Professor of Mathematics Janusz Konieczny
Janusz Konieczny, professor of mathematics, published a research article, Normal subsemigroups of finite transformation semigroups, in the journal Semigroup Forum.
Konieczny Publishes in ‘Semigroup Forum’
O’Dell and UMW PreHealth Students Volunteer at Remote Access Medical Clinic
PreHealth Advisor and Professor of Biology Deborah O’Dell
UMW PreHealth Advisor and Professor of Biology Deborah O’Dell and 8 UMW PreHealth students (Arianna Chase, Gabriella Nguyen, Rita Bishai, Carolina Llamas-Plascencia, Mallory Thompson, Olivia Pierce, Katherine Scott, and Rachel Cervantes-Amaro) gave their time to assist medical, dental, and vision professionals providing services to the community in Montross, VA on Sept 16 & 17. Dr. O’Dell and the students left UMW at 4 am to travel to Westmoreland High School to assist at the Remote Access Medical (RAM) clinic, returning to UMW at 4:30pm. Their assistance allowed medical professionals to provide services to over 400 clients from the Northern Neck. Students were also able to network with professionals and medical and dental students from schools such as VCU/MCV, UVa and organizations such as RAM and the Virginia Department of Health. The Center for Career and Professional Development provided transportation for the students that allowed them to participate.
Farnsworth Lectures on Political Participation
Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a lecture, “Political Participation Under Pressure,” at the Constitution Day meeting of the League of Women Voters, Charlottesville, Virginia.
[White House pleads with media outlets to scrutinize House GOP impeachment push (The Washington Times)] Stephen Farnsworth, a politics professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, said there is always “a lot of give and take among government officials and reporters over how to shape the news, and this is just another example of those contentious arguments about how to contextualize current events.” “Stating the administration’s views via a memo like this is a very cost-effective way for the White House team to express itself,” he said. “Not only might the summary shape the current round of impeachment investigation stories, but the memo can also make news in its own right.” Read more.
[Virginia Decides: Education, abortion remain key issues ahead of early voting (WUSA 9)] Dr. Stephen Farnsworth of University of Mary Washington, who moderates debates, said with most voters who are already decided, energizing them to hit the polls is the goal. “The question is not about how to persuade somebody else but rather but how to make sure people who will vote for you, actually turn out to do so,” said Farnsworth. “It’s a time when it isn’t likely there will be a lot of turnouts, so, an idea of really creating a fearful environment is going to be a strategy that both parties are going to be using throughout the Fall.” Read more.
[Virginia General Assembly candidate’s campaign rocked by sex tape revelation (Nation World News NBC 29; Hartford Courant; Axios; AL.com; Washington Hispanic; Sentinel Colorado)] Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, says that even in an age more open to personal denials, Gibson is unlikely to win. “Donald Trump downwardly redefined what is acceptable in public life, but this is not the kind of behavior Democrats can sell in a suburban Richmond district,” Farnsworth said. Read more.
https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/09/14/susanna-gibson-sex-videos-henrico-virginia-election
https://richmondfreepress.com/news/2023/sep/14/sex-sale/
[On ‘Meet the Press,’ Trump refuses to say whether he watched Jan. 6 attack unfold on television (Fox 10 Phoenix; KTVU)] New developments this week in the legal challenges against the former President include a trial date of March 4 in Washington, D.C. and news that the judge will allow cameras and Live streaming of the case in Georgia. Political expert Stephen Farnsworth breaks down the impact on the case. Read more.
https://www.ktvu.com/news/trump-meet-the-press-interview-kristen-walker
[Va. Dems outraise GOP, but Youngkin’s White House buzz helps close gap (The Washington Post; MSN.com)] “This is on track to be the most expensive Virginia midterm in the commonwealth’s history,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “Because the parties are so much more ideologically distinct than used to be the case, the stakes are very high for the future direction of Virginia.” Read more.
[In Virginia, a battle over history standards ends in compromise (The Hechinger Report)] “In Virginia, Youngkin can’t begin to do what Ron DeSantis can do in Florida on questions of ‘wokeness,’ because there is a Democratic Senate majority that is blocking much of Youngkin’s preferred agenda,” said Stephen Farnsworth, the director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Read more
[Republicans, Democrats in Virginia make last push to encourage early voting (ABC News)] “What’s clear is that this will be an immensely expensive and hard-fought campaign,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst at the University of Mary Washington. Read more.
