March 29, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Farnsworth Shares Primary Predictions on WTOP

by

South Carolina primary: Trump beats Haley, but here’s why she’s staying in the GOP race (MarketWatch; Morningstar)
Haley “seems likely to stay in the race regardless of the outcome in South Carolina” because she wants to remain the main Republican alternative to Trump in 2024 or perhaps become the GOP front-runner for 2028, said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at Virginia’s University of Mary Washington, ahead of Trump’s victory in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina and the GOP Primary Today: What to expect. (CTV News)
“I think we can close the books on this pretty much already,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Trump compares his legal troubles to the persecution of Alexei Navalny (Fox News)
“From the very start of Trump’s period of time in public life, Donald Trump has been extraordinarily pro-Moscow,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
As National Political Omens Go, Republicans Sought Middle Ground On Abortion In Virginia − And Still Lost The State Legislature (MENAFN)
Polls, including a September 2023 statewide survey by the University of Mary Washington and Research America Inc., demonstrated that Democrats were far more likely to vote based on the abortion question than Republicans were.

Barry Invited to be Marsico Visiting Scholar at Denver University

by

Jennifer Barry

Associate Professor of Religious Studies Jennifer Barry

Jennifer Barry, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, was invited to be the 2024, Marsico Visiting Scholar at Denver University. Barry was invited to share material from the next book, meet with both undergraduate and graduate students, and co-teach a course on Gender and Sexuality in Early Christianity.

Barry also recently was honored with a book panel publication. The latest forum on Ancient Jew Review published the entire collection of reviews on Jennifer Barry’s Bishops in Flight: Exile and Displacement in Late Antiquity. The collection can be found here: SBL 2021 Review Panel: Bishops in Flight

Barry is currently on research leave as the 2023-2024 Harvard, Loeb Classical Library Fellow.

 

 

 

Williams Touts Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail on ‘Town Talk’

by

James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams

James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams

James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams joined the City of Fredericksburg’s Victoria Matthews in talking about the importance of the Fredericksburg Trail now being part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail on “Town Talk,” News Talk 1230 WFVA. Listen to the segment.

Cooperman Weighs in on Abortion Issue in Political Campaigns

by

Professor and Chair of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman

Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman shared her expertise on Republican candidates and political leaders in a recent article titled “A presidential rematch — this time with abortion at the forefront.” In the article, Cooperman said, “I don’t know that there’s any real fidelity to any stance on an issue unless it’s perceived to be useful — abortion being one of a very long list. If you look at what he has said over time, it is what is politically expedient.” Read more in the AZ Mirror and on Yahoo News.

Majid Cashes in on Credit Card Expertise With WalletHub

by

Associate Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid

Associate Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid

Associate Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid shared his expertise with WalletHub for an article titled “Best Store Credit Cards – Expert Opinions.” In the article, Majid answers questions, including,”Why do store credit cards tend to have lower credit-standing requirements than general-purpose cards with equivalent terms?” The answer, he said, is that “store credit cards are more lucrative for the store. They encourage consumers to shop at the store versus competitors so this is more lucrative for the retailer (in terms of additional sales). If lower credit-standing is offered then it is more likely to encourage consumers to choose the retailer card versus a comparable card.” Read more.

Liss Contributes to Article, ‘Best and Worst States for Women’

by

Professor of Psychological Science and Department Chair Miriam Liss

Professor of Psychological Science and Department Chair Miriam Liss

Professor of Psychological Science Miriam Liss shared lessons from her research on happiness in a recent article titled “Best & Worst States for Women 2024.” In the article, Liss said, “Women, like everyone else, should weigh various factors when deciding where to live. This may include employment opportunities for themselves or their spouses, proximity to family, cost of living including housing and childcare expenses, access to outdoor activities, walkability or access to bike paths, availability of a supportive community, and opportunities to form meaningful relationships.” Read more on WalletHub and in the Oakdale Leader.

Mackintosh Presents Panel Highlighting FAM Exhibit

by

Professor of History Will Mackintosh

Associate Professor of History and American Studies Will Mackintosh

Associate Professor of History and American Studies Will Mackintosh, also a member of Fredericksburg City Council, held a panel discussion on Baron Von Steuben on March 6. The discussion was previewed by the Fredericksburg Free Press in an article titled “New FAM exhibit to give a general impression of Lafayette’s celebrity.” Read more.

Parker Teaches the Ins and Outs of Ground Penetrating Radar to Volunteers in Search of Mary Washington’s Final Resting Place

by

Assistant Professor and Archaeology Director Katherine Parker

Historians and officials with Washington Heritage Museums, which own the monument site along Washington Avenue, don’t know the precise location of Mary Ball Washington’s grave. Washington Heritage Museums is working with the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Historic Preservation to understand what lies beneath. Read more. 

Erchull Named Editor of the ‘This is How I Teach’ Blog

by

Professor of Psychological Science Mindy Erchull

Professor of Psychological Science Mindy Erchull

Professor of Psychological Science Mindy Erchull has been named Editor of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology’s “This is How I Teach” Blog.  Erchull succeeds the founding editor, Rob McEntarffer, and in this role, is part of the membership team for the Society for the Teaching of Psychology!

Frankel Explains Threats Posed by Cancer-Causing Contaminants in Major Waterways

by

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Tyler Frankel

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Tyler Frankel

According to the study’s lead author, Tyler Frankel, who was quoted in Phys.org, coal ash contaminants increase in concentration as they work their way up through the food web, threatening a number of predatory fish and birds. “These waterways serve as important routes for several migratory fish species and sensitive nursery habitats for various endemic species,” Frankel said, per Phys.org. “Our work highlights the importance of considering this exposure pathway in conservation strategies.” Read more.