April 6, 2025

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Erchull Awarded at Association for Women in Psychology Conference

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Professor of Psychological Science Mindy Erchull

Professor of Psychological Science Mindy Erchull

Professor of Psychological Science Mindy Erchull received the 2025 Christine Ladd-Franklin (CLF) award at the Association for Women in Psychology (AWP) conference. The award is named in honor of Christine Ladd-Franklin (1847-1930), an early scientist whose career provided a painful example of the way institutional sexism operated to exclude women from careers in psychology and the sciences. The CLF Award is presented annually by the AWP Implementation Collective to a member who has made significant and extensive contributions to the AWP.

Taggert Announced as Executive Director of Budget & Financial Analysis

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Pamela Taggert has been named the Executive Director of Budget & Financial Analysis

Pamela Taggert has been named the Executive Director of Budget & Financial Analysis

UMW is pleased to announce that Pamela Taggert has been named the Executive Director of Budget & Financial Analysis at the University of Mary Washington.

Taggert has dedicated the past 20 years of her career to supporting the mission of Mary Washington, most recently as Assistant Director of Budget & Financial Analysis. Her deep institutional knowledge, dedication to problem solving and desire to learn and adapt made her the best choice to serve Mary Washington in this key role. Taggert will be responsible for the University budget office which develops, implements and monitors the University’s operating budget as well as provides key financial analysis to University leadership to inform decisions.

Taggert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from UMW and is completing a graduate certificate in Public Administration from Old Dominion University.

Please join the search committee in congratulating Pam Taggert on this role, as they look forward to working with her and her team to continue to evolve how the University operates.  Taggert along with the staff in the Budget Office will effectively serve our campus as trusted partners and support UMW’s mission to provide a superior education to our students.

Farnsworth Lectures on Disinformation in US Politics

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Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a guest online lecture, “Disinformation Discourse in U.S. Politics,” to students at Montclair State University in New Jersey. The talk was derived from portions of Dr. Farnsworth’s recently published co-authored book, Producing News in a Time of Disinformation: Information Evaluation Strategies for Journalists.

In addition, other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:

From Tariffs to DEI, Trump is shaping Virginia’s campaign for governor (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“The main thing you want to avoid doing in March is saying things you’ve got to defend in the fall,” said Steve Farnsworth, a political scientist and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_b93fc9ec-feb0-11ef-bb46-87fbdcc13032.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

Might Trump change the law to run for a third term? (The Independent UK)
“There is zero chance the Constitution will be amended in time for Donald Trump to see a revised version,” Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, told The Independent. “It is very hard to change the constitution. It requires two thirds of both houses of Congress, and two thirds of the states to go along,” he added. Read the article.

Virginia’s legislative session is over. Here’s what’s headed to Youngkin (Daily Press; MSN)
“Virginia politics today is very different than a generation ago,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.
https://www.dailypress.com/2025/02/28/virginia-general-assembly-bills-youngkin-sign-veto/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/virginia-s-legislative-session-is-over-here-s-what-s-headed-to-youngkin/ar-AA1zZJoG

Tensions escalate as Trump and Zelenskyy clash at White House (CHCH TV Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)
“Well, this is really pretty unprecedented. If you look at the way that publicly leaders intereat with each other, even enemies or potential adversaries do not level this kind of verbal combat against each other,” said Stephen Farnsworth. https://www.chch.com/chch-news/tensions-escalate-as-trump-and-zelenskyy-clash-at-white-house/

Commentary: In fight against Trump, D.C. Dems should look to Richmond (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
In the legislative session that concluded Feb. 22, Virginia’s Democratic lawmakers demonstrated that they have something to teach Democratic members of the U.S. Congress about shaping public discourse, promoting their party and fighting back against executive branch power. https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article_f08507e6-f523-11ef-9ad9-87efdc8df0ba.html

Does the number of bills a Virginia delegate passed matter in this fall’s election? (WVTF; WMRA)
University of Mary Washington political science Professor Stephen Farnsworth said getting bills passed, or not passed, can be a campaign message either way. “You can claim credit for introducing an idea even if it goes nowhere,” he said. “And you can blame the other side for standing in the way.” https://www.wvtf.org/news/2025-03-03/does-the-number-of-bills-a-virginia-delegate-passed-matter-in-this-falls-election
https://www.wmra.org/2025-03-03/does-the-number-of-bills-a-virginia-delegate-passed-matter-in-this-falls-election