[Virginia opens new trade office in Taiwan (VPM)] Taiwan’s role as a tech hub and chip manufacturer make it a good future bet for Virginia’s corresponding industries, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. And Farnsworth said Youngkin’s political calculus may also be a factor. “Getting more engaged in one of the world’s hotspots helps build his international profile,” Farnsworth said. Read more
[Republicans, Democrats both lose from late-night TV’s silencing (The Hill; Fox 59; MSN)] “It’s OK for the top shows to run reruns during much of the summer, when the hosts might be taking vacations or the audience might not be there, but as the election cycle draws closer, their absence at 11:30 p.m. will be sorely missed by millions of viewers who had gotten used to tuning in,” said University of Mary Washington professor Stephen Farnsworth. Read more.
https://fox59.com/hill-politics/republicans-democrats-both-lose-from-late-night-tvs-silencing/
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/late-night-tv-strike/2023/09/20/id/1135243/
[Early Voting Could Spike with New Republican Push (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily; Inside Nova)] The strategy is something Republicans should have done for past elections, according to Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “Gov. Youngkin has recognized that Republicans have been at a huge disadvantage with early voting over the last several election cycles and the governor is moving aggressively to try to reduce that early participation gap that has so strongly favored Democrats in recent years,” Farnsworth said. Read more.
[Va. GOP group launches ad painting Democrats as out of touch on abortion (The Washington Post)] “Even in red states, when abortion has been on the ballot, Republicans have lost,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Arguing that Democrats favor infanticide is an example of how difficult their position is.” Read more.
[Early Voting Underway in Virginia Ahead of Big Election (The Roanoke Star)] The strategy is something Republicans should have done for past elections, according to Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “Gov. Youngkin has recognized that Republicans have been at a huge disadvantage with early voting over the last several election cycles and the governor is moving aggressively to try to reduce that early participation gap that has so strongly favored Democrats in recent years,” Farnsworth said. Read more.
[As shutdown looms, Va. leaders urge Congress to ‘get their act together (Richmond Times-Dispatch; Martinsville Bulletin; Daily Progress)] Read more.
[Youngkin’s nightmare: A GOP-led government shutdown (Axios)] “Republicans in Congress are making it harder for Republicans in Virginia to win,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at University of Mary Washington. “Taking away someone’s paycheck, even temporarily, is a major source of anxiety.” Read more.
Larus Offers Guest Lecture to Pacific Forum Fellows
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs
Elizabeth Freund Larus, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs and Adjunct Fellow at Pacific Forum, offered the (virtual) guest lecture “Is the US Abandoning the One China Policy?” to Young Leaders Fellows of the Pacific Forum on September 26. Professor Larus explained that the US ‘one China’ policy confuses Beijing, which follows a ‘one China’ principle, resulting in misunderstandings and tensions in US-China relations. She also explained that despite Beijing’s misgivings, US support for Taiwan, including arms sales, does not violate the US ‘one China’ policy. Misstatements by US presidents concerning US military support for Taiwan further confuses Beijing.
Larus in other news:
Larus Comments on Cairo News on Pacific Island Leaders Summit
Elizabeth Freund Larus, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs and Adjunct Fellow at Pacific Forum, commented September 25 on Al Qahera Cairo News on President Biden’s Pacific Islands Leaders Summit. Professor Larus indicated that the meeting is part of an attempt to counter China’s growing influence in the Western Pacific as well as address the harmful effects of climate change on the island economies. Part of this effort is to pledge $40 million for infrastructure development and an additional $200 million over the next decade to address climate change. To increase US presence in the Pacific Islands, Biden announced formal recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue, both freely associated states near New Zealand, and opening or reopening of embassies in Tonga and Solomon Islands. View the interview (in Arabic).
Larus Comments on Egypt News on China Sanctions
Elizabeth Freund Larus, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs and Adjunct Fellow at Pacific Forum, September 15 offered comments to Egypt’s Al Qaher News on China sanctions against Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman. China claims that the firms’ participation in US arms sales to Taiwan violates China’s 2021 Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, which restricts individuals or entities making discriminatory measures against Chinese citizens or entities from doing business in or with China. Professor Larus indicated that US law prohibits arms sales to China, but the two firms still do business with China’s civilian aerospace industry. She also clarified the difference between the US ‘one China policy’ and Beijing’s ‘one China principle.’ She explained that US arms sales to Taiwan do not violate the US one China policy and is consistent with the US 1979 US Taiwan Relations Act (law). Watch the segment.
Jenkins to Facilitate Virginia Talent + Opportunity Workshop
Antoinette Carter Jenkins
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is holding two workshops: Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-Top) Workshop: Developing Our Workforce Through Internships. The workshops will be held on Oct. 4, 2023, at Germanna Community College. They will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Antoinette Carter Jenkins, director of UMW’s Center for Career and Professional Development, will be the facilitator. Read more.
