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A Lifelong Learning Journey through ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ
From Traditional to Non-Traditional, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ Opens Doors to Lifelong Learning
University News | October 5, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ stands as a beacon, inviting learners of all ages and backgrounds to embark on a lifelong educational journey tailored to their unique needs and schedules. 
"Traditional students enter Virginia Wesleyan through the front door," says Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, professor of biology and dean of ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ Global Campus. "But there's a huge community around us that also needs affordable learning options. So we put out the welcome mat for non-traditional students at our back door."
Today, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ caters to a diverse range of learners through its ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ Global Campus, seamlessly integrated with the university's academic program. This inclusive approach extends to online courses, evening classes, weekend sessions, international programs, early enrollment options, and non-credit courses, ensuring accessibility for all.
In 2015, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ ushered in a new era of education under the leadership of then-new President Scott D. Miller. His vision introduced innovative learning paths such as early enrollment, online courses, graduate programs, and continuing education. The transformation culminated in 2017, with Virginia Wesleyan College becoming ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ, marking the expansion into online and graduate programs, including the esteemed Batten Honors College.
The following years brought even more milestones, including the introduction of the Westminster Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute, the collaborative campus in Tokyo known as Lakeland University Japan / ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ Global Campus, and the establishment of the David R. Black Institute for Professional Practice, encompassing all continuing education programs and partnerships with local entities like Virginia Beach Economic Development and the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The results of these initiatives speak volumes. In the 2022-23 academic year, 2,609 learners completed courses through the David R. Black Institute for Professional Practice, while the traditional College of Arts and Sciences enrolled 1,600 students. Altogether, over 4,200 learners of all ages embraced ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ's offerings across locations and formats.
¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ recognizes that the right educational path varies for each individual. Whether pursuing career-related certificate programs, no-cost professional development workshops, attending programs at retirement communities like Westminster-Canterbury, or completing university-level classes while in high school, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ ensures a flexible and accommodating approach to learning. 
For working professionals like Emily Amland, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ's online MBA program with its ten different concentrations provided the perfect fit. Amland expressed her relief at finding a program designed for full-time workers with years of experience, allowing her to advance her professional journey.
¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ extends its reach beyond typical boundaries, facilitating law enforcement professionals' educational advancement through a unique partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department. By recognizing the value of police academy coursework, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ provides credit towards associate's or bachelor's degrees, offering officers like Matt Thompson and T.X. Hughes the flexibility to balance their demanding careers with education.
Moreover, through ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ's David R. Black Institute for Professional Practice, similar programs are in development with other Coastal Virginia police and fire departments, underscoring the university's commitment to serving the community.
Traditional ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ students also reap the benefits of innovative partnerships. The university has established ten agreements offering early decisions, early admissions, or priority admissions for students aspiring to medical school, law school, divinity school, and other graduate programs not previously offered at Virginia Wesleyan.
In a testament to ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ's global reach, a creative international partnership with Lakeland University in Wisconsin resulted in the first ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ graduates from Japan. This partnership allowed students to complete their bachelor's degrees after graduating from the Tokyo campus's two-year program.
Addressing Coastal Virginia's shortage of K-12 teachers is another vital mission for ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ's David R. Black Institute of Professional Practice. Collaborating with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ enables education majors to intern in local schools and work as paid substitutes. Additionally, the university supports working teachers in completing coursework required for licensed status.
Dr. Miller underscores the university's commitment to the community, emphasizing the importance of returning support to Coastal Virginia residents and organizations. He encourages corporate and municipal leaders to collaborate with ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ, ensuring that the university continues to provide tailored educational programs that meet the region's evolving needs.
As ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ paves the way for lifelong learning, the stories of its students and the impact of its partnerships serve as a testament to the transformative power of education. Through dedication and innovation, ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ remains a cornerstone of learning in Coastal Virginia.
(Portions of this article have been excerpted from the Fall 2023 edition of ¾Å¾ÅÊÓƵ magazine)