Celebrating a Legacy. Launching a Brand.
It’s not every day you get to help in the renaming of a university. When Virginia Wesleyan University, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, prepared to unveil its new identity, it turned to BD&E to help launch the brand in a way worthy of the occasion.
On August 20, 2025, the University announced that it will become Batten University effective July 1, 2026, in honor of Jane and Frank Batten’sextraordinary philanthropy. Nearly 500 guests gathered on campus for the announcement, where BD&E was proud to produce and premiere two centerpiece films: Batten Legacy, celebrating the family’s deep history with the institution, and a launch video that cast an inspiring vision for the future of Batten University.
By weaving together archival materials, existing footage, and fresh storytelling, we helped bring this pivotal moment to life. It was our honor to partner with President Dr. Scott D. Miller and his team and to be part of this historic event.
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.