Moon Discusses Race-based Discrimination in Alexandria
Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon
The large lecture hall at the Holiday Inn down the street from Wegman’s in Carlyle began filling up well before the start time Tuesday evening August 29. Hundreds of Alexandria residents on both sides of this heated debate turned out for a three-hour information session, as they heard from housing experts on the plight of housing in the city of Alexandria.
Many more watched the panel session from home. The room was packed with several more people standing in the back. “We are here to educate, inform, and update you on the most recent data, and to hear from you,” began Nancy Wilson, assistant director, City Planning and Zoning.
Krystyn Moon, professor of History and American Studies at University of Mary Washington discussed race-based discrimination and mortgages in Alexandria and the history of redlining in our city. Read more.
Liss Elaborates on Correlation on Location of Residence to Happiness
Professor of Psychological Science and Department Chair Miriam Liss
The state of Indiana falls in the bottom 20th percentile on a new ranking for the happiest states to live in by personal financial website WalletHub.
The results released Tuesday cite that more than 75% of Americans who have experienced price increases where they live report feeling “very” or “moderately” stressed.
In addition, only 50% of Americans feel “very satisfied” with the way their personal life is going.
University of Mary Washington Professor of Psychology Dr. Miriam Liss said she considers one’s autonomy to be the leading indicator in being happy where you live. Liss pointed to affordable housing for what policymakers can do to attact and retain new residents. Read more.
Lewis Receives Third Annual Board of Visitors Faculty Leadership Award
Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences Lynn Lewis
The University of Mary Washington recognized professors in late August at the Fall 2023 Faculty Meeting.
Professors of biology, education, environmental science, math and sociology were praised for their commitment to their fields, support of students and contributions to UMW and the surrounding community.
Professor of Biology Lynn Lewis received the third annual Board of Visitors (BOV) Faculty Leadership Award, which is designated for a faculty member who advances UMW’s mission by spearheading a major institutional initiative or program. Read more.
Farnsworth Moderates Prince William County Debate
Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently served as the moderator of a Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Debate. The debate was sponsored by the Prince William Committee of 100.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Lots of Money, Lots of Sound and Fury to Come in General Assembly Election (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Democrats, on the other hand, have an advantage in that the 2021 redistricting created more of the suburban districts where they’ve been having success in recent years, in large part because of the abortion issue, said University of Mary Washington political scientist Steve Farnsworth.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/lots-of-money-lots-of-sound-and-fury-to-come-in-general-assembly-election/article_dfbd3206-4752-11ee-9f90-334e5ea0e8fe.html
Trump Pleads Not Guilty (CTV News)
“This is going to be a really tough decision for the judge and it’s likely to really be a very complicated situation for the defendants,” said University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2757555
Community Dialogue Addresses Democracy and Civic Engagement (The Crozet Gazette)
Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, will address current Virginia politics, and how state actions are affecting policy in Charlottesville.
https://www.crozetgazette.com/event/we-are-the-league/
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Political Future Hinges on Banning Abortion (The Daily Beast)
“It’s a down to the wire environment in Virginia,” says Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist who heads the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at Mary Washington University. Virginia elections are decided in the suburbs, where Youngkin’s push for a 15-week ban will be tested. “Any Democratic candidate who’s not talking about abortion is committing political malpractice,” says Farnsworth. “Anywhere it’s put before the public, it’s bad news for Republicans.”
https://www.thedailybeast.com/virginia-gov-glenn-youngkins-political-future-hinges-on-banning-abortion
Get ready for flood of Virginia candidate ads after Labor Day (Richmond Times-Dispatch; Roanoke Times)
Democrats, on the other hand, have an advantage in that the 2021 redistricting created more of the suburban districts where they have been having success in recent years, in large part because of the abortion issue, said University of Mary Washington political scientist Steve Farnsworth.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/lots-of-money-lots-of-sound-and-fury-to-come-in-general-assembly-election/article_dfbd3206-4752-11ee-9f90-334e5ea0e8fe.html
https://roanoke.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_77a71ba2-817b-5fdf-b43f-3edf5920f167.html
Schapiro: Spinning a lot of tunes, perhaps winning a few votes (Richmond Times-Dispatch; The Free Lance-Star)
“Orrock has that longer tenure and a biography that is less all-politics than a lot of people,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a politics professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, where a closely watched House contest and another for Senate could decide control of both chambers. “It’s who he is. And it’s an asset.”