How federal layoffs could impact Virginia’s governor’s race (NBC Washington 4)
“Well, the good news for Republicans is that the election is still a long way away. A lot can happen between February and November,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/president-trump-politics/how-federal-layoffs-could-impact-virginias-governors-race/3854952/?_branch_match_id=1378046433189259489&utm_medium=share&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz0tKLk8szsjMSy%2FJz9NLLCjQy8nMy9ZPL3NJriryzM4JSrKvK0pNSy0qAiqJTyrKLy9OLbJ1zijKz00FALsjenJEAAAA

Democratic Lawmakers Send Youngkin Same Minimum Wage Bill He Vetoed Last Year (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily)
“The minimum wage debate has been one of the more controversial issues in Virginia in the last several years,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “You see significant public support for increasing the minimum wage, but you also see some resistance in the business community to higher minimum wages.” https://wydaily.com/latest/2025/02/28/democratic-lawmakers-send-youngkin-same-minimum-wage-bill-he-vetoed-last-year/

Democratic lawmakers send Youngkin minimum wage bill — again (Rappahannock News)
“The minimum wage debate has been one of the more controversial issues in Virginia in the last several years,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “You see significant public support for increasing the minimum wage, but you also see some resistance in the business community to higher minimum wages.”
https://www.rappnews.com/news/government/democratic-lawmakers-send-youngkin-minimum-wage-bill-again/article_1a219dfe-f4a6-11ef-9e85-9ffc0c1d8321.html

Nominations Now Open for University Staff Council

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University Staff Council Nominations Open for 2025-2026!

The University Staff Council (USC) is now accepting nominations for three University committees: the University Staff Council, the University Budget Advisory Committee, and the James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee. We are on a mission to ensure our representation reflects every corner of the UMW community. Nominate a deserving colleague or yourself today!

University Staff Council

This year, we have the following openings:

  • One (1) AP/Faculty position
  • Six (6) Classified positions
  • One (1) Wage position

The USC is your voice! We advocate for staff concerns, collaborate with faculty and administration to tackle issues, and build a vibrant community. Nominations are welcome from all UMW faculty and staff across campus and affiliated organizations.

University Budget Advisory Committee

Represent UMW Staff on this UMW Faculty Council committee:

  • One (1) opening for a one-year term for a non-Finance staff member.

The UBAC works closely with campus leadership on both short and long-term University budget priorities. These priorities are reviewed, summarized, and presented annually to the UMW President.

James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee

Be a part of this Faculty Council committee:

  • One (1) opening for a one-year term.

The committee collaborates with the director and staff of the JFMC to plan and set priorities, enhance opportunities for multicultural learning through student programming, and develop leadership opportunities for all students.

For more information, visit the USC’s website. If you have any questions about the process, email us at usc@umw.edu. Nominations will be accepted through March 17, 2025. To nominate yourself or someone else for the USC, UBAC, or JFMCAC, complete the Nominee Form, visit the USC Nominations Page, or paste the URL listed below into your internet browser: https://umw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hH97CQUFalyFn0

All nominees will be contacted to accept their nomination prior to the election.

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation!

USC Elections Committee

Mary Washington Soccer Field Named After Longtime Coach Roy Gordon

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Roy Gordon, founding coach of Mary Washington men’s soccer team.

Roy Gordon, founding coach of Mary Washington men’s soccer team.

The University of Mary Washington’s championship soccer field has long been associated with Roy Gordon, founding coach of the men’s soccer team. On Friday, February 21, the UMW Board of Visitors formally approved naming the field in his honor.

Gordon served the University of Mary Washington and its intercollegiate athletics program, especially the men’s soccer program, with distinction, dedication and loyalty for 34 years. His men’s soccer teams captured 386 total wins, won eight Capital Athletic Conference titles, and advanced to nine NCAA tournaments. Since the Eagles made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1985, their cumulative record under Gordon’s leadership was 329-133-33, for an outstanding .698 percent.

One of the most respected college soccer coaches in the nation, Gordon repeatedly earned regional and national awards. He was named the Capital Athletic Conference Coach of the Year eight times, selected as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Regional Coach of the Year on five occasions, and named Virginia State College Division Coach of the Year an impressive four times. Gordon became one of only eight head coaches in Division III history to surpass 400 career wins, in 2007. Gordon received the NSCAA’s prestigious Honor Award in 2009, and was named to the NSCAA Hall of Fame in 2023. Read more.

P.S. I Love U(MW) Social Media Series

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P.S. I Love U(MW) is a social media series celebrating the heart of Mary Washington—our faculty and staff.

In each short, heartfelt episode, we ask: What do you love about what you do? Their answers highlight the joy of being in education, the deep connections they build with students, and the unforgettable moments that make UMW special.

