Board hears student‑life, philanthropy and athletics updates; officials remember student deceased before Thanksgiving

University leaders used the Dec. 5 Board meeting to report on student wellbeing, fundraising and athletics milestones.

Cameron Patterson, Vice President for Student Affairs, opened the vice‑presidential reports by remembering Jasmine Gullixon ’26, who died just before Thanksgiving break; he said the art department and campus counseling resources were supporting grieving students and staff and that the art department is creating a memorial display of her work in Bedford Hall.

Courtney Hodges, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, reported strong philanthropy and a relaunch of the event now called Day of Giving (formerly Love Your Longwood Day). She said scholarship yield has grown over the last decade — $1.4 million in 2015, $1.7 million in 2020, and $3.2 million in 2024 — and that seven of eight endowed chairs in a matching program are funded.

Tim Hall, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, highlighted athletic successes: a Homecoming win over in‑state rival JMU, a women’s game attendance record of 2,400, and coach Todd Dyer’s 300th win. Hall also described how the Pomp Sports Performance Center has expanded resources for student‑athletes. He summarized the SCORE Act’s stated goals, including national NIL standards and clarifications about student‑athlete employment status; he presented that overview as background rather than urging Board action.

SGA President Cameron Lowry reported SGA work this semester on parking, a campus safety and accessibility walk, and a campus cleanup initiative, and noted Greek recruitment will resume in spring. Board members praised student engagement and suggested leveraging events such as the Virginia Children’s Book Festival for recruiting.

The Board did not take formal action tied to these reports; administrators said they will continue outreach and philanthropic efforts and monitor student supports.