The Batten Legacy
The Batten name has long been associated with visionary philanthropy, educational excellence, environmental stewardship, and public service in Virginia and beyond. Their transformational generosity has shaped every corner of this campus — and inspired a university worthy of the name.
About Jane P. Batten
"I was a West Ghent kid," says Jane Parke Batten of the Norfolk neighborhood in which she grew up. "By the time I was 8, my friends and I were riding the bus downtown to explore. We were just turned loose. It was a different time."
Why Batten University?
The new name honors the family whose transformational support made this evolution possible and positions us for national and international distinction.
Batten University aspires to be a new model of the independent arts and sciences university, emphasizing experiential learning and equipping students to care for the planet and its people, solve complex problems, and exercise principled leadership.
Frank and Jane Batten Initiatives
The following represent direct gifts and initiatives made possible by Jane and Frank Batten's extraordinary generosity to the University.
- Jane P. Batten Student Center (includes 7 connected facilities)
- Batten Honors College
- Batten Scholars (80 full tuition, 80 three-quarter tuition)
- Greer Environmental Sciences Center
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Jane and Frank Batten Distinguished Scholar Award (for faculty)
- Batten Professors (8 per year)
- Batten Global Travel Fund
- The Bell Tower (Beacon)
- East Gate Entrance
- Lakeland University Japan
- Jane P. Batten & David R. Black School for International Studies
- Environmental Guiding Principles / Endowment Investment
- Geothermal Field
- SmartFlower
- Greer Center Greenhouse & Gardens
- Summer Scholars Program (environmental education for rising 9th grade girls)
- The Excellence Fund (largest contributor in University history)
Projects Made Possible with Batten Family Support
- Ocean Explorer
- Birdsong Field
- Camp Red Feather (YMCA)
- Science Hall renovation
- Honors Village
- Godwin Hall
- Clarke Hall
- Brock Village
- The Trails at Wesleyan Woods
- Bobby Levin Scholarship and Endowment
Additional Projects Supported by the Batten Family
On Campus
- Landmark Scholarships
- Work and Learn Program
- Robert Nusbaum Center
- C.S. Lewis Chair in Communication and Christian Thought
Regional Partners
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center
- Brock Environmental Center, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia
- Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences, College of William & Mary
- Ryan Resilience Lab, Elizabeth River Project
- Batten Environmental Education Initiative, WHRO
A Legacy Moving Forward
These videos offer a firsthand look at the bold ideas and inspiring voices shaping the future of Batten University. From powerful messages of purpose to behind-the-scenes glimpses of impact in motion, this is where vision meets reality.
