VWU to become BU

On July 1, 2026, Virginia Wesleyan University becomes Batten University
https://www.vwu.edu/becomingbattenuniversity/

 

While the BU initialism isn't great since Boston University and others (Brown, Baylor) also use it, it sounds like they think moving to a less religious and place-based name may help them attract a larger enrollment. I notice they offer a decent set of online programs.

 

Wow. Just wow. They are one of the Wesleyan schools. As a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University, I take pride in it and its United Methodist ties.

 

Probably only guitar players will get it, but I see "Batten" and immediately think;

 

Baylor recently sued Boston University for copyright infringement about the interlocking B/U logo.

I think Baylor has a case, they had it first and the Boston U. is a direct ripoff, just the colors are different.

 

Some universities choose to preserve this identity by naming internal schools or departments accordingly—for example, a Wesleyan Business School. Under this approach, the institution could be known as Batten University – Wesleyan Business School, or Wesleyan Campus etc.