The Virginia Wesleyan University Name Change: Transparency, Accountability, and the Facts
The Virginia Wesleyan University name change was the result of decisions made under President Scott Miller that many alumni, students, faculty, donors, and supporters believe lacked transparency and meaningful community input.
While we are not associated with the university, our goal is to document the leadership decisions, official statements, and public and alumni reaction surrounding the renaming of Virginia Wesleyan University. We will preserve the facts, examine how the process unfolded, and encourage accountability from university leadership.
Explore the evidence, understand the impact of the name change, and decide for yourself whether the process reflected the values of the Virginia Wesleyan community.
George DeLuca-Farrugia, '92
“As an alumnus, I find this to be utterly reprehensible. For 55 years students have attended Virginia Wesleyan. To allow a donor to buy and change the name of the school shows an utter disregard to EVERY graduate of the school."
Todd Evans, '07
"Virginia Wesleyan meant something. Its name carried weight. People knew it. Now, with absolutely no disrespect intended toward the Batten family, “Batten University” rings hollow—no different from a generic online diploma mill. Perhaps that was not your intent, but that is exactly how it sounds."
Anonymous Parent
