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From Classroom to Climate Action: BHC Earns National Recognition for Sustainability Leadership
AASHE acknowledges VWU’s Outstanding Case Study on the impact of the Batten Honors College
University News | April 20, 2026
Virginia Wesleyan University’s Batten Honors College (BHC) has earned national distinction for its innovative, mission-driven approach to sustainability education. Recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education with an Outstanding Case Study designation, the university’s work is now featured in AASHE’s Campus Sustainability Hub—serving as a model for institutions across the globe.
While the university’s submission was not selected for a Campus Sustainability Achievement Award, the Outstanding Case Study recognition places Virginia Wesleyan among a select group of institutions demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation in sustainability-focused higher education.
At the heart of the recognition is the case study titled “Cultivating Sustainability Leaders: The Impact of the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University.” Compiled by Director of Sustainability and Batten Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Elizabeth Malcolm and Dean of the Jane P. Batten Honors College and Professor of Theatre Travis Malone, the submission highlights a program designed not just to educate students about environmental challenges, but to empower them to solve them.
A Living Laboratory for Sustainability
Established in 2017, the Batten Honors College has redefined what an undergraduate honors experience can be. Built around Virginia Wesleyan’s Environmental Guiding Principles, the program integrates sustainability into every stage of a student’s academic journey—from recruitment to graduation.
Unlike traditional honors programs, the BHC curriculum centers on environmental stewardship, global citizenship, and leadership. Students from all majors are challenged to think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and apply their knowledge to real-world sustainability issues.
From their very first semester, honors students engage in hands-on projects addressing campus sustainability. These projects, ranging from composting initiatives to stormwater management solutions, often align with AASHE STARS categories and contribute directly to institutional progress.
Learning by Doing, Leading by Example
The program’s emphasis on experiential learning continues throughout a student’s time at Virginia Wesleyan. Coursework in global citizenship and leadership builds essential skills in communication, ethics, and teamwork, while immersive opportunities such as internships, research, and study abroad broaden students’ perspectives.
The culmination of the honors experience is a senior capstone project tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These projects require students to tackle complex environmental challenges with innovative, research-based solutions that often incorporate both global awareness and local impact. Since the implementation of the capstone requirement in 2022, more than 200 students have completed projects addressing sustainability issues. Their work is showcased annually at the Louis and Prudence Ryan Environmental Research Symposium, where students present their findings to peers, faculty, and community members.
One standout project, “Urban Tree Planting: Outlining How to Diminish Urban Stormwater Runoff Utilizing Community Partnerships,” earned top honors at the inaugural symposium—demonstrating the tangible impact of student-driven research.
Building a Community of Changemakers
Beyond academic outcomes, the Batten Honors College fosters a strong sense of community and purpose. Students collaborate with campus leaders, local stakeholders, and industry professionals, gaining valuable insights and building networks that extend beyond the classroom. Faculty have found that the most successful projects are those rooted in real-world engagement—where students seek input from community partners and develop solutions that are both practical and scalable. This approach not only enhances the quality of student work but also instills a lasting sense of responsibility. Graduates leave the program equipped to lead in their fields with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Model for the Future of Higher Education
As sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent global priority, Virginia Wesleyan’s Batten Honors College stands out as a forward-thinking model for higher education. Its integration of rigorous academics, experiential learning, and mission-driven leadership has positioned the university at the forefront of sustainability education.
The recognition from AASHE affirms what the Virginia Wesleyan community has long known: that meaningful change begins with education—and that today’s students are ready to lead it. With its case study now accessible to institutions worldwide, the Batten Honors College is not only shaping its own students’ futures but also influencing how universities everywhere can cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Learn more about the Batten Honors College at VWU.