June 20, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Larus Shares Expertise With Diario De Cuba

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Photo of Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus

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 Diario De Cuba in an article titled “Corruption, attempted coup, or Taiwan: what is known about the military purge in China?”

In the article, Larus, who is a senior associate research fellow at the Pacific Forum, tells the newspaper that “military purges can mean one of two things for Taiwan.” “Either Xi discovered that he cannot take Taiwan by force within the timeframe he desires, or he wants to replace the veterans (too nervous about bold action against Taiwan) with younger, more energetic officers who will ensure his dreams come true,” Larus believes. Learn more in Diario De Cuba.

Other media mentions for Larus include:

New US strategy acknowledges China’s influence, expert says (RIA Novosti)
The new US defense strategy recognizes China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere and aims to counter it, Elizabeth Freund Larus, a senior fellow at the Pacific Forum think tank, told RIA Novosti. Learn more in RIA Novosti.

Faculty & Staff Invited to Basketball Doubleheader Reception Saturday, Feb. 14

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UMW Eagles LogoFaculty and staff are invited to join a special basketball doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 14, featuring the women’s basketball team at 4 p.m. followed by the men’s basketball team at 6 p.m. During the games, the President’s Box will be open from halftime of the women’s game through halftime of the men’s game, offering light food and drinks for faculty and staff.

Attendees are welcome to stop by the President’s Box to enjoy refreshments, connect with colleagues, and cheer on the Eagles! Special thanks to the Office of the President and the Office of the CAS Dean for their support and funding of this event.

 

Center for Teaching February Updates

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Check out the events happening at the Center for Teaching and plan on joining to listen and talk about great teaching across campus:
Plus, news and updates from…

COE Hosts Spring Intern Professional Development Day

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Photo of Spring Intern Professional Development Day including a room full of tables with attendees

Students taking part n small-group mock interviews during spring intern Professional Development Day.

The College of Education recently hosted its Spring Intern Professional Development Day for student interns completing their student teaching this semester. The day began with hands-on CPR/AED training led by Lara Traylor from the Rappahannock EMS Council. This required certification for Virginia teaching licensure was offered at no cost to students through the College’s partnership with the EMS Council.

The afternoon shifted focus to preparing interns for the job search process. Human resources representatives from Fredericksburg City, King George County, Prince William County, Spotsylvania County, and Stafford County Public Schools participated in a panel discussion, answering questions about securing teaching positions and navigating the hiring process.

Following the panel, students took part in small-group mock interviews, rotating through three interview rounds. District representatives shared insights into what school divisions look for in candidates and offered feedback on how students can best highlight their strengths. Interns left the day with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect as they enter the education workforce.

The College of Education extends its thanks to all participating school divisions for their time and support in helping prepare UMW’s future teachers.

Sharing Sad News on the Passing of Adjunct Faculty Alice Coates

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It is with sadness that we share the passing of Alice Carolyn Coates, a former member of the adjunct faculty at Mary Washington. She died on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the age of 81.

Coates devoted her career to education and service, spending 35 years teaching in Stafford County Public Schools and 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at Mary Washington. She served as a Virginia Supreme Court-certified mediator, volunteering in area courts for 15 years. She earned her undergraduate degree at Longwood College and her master’s degree in education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 in Fredericksburg and a burial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 in Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Women and Girls Fund of The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region or to your favorite charity. For more information, please see the full obituary online.

Mary Talk to Explore the Design and History of Cemeteries

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Graphic with Mary Talks and photo of Professor Andrea Smith

Professor of Historic Preservation Andrea Smith will present “The Design of Cemeteries and Gravestones” at the next Mary Talk on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The next Mary Talk will feature Professor of Historic Preservation Andrea Smith, who will present “The Design of Cemeteries and Gravestones” on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern). The program will be held online via Zoom.

Cemeteries are often viewed as somber or morbid spaces. Yet in the United States, they were originally conceived as the nation’s first public parks—carefully designed landscapes meant to inspire reflection, beauty, and civic pride. In this talk, Dr. Smith will trace the development of American cemeteries and highlight the architectural and artistic elements that define them.

Participants will learn why obelisks became such a prominent feature in cemetery landscapes, explore the distinctions between mausolea and columbaria, and gain a deeper understanding of how these spaces reflect cultural values and design trends. The presentation aims to provide historical context that can enrich future visits to cemeteries, encouraging viewers to see them not only as places of remembrance, but also as thoughtfully designed public environments.

