July 28, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Rao Discusses the AI Revolution on World XP Podcast

by

Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao shared his AI expertise this month on the World XP Podcast in an episode titled, “Is Society Ready For The AI Revolution, Integrating AI In Education, Preparing Students For The Future.”

In the episode, Rao shares his journey into higher education, staying on the cutting edge of technology as a professor and ensuring he incorporates these lessons into his classes to prepare future generations. The podcast delves into the future of AI in business and society, and what those potential implications are. Learn more and listen to the podcast from World XP Podcast.

Farnsworth Appears on NBC4 Washington

by

Photo of 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

Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth appeared on NBC Washington News4 this month sharing his political expertise on Virginia’s redistricting battle. “By slicing up Northern Virginia as thinly as this plan would do, you are maximizing the chances that not only will Northern Virginia have more clout, but there will be more Democratic seats than is currently the case in Virginia,”  Farnsworth said.

Other media mentions for Farnsworth include:

House subcommittee punts on data center bill, but hopes to ‘continue the work’ (Virginia Business)
Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington, said data center policy was a priority of the Democratic majorities in the legislature last year. “But the gridlock in Richmond meant that the topic was down the road until this year,” Farnsworth said. Read more in Virginia Business.

Virginia House Democrats pass new gun laws, but not all Democrats voted for them (WVTF; USA Today)
University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth said that can be beneficial for likely-vulnerable legislators like McAuliffe and Franklin, but it can cut both ways. “The big majority gives the speaker a lot more flexibility, not only to let individual lawmakers walk away from what a majority of what Democrats might want, it also gives the speaker the opportunity to kill bills from the far left that the governor doesn’t want to see on her desk,” Farnsworth warned. Read more in USA Today.

Affordability or tax hikes? Spanberger agenda caught in political crossfire (Yahoo News; Henrico Citizen)
Political scientist Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said that silence carries risks. “One of the things that we’ve learned in the world of social media is that the truth is a rare and not very highly valued commodity,” Farnsworth said. “You don’t need evidence to make a claim online, and increasingly, people don’t even care.” Read more in Yahoo News.

A 10-1 map turns Va. politics upside down — if voters agree (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“There’s no doubt about it, if you slice Northern Virginia as thinly as they have done in these district maps, you’re going to create a lot of favorable environments for Democrats,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Affordability or tax hikes? Spanberger agenda caught in political crossfire (Virginia Mercury)
Political scientist Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said that silence carries risks. “One of the things that we’ve learned in the world of social media is that the truth is a rare and not very highly valued commodity,” Farnsworth said. “You don’t need evidence to make a claim online, and increasingly, people don’t even care.” Read more in Virginia Mercury.

Sound Familiar? ‘Moderate’ Dem Spanberger Became Virginia Gov by Promising ‘Affordability,’ But Leftists Immediately Push Radical Tax-First Agenda in Legislature (The Western Journal)
Political Science Professors Larry Sabato and Stephen Farnsworth believe most of the tax increase proposals will not pass the Virginia General Assembly. “I think it’s important to note that a lot of what gets proposed in the legislature never comes to pass,” said Farnsworth, a professor with the University of Mary Washington.
Mary Washington. Read more in The Western Journal.

Hey GOP! This News Report Is the Ad That Will Win the Midterms. (PJ Media)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, told the Mercury, “This is not a normal opening act for a legislative session. Spanberger is setting the stage for an aggressive year one.” Read more in PJ Media.

Virginia Democrats introduce flood of new tax proposals despite running on affordability (WJLA)
Political Science Professors Larry Sabato and Stephen Farnsworth believe most of the tax increase proposals will not pass the Virginia General Assembly. “I think it’s important to note that a lot of what gets proposed in the legislature never comes to pass,” said Farnsworth, a professor with the University of Mary Washington. Learn more from WJLA.

Larus Shares Expertise With Diario De Cuba

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.