Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach is set to transform into Batten University in 2026. This change honors the Batten family’s nearly 50-year support, which has helped elevate the school from a regional institution to a nationally recognized university.
The relationship began in 1978 when Jane Batten’s daughter enrolled at Virginia Wesleyan. Jane became a leading figure, serving as chair of the board of trustees in the 1990s and continuing her philanthropic efforts with her late husband, Frank Batten, who was a media mogul and co-founder of The Weather Channel. Dr. Scott Miller, the university president, remarked, “This is a defining moment for this institution,” highlighting Jane Batten’s unique vision.
The Batten family’s impact can be seen on campus, where several buildings, including the student center and honors college, bear their name. The Board of Trustees approved the name change unanimously, set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
This renaming comes alongside exciting developments. In 2026, Sentara College of Health Sciences will formally join Batten University, broadening its healthcare education programs. Additionally, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) will move to the campus, opening a larger facility on February 1, 2026. This new location will have 20% more exhibition and education space, making it more accessible to visitors from across Coastal Virginia.
Miller noted how the university has transformed over the past decade from a well-kept secret to an institution with international recognition. The relocation of MOCA is anticipated to boost educational initiatives. Currently, around 7,000 students from Virginia Beach City Public Schools benefit from MOCA’s programs every year. The new space promises to enhance participation even further.
This next chapter for Batten University highlights not only its growth but also its commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities. As the university rebrands and expands, it remains an essential part of the Virginia community and will likely draw even greater interest from prospective students and faculty in the years ahead.
For more on educational advancements, consider recent insights from the Pew Research Center on the impact of university expansions on community engagement.
