Your Way

Police for six years. “This partnership enables me to continue my educational endeavors at my own pace and customize a schedule, allowing me to balance my work and school responsibilities.”

The same holds true for Officer T.X. Hughes, who also has six years’ experience with Virginia Beach Police. “Being able to take all my classes online,” Hughes said, “receiving credits for criminal justice classes completed at the police academy and accepting my prior credits earned from Tidewater Community College showed that I could finish in a reasonable amount of time and finally earn my bachelor’s degree. There’s no doubt that this opportunity will provide advancement in my career.”

Through VWU’s Institute of Professional Practice, similar programs are in development with other Coastal Virginia police and fire departments.

Traditional VWU students benefit from innovative partnerships, too. For matriculating students, the University has 10 agreements in place that offer early decisions, early admissions or priority admissions for students pursuing medical school, law school, divinity school and other graduate degrees not yet offered at VWU.

In May, a creative international partnership produced its first four Virginia Wesleyan graduates from Japan. VWU and Lakeland University in Wisconsin agreed in 2020 to jointly operate a campus in Tokyo with the name “Lakeland University Japan and Virginia Wesleyan University Global.” Before traveling to Virginia Beach to complete their bachelor’s degrees, the four students graduated from Lakeland University/VWU Global’s two-year program on the Tokyo campus.

Tackling Coastal Virginia’s shortage of K-12 teachers is another focus of VWU’s Institute of Professional Practice. Through a partnership with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, a new program will enable VWU education majors to complete internships in Virginia Beach public schools and work as paid substitutes. Another program will help working teachers complete the coursework needed to gain licensed status.

VWU President Scott D. Miller said he feels strongly that the University—which depends upon community support—has a responsibility to return that support in ways that are specific to the needs of Coastal Virginia residents and organizations.

“The people of this region created Virginia Wesleyan,” President Miller said, “and we are dedicated to being a good community partner.”

“If the people of Coastal Virginia would benefit from a specific program or educational partnership,” he added, “I believe it’s our duty to find a way to provide it. That’s why I always encourage corporate and municipal leaders to reach out to us.”

In His Own Words

Officer Matt Thompson Virginia Beach Police Department

“I chose to become a police officer because after I left the Marine Corps, I wanted a job where I would have a clear purpose and the ability to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I wanted a career that gives me the opportunity to make a difference in my community.

“ Without the partnership with VWU, I don’t know if I would ever finish my degree. I was nervous about returning to school after so many years out of the classroom. After meeting and speaking with the VWU staff facilitating this partnership, who seemed just as excited about this partnership as I was, my concerns were alleviated.

“ This partnership gave me the push and motivation I needed to step out of my comfort zone and work toward a goal I’ve had my entire adult life. I have enjoyed going back to school so much that I now have aspirations of immediately starting a graduate program once I finish my undergraduate degree. This would have never been a possibility without this partnership.

“I’ve been in this program for a year, and I have already seen the positive impact education has on my job as a police officer. The courses have opened my mind to a new way of thinking and allowed me to consider and approach situations from different perspectives.

“ This partnership also facilitates the advancement of my career in the police department as there are educational requirements for career progression. I look forward to seeing how this partnership will positively influence my career and how it will assist me in making a true difference within the community I serve.”