Spiritual Life, Service & Heritage

Our United Methodist Heritage

Batten University honors two remarkable educational legacies. Our health sciences tradition began in 1892 with the founding of Sentara College of Health Sciences, while our liberal arts and sciences tradition began in 1961 with the founding of Virginia Wesleyan College by the United Methodist Church. Together, these histories now form one University committed to educating students for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.

Our Methodist heritage continues to shape the University's values and traditions. Near the center of campus stands a life-sized statue of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Inscribed on the back of the statue are his final words:

"The best of all is, God is with us."

On the front of the pedestal are five enduring words that continue to define the character of our University:

Truth • Honor • Service • Knowledge • Wisdom

These ideals are reflected in our mission, our traditions, and our commitment to educating ethical, innovative, and engaged leaders.

Our United Methodist Heritage Lives Through

  • Our historic affiliation with the United Methodist Church
  • Epworth Campus Ministries, welcoming students of every faith tradition
  • The Bishop of the Virginia Annual Conference serving as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees
  • United Methodist scholarships and partnerships with Methodist colleges and seminaries
  • The annual Baccalaureate Service, one of the University's most cherished traditions

A Heritage of Service

Our Methodist heritage is visible throughout campus through:

  • The John Wesley statue
  • Monumental Chapel
  • Heritage United Methodist Church
  • Scenes from John Wesley's Journal, a permanent collection of paintings
  • The University's address on Wesleyan Drive
  • Virginia Wesleyan College of Arts and Sciences, encompassing our traditional academic programs
  • The annual Wesley Award honoring distinguished community leadership
  • The United Methodist Church Exemplary Teaching Award
  • A longstanding commitment to civic engagement, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and service to others

One University. Two Historic Foundations.

Today, Batten University unites the 134-year health sciences legacy of Sentara College of Health Sciences with the Methodist educational tradition established in 1961. Together, these two historic foundations enrich our mission and strengthen our commitment to preparing graduates who lead with knowledge, compassion, integrity, and a spirit of service.

As John Wesley reminded us: "Without love, all learning is but splendid ignorance."

Those words continue to inspire Batten University as we honor our past while preparing students to shape the future.