Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Protest as University Pushes Forward with Name Change to Batten University

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 29, 2025) — Despite growing protests and an online petition gathering thousands of signatures, Virginia Wesleyan University affirmed that the transition to the name Batten University is "final."

A protest was organized on Friday just before a closed-door town-hall meeting, where university staff and faculty convened to discuss the impending rebranding. The demonstration began around noon, preceding the 1 p.m. meeting.

Alumna Kim Russell, class of 1993, expressed her surprise and emotional connection to the institution: "Oh, we were completely caught off guard," she said. Russell added that VWU holds deep personal significance as "where she met her husband and holds so many memories."

Russell also voiced concern over the transparency of the rebranding process: "We'd like to understand why we'd like to see the white paper that was done that convinced Mrs. Batten to go along with this name change," she stated. "We're so appreciative of everything she's done for the school. We think she's amazing, but we just want to understand what got us here."

The name change, proposed in honor of Jane P. Batten and her family's significant contributions to the university, is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Although the town-hall was intended to address community concerns, students and alumni who are not employed by VWU were barred from attending. Representatives from The Marlin Chronicle, VWU's student newspaper, were among those excluded; only the group's faculty adviser was permitted to participate.

As of Friday afternoon, an online petition created by Devin Cowhey had amassed more than 5,000 signatures, urging university leadership to reconsider the name change. Cowhey questioned whether there might be "a different way to honor the family while still keeping the Virginia Wesleyan legacy." She added, "People are flooding social media with their Virginia Wesleyan stories, and we want to have that conversation, so at some point we're going to keep going until we have that."

In response, university officials emphasized their commitment to listening while reaffirming the decision. Tina Raines, VWU's executive director of marketing and communications, said the institution has "read each comment and story and have engaged in countless conversations." She added, "We are paying attention, adjusting our messaging to address the questions and concerns. While it has been hard at times, it is also beautiful to see a community come together."

Raines further stated that a name like "Batten"—associated with "nationally renowned philanthropists whose vision and generosity have shaped our University"—broadens the institution's appeal while honoring the alumni legacy that shaped its foundation. She reaffirmed: "As President Miller explained, this decision is final."

Full story can be read at News 3 WTKR Norfolk.