May 26, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Al-Tikriti Lectures DLA Unit on Middle East Affairs

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Professor of Middle East History Nabil Al-Tikriti

Professor of Middle East History Nabil Al-Tikriti discussed the current situation in the Middle East this month, covering economic, military, political and diplomatic affairs. He made this presentation to Ft. Belvoir’s Supply Corps Reserve Unit supporting the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), with reserve unit attendees present from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines. The presentation included broad ranging discussions of conflicts, tensions, historical backgrounds and theatre realities for the Indo-Pakistan conflict, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, the Caucasus, Turkey, the Gulf States, Syria and Israel-Palestine. In the course of this discussion, Al-Tikriti shared his analysis of the long-term effects of the Gaza Genocide, Ukraine war and China’s construction of a parallel global economy. 

Sharing Sad News on the Passing of Amanda Rutstein, Office Manager in Monroe Hall

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Amanda Rutstein, a 2007 UMW alumna who managed the academic department offices in Monroe Hall.

Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in English from UMW, earning a fellowship toward her MFA in Creative Writing Poetry from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. A talented writer, she has been a featured guest for Women in Higher Education. Before joining the academic departments in Monroe Hall, she worked in the HCC and previously served as an adjunct instructor for the Department of English and Linguistics, where she taught many sections of Intro to Creative Writing and ENGL 202: Writing about Empathy.

She has been a mentor to many students and returned to work at UMW as a tutor, further supporting students in their academic endeavors through the Writing Center and Division of Teaching and Learning Technologies. The campus community was like family, with many close friends and regular traditions, including bringing her son to the Multicultural Fair every year.  Her colleagues and closest friends note that she is extremely funny, honest, ridiculously generous in every way, practical and strong.

Our sympathies and support go to her family, as well as members of our campus community who worked closely with her, from her time in the classroom to her time at the front of the classroom. As a longtime member of our community, her work and words have reached many, and we know that many will grieve the loss.

Any employee in need of additional support can access the Employee Assistance Program, which is available at no cost with state employee health insurance plans, with more information on the Human Resources website. Employees can also reach out to Human Resources for additional support by contacting Executive Director of Human Resources Beth Williams at bwilli22@umw.edu.

Students seeking support this summer can also access on-demand, free mental health services any time via TimelyCare, online or via the app. Go to timelycare.com/umw or download the TimelyCare app to access care via Apple App Store or Google Play Store. TimelyCare’s TalkNow is available 24 hours a day. Visit the Talley Center website for more information and additional resources.

TimelyCare uses single sign-on so you’ll access it with your UMW NetID – just using umw.edu at the end (mail.umw.edu will not work). Please note that you’ll complete an information form on your first visit to the site.

Service information is not yet available, and we’ll update our campus community with ways to gather and remember Amanda as the family shares more information.

Jeff McClurken
Chief of Staff

Mathews Shares Religious Expertise Across National Media Platforms

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Professor of Religious Studies Mary Beth Mathews

Professor of Religious Studies Mary Beth Mathews

Professor of Religious Studies Mary Beth Mathews has been featured across multiple media outlets recently, sharing her expertise on religious topics. In May, she was part of a panel discussion on Black religious life hosted by Fairfax County NAACP (the panel starts around minute 54 of the linked video). Earlier this month, she was interviewed for an article in an Italian magazine “PrisMag” about the prospect of the first American pope.

Most recently, Mathews was featured on NBC Washingtons “4 Your Reading” series, which highlights local authors, where she discusses her new book titled Contentious Unions, which explores the intertwined histories of three historically Black institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary in Virginia, Central City College in Georgia and American Baptist Theological Seminary in Tennessee.

Teacher Appreciation Brunch Alumni Award Recipients

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Teacher Appreciation Brunch UMW alumni award recipients.

UMW alumni award recipients pose with College of Education Dean Pete Kelly at the Chamber’s Teacher Appreciation Brunch this month.

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Teacher Appreciation Brunch, held this month at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, was proudly supported by the University of Mary Washington’s College of Education as the title sponsor.

Four UMW alumni received awards, including:

  • Excellence in Inclusive Teaching (UMW) – Briana Bahr – English Teacher at Mountain View High School in Stafford County Public Schools
  • Excellence in Leadership – Reitha Abed – Principal of STCT in Spotsylvania County Public Schools
  • Rising Star – Tala Saleh – 1st Grade Teacher at Lafayette Elementary School in Fredericksburg City Public School
  • Community Impact – Kerrie Pierce – Testing Coordinator at King George Middle School in King George County Schools

The event recognized incredible educators and administrators from Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, City of Fredericksburg, King George County, and Caroline County. It was a heartfelt way to show gratitude to the individuals who shape the future by fostering learning, growth and leadership in our community’s youth.

Hofstaedter Named Men’s Lacrosse Coach

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New head men's lacrosse coach Kyle Hofstaedter

New head men’s lacrosse coach Kyle Hofstaedter

The athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Kyle Hofstaedter as the new head men’s lacrosse coach pending a successful background check, according to Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo.