Those who register will receive a link to access the livestream, which may be viewed either in real time or at a later date. Participants will also have the opportunity to submit questions during the program.

More details and registration is available online.

 

Notice of UMW Range of Potential Tuition and Fee Increases for 2026-27

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At the time of this public notice, Feb. 10, 2026, a state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year has not yet been adopted. State budget actions are a key factor in the setting of tuition and fee rates.

For planning purposes, the University of Mary Washington (UMW) is considering for 2026-27 a potential increase in tuition between 0% and 4% and in comprehensive auxiliary fees between 0% and 5%.

Revenue from a tuition and fee increase in 2026-27 would support additional funding required from UMW for state-mandated compensation actions for faculty and staff; increases in the minimum wage and state fringe benefit rate changes; inflationary cost increases impacting the cost of goods, materials and services; university priorities; and state administrative system charge increases that are passed on to UMW.

As currently scheduled, UMW’s Board of Visitors will vote on the 2026-27 tuition and fee rates at its meeting on April 17, 2026.

The Board of Visitors will hold a public comment period at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center Rappahannock Ballroom. This will be a time for members of the public, as well as members of the University community, to share their thoughts with Board members. To sign up for a three-minute slot, go to Public Comments – Board of Visitors (umw.edu).

Deadline Extended for Fund for MW Impact Grants to Feb. 13

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logo for The Fund for Mary Washington Impact GrantsThe deadline for students, faculty, and staff to apply for a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant has been extended to Friday, February 13.

Do you have a great idea and need funds to make it happen? If your project would support students, foster professional/academic growth, or expand an existing campus program, consider applying for a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant! Previous grant-funded initiatives include campus composting, summer programs, trolley rides to the polls on Election Day, and an interactive printmaking project.

The application period is open for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, funded by donors’ gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington. Grant-funded projects will align with UMW’s ASPIRE values and must be implemented between May 2026 and May 2027. The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026.

Please see the Impact Grants page for requirements, evaluation criteria, FAQs, and the application. Approval from a direct supervisor/faculty sponsor is required to apply. Student applicants may apply only on behalf of recognized student organizations.

To schedule a time to discuss your proposal before submitting your application or for any questions, please contact Beth Hunsinger ’01, assistant vice president for development and campaign operations, by February 6: ehunsing@umw.edu or 540-654-2068.

Dean Search Open Forums, Feb. 13, 17, 19, 23

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In mid-February, UMW will welcome several candidates to campus for interviews for the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (*name pending SCHEV approval). As we announced in the fall, Dean Pete Kelly has announced his retirement, effective at the end of this academic year.

Throughout the fall semester, work was completed with partner Buffkin/Baker to collect feedback, initiate a national search, and accept applications. Four candidates will come to campus this month for in-person interviews with our leadership groups and to present at open forum sessions for faculty and staff.

Please SAVE THE DATE for the following at 2 p.m. in the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall each day.

  • Friday, Feb. 13
  • Tuesday, Feb. 17
  • Thursday, Feb. 19
  • Monday, Feb. 23

A reminder with the CV for the candidate will be sent before each date with a feedback form as the interviews conclude.

The search committee includes:

  • Keith Mellinger, Dean of Arts and Sciences (Chair)
  • Janet Atarthi-Dugan, Director of the BSN Completion Program
  • Patrick Catullo, Director of Athletics and Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education
  • Christy Pack, Director of Graduate Admissions
  • Kyle Schultz, Professor of Education
  • Laura Wilson, Professor of Psychology

Faculty and staff are encouraged to get involved in the search process for this leadership role as we seek a dean who will support our strength in education while growing new programs in human development, including nursing and counseling.

National Survey for Student Engagement, Feb. 16 to March 31

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UMW will again be participating in the National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE) from Feb. 16 to March 31.

The NSSE is a widely used annual survey for first-year and senior undergraduates at four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. It measures student engagement, academic effort, and participation in educational practices — like internships or research — to improve the quality of undergraduate education. It is vital for us to get as many responses as possible.

Please encourage the students you teach or engage with to participate! Students completing before March 30 have a chance to win one of 25 $50 VISA cards. Students will get emails from NSSE but can also contact Debra Schleef at dschleef@umw.edu for a personal link.