A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
College of Business Dean Filiz Tabak
Dean of the College of Business Filiz Tabak was featured in a Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce podcast titled “Bridging Campus to Career: Preparing the Next Generation – A Leadership Chat with Dr. Filiz Tabak.” Listen to the episode from the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jason Davidson
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jason Davidson was quoted by Newsweek in an article titled “Donald Trump’s Pope Feud Spurs Rift With a Top European Ally.” In the piece, Davidson told Newsweek that the U.S.-Italy relations are not “permanently damaged” by the dispute, but that it “does seem that Trump’s relationship with Meloni is not in great shape and may not improve.” Read more in Newsweek.
Associate Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds
Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds was selected to receive the 2026 Laurence E. Richardson Citizen Award by the Virginia Coalition for Open Government (VCOG) in recognition of his work to promote greater transparency in data center development and efforts to use the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Bonds was featured by the Fredericksburg Free Press in an article titled “UMW’s Bonds to receive award from Virginia Coalition for Open Government.” The article notes how the VCOG named the winners of its 2026 Freedom of Information and open-government awards, and that Eric Bonds, a sociology professor at the University of Mary Washington, and the City of Newport News were selected as this year’s government honorees. Read more in Fredericksburg Free Press.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Marcus Kahn
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Marcus Kahn was featured by The Free Lance-Star for being named 2025-26 Coach of the Year by D3hoops, an independent news and coverage site dedicated to NCAA Division III basketball. Adding another coaching honor to his résumé, the recognition was covered in an article titled “UMW men’s basketball head coach Marcus Kahn named D3hoops Coach of the Year.” Read more in The Free Lance-Star.
Other media mentions for Kahn include:
Mary Washington Head Coach Marcus Kahn Discusses D-3 National Championship on 757 Sports Talk (CoVa Sports TV)
Marcus Kahn, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Mary Washington, discusses his team’s thrilling victory over Emory by a count of 75-73 to capture their first ever Division III National Championship with Matthew Hatfield and Coach Ed Young in this exclusive in-depth conversation on 757 Sports Talk on CoVA Sports TV. Learn more on CoVa Sports TV.
Mary Washington MBB to hold Fan Fest to celebrate NCAA DIII National Championship (WJLA; Potomac Local News)
It’s Celebration O’clock in Fredericksburg, Virginia! Read more from WJLA.
‘A major milestone for the city:’ Elated Eagles riding high after national championship run (Fredericksburg Free Press)
Thirteen days after their historic NCAA Division III championship game victory, University of Mary Washington men’s basketball players and coaches were feted with a 45-minute trolley ride that zigzagged through downtown Fredericksburg Saturday afternoon much to the delight of adoring fans and the general public. Read more in the Fredericksburg Free Press.
Biz Beat Roundup (Fredericksburg Free Press)
UMW Head Men’s Basketball Coach Marcus Kahn has received the 2026 Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year award, which is presented annually to the top head coach in NCAA Division III college basketball. UMW on Sunday won the DIII championship by defeating Emory University 75-73. Read more in Fredericksburg Free Press.
Assistant Athletic Director of Communication Clint Often
Assistant Athletic Director of Communications Clint Often was quoted by The Free Lance-Star in an article titled “UMW men’s basketball culminates national championship journey with celebratory parade.”
The piece stated: None were more thankful than longtime UMW athletic communications lead Clint Often, hired three decades ago and with the Eagles every step of the way, including an unforgettable experience for him in Indianapolis. “That was beyond my wildest dreams and I thought I was prepared for what was to happen to you guys,” Often said. “… It was the most magical thing I’ve ever seen here in 30 years. The pinnacle of my career. I would like to thank [the team] for letting me come along for the ride.” Read more in The Free Lance-Star.
UMW Undergraduate Research & Creativity Symposium puts student work in the spotlight! Mark your calendar for April 20 – 24 for departmental events across campus, including posters, panels, presentation and performances.
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Lomax
Chris Lomax, a UMW assistant men’s basketball coach, was quoted in an article in the Fredericksburg Free Press, titled “‘A major milestone for the city:’ Elated Eagles riding high after national championship run.” He praised the players, noting how difficult it is to win a national championship. Lomax said the relationships formed during the journey meant as much as the championship itself. “This last week was phenomenal,” Lomax said. “And it will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Lomax also described the celebrations in the locker room after big wins throughout the season. For this group of Eagles, it didn’t matter whether a player logged 40 minutes or didn’t play at all — they celebrated together. Read more in Fredericksburg Free Press.
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 Fox News in an article titled “Taiwan opposition leader meets Xi in Beijing as Taiwan defense fight intensifies.” Larus, a Taiwan Fellowship Scholar in Taipei, told Fox News Digital the KMT’s traditional China approach no longer connects with much of Taiwan’s electorate. “KMT Chair Cheng’s trip is trying to replicate Ma Ying-jeou’s approach to cross-Strait relations,” Larus said. “But that approach is 30-years old and no longer appeals to the Taiwanese. As a result, many people in Taiwan are critical of her China trip.” Read more from Fox News.
The following lot reservations are in place the week of April 20 – April 25, as we welcome visitors and guests to UMW and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Devil Goat Day:
Parking for faculty and staff will remain available in all other designated faculty and staff lots. For a list view of Parking locations please see the Lot Designation Page on the Parking Management website.
As a reminder:
For a calendar view of lot reservations visit the Parking Lot Reservations Calendar webpage. Please contact Parking Management with any parking related questions: parking@umw.edu, 540-654-1129.
On Thursday, April 30, the Fredericksburg Nationals will celebrate University of Mary Washington Night at their home game against the Hickory Crawdads. Game time is 6:35 p.m., with gates opening an hour prior to first pitch.
The NCAA Division III national champion Eagles men’s basketball team will be honored on the field prior to the game, and national coach of the year Marcus Kahn will throw out the first pitch. In addition, the team will be available for several innings during the game for a meet and greet with fans.
There will be 400 free tickets for UMW students, faculty and staff to be given away this Friday, April 24 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m on the front steps of the Cedric Rucker University Center.
Others wishing to purchase tickets may purchase via the FredNats UMW Night webpage. Read more about UMW Night at the FredNats Game.