May 14, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Williams Takes Regional Award for Work on Civil Rights Trail

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UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams

James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams was honored for his work – along with Victoria Matthews, Fredericksburg’s tourism sales manager – on the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail.  Matthews accepted the regional Shining Example partnership award from the Southeast Tourism Society on behalf of the university and the city in Jackson, Mississippi, last month. The award was recognized in an article titled “UMW, City of Fredericksburg win regional award for Civil Rights Trail,” which appeared in The Free Lance-Star. Read more.

Grothe’s Research Featured in ‘Richmond Times-Dispatch’

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Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Pamela Grothe

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Pamela Grothe

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Pamela Grothe’s research appeared in a recent article titled “How we know past climate without thermometers” in The Richmond Times-Dispatch. A picture of Grothe drilling into 5,000-year-old coral with help from Florida State University Assistant Professor Alyssa Atwood, as part of their research in 2018 on Christmas (Kiritimati) Island, ran with the article. Read more.

Rao Takes on AI for ‘With Good Reason’ Radio

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Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication Anand Rao spoke to With Good Reason radio for a segment titled “The Age of AI: AI in the Classroom.” Many teachers are scared about the impact AI will have on cheating. But Anand Rao of the University of Mary Washington says most of his students will be using AI in the workplace once they graduate. So he encourages them to use AI on assignments and coaches them on how to use it appropriately. Listen to the segment.

Yakabouski and Lindberg Talk Admissions With ‘The Free Lance-Star’

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Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski and Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg

Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski and Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg

shared their college admissions expertise in an article called “Go-to Guide: Experts peel back the layers of the college application process” in The Free Lance-Star. Between them, University of Mary Washington’s Melissa Yakabouski and Sarah Lindberg hold a half-century of college admissions experience. Read more.

A different version of the article also ran in the Augusta Free-Press. Titled “Mary Washington college admissions experts offer tips for students applying,” the article begins: No time is quite so exciting as when a high school student applies for college. Read more.

Majid Weighs in on Car Insurance for WalletHub

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Associate Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid

Associate Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid

Associate Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid served as an expert source for “Nationwide Insurance Review 2023” by WalletHub. When asked how valuable he’d say the “Nationwide is on your side” jingle has been for Nationwide, Majid said, “Very valuable. It is memorable and easily recognizable.” Read more.

Liss Shares Expertise on Happiness With ‘Fox Weather’

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Professor of Psychological Science and Department Chair Miriam Liss

Professor of Psychological Science Miriam Liss contributed to an article titled “Do you live in the happiest state in America? Weather less of a factor than you might think” on Fox Weather. “Research suggests that other variables such as weather are considerably less important than most people think,” Liss said. Read more.

Farnsworth Moderates Virginia Candidate Debates

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Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth

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, has served as the moderator of several debates among candidates for elected office this fall. They include serving as moderator for the Senate of Virginia 30th District Debate (Manassas), the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Debate (Manassas), the Senate of Virginia 27th District Debate (Fredericksburg) and the Virginia House of Delegates 65th District Debate (Fredericksburg). The two Fredericksburg debates took place at the University of Mary Washington.

Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:

Virginia Republicans ignore Donald Trump (esdelatino.com)
“Republicans are much better off with early voting than without it, and we see, particularly in some of the early voting statistics, that Republicans are close to catching up with Democrats in early voting,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a science professor. policies at the University of Washington. University of Mary Washington, said The Age of Prince Williams .

Why abortion and education are key issues in the Virginia election (WTOP)
“If Republicans control both chambers of the legislature and the governor’s office, you can expect significant restrictions on abortion in Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political-science professor at the University of Mary Washington.
https://wtop.com/virginia/2023/10/why-abortion-education-are-key-issues-in-the-virginia-election/

