sciences partners, on-site learning experiences are also provided at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach; The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk; Sentara College of Health Sciences in Chesapeake; and the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
VWU collaborates with Virginia Beach Economic Development for a work development center, The Hive, in Virginia Beach. Approximately 3,000 continuing education learners benefit from joint programs at The Hive. In 2025, the University opened VWU-Chesapeake, a comprehensive program for those incarcerated at St. Brides Correctional Center and Indian Creek Correctional Center.
In August 2025, university leadership announced that the university will operate as Batten University beginning July 1, 2026. This name change is to honor the substantial long-term financial support from Jane Batten, the wife of Frank Batten, and the Batten family.
== History ==
The school was chartered in 1961 as Virginia Wesleyan College under the initiative …
