December 8, 2025

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Parsons Elected a Regional Coordinator for JASNA

by

Head of Special Collections & University Archives Emerita Carolyn S. Parsons

Head of Special Collections & University Archives Emerita Carolyn Parsons was recently elected Regional Coordinator for the Jane Austen Society of North America’s (JASNA) Central Virginia region. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth and the organization is providing free membership to all interested students through December. The JASMA annual conference, Jane Austen at 250, will be held in Baltimore this year with Parsons moderating a session titled, “The Quixotic Writer: Jane Austen’s Role in Northhanger Abbey.”

Chichester-Morby Appears on ‘PS: I Love U(MW)’ Series

by

Director of Landscape and Grounds Holly Chichester-Morby

Director of Landscape and Grounds Holly Chichester-Morby

Holly Chichester-Morby loves her job, and it shows. As UMW’s Director of Landscape and Grounds, she’s happiest working outdoors, getting her hands dirty, and caring for the campus she calls home. The annual Tree Festival is one of her favorite events, celebrating UMW’s designation as a Tree Campus and the community’s shared love of the outdoors.

See what makes Holly’s work so special in this episode of the ‘PS: I Love U(MW)‘ social media series. See all the PS: I Love U(MW) episodes on @marywash Instagram.

Larus Comments on China’s Rare Earth Export Restrictions for RTI News

by

Professor Emerita of  Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus

Professor Emerita of  Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus

Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elisabeth Larus was quoted in RTI News on China’s decision to restrict exports of rare earths and minerals. Larus said the move was aimed at pressuring the U.S. President ahead of a tariff deadline, but instead reignited a cycle of escalating trade threats. “Xi may have overplayed his hand,” she noted, adding that the restrictions could backfire by accelerating U.S. efforts to develop alternative sources and reduce reliance on China. Read the article from RTI News.

Other media mentions for Larus include:

China Gathers Allies to Shape Global Security Vision (Deutsche Welle)
Larus commented in Deutsche Welle on this year’s Xiangshan Forum, China’s annual international security gathering. Larus indicated that the U.S. decision to send a lower-level Pentagon official to the gathering does not indicate a lack of interest on the part of the U.S. administration, but the choice of the U.S. representative indicates that the real discussions are happening through back channels and not in front of the cameras. Larus also commented that China’s leader Xi Jinping would use the forum as an opportunity to promote his peace narrative on issues ranging from the Ukraine war to the South China Sea and Taiwan despite Beijing’s support for Russia and China’s increasing aggression in the Asia-Pacific. Read more.

Barry Publishes Book, Interviewed on Podcast ‘New Books in Late Antiquity’

by

The cover of Barry's monograph 'Gender Violence in Late Antiquity: Male Fantasies and the Christian Imagination' with the University of California Press.

The cover of Barry’s recently published monograph with the University of California Press

Associate Professor of Religious Studies Jennifer Barry

Associate Professor of Religious Studies Jennifer Barry

Associate Professor of Religious Studies Jennifer Barry published her second scholarly monograph, Gender Violence in Late Antiquity: Male Fantasies and the Christian Imagination, with the University of California Press.

Barry’s new book examines how early Christian writers used narratives of gendered harm—especially domestic violence—to shape theology, consolidate authority, and imagine social order.

Later this month, she will give an invited book talk at the University of Pittsburgh highlighting this material and exploring how depictions of violence within the household became central to Christian thought.

Barry was also recently featured on the New Books in Late Antiquity podcast, presented by Ancient Jew Review, to discuss her monograph.

In the interview, Barry explores how early Christian writers used narratives of gendered harm—especially domestic abuse, martyrdom, and sexualized violence—to shape theology, consolidate authority, and imagine social order. She also reflects on how feminist horror theory, trauma studies, and womanist scholarship offer new perspectives on these texts and their enduring impact on the study of gender and power.

Barry joined host Michael Motia (UMass Boston) for the conversation, which is now available online.

Richards to Lead Discussion on Author Kate Chopin at Louisiana Book Festival

by

Professor of English Gary Richards

Professor of English Gary Richards

Professor of English Gary Richards will lead a program featuring the work of acclaimed Louisiana author Kate Chopin at its annual One Book, One Festival discussion on Nov. 1.

An article by KTBS titled “Louisiana Book Festival to feature short stories of Kate Chopin,” previewed the Festival, explaining how participants in the program read a selected work in advance and then join a discussion led by Richards. This year, the focus will be on three of Chopin’s short stories.
Richards, an expert in Southern literature, has facilitated 12 previous sessions since the program began in 2008. Read more. 

 

Cooperman Publishes Article in Journal of Policy History

by

Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman

Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman

Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman had her article, “Gender and Party Polarization in the US Congress: Hypervisibility and Invisibility,” published in the Journal of Policy History.

Also this month, Cooperman will assist in asking questions of the candidates at the public political debate for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. where incumbent Joshua Cole (D) will face off against Sean Steinway (R) in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.

