Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Council Member Declared to Have “De Facto Resigned” After Speaking Out on University’s Name Change

Virginia Wesleyan University Alumni Council member, Kim Mayo, was informed this week that their position was considered a “de facto resignation” following public comments about the University’s recent name change announcement.

The message, sent by Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, stated that the Mayo's “recent public statements and actions indicate that you no longer wish to be involved with the University or its future.”

The email continued: “I’ve taken your recent activity at face value and accepted your de facto resignation. If I’ve misinterpreted your public statements or actions, please let me know.”

Email from Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff at Virginia Wesleyan to the former Alumni Council Member

Kim Mayo, who had not submitted a resignation, said she had met all service requirements outlined in the organization’s bylaws. Their remarks, made publicly earlier this month, criticized the University’s lack of communication with the Alumni Council regarding the decision to rename the institution.

Mayo has a long record of involvement with Virginia Wesleyan, serving as a scholar-athlete during their undergraduate years and remaining an active supporter of the University’s athletic programs and fundraising efforts.

This is not the first time a member of the Alumni Council has been removed after expressing personal views. In 2020, another council member was dismissed following comments made during the Black Lives Matter movement. That earlier incident, which drew attention among alumni at the time, also raised questions about whether dissenting perspectives were being suppressed.

Video coverage from the 2020 incident

The latest removal has renewed concerns among alumni about transparency and inclusion in University governance. Some alumni have argued that silencing critical voices undermines the community’s ability to hold leadership accountable and weakens trust between the institution and its graduates.

“I’d like to say I’m shocked but what I’ve learned about Millers reign this is normal practice.” said 2010 alumnus, Nick Pearl in a public Facebook post about the matter. "If you don’t bend a knee to his wishes and demands he will make sure you vanish."

The University announced in June that it would be changing its name to Batten University, effective July 1, 2026. It was a decision that many alumni say they were not consulted on or informed of in advance.

For now, the incident leaves lingering questions about how Virginia Wesleyan will navigate dialogue with its alumni community as it transitions into its new identity.

Whether this latest episode signals an isolated misunderstanding or a broader pattern remains to be seen.