The Batten School & VIMS campus will be closed on Monday, March 15 due to the National Weather Service prediction for severe weather including periods of rain, damaging winds and the potential for tornadoes.

- About
- With 500+ faculty, staff and students and three campus locations, the Batten School & VIMS are equipped to tackle pressing challenges through research, education and advisory service.
  Learn More
- Research & Advisory
- Purple marsh crabs are significantly disrupting carbon cycling in salt marshes along the East Coast of the U.S., according to a study led by Batten School & VIMS scientists.
  Learn More
- Batten School
- The R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program will provide full tuition support for students pursuing the new bachelor’s degree in coastal & marine sciences at the Batten School & VIMS.
  
  Read More
- Engage
- Popular, free camps enable rising third through eighth graders to learn about the Chesapeake Bay, coastal ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
  
  Read More
- News & Events
- National TRAP Program funds large-scale cleanup of discarded fishing gear, first round of subawards totaling more than $1.4M supports 11 projects focused on removing derelict fishing gear from coastal waters in nine U.S. states and Palau.
  
  Learn More
- Giving
- As an expression of parental pride in their daughter, Taylor Spencer ‘83 and Martha Spencer recently established an undergraduate field research endowment at the Batten School & VIMS.
  
  Read More

Facilities/Safety/Trades

The Outstanding Employee awards are chosen by nominations received by the Awards Committee from all faculty, staff, and students at VIMS. They are awarded in the categories of Facilities/Safety/Trades, Research and Advisory Service, Technical Support, and Administrative Support.

We are pleased to present the Outstanding Employee in Facilities/Safety/Trades Award for 2015 to Ms. Patsy Powell.

Ms. Patsy Powell with VIMS Dean and Director John Wells following the Awards Ceremony. Patsy Powell joined the VIMS community in 1998. Today, she continues her great work in the Security Department, supervising a group of 10 dedicated officers to maintain safety and security throughout campus. Patsy is extremely dedicated to her duties and staff. She takes the extra effort to care for anyone that comes across her path while patrolling the campus. When called on to escort someone to or from a building, you can rest assured to have your ear filled with her kind words and to leave with a smile. VIMS is a safer place with Patsy on the job.

Away from VIMS, Patsy cares for her husband Jimmy and a ferocious German Shepard, Sasha. She also enjoys time with her family, especially her grand and great-grand children.