Robert Nusbaum Center

The Robert Nusbaum Center is grounded in Batten University's commitment to a rigorous liberal arts education and its United Methodist heritage — both of which have long recognized religious freedom as a basic human right, and diversity as the bedrock of a strong foundation.

The Center aims to create a civil society through education, respectful dialogue, and mutual understanding. It equips and empowers students and community members to be leaders and citizens who value diversity and who understand how the reconciliation of our religious, racial, and ideological differences creates meaningful opportunities for civil solutions to difficult and urgent problems.

Mr. Robert C. "Bob" Nusbaum was the visionary and driving force behind the founding of the Center in 1996. When Mr. Nusbaum spoke of the Virginia Statute and the First Amendment, he highlighted how their legacy has resulted in diversity, dialogue, faith, and freedom in our nation. At the same time, he recognized their fragility. If our nation doesn't see diversity and dialogue as important to its growth, it becomes something different than what the founders intended. It was his hope that students and citizens more deeply value those rights. I am grateful to be part of that mission for our commonwealth and country.

Celebrating Our Heritage

Established in 1996 as the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom (CSRF), the Center was renamed in spring 2020 to the Robert Nusbaum Center — reflecting its expanded mission and honoring the legacy of Bob Nusbaum, a legendary humanitarian and champion of civil rights. The Center remains grounded in the values of diversity, dialogue, and religious freedom.

The following video vignettes celebrate the Center's heritage and highlight aspirations for the future.