Jane P. Batten Student Center

The Jane P. Batten Student Center is located on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, VA. It opened in 1992 at a cost of 18.6 million dollars with it’s main purpose to provide a house for the men and women basketball teams. However, the building is much more than a gymnasium that serves as the location for VWC basketball, and volleyball. It’s 137,000 square feet is the nucleus for most student recreation activity on campus.
Let me go over a few of the things that are housed in this beautiful building. Men and Women Basketball and Volleyball with an elevated track above. A second gym with hoops, but serves almost any activity including archery, fencing among others. A dance studio, a student study area, a student cafeteria, and many athletic offices and several classrooms at the second level. There is also the schools only book store that sells everything Marlins and of course textbooks.
The Jane P. Batten also offers a food court named Sandella’s which cranks out some really delicious food and smoothies. A large dining room in the food court accommodates a lot of students. To the back is a nicer lounge area with chairs and couches. This area has some fun recreation things for the students to do such as ping pong, Foosball table and one of those long tables with circular pucks that slide down on saw dust.
On the far side of the student center is a rock climbing wall, a large fitness area, three racquetball courts and a 25 yard 8 land swimming pool with hot tub. To the back of the food court is an outdoor sand volleyball pit.
Ample parking is around the building, but be warned if there is a campus event all best are OFF!!! You must always check in with campus security before admittance. They are nice and will help direct you if your unsure where you are going.
The Marlins have much to be proud of and this building is a testament to campus leaders who made it happen with the kind assistance of the Batten family.