November to Remember: Youngkin bets 15-week abortion cap will deliver 2023 GOP takeover (Washington Examiner; The Gazette)
According to a University of Mary Washington poll, 53% of Virginians say the overturn of Roe will be a “major factor” in how they vote this year.
Virginia Republicans Are Ignoring Donald Trump (Newsweek)
“Republicans are much better off with early voting than not, and we’re seeing, particularly in some of the early voting statistics, that Republicans are coming close to catching up to Democrats on early voting,” Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, told the Prince Williams Times.
Virginia Is For Lovers Who Vote Against Anti-LGBTQ, Forced-Birth Republicans (Wonkette)
“When you talk about where Virginia elections are won and lost, you’re really talking about those ‘outer ring’ suburban communities,” said [Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, and a longtime Virginia state politics watcher.]
As blue wave ebbs, Prince William is again a battleground (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, said the Senate race represents a referendum both for Roem, after three terms in the House, and Youngkin, who is trying to gain control of the legislature for the final two years of his term — if he does not run for the presidency, as some Republican donors have urged him to do.
Virginia GOP candidate hopes AR-15 giveaway offer kickstarts write-in race (The Washington Post; Newser; MSN)
“If a write-in candidate fails, as they usually do, the actual cost out of pocket to make this promise is zero,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a University of Mary Washington political science professor. “Politicians — especially write-ins — have to do more and more to get noticed and giving away guns can get you noticed.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin courts donors ahead of high-stakes Va. elections (WJBD; WSJM)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst at the University of Mary Washington, told ABC News that while he believes Youngkin is unlikely to launch a presidential run this election, “It is much better to be talked about than not.”
ELECTION 2023: Early vote tally continues to climb for big Virginia election (The Henrico Citizen)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, believes Republicans have steered clear of early voting in previous election cycles due to apprehension from former President Donald Trump.
Del. Karen Greenhalgh and Michael Feggans vying to represent House District 97 (Daily Press)
A recent University of Mary Washington poll of registered and likely voters in Virginia found more than half (53%) indicated abortion was a top concern going into the election.
Biden’s Trip to Israel (CTV News)
“Well, I think it serves a couple of key purposes. Obviously, Israel is planning a pretty major counter offensive in the respect to the rocket attacks and the hostage taking and the murder of civilians in a border area, ” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin courts donors ahead of high-stakes Va. elections (ABC News)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst at the University of Mary Washington, told ABC News that while he believes Youngkin is unlikely to launch a presidential run this election, “It is much better to be talked about than not.”
With about two weeks left for early voting in Virginia, House District 71 race has most early votes, according to VPAP (The Virginian-Pilot)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, believes Republicans have steered clear of early voting in previous election cycles due to apprehension from former President Donald Trump. “Republicans are much better off with early voting than not, and we’re seeing, particularly in some of the early voting statistics, that Republicans are coming close to catching up to Democrats on early voting,” Farnsworth said.
Fredericksburg area to decide close legislative races (WVTF)
The views of candidates in Senate District 27 are not surprising when you consider their political parties. In a debate hosted by the University of Mary Washington, Republican Tara Durant said she would support a ban on abortion after 15 weeks – the position backed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Democrat Joel Griffin disagreed.
In high-stakes election for control of Virginia General Assembly, what role will Northern Virginia play? (WTOP)
“What you see across the commonwealth is really very much a 50-50 contest,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, and a longtime Virginia state politics watcher.
EARLY VOTE TALLY CONTINUES TO CLIMB FOR BIG VIRGINIA ELECTION (RVA Magazine)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, believes Republicans have steered clear of early voting in previous election cycles due to apprehension from former President Donald Trump. “Republicans are much better off with early voting than not, and we’re seeing, particularly in some of the early voting statistics, that Republicans are coming close to catching up to Democrats on early voting,” Farnsworth said.
Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn decides to forego a run for governor in 2025 in favor of making a bid for Jennifer Wexton’s seat in the House of Representatives. (WMAL)
