December 16, 2025

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Richards to Lead Discussion on Author Kate Chopin at Louisiana Book Festival

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Professor of English Gary Richards

Professor of English Gary Richards

Professor of English Gary Richards will lead a program featuring the work of acclaimed Louisiana author Kate Chopin at its annual One Book, One Festival discussion on Nov. 1.

An article by KTBS titled “Louisiana Book Festival to feature short stories of Kate Chopin,” previewed the Festival, explaining how participants in the program read a selected work in advance and then join a discussion led by Richards. This year, the focus will be on three of Chopin’s short stories.
Richards, an expert in Southern literature, has facilitated 12 previous sessions since the program began in 2008. Read more. 

 

UMW Honors Print Historian Wendy Shadwell ’63, Announces Year of the Print

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UMW honored print historian Wendy Shadwell ’63 and announced Year of the Print at an event this week in the Hurley Convergence Center

UMW honored print historian Wendy Shadwell ’63 and announced Year of the Print at an event this week in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium.

The University of Mary Washington presented Lasting Legacy, a panel discussion honoring the remarkable career of revered print historian and Mary Washington alumna Wendy J. Shadwell ’63 and her contributions to the medium. Held Sept. 25 in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium, the event was a precursor to the Year of the Print, a series of events and exhibitions at Mary Washington celebrating 250 years of American printmaking, spanning the 2026-27 academic year.

“Printmaking has had a profound impact on American artists and is considered one of the most democratic art forms,” said Professor of Art History Julia DeLancey, also chair of the Department of Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry, who moderated the discussion.

Multiple areas across the University, including the Departments of Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry, History and American Studies, Sociology and Studio Art, as well as UMW Galleries, Special Collections and University Archives, and Alumni Engagement are collaborating on the Year of the Print, along with the American Historical Print Collectors Society (AHPCS).

“This will also be a unique opportunity for our students to hone the research, curatorial and analytical skills they’ll use throughout their careers,” said DeLancey, referencing the many students and faculty members from across disciplines who are contributing to the exhibitions.

Shadwell earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mary Washington and pursued graduate studies in art history at Columbia University. She became the print curator of the New York Historical Society and later served as AHPCS president. Shadwell left an enduring mark on her field before passing away in 2007. Her estate gifts to her alma mater established UMW’s Wendy Shadwell ’63 Program Endowment in Art History – funding guest speakers, workshops and conferences to benefit art history students and faculty – as well as an endowment for the English department, focused on British literature.

The panel discussion included Allison Stagg ’02, who earned a bachelor’s degree in art history at Mary Washington and is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Art History at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany. Clayton Lewis, also a featured panelist, is currently president of AHPCS and curator emeritus of the University of Michigan’s William L. Clements Library.

A specialist in American caricature prints, Stagg shared how her research unexpectedly intersected with Shadwell’s legacy, as both alumnae dedicated their careers to print scholarship, while Lewis contextualized the historical significance of American printmaking. Both are collaborating on the Year of the Print, which will feature three exhibitions:

Mark and Method: Prints from the Bowman Collection, held in spring 2026, will display donations from Russell and Barbara Bowman ’69, curated by UMW art museum studies students.

USA 250: Currents in American Printmaking, held in fall 2026, will feature works by 18 contemporary American printmakers, curated by Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin and UMW Galleries Director Tracy Stonestreet.

A campus-wide exhibition featuring works from AHPCS’s collections, held in spring 2027, will be curated by Stagg and Lewis. UMW students from art history and other departments will contribute research and a history and American studies major is conducting oral history interviews in support of the exhibition.

Next spring, the University will also host Print-A-Palooza, a public-facing celebration of printmaking, supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. With a rented steam roller, Devin and art students will create large-scale prints to display next year during Devil-Goat Day, marking the 100th anniversary of the uniquely UMW tradition.

Cooperman Publishes Article in Journal of Policy History

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Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman

Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman

Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman had her article, “Gender and Party Polarization in the US Congress: Hypervisibility and Invisibility,” published in the Journal of Policy History.

Also this month, Cooperman will assist in asking questions of the candidates at the public political debate for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. where incumbent Joshua Cole (D) will face off against Sean Steinway (R) in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.

 

Bhatt Authors Article for Newsbreak

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Kalpesh Bhatt, assistant professor in Classics, Philosophy and Religion

Assistant Professor of Asian Religions Kalpesh Bhatt

Assistant Professor of Asian Religions Kalpesh Bhatt authored an article for Newsbreak titled “A Federal Probe Into U.S.’s Largest Hindu Temple Leaves Questions for Minority Faiths.” Bhatt explored how federal authorities, led by the U.S. Department of Justice, have ended a four-year-long investigation into alleged human rights violations in the construction of the largest Hindu temple in the United States. Read more.

Subramanian Explores ‘Dopamine Decor’ in The Boston Globe

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Professor of Communication Sushma Subramanian

Professor of Journalism Sushma Subramanian

Associate Professor of Journalism Sushma Subramanian authored an article in The Boston Globe titled “The downside of dopamine decor.” In the piece, she reflects on how the constant urge to perfect her recently renovated home left her feeling unsettled, noting, “We had gut remodeled our house, and there was still no good place to put our vacuum cleaner.” Read the full article: Dopamine decor

Farnsworth to Moderate Political Debate for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates

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Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth, who also serves as director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, will moderate the public political debate for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. where incumbent Joshua Cole (D) will face off against Sean Steinway (R) in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.

