Virginia Wesleyan University Renames to Batten University

Virginia Wesleyan University officially changed its name to Batten University on July 2, 2026. This rebranding follows a substantial $50 million donation from the Batten family, which was announced in October 2025. The gift is designated for the university's endowment and capital projects.

The decision to rename the institution reflects the significant impact of the Batten family's philanthropic support. The university leadership stated that the new name honors their commitment to higher education and the future of the institution. The Batten family has a long-standing history of supporting educational initiatives in the region.

Founded in 1961 as Virginia Wesleyan College, the institution gained university status in 2017. The name change to Batten University marks a new chapter in its history, aiming to enhance its profile and attract further investment. The university plans to integrate the new branding across all its campuses and communications moving forward. This transition is expected to be completed by the start of the upcoming academic year.