January 8, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Foss Publishes Article in Canadian Journal of Disability Studies

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Professor of English Chris Foss

Professor of English Chris Foss

Professor of English Chris Foss published an article in the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, titled “I am not this, not here, this time: Claudia Emerson’s Infusion Suite as a Compelling Account of the Lived Experience of Cancer.”

In the article, Foss explores how Claudia Emerson’s Infusion Suite section within her poetry collection Impossible Bottle is a significant contemporary literary representation of cancer. In this twelve-poem sequence, Emerson dispenses with the typical martial metaphors so often used to represent this lived experience. Instead, she focuses on more mundane everyday moments in a way that acknowledges and respects the humanity of all those at the treatment center—especially that of the patients. Emerson refuses to airbrush out the daunting, debilitating aspects of cancer, but she also preserves space for light and life. Learn more or read the full article in the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies.

UMW Strategic Action Plan Implementation – Campus Update

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UMW Campus Community,

As we conclude the fall semester, we want to share a brief update on the strategic action plan implementation process, which is now well underway. Our four strategic planning implementation groups have met, shared ideas, and built momentum for this initial phase of the process, and we have collected actionable items to share with the campus community in early spring. We’ll provide engagement channels and opportunities to review when we return from winter break. The steering committee will then refine the proposals for spring governance reviews, as we work with stakeholders, campus leadership and our board on next steps.

This work focuses on four strategic priorities:

Priority 1: Enhancing and adapting UMW’s liberal arts mission

Goal: Continue to deliver a high-quality, relevant liberal arts education that increases demand and selectivity while improving retention and outcomes

Priority 2: Student engagement, campus life, and school pride

Goal: Invest in the physical spaces, traditions, experiences and cultural norms to create a unique, engaging and attractive campus

Priority 3: Modernizing infrastructure and creating a 21st-Century Campus

Goal: To ensure student and institutional success by providing access to cutting-edge technology and dynamic learning environments. Investments in our physical spaces and landscapes ensure that our campus will continue to be among the University’s best assets and a fitting home for the entire Mary Washington community

Priority 4: Meeting future workforce needs of the region and Commonwealth

Goal: As the only 4-year degree-granting institution in one of the fastest growing regions in Virginia, it’s UMW’s responsibility to respond to regional workforce needs. In doing so, we will spur continued economic growth in the region, further benefitting UMW and student recruitment

Thank you to the many staff, faculty and students contributing to this action plan process. If you would like to read more about the plans and contribute to specific areas, please see the Strategic Action Plan Implementation website.

On behalf of the steering committee,

Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy Jeff McClurken & Provost Tim O’Donnell, co-chairs

Winter Break Facilities News

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photo of snow on UMW campusAs we approach the end of the semester, we wanted to update you on the status of major maintenance projects, repairs and renovations across campus.

New Theatre Project
The theatre project has received the necessary funding for the demolition phase, including removing two residence halls – Russell and Marshall – and many trees around the site.  This work has already begun, and when you return from winter break, the site will look different as we prepare for the new building.

It will take 90-120 days each to demolish Russell and Marshall Halls as we prep the buildings and then bring in the equipment to take them down in segments. The road at Marshall Hill remains closed and will not reopen as the theatre is added to this corner of campus.

As we remove trees around the theatre site, we will repurpose them as mulch for campus, as feasible. In addition, about a third of the trees will be repurposed and reused around campus and in the regional community, creating artistic, functional and educational installations. For example, oak, maple and black walnut trees may be milled and cured for use in the theatre lobby, interior-use benches or tables. Smaller trees, such as dogwood, magnolia and holly, could be shared with local woodworkers to create artisan pieces. Any unused wood may be sold to the wood-purchasing market with proceeds to support our UMW Campus Tree Fund.

We’ve partnered with the Virginia Department of Forestry for assistance with tree measurements and cataloging in advance of this phase of the project, along with contractors to complete the work, and we look to maintain Tree Campus status.

New Locker Rooms at the Battleground Athletic Complex
With the groundbreaking now complete for the new locker rooms, we’ve been working on the waterlines around the site. The modular units are expected this December and will take time to install on the site foundations. Thank you for working around the temporary detours on the Shell Trail.

In addition, we are working with Athletics to clean out the stone house adjacent to the fields for additional team use.

Foundation Work Around Campus Houses
Foundation work and repairs are in progress at Hamlet, Tyler, and Fairfax Houses, as well as the house at 1004 William St.  Thank you for working around the noise and areas blocked off for these repairs.

Ball Hall Accessibility Improvements and Fairfax Lot Closure
Work continues at Ball Hall for accessibility improvements beginning with room updates to the first floor to make several suites accessible. We’ll also add on an elevator to be installed next summer 2027.

Please note that the Fairfax Lot will be closed over winter break so that materials can be moved on site. This lot will remain closed until fall 2026. Paths around this area will have a detour, and supplemental trash and recycling bins will be located at Custis and Madison Halls during the Ball Hall construction project.

Seacobeck Roof Renovation for the Weatherly Wing
Roof repairs have started for the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall and will continue on weekends through February.  This work is limited to one wing of the building and will take place only on weekends and winter break to reduce the disruption to classes and other activities in the building during business hours. Seacobeck Hall is open during this roof renovation project, and the Weatherly Wing is available during the class schedule. Weekend availability will be limited during the roof repairs.

