Greetings from the Dean & Director
Dear Friends,
Last year marked one of the most extraordinary periods in the history of the Batten School & VIMS. Coinciding with William & Mary’s Year of the Environment, our 2025 activities reflected a deep institutional commitment to advancing science, education and community partnerships that sustain healthy ecosystems and resilient coastal communities.
At the heart of this transformation were unprecedented academic milestones supported by record-breaking philanthropic investment. A $100 million gift from Jane Batten HON ’17, L.H.D. ’19 named the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences while catalyzing community engagement and positioning the school and VIMS for even stronger future impact. Then, on the heels of the approval of our new bachelor's degree program in coastal and marine sciences, a $50 million gift from Dr. R. Todd Stravitz ’82 and the Brunckhorst Foundations established full tuition support for students in the program while setting records for the largest scholarship gift in the university’s history. Jane’s challenge to raise another $100 million and Todd’s investment in the next generation share the intention to inspire others to join in advancing our mission.
In April, state representatives and university leadership joined us for the opening of Chesapeake Bay Hall, which provides our researchers and students the innovative spaces and state-of-the-art equipment needed to accelerate and amplify our solutions-oriented science. Celebrations continued in May as we honored 27 graduates from our masters and doctoral programs. These students led and collaborated on dozens of peer-reviewed research publications that advanced solutions for coastal communities in Virginia and beyond.
Throughout the year, we reached more than 30,000 community members through outreach programs, public events and summer camps. Our focus on outreach and education will continue to be strengthened in years ahead through significant campus transformations tied to Jane Batten’s gift.
As we look ahead, the Batten School & VIMS remain steadfast in advancing science that results in meaningful outcomes for coasts, oceans and the communities that depend upon them. The challenges are increasing, but together we can deliver sustainable solutions for generations to come.
With excitement for the future,
D. Derek Aday
Dean, Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences
Director, Virginia Institute of Marine Science