Sharing Sad News on the Passing of Teddy Trowbridge
It’s with great sadness that we share the passing of Teddy Trowbridge, who served the University of Mary Washington for 22 years in Facilities Operations until his retirement in January of this year. As manager of the plumbing shop, Teddy was a true leader and expert on the plumbing infrastructure across campus. Not only was he a leader and mentor here at UMW, but he was also a husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, an avid fisherman, and a friend. Our hearts are with all members of the Trowbridge family during this time of profound loss and grief. More information about Teddy’s life is published in his obituary online.
Fulbright Information Session, Sept. 3
You’re Invited! Eagle Gathering & More
Aa reminder all faculty and staff are invited to these traditional fall events!
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The President’s Welcome: Wednesday, Aug. 20 in Anderson Center @ 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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Honor Convocation: Friday, Aug. 22 in Dodd Auditorium @ 4 – 5 p.m.
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Post-Convocation Reception immediately following Convocation on Aug. 22 @ approx. 5 p.m. on Campus Walk
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Eagle Gathering: Sunday, Aug. 24 in Ball Circle @ 7:30 p.m.
Moon Lectured at Virginia Museum on Race and Place
Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon gave a lecture at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture on Thursday, August 7, discussing her new book, Proximity to Power: Rethinking Race and Place in Alexandria, Virginia. Moon highlighted the long-standing advocacy and agency of Alexandria’s Black residents, adding further nuance to our understanding of the relationship between race and place. See more at WAVY TV3.
Rao Presents at Ai4 Conference in Las Vegas
Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao gave an invited presentation titled “AI and the Humanities: Through the Lens of AI Pluralism” at the Ai4 conference in Las Vegas this month. Ai4 is one of the largest AI conferences in the country with more than 12,000 attendees. Rao’s presentation focused on how higher ed, and in particular the humanities and liberal arts, can not only adapt to the challenges presented by AI, but also help lead the development of aligned and responsible AI in the future. Rao’s presentation was one of just eight presentations included on the education track.
Mathews Included in “The ‘Sinners’ Movie Syllabus” by AAIHS
Professor of Religious Studies Mary Beth Mathews was recently featured in the African American Intellectual History Society’s (AAHSI) “The ‘Sinners’ Movie Syllabus.” In the May 2025 Black Perspectives newsletter, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Dr. Keisha N. Blain included Mathews’ 2017 book, Doctrine and Race: African American Evangelicals and Fundamentalism Between the Wars in the curated educational resource for instructors who wish to contextualize the recent film Sinners, released earlier this year. Such interdisciplinary syllabi help foster critical inquiry and dialogue about popular culture and recent events.
Farnsworth Analyzes Potential Presidential Endorsement in VA Governor Race for Yahoo News

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth was quoted in a Yahoo News article titled “Trump suggests he may endorse Earle-Sears for VA governor.” In the article, Farnsworth noted that Trump often endorses candidates he views as likely winners, and told the news outlet, “The polls are really unfavorable right now, and it might be a really difficult environment to get a full-throated endorsement.” Read the full article from Yahoo News.
Other media mentions for Farnsworth include:
CHCH News Anchor Matt Ingram spoke with American Presidency and International Relations expert from the University of Washington in Virginia, Steven Farnsworth about Trump’s meeting with Putin on Friday. Farnsworth suspects Trump brought backup with him to the meeting that was originally set to be one-on-one because Secretary of State Marco Rubio will ensure a good deal for everyone involved and not settle for a quick deal. Read more in CHCH.
Deprived of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert could lose his megaphone. Wherever he goes, “with Trump’s approval rating below 40% in recent US polls, there is clearly an audience for the content he offers,” notes 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. Read more in 20 Minutes.
Burke Appears on ‘PS: I Love U(MW)’ Series
As UMW’s Student Experience Manager in the Center for Career and Professional Development, Emily Burke believes our students are what truly set us apart. A proud alumna herself, Emily is passionate about helping students grow — before they arrive on campus, while they’re here, and long after they graduate. From coordinating our Career & Internship Fair to cheering on students at campus events, she’s always looking for ways to help Eagles reach their full potential. Burke appears this week on the PS: I Love U(MW) social media series. See the episode! See all the PS: I Love U(MW) episodes on @marywash Instagram.
Schultz Quoted in Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Living
Director of Design Services and Multimedia Manager Maria Schultz was quoted in the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Living publication in an article titled “The Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer.”
Shultz, who is also a certified canine fitness trainer, made recommendations to consider before committing to bring your cat or dog along for a family trip. Read the full story.