Other media mentions for Farnsworth include:

John Reid’s pitch for civility follows years as a ‘combative conservative’ (Virginia Dogwood)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said as a radio host Reid was a “combative conservative” and a “vigorous cultural warrior.” Farnsworth added that it’s not unusual for candidates to moderate their rhetoric to appeal to a broader electorate after a primary battle. “Talk radio is an appealing environment for conservative messaging,” Farnsworth said in an interview. “But running for office in purple Virginia may require a narrative that is less focused on the hardcore conservatives who make up much of the talk radio audience.” Read more in Virginia Dogwood. 

Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves to Challenge Mark Warner (WRIC, WFXR-TV)
“If you look at his previous congressional campaigns, he offers up a Republican message that is very focused on the issues of law and order,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News. Read more in WRIC.

Government Shutdown Mass Layoff Fears Virginia Governor Race (MSN, Washington Examiner, USSA News)
“People are already anxious about the economic situation. The shutdown makes it much worse,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. Read more in MSN.

Election 2025: Earle-Sears vs Spanberger race guarantees history (Virginia Business)
Even without Trump’s policies disproportionately impacting Virginians, Earle-Sears would be at a disadvantage running for governor with a Republican in the White House, says Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Four years ago, some observers chalked up Democratic former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s 2021 loss to Republican Glenn Youngkin in part due to Democratic President Joe Biden’s unpopularity. “Virginians tend to show anger against whoever is in the White House,” Farnsworth says. “The key challenge with the Earle-Sears campaign is dealing with the headwinds from the Trump administration.” Read more in Virginia Business.

Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves to challenge Mark Warner for U.S. Senate seat (WRIC; WAVY; MSN; The Free Lance-Star)
“If you look at his previous congressional campaigns, he offers up a Republican message that is very focused on the issues of law and order,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News. Read more in MSN.

Sen. Bryce Reeves jumps into U.S. Senate race against Warner (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“There may be more Republicans getting into the race, which is still unclear a year out,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Trump’s UN speech crafted for his supporters: Political analyst (CTV News)
“Well, this is very much the red meat narrative that President Trump uses to connect with his base,” said Stephen Farnsworth. Read more in CTV News.

Child safety, fake news a linchpin in final campaign strategies
(Brunswick Times- Gazette)
“The reality is that there is a growing incentive to put out false information if you can do so without facing consequences,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “Rewarded behavior is repeated behavior.” Read more in Brunswick Times- Gazette.

Democrats hope to extend map, pick off more GOP House seats (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“When a party has a lot of money it can put funds into races that are a reach,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

‘Nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest’ as early voting opens Sept. 19 (Henrico Citizen; RVA Hub; Newsbreak)
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth stated in an email that many national policies “significantly” impact the Virginia economy, such as with the cutbacks of federal workers. “The nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest as a leading political indicator of the upcoming midterm elections,” Farnsworth stated. Read more in Newsbreak.

First Colbert, now Kimmel: How Trump puts political pressure on comedians (Tagesschau radio, Germany)
“President Trump is the biggest target of late-night comedy in the history of this format,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and co-author of the book, “Late Night in Washington:  Political Humor and the American Presidency.” Hear more on Tagesschau Radio.

‘Nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest’ as early voting opens Sept. 19 (Henrico Citizen)
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth stated in an email that many national policies “significantly” impact the Virginia economy, such as with the cutbacks of federal workers. “The nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest as a leading political indicator of the upcoming midterm elections,” Farnsworth stated. Read more in Henrico Citizen.

Moon Gives Special Remarks at Unveiling of State Historic Marker

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State Historic Marker

State Historic Marker

Professor of History and American Studies, Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies, Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon offered special remarks at the unveiling of a state historic marker dedicated to Alexandria’s Colored Rosemont neighborhood.

An article by The Zebra, titled “State Historic Marker Dedicated to Honor Legacy of Alexandria’s Colored Rosemont Neighborhood,” explored how the unveiling brought together descendants, city officials, and members of the public.
Special remarks were offered by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Dr. Krystyn Moon of the University of Mary Washington, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Read more.

Harris Appears on FOX 5 to Highlight UMW Museums & Historic Stafford County

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University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

Executive Director of University Museums Scott Harris

Executive Director of University Museums Scott Harris provided an informative take on the historic legacy of Stafford County for FOX 5 in a segment called “In Your Hometown.”

In the piece, Harris highlights George Washington’s legacy in Stafford County and the many historic attractions located there. He also provides information on UMW’s Museums: Gari Melchers Home and Studio and the James Monroe Museum. View the full segment.

Jones Serves as Keynote Facilitator at Inaugural ACPA Conference 

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Melissa Jones

Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Melissa Jones

Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Melissa Jones served as the keynote facilitator for ACPA’s first Master’s Student Conference last week. ACPA: College Student Educators International is a professional association that supports individuals pursuing higher education in student affairs.

The recent virtual conference featured a panel that offered attendees insights on growing their careers after earning a master’s degree. Jones joined four other professionals from across the country to speak with graduate students about various career paths, including navigating different areas of student affairs or pursuing opportunities beyond the field altogether.

Introducing New Director of the Talley Center for Counseling Services

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Director of the Talley Center for Counseling Services Chad Sims

Director of the Talley Center for Counseling Services Chad Sims

Please welcome Dr. Chad Sims to UMW as Director of the Talley Center for Counseling Services. Dr. Sims’s appointment follows an extensive national search for a new director. He brings a strong commitment to college student mental health and deep experience in clinical services, training, and organizational leadership.

Most recently, Dr. Sims served as the Associate Director of Training at the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he collaborated across campus to enhance training and support for student well-being. Before UNC, he served at the office of University Counseling Services at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Sims will be leading a team of clinicians and staff whose own commitment to students was recently recognized by The Princeton Review as the 15th best in the nation for student support and counseling services. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University and a Master of Science in Counseling and Counselor Education from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Welcome to the UMW family Dr. Sims!