Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS
The accelerating pace of global change poses grave challenges to marine systems and to billions of people who live near coastlines. Worldwide, coastal communities face existential threats: rising sea levels, increased storm intensity and flooding, loss of agricultural land and impaired water quality. At this crucial moment, William & Mary will lead the way forward. A transformational $100 million gift from philanthropist Jane Batten HON ’17, L.H.D. ’19 established the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences.
Batten’s visionary gift will position W&M’s Batten School & VIMS as the premier destination for developing solutions to these threats — building on the university’s strong scientific reputation and unmatched expertise in coastal resilience.
In remarks at events celebrating her gift, Batten stressed that global change is the greatest challenge of our generation and that everyone needs to be invested in finding solutions. “It’s no longer just about preserving the environment. It’s about survival,” she said. “The Batten family is proud to be part of this global movement, but we cannot do it alone. I ask each of you to reflect on what role you can play — whether through your time, your resources or your influence — to support the Batten School and its quest for science-based solutions, here in Virginia and around the world.”
