August 21, 2025
Leadership of Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) announced yesterday, August 20, that the university will become Batten University effective July 1, 2026. This decision was made by unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.
The name change reflects the support and visionary embrace of Jane Batten and the Batten family as well as the following through of the university’s 10-year master plan. Learn more about the decision from the university press release.
The university shared in a FAQ document that it will remain rooted in the United Methodist denomination stating, “While the name is new, our mission, ethos, and commitment to character, service, and faith-based inquiry remain deeply rooted in the United Methodist tradition.”
The relationship between the university and the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church strengthened in recent years at a conference, district, and local church level.
The Rev. Beth Givens, Coastal Virginia District Superintendent, serves as the Bishop’s representative on the VWU Board of Trustees and has a strong working relationship with President Scott Miller. Givens was a participant in the recent VWU decision and offered closing prayer as part of the announcement event on August 20.
At the local church level, VWU began a new model for ministry on their campus in 2022 by partnering with Haygood UMC where President Miller and his wife, Annie, are also members. There is shared staffing between Haygood UMC and the student ministries at VWU, under the excellent leadership of Marie Porter. While the student ministries at VWU are in ministry to all faiths, there is a distinctively Wesleyan emphasis. Students at VWU are active in the ministries at Haygood UMC as well as other area churches.
Additionally, VWU leads in hosting area middle and high school students from United Methodist churches once a month for team building, worship, faith sharing, and a meal, drawing upwards of 100 youth throughout the Coastal Virginia District.