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/schapiro-spinning-a-lot-of-tunes-perhaps-winning-a-few-votes/article_0c014172-48cf-11ee-9989-53be1de3007b.html
https://fredericksburg.com/opinion/column/schapiro-spinning-a-lot-of-tunes-perhaps-winning-a-few-votes/article_31d11cab-4204-5d00-8863-5129040f114c.html
Ashworth on the defensive as violent crime rate soars in Prince William County (Potomac Local)
Put more police on the streets, and put cameras where crime is going to happen,” said Ashworth when questioned by debate moderator Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at Mary Washington University.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/2023/09/07/ashworth-defensive-as-violent-crime-rate-soars-in-prince-william-county/
Right-wing group warns of ‘surge in human trafficking, despite lack of local cases (The Daily Progress)
“Discussion of sex trafficking and transgender issues have really ramped up in Virginia in the past several months as the elections have drawn closer,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science and international affairs and the director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “It would be useful for people talking about these issues to draw more attention to specific cases to give people a sense of whether this is a greater threat to students than gun violence in schools, for example.”
https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/crime-courts/right-wing-group-warns-of-surge-in-human-trafficking-despite-lack-of-local-cases/article_ade350fc-36fa-11ee-99be-b314e187c892.html
Court will allow cameras in Trump GA trial (Fox 10 Phoenix)
“We are talking about a very, very accelerated timetable. You have a whole series of legal cases that are going on right now that involve the former president and at the same time, he is also running for president in 2024. So, when you add the campaign appearances and the legal preparation, it is going to be an immensely busy time for the former president,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/colorado-group-files-lawsuit-seeking-to-prevent-trumps-return-to-presidential-race
Virginia candidate who livestreamed sex videos draws support from women, Democratic leader (apnews.com; The Seattle Times; News 2 Jax; ABC News; Fox 5 San Diego; chron.com; The Bharat Express News; NBC 29; The Free Lance-Star)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said that even in a more open-minded era for personal indiscretions, it’s highly unlikely Gibson will win. “Donald Trump has defined downward what is acceptable in public life, but this doesn’t seem like the kind of conduct that Democrats will be able to sell in a suburban Richmond district,” Farnsworth said.
https://apnews.com/article/susanna-gibson-virginia-house-sex-acts-c2a130b84452b524279b0a496fca2c99
https://www.seattletimes.com/news/virginia-candidate-who-livestreamed-sex-videos-draws-support-from-women-democratic-leader/
https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2023/09/12/virginia-candidate-who-livestreamed-sex-videos-draws-support-from-women-democratic-leader/
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/virginia-candidate-livestreamed-sex-videos-draws-support-women-103136515
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-virginia-candidate-who-livestreamed-sex-videos-draws-support-from-women-democratic-leader/
https://www.chron.com/news/politics/article/campa-a-de-candidata-a-asamblea-general-de-18363299.php
https://thebharatexpressnews.com/virginia-candidate-who-livestreams-sex-videos-gets-support-from-women-democratic-leader/
https://www.nbc29.com/2023/09/13/virginia-candidate-who-livestreamed-sex-videos-draws-support-women-leading-democrat/
https://fredericksburg.com/news/state-and-regional/virginia-candidate-who-livestreamed-sex-videos-draws-support-from-women-democratic-leader/article_10c78ee7-7d4e-5fcb-bdc1-9fa889cd6c1b.html
Youngkin defends decision to pardon Loudoun Co. father (NBC News Washington)
University of Mary Washington political professor Stephen Farnsworth says a pardon before trial sets a dangerous precedent. “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,” Farnsworth said.
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/youngkin-defends-decision-to-pardon-loudoun-co-father/3421928/
https://nbcwashington.app.link/AyDTW6GZ3Cb
VA Election news wraps (WMAL radio)
“Campaigns really ramp up after Labor Day, but this year especially a lot of campaigns have been having campaign rallies,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
VA Election news wraps (WMAL radio)
“Virginia elections always function as a leading political indicator,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Rucker is Recruited as Interim Dean of Students at UVA
Cedric Rucker
In the heat of the Central Virginia summer, University of Virginia President Jim Ryan delivered a proposal. The University’s dean of students and vice president for student affairs had departed and Ryan was considering a pair of candidates to step in temporarily.
The first was Dr. Christopher Holstege, a father of six and longtime medical faculty member who was once a guest on Ryan’s podcast because he holds four job titles at the University. One of them is executive director of Student Health and Wellness, and he is a longtime member of the Student Affairs leadership team.
The second was Cedric Bernard Rucker, who earned an advanced degree from UVA before moving to the University of Mary Washington. He had already delayed retirement – and a deployment with the Peace Corps – to return to Charlottesville to fill a gap in the Office of African-American Affairs. Read more.