Watch the latest episodes here:

Szulczewski and Grothe Quoted on NOAA, NWS Cuts for FXBG Advance

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Associate Professors of Earth and Environmental Sciences Melanie Szulczewski

Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Melanie Szulczewski

Professors of Earth and Environmental Sciences Melanie Szulczewski and Pamela R. Grothe were quoted by the Fredericksburg Advance in an article entitled “How Will NOAA, NWS Cuts Affect Our Region?”

In the article, it says “Many people are not aware that it is actually NOAA that is in charge of protecting all marine species on the Endangered Species List, such as the Atlantic sturgeon, marine mammals (like dolphins), and sea turtles that all spend time in the Bay,” said Dr. Melanie Szulczewski — an associate professor or earth and environmental sciences at the University of Mary Washington — in an email to the Advance.

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Pamela Grothe

Dr. Pamela R. Grothe, also an associate professor of earth and environmental sciences at Mary Washington, formerly worked at the NOAA building in Boulder, Colorado. “There are so many functions that NOAA serves to protect our coasts and keep communities and people safe,” she wrote the Advance in an email.

Read the article.

 

Belmont to Host “The Rappahannock Fall Line: An Intersection”

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Sunday, March 30, 2025, 1-4 p.m.

Update: The symposium is now FULL, except for UMW students, but a waitlist has been started in case seats open up.

This is a free, public symposium that explores the ecological, historical, and cultural significance of the Rappahannock River Fall Line, by examining its role in shaping both the region’s natural environment and human history.

More Information and Registration

For further information or to inquire about non-profit tabling opportunities, please contact Gari Melchers Home & Studio’s Education Manager Michelle Crow-Dolby at mdolby@umw.edu.

NSWC Dahlgren Division Hosts Fourth Annual High School Innovation Challenge

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Eighteen teams from 17 schools participated in the fourth annual Innovation Challenge held at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus.

Eighteen teams from 17 schools participated in the fourth annual Innovation Challenge held at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus.

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) hosted the fourth annual High School Innovation Challenge @ Dahlgren (ICAD), bringing together approximately 120 students from 12 Virginia school districts for an engaging STEM competition held at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus from Feb. 28 to March 1.

The NIGHT mission – Navigate. Inspect. Gather. Haul. Triage. – challenged students to use Python coding to program pi-top [4] robots as they navigated a congested environment, inspected objects, gathered critical resources and created safe zones while triaging the mission area. Designed to provide an immersive and fun environment, the event showcased the importance of STEM education in solving real-world challenges.

NSWCDD subject matter experts played a pivotal role in the event’s success by designing the competition curriculum, mentoring educators and fostering hands-on learning opportunities. Their dedication ensures a strong foundation for the next generation of STEM professionals, equipping students with skills and experiences to thrive in technical fields.

The ICAD aligned with the efforts of the Potomac Tech Bridge, an outreach initiative led by NSWCDD, emphasizing community innovation and collaboration. The event was hosted in partnership with the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Regional Military Affairs Council and MITRE Corporation. Read more.

Open Education Week 2025

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Open Ed Week 2025

Here are some things you can do to make research and learning more open and affordable, and to improve scholarly communications.

Publish your article Open Access:
Utilize the open access agreements from VIVA, Virginia’s Academic Library Consortium, to publish in reputable journals without any article processing charges (APCs).  Visit the VIVA website for more details:  https://vivalib.org/va/collections/openaccess.

VIVA Open Grants:
Are you interested in adopting an OER textbook or creating one of your own?  Well, VIVA offers three grant opportunities (Adopt, Course, and Open Publishing) to help instructors use open educational resources (OER).  These grants fund the adoption, adaptation, and creation of free or low-cost materials for students.

Grant details, application deadlines, and program information are available at:  https://vivalib.org/va/open/grants.

Manage your professional identity:
ORCID ID is a free, unique identifier for researchers that solves the problem of name ambiguity and institutional changes.  It ensures accurate attribution of research and is increasingly required by publishers and grant agencies in order to make processes more efficient.

How to Get Started with ORCID:

  1. Sign up at ORCID – https://orcid.org/register
  2. Fill in your academic background, affiliations, and publications.
  3. Use your ORCID ID in your email signature, CV, and author profiles.

For more information, contact Paul Boger, Head of Reference and Scholarly Communications, at research@umw.edu or 540-654-1748.

Thanks!
Amy Filiatreau (hear my name)
University Librarian
Simpson Library
University of Mary Washington
540-654-1752
afiliatr@umw.edu