A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
MLK Day of Service
Saturday, Jan. 24
1 to 4 p.m.
Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom
Join fellow students to celebrate our national Day of Service on the UMW campus.
Refreshments will be provided.
Learn more about the MLK Day of Service and sign up.
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth shared his political expertise recently with a variety of media outlets, including Newsweek, Virginia Business, WTOP and more. In an article titled “Five Senate Seats Most Likely to Flip from Republicans to Democrats in 2026,” Farnsworth told Newsweek the Senate “seems more likely to remain in Republican hands than not.” “Democrats have good pickup opportunities in NC and ME—and perhaps an outside chance in Ohio. Even so, a very good election night for Democrats in the upper chamber would only bring the Senate to 50-50, with a Republican VP serving as the tie-breaker,” he said. Read more in Newsweek.
Other media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Who will replace Kenyan McDuffie on DC Council? Here’s what we know so far (WJLA)
“You’re not going to see a lot of overlap perhaps with a Republican elected in the District and the Republican majority in the House, but it will be an entree potentially that would be greater than say, the Independent choice if the District goes in that direction,” explained Stephen Farnsworth, PhD, a University of Mary Washington professor of political science and international affairs who also heads the university’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Read more in WJLA.
Youngkin’s term as governor marked by economic wins, political division (Virginia Business)
“Youngkin did what he had to do to win the governor’s election four years ago: Be somewhat … not critical of Trump, but also not full MAGA,” says Stephen Farnsworth, director for the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “As a candidate, he successfully threaded that needle. As governor, Youngkin became much more conservative than his campaign narrative would have suggested.” Read more in Virginia Business.
Best of 2025: Elections (FXBG Advance)
Abigail Spanberger ran away with the governor’s race in 2025, winning by a double-digit margin — rare in a state that is often considered “purple.” Stephen Farnsworth, a nationally recognized political observer and a professor at the University of Mary Washington, wrote in the Advance that the victory was the result of so-called second-wave suburbanization. Read more in FXBG Advance.
Who has Virginia’s Governor-elect appointed to her cabinet? (WTOP)
“You do see a range of representation across the geographical and political diversity of Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “You see a vision that is consistent with the centrist messaging of the campaign.”
Virginia Gov. elect Abigail Spanberger fills cabinet, taps northern Virginia lawmakers (WSET)
Political scientists Stephen Farnsworth and Larry Sabato said it’s smart for Spanberger to have people from the legislature on her team. “Which is really, really important for a governor who didn’t serve in the legislature herself,” said Farnsworth. “The challenge of dealing with the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia has vexed many governors of both parties over the years, and so the more you can bring some of that expertise and connection in-house, the better off you are.” Read more from WSET.
What to watch as Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly returns to Richmond (Virginia Mercury; Yahoo News)
“This is not a normal opening act for a legislative session,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Spanberger is setting the stage for an aggressive year one.” Read more from Virginia Mercury.
Tight money, big Democrat majority in House will shape 2026 General Assembly (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
In Virginia, Speakers of the House have a lot of power in the way they steer bills to particular committees, and the way bills they don’t like can land before one of the gatekeeping subcommittees that meet at 7:30 a.m., according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “You ignore your 10 extremists and just govern,” just as former Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, did when he had super- and near-super majorities, Farnsworth said. Read more from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
The GOP Senate seats most likely to flip (MSN; Knewz)
According to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, the Senate “seems more likely to remain in Republican hands than not.” Read more from MSN.
Polls show likelihood Dems will flip the House (MSN)
Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said Democrats are “very likely to take over the House,” citing strong candidate recruitment and Republican retirements. Farnsworth added that while Republicans may gain advantages through redistricting in some states, Democrats have countered those efforts in blue states, limiting the overall effect. Read more from MSN.
Va. Republicans split over extending Va. Republicans split over extending health care subsidies (The Free Lance-Star; Insurance News Net)
“The government has opened, but the Democratic narrative is still driving Washington politics,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Read more from The Free Lance-Star.
Anti-“ICE” Protests Spread Across the U.S. (CTV News)
“It doesn’t seem that the Trump administration is looking at these protests as anything other than a reason to increase the efforts that ICE and other federal agencies are engaged in,” said Stephen Farnsworth. See on CTV News.
What to watch as Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly returns to Richmond (FXBG Advance; Williamsburg Yorktown Daily; Northern Virginia Daily)
“This is not a normal opening act for a legislative session,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Spanberger is setting the stage for an aggressive year one.” Read more from FXBG Advance.
US Alliances and Rivalries (BFM 89.9)
Philip See sits down with Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, University of Mary Washington to talk about the state of US foreign relations in the wake of the attack on Venezuela and the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro, especially how the White House is viewing its alliances and rivalries. Read more from BFM.
Abortion, redistricting, data centers: What Va. lawmakers will prioritize during 2026 GA session (WTOP)
The focus, according to University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth, could be on making it easier to buy a house and increasing the minimum wage. “There are key issues with respect to what the legislature can do, though, because of the financial challenges Virginia faces,” Farnsworth told WTOP.
Virginia Republicans split over extending health care subsidies (Insurance News Net)
“The government has opened, but the Democratic narrative is still driving Washington politics,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus was quoted by the BBC News in an article titled “Venezuela today and Taiwan tomorrow? How Trump’s raid on Maduro sparked heated debate on both sides of the strait.” Larus, who is also a senior fellow at the U.S. think tank Pacific Forum, disagreed with the idea that the U.S. action this time gave Beijing a green light. She explained that China regards Taiwan as an internal affair and will take action against Taiwan when the PLA is ready, ‘regardless of what international law dictates.’ Read more in BBC News.
Other media mentions include:
Philippine leadership puts ASEAN at center of South China Sea rivalry (UPI)
“Having the Philippines as chairman, particularly under the U.S. friendly Marcos administration, is useful to the U.S. agenda in the region,” said Elizabeth Larus, adjunct senior fellow at the Pacific Forum. She also underscored the critical importance of Trump-Marcos security accord in preventing China from displacing the United States as the dominant maritime power in the region. Read more in UPI.
Maduro’s downfall deals China new cards in US rivalry (DW)
“China didn’t give a hoot about international law,” said Elizabeth Freund Larus, adjunct senior fellow at the Pacific Forum, pointing to China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea and its reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Read more in DW.
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 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
As 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.
The 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.
Since 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.
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.
UMW’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.