A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
Academy of Technology and Innovation Executive Director Rebecca Towery
Last month, Executive Director, Rebecca Towery, participated in a panel at the winter Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) conference.
The VASS conference highlighted a breakout session focusing on lab schools in the commonwealth, featuring panelists from all three state-approved lab schools. It provided an excellent platform for sharing and collaborating with colleagues.
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a lecture, “Late-Night Comedy Never Tires of Donald Trump” at American University in Washington. The talk was derived from portions of Dr. Farnsworth’s recently published co-authored book, Late-Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Third Parties could decide 2024 elections in the United States (Brazil de Fato)
“It’s not to say that a third-way candidate can’t win an election in the US, but the Electoral College system makes it very unlikely that a third-party presidential candidate will be anything more than a small part of the debate,” said Professor Stephen Farnsworth, from the University of Mary Washington.
https://www.brasildefato.com.br/2023/12/20/terceira-via-pode-decidir-eleicoes-de-2024-nos-estados-unidos
How proposed budget would eliminate ‘most hated tax in Virginia’ (WTOP-FM)Getting rid of the long-standing car tax would likely be popular, but it’s an unoriginal idea, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.https://wtop.com/virginia/2023/12/how-proposed-budget-would-eliminate-most-hated-tax-in-virginia/
Youngkin budget proposal seeks income tax decrease, sales tax increase (VPM Media)“A governor’s year-three budget is the last major effort to shape the trajectory of Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “For a governor, the proposal is written with an eye to the future of the governor’s professional trajectory.”https://www.vpm.org/news/2023-12-20/virginia-legacy-budget-taxes-mental-health-glenn-youngkin
Race to Replace Rep. Jennifer Wexton in Northern Virginia Gets Crowded (The Washington Post, The New York Ledger)
“Virginia 10 is a more competitive district than a lot of them, and, as such, it represents an uncommon chance for both celebrations to challenge for a critical home seat in a critical state,” stated Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/16/wexton-10th-congressional-district-crowded/
https://thenyledger.com/news/race-to-replace-rep-jennifer-wexton-in-northern-virginia-gets-crowded/
‘The Briefing’ With Steve Scully (Sirius XM)
“I think that one of the things we need to recognize is that today’s young people are really not getting the news from the traditional sources,” said UMW Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth. “Now increasingly we find that young people are finding out about politics through political humor, through these late-night shows.”
Have you ever wondered what the holidays looked like 50 years ago? Now you can get a glimpse. Mary Beth Mathews (University of Mary Washington) walks us through how the American traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas have changed over the years. Read more.
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus spoke to TVP World for a segment titled “Japan’s record military budget.” Elizabeth Larus indicated that Japan’s hefty defense budget increase indicates that Tokyo is seeking a new role as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific. Watch the segment.
Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW Director Rebecca Towery
Rebecca Towery, director of the Academy of Technology and Innovation at the University of Mary Washington, shared information on the new school with radio host Ted Schubel on WFVA’s Town Talk. Towery also spoke about the school’s goals and previewed its first open house, held Dec. 5 at the school’s new home at the Stafford UMW campus. Hear the episode.
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented several community lectures on the 2023 Virginia Midterm Elections, including talks for Mary Washington Elderstudy, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Farnsworth’s analysis of the 2023 elections was published in The Conversation, a leading source of political analysis. Read the article.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Hunter Biden Defies Subpoena (CTV News)
Based on what we know right now, there has been no evidence that the Republicans have been able to release that suggests that whatever Hunter Biden did in his financial arrangements had anything to do with the president. Remember, the question is really about the president.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828084
The Numbers Behind Virginia’s Most Diverse General Assembly (Williamsburg Young)
Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon
Professor of History and American Studies Krystn Moon’s report on restrictive zoning covenants was referenced in an article titled “Alexandria discloses list of ‘racially restrictive’ covenants on city-owned properties,” which ran in ALX Now. Moon, who the city hired to gather information on the history of the covenants, found dozens more properties, in Alexandria as well as Arlington and Fairfax counties. Read more.
College of Business Professor Xiaofeng Zhao
Xiaofeng Zhao, professor of the College of Business, recently presented a paper entitled “Application of priority queuing system in service operations” at the Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) 54th annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The paper has been published in the conference proceedings. Zhao chaired a Service Systems and Operations session.
University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the James Monroe Museum and James Monroe’s Highland collaborated with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to present a panel discussion, Spheres of Influence: Two Hundred Years of the Monroe Doctrine. The event took place at NARA’s McGowan Theatre and was streamed on YouTube. Executive Director of Mary Washington Museums Scott Harris co-moderated the program with Dr. Sara Bon-Harper, Highland’s executive director. Of all the exhibits and public programs pertaining to the bicentennial of Monroe’s presidency offered by the James Monroe Museum since 2016, this discussion of the Monroe Doctrine addressed what is arguably the most significant and enduring legacy of his administration.
Among the four panelists were Dr. Daniel Preston, founding editor (retired) of the Papers of James Monroe and Dr. Melissa Martinez, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Dan and Melissa contributed admirably to what all agree was a thoughtful and wide-ranging examination of the Monroe Doctrine’s place not only in history, but also in contemporary international relations.
James Monroe Museum’s public programs coordinator, Lindsey Crawford worked with participants and the NARA staff to facilitate the event. The JMM assistant director and curator, Jarod Kearney, led a group of the museum’s guides who attended in person. Approximately 150 people were present in the McGowan Theater, with another 750 viewing online. The archived recording has had nearly 500 views in just the last three days—a number sure to grow over time.
Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jared McDonald new book, Feeling Their Pain: Why Voters Want Leaders Who Care, was recently published by Oxford University Press. Learn more.