May 22, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Gwen Hale and Students Presented at Regional Conference

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Gwen Hale (left) and tutors from the Writing Center presented at the PCAS/ACAS conference in Nashville

Gwen Hale, director of the Writing Center and Writing Program, presented at the Popular/American Cultural Association in the South (PCAS/ACAS) conference in Nashville, Tenn. Several tutors in the Writing Center also presented at the conference from Sept. 27 to 30. Hale presented “Making Room: Using Technology, Social Media, and Old Fashioned Ingenuity in Writing Centers to Serve the Influx of University Students with Varying Skill Sets, Educational Needs, and Social Backgrounds.”

Carly Boucher presented “Bridging the Gap of Different Englishes in American Universities,” Connie Dowell presented “Just a Blog Post?: Writing Centers and 21st Century Composition,” Sarah Foote presented “Voice is Choice!: The Importance of Finding and Teaching Voice in Writing,” Nicollo Madden presented “Pop Music as a Learning Devive for those with Autism” and Zehra Yousofi presented “Brawny: It’s More than Just a Paper Towel.”

“Aside from delivering amazing presentations, several of the UMW students were approached  by scholars from other universities. Zehra Yousofi was approached about applying for a graduate program at the University of Kentucky. Further, she was approached about publishing the paper she presented at the conference. Next, Nicollo Madden was approached about continuing his scholarship and applying for a graduate program at Morgan State University. The students attended numerous sessions and networked with scholars from all over the South. Now that they have had a taste of presenting at conferences, they have all concluded that they certainly want to do it again.” — Gwen Hale

Zach Whalen Presents Paper at Society for Literature, Science and the Arts

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Zach Whalen, assistant professor in the Department of English, Linguistics and Communication, presented a paper at the recent Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts conference, held this year in Milwaukee, Wis. The presentation, “A Counterfactual Historiography of Three Game Platforms,” challenged the received metanarrative of game console generations. By way of a close reading of three less well-known consoles — Channel F, Vectrex and Virtual Boy — the paper explores the implications of an alternate history for video game devices.

D.J. Garcia Named Excellent Eagle Employee

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Congratulations to D.J. Garcia, textbook manager of the bookstore, who has been selected as the Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of October. A parking spot of his choosing has been reserved for him until the end of the month.

Here is what one of his co-workers said about him:

“Most impressive is the quality of customer service that D.J. delivers, and the demeanor with which he delivers it during even the most demanding – and sometimes trying – of times.  Keep Calm…Carry On is taped to his desk overhead.  He lives that motto and more:  Keep Kind and Carry On.  Keep Consistent and Carry On.  Keep Patient and Carry On.  Keep Helpful and Carry On.

From August 22 –29, (following two 65-hour work weeks), there is a line at D.J.’s counter from store open until store close. Each person receives D.J.’s full attention; each person has their question answered, problem solved.  Phone is ringing, emails are pinging in, textbook orders are changing, four people are calling his name at once; shipments are delivered to the wrong schools… Keep Calm, Carry On…  Amidst it all, D.J. sets the bar for customer service at its highest level.  He is smiling.  He is making students smile.  One has to see him in action to understand; in is an amazing sight.  I will strive to bring my own customer service skills in line with D.J.’s!”

To nominate someone who you believe is an Excellent Eagle Employee, send an email to Priscilla Sullivan (psulliva@umw.edu) with Excellent Eagle Employee in the subject line.  In your email, be sure to list the person’s name, department, work location (with the most convenient parking lot), and of course, the reason why you believe they should be recognized.  Please spread the word to other employees about this wonderful opportunity to recognize a co-worker(s).

Claudia Emerson Honored as Woman of Distinction

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Arrington Distinguished Chair of Poetry and Professor of English Claudia Emerson was named one of seven “Women of Distinction” of 2012 by the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Emerson received the award during a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The girl scouting review committee chose the “Women of Distinction” based on their ability to serve as examples of courage, confidence and character. Emerson’s award focused on her accomplishments in culture and communication.

Golda Eldridge Named Director of Leadership

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The Division of Student Affairs is pleased to announce that Golda Eldridge has joined the team as Director of Leadership within the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service.  Eldridge has extensive leadership and administrative experience within the United States Air Force and served for four years as department chair and professor of aerospace studies at Texas Christian University.  He earned his bachelor’s in literature and history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, his master’s in educational leadership from Troy State University and his Ed.D. in educational leadership from Texas Christian University.

Surupa Gupta Presents Research in India

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Surupa Gupta, assistant professor of political science and international affairs, presented “The Politics of Organized Retail in the Food Sector: Observations from the Indian Experience” at an international seminar on Organized Retailing and the Farm Economy in India. The seminar was held on Sept. 21 to 22 in Hyderabad, India.