 

Bhatt Authors Article for Newsbreak

by

Kalpesh Bhatt, assistant professor in Classics, Philosophy and Religion

Assistant Professor of Asian Religions Kalpesh Bhatt

Assistant Professor of Asian Religions Kalpesh Bhatt authored an article for Newsbreak titled “A Federal Probe Into U.S.’s Largest Hindu Temple Leaves Questions for Minority Faiths.” Bhatt explored how federal authorities, led by the U.S. Department of Justice, have ended a four-year-long investigation into alleged human rights violations in the construction of the largest Hindu temple in the United States. Read more.

Subramanian Explores ‘Dopamine Decor’ in The Boston Globe

by

Professor of Communication Sushma Subramanian

Professor of Journalism Sushma Subramanian

Associate Professor of Journalism Sushma Subramanian authored an article in The Boston Globe titled “The downside of dopamine decor.” In the piece, she reflects on how the constant urge to perfect her recently renovated home left her feeling unsettled, noting, “We had gut remodeled our house, and there was still no good place to put our vacuum cleaner.” Read the full article: Dopamine decor

Farnsworth to Moderate Political Debate for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates

by

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth, who also serves as director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, will moderate the public political debate for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. where incumbent Joshua Cole (D) will face off against Sean Steinway (R) in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.

Other media mentions for Farnsworth include:

John Reid’s pitch for civility follows years as a ‘combative conservative’ (Virginia Dogwood)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said as a radio host Reid was a “combative conservative” and a “vigorous cultural warrior.” Farnsworth added that it’s not unusual for candidates to moderate their rhetoric to appeal to a broader electorate after a primary battle. “Talk radio is an appealing environment for conservative messaging,” Farnsworth said in an interview. “But running for office in purple Virginia may require a narrative that is less focused on the hardcore conservatives who make up much of the talk radio audience.” Read more in Virginia Dogwood. 

Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves to Challenge Mark Warner (WRIC, WFXR-TV)
“If you look at his previous congressional campaigns, he offers up a Republican message that is very focused on the issues of law and order,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News. Read more in WRIC.

Government Shutdown Mass Layoff Fears Virginia Governor Race (MSN, Washington Examiner, USSA News)
“People are already anxious about the economic situation. The shutdown makes it much worse,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. Read more in MSN.

Election 2025: Earle-Sears vs Spanberger race guarantees history (Virginia Business)
Even without Trump’s policies disproportionately impacting Virginians, Earle-Sears would be at a disadvantage running for governor with a Republican in the White House, says Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Four years ago, some observers chalked up Democratic former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s 2021 loss to Republican Glenn Youngkin in part due to Democratic President Joe Biden’s unpopularity. “Virginians tend to show anger against whoever is in the White House,” Farnsworth says. “The key challenge with the Earle-Sears campaign is dealing with the headwinds from the Trump administration.” Read more in Virginia Business.

Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves to challenge Mark Warner for U.S. Senate seat (WRIC; WAVY; MSN; The Free Lance-Star)
“If you look at his previous congressional campaigns, he offers up a Republican message that is very focused on the issues of law and order,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News. Read more in MSN.

Sen. Bryce Reeves jumps into U.S. Senate race against Warner (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“There may be more Republicans getting into the race, which is still unclear a year out,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Trump’s UN speech crafted for his supporters: Political analyst (CTV News)
“Well, this is very much the red meat narrative that President Trump uses to connect with his base,” said Stephen Farnsworth. Read more in CTV News.

Child safety, fake news a linchpin in final campaign strategies
(Brunswick Times- Gazette)
“The reality is that there is a growing incentive to put out false information if you can do so without facing consequences,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “Rewarded behavior is repeated behavior.” Read more in Brunswick Times- Gazette.

Democrats hope to extend map, pick off more GOP House seats (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“When a party has a lot of money it can put funds into races that are a reach,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

‘Nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest’ as early voting opens Sept. 19 (Henrico Citizen; RVA Hub; Newsbreak)
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth stated in an email that many national policies “significantly” impact the Virginia economy, such as with the cutbacks of federal workers. “The nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest as a leading political indicator of the upcoming midterm elections,” Farnsworth stated. Read more in Newsbreak.

First Colbert, now Kimmel: How Trump puts political pressure on comedians (Tagesschau radio, Germany)
“President Trump is the biggest target of late-night comedy in the history of this format,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and co-author of the book, “Late Night in Washington:  Political Humor and the American Presidency.” Hear more on Tagesschau Radio.

‘Nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest’ as early voting opens Sept. 19 (Henrico Citizen)
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth stated in an email that many national policies “significantly” impact the Virginia economy, such as with the cutbacks of federal workers. “The nation looks to the Virginia governor’s contest as a leading political indicator of the upcoming midterm elections,” Farnsworth stated. Read more in Henrico Citizen.

Moon Gives Special Remarks at Unveiling of State Historic Marker

by

State Historic Marker

State Historic Marker

Professor of History and American Studies, Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies, Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon offered special remarks at the unveiling of a state historic marker dedicated to Alexandria’s Colored Rosemont neighborhood.

An article by The Zebra, titled “State Historic Marker Dedicated to Honor Legacy of Alexandria’s Colored Rosemont Neighborhood,” explored how the unveiling brought together descendants, city officials, and members of the public.
Special remarks were offered by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Dr. Krystyn Moon of the University of Mary Washington, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Read more.