Coastal Virginia Partnerships

Virginia Wesleyan University has developed vital partnerships with major governmental, cultural, educational, and corporate institutions throughout Hampton Roads. These partnerships offer an array of research, internship, and curricular opportunities for VWU students.

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

In cooperation with the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, the University operates the Ocean Explorer, a 45foot vessel that conducts oceanographic research in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. A half dozen VWU courses use the vessel.

Chrysler Museum Glass Blowing Studio

Virginia Wesleyan students can also take courses at the world-famous Chrysler Museum’s Glass Blowing Studio.

Virginia Tidewater Consortium

Notably, the University participates in the Virginia Tidewater Consortium, a partnership of 13 institutions of higher education in Hampton Roads. VWU students can take courses via cross-registration at most of these other member institutions.

The University has internship relationships, among other enterprises, with a variety of groups throughout coastal Virginia:

Norfolk Botanical Garden Busch Gardens North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO-ACT) Virginia Beach Workforce Development Port of Norfolk Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Sentara Healthcare Northwestern Mutual YMCA of South Hampton Roads Seton Youth Shelters ForKids Tidewater Youth Services Commission Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center Virginia Beach SPCA Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center Dominion Energy Elizabeth River Project Chesapeake Bay Foundation Eastern Virginia Medical School Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Chidlren Virginia Beach Field House Lynnhaven River Now Holiday House of Portsmouth