“It makes sense , I think, for a former teacher to run for this congressional seat where she may have a clear path to the Democratic nomination,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn is setting her eyes on a new position…and it’s not the one many expected.(WMAL)
Stephen Farnsworth says competition for the Democratic nomination for Governor could be “very, very combative and difficult.”
Fredericksburg suburbs may hold key to assembly majorities (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“In many ways, this makes the area very fluid politically,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, in the heart of the region.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/fredericksburg-suburbs-may-hold-key-to-assembly-majorities/article_eb8ce4ba-676d-11ee-a6b1-8f1c421f84bb.html?utm_source=richmond.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter-templates%2Fdaily-headlines&utm_medium=cio&lctg=a2f107088d168ee90e&tn_email_eh1=673e255612cc93aece0295261879aff01140a2fe0ae934566851a05214baec61
Glenn Youngkin thinks he has a Republican response to Democrats’ abortion attacks (Politico)
A University of Mary Washington survey last month found that 40 percent of people said they’d prefer a Democratic majority in the Legislature, and 37 percent a Republican one.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/15/glenn-youngkin-republicans-abortion-00121549
Gov. Youngkin’s PAC launches abortion ad as Election Day approaches (WTKR)
A recent poll from the University of Mary Washington found 53%t of voters say last year’s Supreme Court ruling on abortion would play a major factor in how they vote this year, so the ad is timely.
https://www.wtkr.com/news/gov-youngkins-pac-launches-abortion-ad-as-election-day-approaches
Youngkin’s PAC spends $1.4 million on ad claiming 15-week abortion ban is not a ban (American Independent)
The University of Mary Washington poll, released Sept. 27, found 23% of Virginians believe abortion should be illegal in all cases and 34% believe it should be legal in most cases.
https://americanindependent.com/youngkins-pac-abortion-ban-virginia/
Gov. Youngkin’s PAC launches $1.4 million ad campaign focusing on abortion (WRIC; WAVY)
The ad comes after a recent University of Mary Washington poll revealed that 53% of Virginians say the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade will play a “major factor” in deciding who they vote for this November.
https://www.wric.com/news/politics/capitol-connection/gov-youngkins-pac-launches-1-4-million-ad-campaign-focusing-on-abortion/
https://www.wavy.com/news/gov-youngkins-pac-launches-1-4-million-ad-campaign-focusing-on-abortion
An Election In This State Could Have National Consequences For Abortion (The Huffington Post)
“A significant number of Americans may not have clear policies about international matters, but something like abortion is really, really close to home,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “It affects individuals in a very dramatic way, it affects families in a very dramatic way, and so it’s an effective topic.”
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/virginia-election-abortion-access_n_6525b537e4b09f4b8d42264b
Spotsylvania In Trouble; Where Is The Outrage? (Fredericksburg Advance)
Speaking of Youngkin’s involvement in Loudon, University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth told NBC4 Washington in September: It serves political purposes, to be sure, for the governor to engage in Loudoun at every opportunity. I don’t know that it particularly wins him votes in Loudoun, but it certainly does energize the Republican base in other parts of the commonwealth or the country.
https://fxbgadvance.com/spotsylvania-in-trouble-where-is-the-outrage/

Kim Presents on Park Dae Sung at Wang Center

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Assistant Professor of Art History Suzie Kim

Associate Professor of Art History Suzie Kim

Associate Professor of Art History Suzie Kim presented during the “Rethinking Contemporary Ink Art Through Park Dae Sung” symposium at the Charles B. Wang Center on Oct. 18. Kim joined esteemed scholars and curators such as Jinyoung A. Jin, director of Asian art and culture at the Wang Center; Dartmouth College’s Sunglim Kim; the University of Cincinnati’s Jungsil Jenny Lee; and Peabody Essex Museum’s Jiyeon Kim. The presentation was previewed in an article titled “Reimagining tradition: Park Dae Sung’s ink art at the Wang Center” that ran in The Statesman. Read more.

McDonald Speaks About Politicizing of Abortion to ‘Courthouse News’

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Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jared McDonald

Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jared McDonald

Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jared McDonald was quoted in an article titled “Abortion, parents’ rights and Youngkin’s tactics take center stage as purple Virginia votes for legislature” on Courthouse News. “After Roe v. Wade was overturned, you saw Republicans trying to deemphasize this issue,” McDonald said. “In Virginia, Republicans realized they can’t avoid this issue.” Read more.