Virginia Wesleyan Renamed to Batten | Virginia Beach News

Virginia Wesleyan University is officially becoming Batten University starting July 1st, a move approved unanimously by the board last August to honor the Batten family. But before the change took effect, students, alumni, and former faculty protested, calling it a farewell to the old identity and criticizing the lack of recognition for Virginia Wesleyan’s history — even as athletic halls and other landmarks are being renamed. Despite the outcry, officials stand firm: the name change is final, campus signs are already updated, and the move aligns with new partnerships and cultural institutions. Parts of the university already bear the Batten name — including the honors college, student center, and public policy school — signaling a full transition ahead. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/94f347fb8b835cdd