Date: August 11, 2023
Today, I pause and breathe in gratitude for all of you who make Virginia Theological Seminary great. A great place to work, a warm place of welcome, an open place for fellowship and laughter, a light on a hill inviting all to experience the joy that is God. Thank you!
Thank you to the leadership team of the Butterfly House, Juanita Sanchez and Shauna Gonzalez, and all the exceptional teachers who nurture our children in thoughtful and caring ways. Much gratitude for the handywork of facilities operations, housekeeping, the mail center, and grounds. This team always says ‘yes’ to every request and delivers consistently year after year. Thank you, John Erbe, for your leadership. Terrell Whitaker has put together a stellar finance team and we owe the careful stewardship of our financial resources and timely payment of invoices to them. Reggie Gravina and Focus Data Solutions continue to implement and maintain best practices that keep our data secure and systems performing.
For the love expressed through food, thank you Meriwether Godsey. The Sodexo staff who work while we are away, cleaning and clearing, thank you. Thank you to all those in Academic Affairs and Student Life. You are constantly striving for excellence to ensure the student experience far exceeds expectations. Excellence throughout, beginning with admissions, registration and housing and a world-class faculty who are educating and forming our students. The chapel team, academic resource center, master librarians, field education, doctoral programs, multicultural ministries, and the Center for Anglican Communion Studies, you all are extraordinary.
Each year I look forward to the gracious invitation from Institutional Advancement to contribute to the annual fund. It’s one way I can give back to an institution that gives so much. I am continually amazed by the expansive reach of Lifelong Learning and those who carry the light beyond our walls to the wider church. I am grateful for a communications team that keeps us informed and connected as the department is being reimagined by new leadership.
Admiration and appreciation for the visionary leadership and pastoral care of our Dean and President and the professionalism of all those who serve in that Office. We are one body working together and for each of you here at Virginia Theological Seminary, I am grateful to serve with you on this journey. Onward in excellence!
Jacqui Ballou
Senior Vice President for Finance, Administration and Operations