighter than its storied past.