He is considered a private man by those who know him, but Frank Batten is an individual who has devoted his life to a public enterprise. The former publisher of The Virginian-Pilot and current chairman of Landmark Communications, Batten has made an indelible mark on southeastern Virginia in his roles as a media executive and community supporter. And now, he is working both publicly and privately to help make a lasting contribution to Old Dominion University.
The first rector of Old Dominion when it gained college status in 1962, Batten is serving in a public leadership role as co-chairman of The Campaign for Old Dominion University, the university's first capital campaign. He is also supporting the campaign monetarily with two significant challenge grants that will match, one-for-one, gifts from private sources to support a technology fund endowment and a faculty endowment. Batten's multimillion-dollar gift will have a major impact on the success of this fund-raising venture, according to campaign officials.
Few people have accomplished more for Old Dominion, publicly or privately, than Frank Batten. As the first rector of Old Dominion College-an urban school with only a handful of buildings and no graduate programs-he continually fought for the quality and future of an institution that he knew held great promise. He argued gallantly for the reallocation of state funds for the college, while also emphasizing the importance of private support.
In addition to his recent challenge for the capital campaign, Batten has generously supported the university's Samuel L. and Fay M. Slover Fund, the Oceanography Faculty Fund, the Kaufman Prize, the Spong Professorship and intercollegiate scholarships.
A Norfolk native, Batten grew up in the home of his uncle, Samuel L. Slover, who was publisher of The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star. Working for the family-owned newspapers as a copyboy at age 13, Batten proceeded to become publisher of the newspapers, as well as owner of a radio station, following his graduation from the Harvard Business School. At the age of 27, he turned the local firm into a multimillion-dollar, nationwide media empire known as Landmark Communications Inc. Throughout his years with Landmark, Batten has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education. He once remarked, "Education is my prime interest outside the company." He has served as vice chairman of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, president of the board of trustees at Norfolk Academy and trustee for several colleges, including the College of William and Mary and Hollins College.
As one who played a major role in getting a young Old Dominion College off to a good start in the '60s, Batten has helped the institution stay on course down through the years, often working behind the scenes in support of a regional school that has provided a high-quality education to thousands of students, not only from Hampton Roads, but now from all over the world.
As he proclaimed to the Norfolk Lion's Club over 35 years ago, regarding the future possibilities for Old Dominion College, "You ain't seen nothing yet!" The ensuing years have borne him out, and the years still ahead hold just as much promise for Old Dominion University, the University of the 21st Century."The Campaign for Old Dominion is receiving great support from the faculty and staff and from many alumni and friends," said Batten. "This reflects how important Old Dominion is in the lives of its graduates and in the economy and quality of life in Hampton Roads.
"I hope every graduate will participate in the campaign. There's no better way to help Old Dominion enhance its service and reputation."
