A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
Professor of Mathematics Larry Lehman
Professor of Mathematics Larry Lehman has published a new book, Quadratic Ideal Numbers: A Computational Method for Binary Quadratic Forms with De Gruyter, a German publishing house. This book studies quadratic ideal numbers, introduced as a notational device in Lehman’s previous book, Quadratic Number Theory, as objects in their own right, with applications to quadratic forms and other topics in elementary and algebraic number theory.
The following message is from the Chief of Staff:
Campus Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce that Jonathan Piersol has accepted the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) at UMW and will start in the role on May 13.
Jonathan brings more than 30 years of experience in IT leadership across higher education, government contracting, and the private sector.
He most recently served as the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Information Officer for the University System of Georgia. In this role, he oversaw technology strategy and services for 26 public colleges and universities, including chairing the CIO Advisory Council, composed of chief information officers from each institution. Jonathan has been responsible for setting the strategic vision for digital transformation, modernizing legacy systems to drive enhanced user experiences, operational agility, and institutional effectiveness.
Prior to joining the University System of Georgia, Jonathan served as Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he provided strategic oversight for the university’s Workday Cloud ERP deployment—encompassing human capital management, finance, and payroll—as part of a broader institutional transformation. His leadership supported Howard’s mission to become a more interactive, student- and research-centered institution committed to excellence in teaching and learning.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Strayer College, a Master of Science in Information Technology from The George Washington University, and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). A proud combat veteran, Jonathan served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 to 1992.
UMW’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) leads the information technology strategy and operations. This executive role is critical for advancing the University’s mission through innovative and effective use of technology and oversees IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, administrative computing, computing support, digital transformation, and data governance. They work collaboratively across campus units to enhance teaching, learning, and research through technology integration. This partnership extends beyond traditional IT support to include innovative solutions that advance pedagogical excellence and support faculty development in digital literacy and technology-enhanced instruction.
On behalf of the search committee, thank you for participating in the search process, and thanks in advance for joining us in welcoming Jonathan to Mary Washington this May. He will overlap with retiring CIO Hall Cheshire for a couple of weeks, and we also hope you will share our retirement congratulations with Hall via email or as you see him through May.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey McClurken, Chief of Staff & Vice President of Strategy, Search Committee Chair
The University of Mary Washington is pleased to announce that Drew Delaney has accepted the promotion to Assistant Director of Athletics for Internal Operations/Assistant Department Chair, according to Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo.
Delaney’s new role will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations within the athletic department. This position will have oversight with student-athlete eligibility and compliance and will serve as the direct report for both the equestrian and esports teams. Delaney will serve as the assistant dept chair for AHPE courses as well as the sports management minor. He will be involved with hosting post season championships as well as the strategic planning for the department.
“We are thrilled to welcome Drew to the UMW Athletics leadership team”, said Catullo. “As an experienced college coach, Drew has significantly enhanced the competitiveness and culture of the men’s lacrosse team over the past several years. Coupled with his successful tenure in various administrative, committee work and faculty roles, Drew is well-equipped to serve the department in a broader capacity. I am eager to begin working with him in this new role.”
A nationwide search for a men’s lacrosse head coach will be conducted soon.
Delaney brings a wealth and breadth of experiences to his new full-time role, having served on numerous committees both nationally and on campus, creating a branding campaign for the athletic department, beginning a varsity program from scratch, and serving on the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Board of Directors and Regional Advisory Committee.
“I am grateful to Patrick Catullo for this opportunity to join the UMW leadership team,” Delaney said. “I am excited and feel lucky to work more closely with our coaches and staff and look forward to supporting a broader group of our student-athletes.”
Delaney, who recently completed his ninth season as head coach of men’s lacrosse at UMW, brings more than 20 years of college coaching experience to his new full-time administrative role. He began his coaching career at Western Reserve Academy, and moved to the collegiate ranks in 2004, when he accepted an assistant position at Washington and Lee University.
After three seasons with the Generals, he moved to Division II Limestone College, where he served as defensive coordinator and faceoff coach, where he remained for three years, as the Saints reached the Final Four in each season. Following his time at Limestone, Delaney spent one season at Washington College serving as the defensive coordinator.
He became the first head coach in Arcadia College history, starting the program from scratch, and moved on to Elizabethtown College, where he turned around the Blue Jays program, before coming to UMW in 2017. This year’s squad won nine games in the ultra-competitive Coastal Lacrosse Conference and saw six players gain all-conference honors among some of the elite programs in Division III.
Delaney is a 2003 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College. During his time in Lancaster, he was a four-year letter winner for the Diplomats on defense. Over his four seasons, F&M reached the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals in 2003, won an ECAC Championship in 2002, and was an ECAC runner-up in 2001.
Delaney is originally from Maplewood, N.J. where he played lacrosse and football at Columbia High School. He and his wife Linda, an assistant women’s lacrosse coach at UMW, reside in Spotsylvania, Va.
Associate Professor of German Jennifer Hansen-Glucklich
Associate Professor Jennifer Hansen-Glucklich in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures has published a new book entitled German Memorials, Motifs, and Meanings: A Cultural History in Bronze, Wood, and Stone with University of Massachusetts Press (2025).
The book offers a unique cultural history of German memorialization by focusing not on a single, isolated era, but rather on enduring memorial motifs—enchanted stones, magical trees, raised fists, stone circles, and similar evocative symbols derived from myth, folklore, Christianity, national iconography, and post-Holocaust imagery. It thus takes a long-duration perspective to explore abiding themes such as death, rebirth, and redemption; violence and reconciliation; and sacrifice, identity, and community. Along with a consideration of the historical and social circumstances of each memorial and its motifs, the book seeks to answer the questions of why and how these cultural markers survive the passage of time and how they endure amidst cultural, social, and political upheavals that include the rise and fall of empires, catastrophes of war and occupation, and genesis of new national identities.