“We look forward to having Coach Hofstaedter join UMW Athletics as the next head coach of the men’s lacrosse program”, said Catullo. “Coach Hofstaedter coaching ability and proven work ethic will be a great asset to the team and the department.”

Hofstaedter comes to UMW from Neumann University, where he served as head men’s lacrosse coach since 2024. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach at Division II Rollins University, who advanced to the programs’ first NCAA Tournament appearance in his tenure.

“I am extremely grateful to Patrick Catullo, the search committee, and the members of the UMW community engaged in this process”, said Hofstaedter. “I am deeply honored and excited to be named the next head men’s lacrosse coach at the University of Mary Washington. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead these young men both on and off the field and elevate this program to new heights.” Read more. 

Davidson Analyzes NATO Tensions for Atlantic Council

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Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jason Davidson

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jason Davidson

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jason Davidson shared expert insight in a recent article for the Atlantic Council titled “What explains the transatlantic rift? It’s all about threat perception.” As NATO allies prepare for his month’s summit in The Hague, Davidson explores differing views on global threats and defense spending, particularly in the light of U.S calls for increase military investment. Davidson’s analysis helps contextualize the evolving dynamics within the alliance. Read the article. 

Scholar-Athletes of the Year Awarded

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Senior student-athletes Freddy Rogers and Jessica Oberlies have been named the 2024-25 University of Mary Washington Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Senior student-athletes Freddy Rogers and Jessica Oberlies have been named the 2024-25 University of Mary Washington Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Senior student-athletes Freddy Rogers and Jessica Oberlies have been named UMW’s 2024-25 Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the year, the athletic department’s highest honor recognizing excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

Rogers, a marketing major who graduated in May with a 3.9 GPA, served as goalkeeper for UMW’s nationally-ranked men’s soccer team that captured the Coast-to-Coast conference championship. The first-team All-America selection posted a remarkable 19-2-2 record and earned All-America honors from multiple organizations.

Oberlies, one of only seven May graduates to achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA, competed in cross country and track and field while pursuing dual majors in environmental science and Spanish. The Honors Program graduate and Phi Beta Kappa member finished the outdoor track season ranked regionally in the 10,000 meters and will put her academic achievements to work as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines starting this July.

Both students exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal that UMW has celebrated through these awards since 1990. Read more. 

 

Moon Publishes Book on Race and Geography

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Professor of History and American Studies, Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies, Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon has published a new book titled Proximity to Power: Rethinking Race and Place in Alexandria, Virginia with the University of North Carolina Press (2025).

The book examines how Alexandria’s unique geographic position across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. profoundly shaped the experiences of African American residents from the mid-19th century to the present day. Moon explores how this proximity to the nation’s capital affected Black residents’ access to schools, transportation and other resources compared to other southern communities. Through detailed analysis of Alexandria’s Black community, the book highlights their enduring advocacy and resilience while adding important nuance to our understanding of how geography influences racial experience in America.

Athletes of the Year Honored

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First team All-America soccer seniors Carter Berg and Nelsar Castillo and first-year track All-American Yasmin Deane are winners of the 2024-25 UMW Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

All-America soccer seniors Carter Berg and Nelsar Castillo and first-year track All-American Yasmin Deane are winners of UMW’s Athletes of the Year award for 2024-25.

Three standout student-athletes have earned UMW’s 2024-25 Athletes of the Year honors: soccer seniors Carter Berg and Nelsar Castillo along with first-year track sensation Yasmin Deane.

Berg and Castillo helped propel UMW’s men’s soccer team to a national #1 ranking and third consecutive Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference championship. Both earned first-team All-America honors from the United Soccer Coaches as the Eagles posted a 19-2-2 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for the third straight year. Berg became just the fifth player in program history to join the 100-point club, while Castillo’s ball control and playmaking proved crucial to the team’s success.

Deane made an immediate impact in her debut season, shattering school and conference records while earning All-America honors in the 200 meters. The Coast-to-Coast Conference Rookie of the Year broke indoor records in both the 60-meter dash and 200 meters before setting new marks outdoors in the 100 and 200 meters, capping her first year with a 16th-place finish at the NCAA Div. III Championships.

These athletes exemplify the excellence UMW has celebrated through its Athlete of the Year awards since 2014. Read more. 

Kelly Discusses Education on Chamber Podcast

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College of Education Dean Pete Kelly

College of Education Dean Pete Kelly

College of Education Dean Pete Kelly was recently featured on the Chamber Talks podcast, produced by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. In the episode titled “Beyond the Classroom: Honoring Our Region’s Teachers,” Kelly is joined by Fredericksburg City Public Schools Superintendent Marci Catlett to discuss the current landscape of education. Together, they shared insights into the challenges and opportunities facing both K-12 and higher education and the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations. Listen to the episode.