In his capacity as a board member of MSF / Doctors Without Borders USA, Nabil Al-Tikriti co-organized and moderated a June 7 workshop on migrant populations preceding the MSF USA 2012 General Assembly in New York City. Panelists included Dr. Alison Mountz of Wilfred Laurier University, Dr. Apostolos Veizis of MSF Greece, and Ivan Gayton of MSF Nigeria. The workshop description was as follows: “In this workshop, participants will explore the peculiar challenges faced when trying to gain access to migrant populations. Is it possible to adequately serve a population which often intentionally avoids detection, resides primarily in urban contexts, constantly moves or aspires to move, displays inordinate ethnic and linguistic diversity, and exists in a legal limbo vis-a-vis the legal authorities under which MSF operates? What level of legal risk should MSF international staff be prepared to accept vis-a-vis Frontex, Homeland Security, and other actors legally tasked with controlling, limiting, channeling, and preventing migration?”
College of Education Hosts State Social Studies Education Summer Leadership Meeting
The Virginia Consortium of Social Studies Specialists and College Educators (VCSSSCE) held its Summer Leadership Meeting at UMW’s College of Education on Friday, June 8.
The organization comprises stakeholders in Virginia history and social sciences education, including social studies specialists, college educators, museum professionals, social studies education non-profit professionals and representatives from the Virginia Department of Education.
John P. Broome, assistant professor in curriculum & instruction and director of undergraduate secondary and preK-12 education programs in the College of Education, serves as the State Instructional Committee Chair for the organization.
Stephen Farnsworth Featured on CTV News
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies, was a featured guest on CTV News Channel on Wednesday, June 6. In the segment, Farnsworth discusses the implications of Gov. Scott Walker’s win over Tom Barrett in Wisconsin’s recent recall election.
Farnsworth spoke to WMAL radio on Wednesday, June 6 and Wednesday, May 30 about the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial race.
Pat Reynolds Breaks Ground on Culture Shock Research
Patricia Reynolds, assistant professor in the College of Education, presented the plenary talk at the Tea for TESOL event held on the Stafford Campus on Saturday, May 26. Her presentation, “Learning the Ropes: How Children Cross Cultures,” described her grounded theory research into the stages of culture shock in immigrant school children.
Tea for TESOL is an annual professional development event for faculty, students, alumni and area teachers who specialize in teaching English to speakers of other languages. It was hosted by the Department of Foundations, Leadership and Special Populations in the College of Education.
Laurie Abeel Leads Virginia Teams to Destination Imagination Global Finals
Laurie Abeel, associate professor of education, is the Virginia Affiliate Director for Destination Imagination (DI), the largest creative problem solving program in the world. DI focuses on creative problem solving skills, critical thinking, leadership and team work.
This year, 1,276 teams from 45 states, seven Canadian provinces and 13 countries made the Destination Imagination Global Finals, the largest celebration and competition of creativity and problem-solving skills of its kind. Virginia had 45 teams represented at Global Finals which took place at the University of Tennesee.
Abeel oversees seven regions in Virginia, along with the state tournament and advancing teams to Global Finals. Many teams from Stafford County were also among the 45 teams representing Virginia. Anyone interested in learning more about this program is encouraged to contact Abeel and check the Destination Imagination website, www.idodi.org.
Adria Hoffman’s Article Appears in Journal
Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships in the College of Education Adria Hoffman’s article “Representin’ and Disrespectin’: African-American Wind Band Students’ Meanings of a Composition-Based Secondary Music Curriculum and Classroom Power Structures” appears in the journal Music Education Research through Taylor & Francis Online. To review the article, click on this link: : http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14613808.2012.685458
Sean O’Brien Named Excellent Eagle Employee
Congratulations to Sean O’Brien, IT project manager in the office of the vice president for information technology, who has been selected as an Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of June. 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:
“I would like to nominate Sean O’Brien for the Excellent Eagle Employee. When I have any issue relating to IT, I always call Sean. He always knows what direction to point me in, or who to direct me to talk to. Sometimes navigating other divisions is a puzzle, but Sean clears up any questions I have and saves the day. He also checks in to make sure the issue was resolved. I really appreciate that IT has someone as accessible and helpful as Sean. A parking spot is a great way to say thanks and keep up the good work!”
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).
Keith Mellinger Publishes in Innovations in Incidence Geometry
Keith Mellinger, associate professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics, saw his co-authored article “Semiovals from Unions of Conics” published in the most recent issue of Innovations in Incidence Geometry. The article completely characterizes certain types of semiovals, special structures in finite geometries that find application as cryptologic keys.
Mellinger presented part of this work as an invited speaker at the 14th annual Discrete Math Days conference in Fort Collins, Colo.
Richard Finkelstein’s Article on Shakespeare Appears in Journal
Richard Finkelstein, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of English, published “The Comedy of Errors and the Theology of Things” in the spring issue of Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900.
The article looks at both theological and mercantile traditions to argue that Shakespeare sees participation in the marketplace as redemptive.
Stephen Farnsworth Featured in Regional Newspapers
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth’s op-ed “Coming Distractions: Pinocchio Politics” appeared in the Sunday, May 20 edition of The Free Lance-Star. In the op-ed, Farnsworth argues that although personal attacks have long been a feature of American politics, the 2012 election discourse will be worse than past years.
Farnsworth discusses Gov. Bob McDonnell’s time in office in The Washington Post article “Social Issues Cloud McDonnell’s Ups and Downs.” The article appeared in the Monday, May 21 issue of the newspaper.