A Waple Professorship (2023-2025) generously supported the publication of this book by providing funds for travel.
University of Mary Washington Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo announces several additions to the athletic department’s administrative team for 2025-26. Longtime coach and administrator Rod Wood and head athletic trainer Beth Druvenga have been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director roles, joining Lauren Bass, who has been recently named Assistant Director of Athletics for Budget and Finance.
“The promotion of these individuals, along with Drew Delaney and Clint Often, will strengthen the leadership team,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. “Their combined years of experience in college athletics will be a valuable asset in enhancing the overall operations of UMW Athletics.” Read more.
Commencement is coming up this weekend, Saturday, May 10, and we look forward to welcoming graduates and their families for the ceremony. The schedule for commencement festivities is available online, including information for seniors on the Senior Toast and Grad Ball.
Commencement rehearsal happens Friday, May 9 from 1-3 p.m., and faculty and staff are invited to preview the processional around 1:45 to 2 p.m. along Campus Walk and cheer on the grads during rehearsal. Our Deans will hand-out ice cream following rehearsal so please stay around for a sweet treat.
Commencement will be held Saturday, May 10, beginning at 9 a.m. If you are participating in the event, check your schedule and email for specific times and locations and make sure you allow plenty of time to park for the 8 a.m. line-up for graduates.
Please note the following parking changes:
All lots are otherwise open for visitors and guests.
In addition, the City of Fredericksburg and particularly our neighbors in the College Heights and College Terrace neighborhoods welcome families for this annual celebration. If you choose to park in the adjacent neighborhoods, which lift the general parking regulations and timeframes, please do not block fire hydrants, fire lanes or driveways. Those areas will be enforced.
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.
VIRGINIA PUBLIC SERVICE WEEK (VPSW) 2025
Weekly Activities sponsored by the University Staff Council (U.S.C), Human Resources and Campus Recreation
Celebrating the week of Monday, May 12 – Friday, May 16
SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE:
Monday, May 12 – Employee Appreciation Day Holiday
Enjoy the Day Off!
Tuesday, May 13
TRIVIA Tuesday – How much do you know about UMW? Try your hand at answering the VPSW Trivia questions. Participants will have the opportunity to win a prize! https://adminfinance.umw.edu/hr/employee-relations/employee-recognition-2/vpsw-trivia-tuesday/
Wednesday, May 14, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Mary Wash Wednesday – dress in your very best UMW Swag and school colors
Games with U.S.C & the Atlantic Barbecue Food Truck will be on Campus – Come out to Ball Circle to enjoy some fun activities with U.S.C. The Atlantic Barbecue Food Truck will be on campus parked near Ball Circle/ Campus Walk. If you want to view the menu or skip waiting in lines, visit the website www.atlanticbarbecue.com or use the QR code and place your order in advance.
Wednesday, May 14, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Five Minutes of Fame – Celebrate the end of the academic year with a lively and fast-paced hour of five-minute presentations, where faculty and staff share innovative ideas, creative projects, and effective teaching techniques they explored this year. And since we all know how difficult it can be for some of us to limit ourselves to five minutes, we’ll have a gong available to remind presenters that their time is up! It’s a fun, informal way to celebrate the end of the semester, spark inspiration, and connect with colleagues. Stick around after the presentations for drinks, snacks, and conversation in the Convergence Garden. Please register by noon on May 9th to attend.
Thursday, May 15, 1:00 – 3:00
Ice Cream Thursday – Fredericksburg Campus – ICE CREAM – HR will be at Ball Circle/ Campus Walk to hand out ice cream.
Stafford and Dahlgren Campus – ICE CREAM – HR will coordinate directly with the Stafford and Dalghren Campus for visit!
Friday, May 17, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Fan Friday – We are lucky to work with a wonderful bunch of colleagues. Take a few moments to tell the UMW community about someone who makes UMW extra special. Participants will have the opportunity to win a prize! https://adminfinance.umw.edu/hr/employee-relations/employee-recognition-2/vpsw-colleague-recognition/
We appreciate your sharing this announcement and flyer with employees in your department who may not have access to email. If you have any questions or need additional information or assistance in order to attend any of the events above please contact Jessica Alston at 540-654-1214.
Cover for The Importance of Being Different: Disability in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales.
Professor of English Chris Foss
Professor of English Chris Foss participated in a Recent Books Showcase as part of the program for the The Incredible Nineteenth Century: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Fairy Tale annual conference, held on Zoom early in May. This small but international meeting featured two days of presenters hailing from nine different countries. Foss talked about his new book, The Importance of Being Different: Disability in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales, published in April by the University of Virginia Press.
Foss was also featured in an Author’s Corner interview for the University of Virginia Press’s website. He answered five questions related to his recently published book. The interview may be found at: https://www.upress.virginia.edu/author-corner/authors-corner-with-chris-foss-author-of-the-importance-of-being-different/
To all full-time employees:
Please be aware that the Virginia Department of Human Resources (DHRM) has changed this year’s Open Enrollment period to May 16 – May 30, 2025, and that informational materials will be emailed rather than mailed to employees’ homes. Please make sure to check your UMW email for Open Enrollment information from DHRM.
Supervisors – if you have employees who do not use email for work, please ensure this information is communicated to them.