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Healthcare is one of the defining challenges — and opportunities — facing Coastal Virginia
Across our region, demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow. Hospitals, health systems and communities need nurses, medical laboratory scientists, surgical technologists, healthcare leaders and other professionals prepared for an increasingly complex healthcare environment
Higher education has an important responsibility to respond
At Batten University, we are doing so through one of the most significant developments in our history
After eight years of discussions and six years of successful joint degree offerings, the relationship between Batten University and Sentara College of Health Sciences reached a historic milestone on July 1, when Sentara College officially became an operating division of the university while we await final regulatory action from the U.S. Department of Education
The acquisition brings together two institutions with deep roots in Coastal Virginia and creates an educational ecosystem capable of addressing one of our region’s most pressing workforce needs
Founded in Norfolk in 1892, Sentara College has spent nearly 135 years preparing generations of healthcare professionals. Today, our combined institutions offer 13 certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degree pathways preparing students for careers throughout the healthcare system. We have also welcomed 39 Sentara College faculty and staff members and nearly 9,500 alumni into the Batten University family
Preserving that history is important. Building upon it is essential
That is why we are taking another transformational step: the development of Batten University’s new $35 million Health Sciences Center
Purpose-built for modern health professions education, the center will feature advanced simulation laboratories, technology-rich classrooms, collaborative learning environments and flexible spaces designed for today’s — and tomorrow’s — healthcare system. An adjoining residence hall will welcome more students to live and learn on our Virginia Beach campus
We anticipate beginning construction in spring 2027, with completion planned for 2029. Together, these projects represent a long-term investment in the healthcare workforce of Coastal Virginia
Healthcare education is changing rapidly. Technology is transforming clinical practice, while healthcare delivery increasingly depends upon interdisciplinary teams. Students must master the technical skills of their professions while learning to communicate, collaborate, adapt and make sound decisions in complex environments
Universities must evolve accordingly
The integration of Sentara College into Batten University creates a powerful model because health sciences education will exist within a comprehensive university environment. Students preparing for healthcare careers will benefit from the sciences and liberal arts, while traditional undergraduate students will gain expanded pathways into the health professions
Our continuing relationship with Sentara Health also connects education with one of the region’s leading healthcare systems
The result is not simply a larger university. It is a university better positioned to serve our region
Our communities need more healthcare professionals. Students need clear pathways into meaningful careers. Employers need graduates ready to contribute to the workforce. And Coastal Virginia needs educational institutions willing to invest in its future
The Sentara College acquisition and our new Health Sciences Center are designed to address those needs
The timing is especially meaningful. On July 1, we became Batten University, reflecting an institution that has changed significantly in its scope and capacity to serve. On that same day, Sentara College became part of our university
Those milestones are connected. Our new name reflects who we have become. Our investment in healthcare demonstrates where we are going
Buildings alone will not solve the healthcare workforce challenge. Neither will a single university or health system. Progress will require sustained partnerships, innovation and a willingness to think differently about how we educate the next generation of professionals
For nearly 135 years, Sentara College of Health Sciences has prepared people to care for this region. Now our institutions have joined together to ensure that remarkable legacy not only continues, but grows
At Batten University, we are honored to carry it forward — and determined to build upon it for generations to come
Scott D. Miller, Ph.D., is president of Batten University in Virginia Beach