Simpson Library
We’ve paused the façade work at Simpson Library during the final weeks of the semester to facilitate quiet study spaces and will complete the project through the winter break and spring semester. The library remains open during the project. Check the website for hours and more information.

We appreciate you being aware of these projects. If you have concerns in campus buildings, including residence halls, please submit a work order online. For any questions, contact Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Capital Outlay Brian Gorham at bgorham@umw.edu.

Website Redesign Check-In

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Image of a student as it appears on the home page of the UMW websiteThe past year, the UMW website has continued to evolve as part of the ongoing redesign initiative led by the Digital Communications team in University Communications. Several major sites have transitioned to the new design, improving consistency, accessibility and overall user experience across the University’s web presence.

Notable updates include the Alumni & Advancement website, which supports engagement with alumni and donors and all Centers within both the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences, showcasing academic initiatives, programming and interdisciplinary collaboration. Other significant sites include Finance, EagleOne, Institutional Analysis and Effectiveness, Budget and Financial Analysis, Accounts Payable and Accounting. Moving these sites into the new design has been especially important in preparing the University to meet upcoming accessibility requirements that will take effect in April 2026.

This work reflects a continued commitment to modernizing UMW’s digital presence while supporting academic units, centers and advancement efforts through a more accessible and user-focused web experience. The phased rollout of the redesigned website will continue with Digital Communications coordinating closely with offices and departments as additional sites are prepared for transition.

Three Episodes In: UMW’s Podcast Finds its Rhythm

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Graphic of microphoneSince launching in October, UMW’s official podcast—What Matters Most With President Paino—has been gaining momentum with compelling monthly episodes.

President Paino sits down with students, faculty and campus leaders to explore the ideas, experiences and connections that define our University community.

With winter break on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to catch up on the conversations you may have missed. Follow the new podcast channel, now available on multiple platforms, with more coming soon!

Episode 1: President Paino sits down with student leaders Amira Said ’26 and Adam McAninley ’27 to talk internships, role models, sustainability, honor and what truly matters most to them as UMW students.

Episode 2: Professor and Director of the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts, Anand Rao joins the podcast to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) education, ethical AI adoption, debate-centered learning and preparing students for an AI-drive future. Rao is passionate about integrating AI into higher education while preserving human creativity and critical thinking.

Episode 3: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) co-presidents Jay Hooker, Sophie Hubbard and Kalani Moore join President Paino to discuss what it means to lead and advocate for student-athletes while balancing academics, athletics and campus involvement.

Big thanks to all the students, faculty and staff that have been guests or are working behind the scenes to make the podcast come together, including President Paino, Amy Jessee, Sam Cahill, Ryland Willis, Carland Berge and University Communication Intern Matthew Clinton.

 

Take the Survey and Impact the Future of Healthcare Access in our Community

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This QR code takes you to a public survey about healthcare access; also reach the survey via the link in this article.

The University of Mary Washington’s Continuing and Professional Studies department is conducting a Public Survey as part of a grant award to better understand how healthcare access and services in Region 6—Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula—affect local businesses and organizational operations.

We are interested in learning how the availability and quality of healthcare influence workforce stability, productivity and overall economic growth in the region. There are no right or wrong answers; we are seeking your honest perspective and experiences.

The information collected will help guide the development of new degree and non-degree programs related to healthcare and support local and regional decision-makers in strengthening healthcare infrastructure to better serve employers and their employees. We appreciate the perspective of UMW employees; survey results will not share any information that could identify you or your family.

Learn more about, or take, the survey or scan the QR code in this article to take the survey using your phone. It should take no more than 5-10 minutes. If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Webb at swebb3@umw.edu.

Eagles Teams Ranked Nationally; Basketball in Action Over Winter Break

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UMW basketball player in actionUMW’s men’s basketball team continues to break records, as the Eagles, off the strength of their school-record 8-0 start to the season, have climbed to fifth in the nation in a recent D3Hoops.com national poll. The women’s soccer program earned its highest final ranking since the 2004 season by finishing No. 12 in the final United Soccer Coaches Poll released this month.
If you’re in the mood for sports, both men’s and women’s basketball teams will be in action over winter break, hosting several home games in Fredericksburg. Come out and cheer for your Eagles!

Men’s Basketball:

  • Monday, Dec. 29 vs. Mary Baldwin University at 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. Virginia Wesleyan University at 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 6 vs. Swarthmore College at 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball:

  • Saturday, Jan. 3 vs. Hood College at 1 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 5 vs. Swarthmore College at 2 p.m.

Faculty & Staff Assembly, Jan. 14

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Dear UMW Faculty and Staff,

Please save the date for the All UMW Faculty and Staff Assembly with President Paino:

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall

We look forward to seeing you there!

Office of the President

MLK Keynote Speaker Kaye Savage, Jan. 21

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photo of Kaye Savage

Accomplished educator and public servant, Kaye Savage, will be the keynote speaker at UMW’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Accomplished educator and public servant Kaye Savage is the keynote speaker for UMW’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom. She brings decades of experience in education, public service and nonprofit leadership.

A former special education teacher in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Savage has held roles at the Urban Institute and in the White House, where she helped establish the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Initiative. She later founded and led Excel Academy Public Charter School, Washington, D.C.’s first public school for girls, and launched CNXIS Consulting, LLC, focused on adult education and workforce development.

Savage attended Mary Washington College, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Howard University, holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Southern California, and most recently completed Harvard Business School’s Executive Nonprofit Management Program.