July 7, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

UMW Educators Recognized for Leadership and Innovation

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Educator's Excellence Awards Brunch flier with pictures of Troy Paino and Eric Earnhardt along with background images of apple, clock, pens

The Educator’s Excellence Awards Brunch was held Tuesday, June 23 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center

University of Mary Washington faculty and staff were among those recognized for excellence in education at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Second Annual Educator Excellence Brunch & Awards, held Tuesday, June 23 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.

The event celebrated educators from across the region who inspire, mentor and prepare the next generation of leaders. More than 150 nominations were submitted recognizing teachers, administrators, counselors and education professionals for their contributions to student success and workforce development.

Representing Mary Washington, College of Education Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships Kristina Peck received the Innovative Educator Award, while Rebecca Towery, executive director of the Academy of Technology and Innovation (ATI) at UMW, was honored with the Visionary Leadership Award.

UMW also played a prominent role throughout the program. Provost Tim O’Donnell joined Germanna Community College Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Eric Earnhardt as a featured speaker, highlighting the essential role educators play in strengthening the region’s workforce and preparing future leaders. In addition, Associate Professor of Education and Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Assessment and Accreditation Jennifer Walker helped kick off the awards presentations.

The recognition reflects UMW’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and its partnerships with schools, educators and community organizations throughout the Fredericksburg region.

Walker, Towery, Peck and O'Donnell standing posed at the awards event

Rebecca Towery (second from left) and Kristina Peck (second from right) were recognized by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce this month for educator excellence. They are pictured here with Associate Professor of Education Jennifer Walker (far left) and Provost Tim O’Donnell (far right).

The Heat Is On: Stay Cool This Holiday Weekend

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regional map with heat forecast for Friday, July 3

Heat Forecast for Friday, July 3, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the region, with dangerous heat expected through the July 4th holiday weekend. Daily high temperatures are forecast to exceed 100 degrees, with heat index values reaching 110 to 113 degrees through Sunday.

An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when heat conditions pose a significant threat to life. Anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors are encouraged to take extra precautions, including staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

While widespread storms are not currently expected, scattered thunderstorms are possible Friday through Sunday. Any power outages or other impacts could be intensified by the extreme heat.

Whether plans include outdoor celebrations, travel or simply enjoying the long weekend, keep an eye on the forecast, take breaks from the heat when possible, and check in on friends, family, neighbors and pets.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay cool!

 

Humanities Symposium Taps Into Art, Environment, Preservation and More

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Student Kai Bryant at a desk taking direction from Professor Parker

UMW junior Kai Bryant (right) takes direction from Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation Katherine Parker during UMW’s 2026 Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Summer Institute (AHSSSI). K Pearlman Photography.

The green-tinted bottle may have held mustard in the Civil War era, but its eight flattish sides gave University of Mary Washington junior Kai Bryant a brand new idea.

“I wanted to prove it could be fully customizable,” Bryant said of a summer project creating archival storage boxes with UMW senior Lily Hollar. With guidance from Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation Katherine Parker, they used a 3D printer to crank out containers for storing delicate artifacts like the octagonal vessel currently housed in Combs Hall.

The work was part of this year’s Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Summer Institute (AHSSSI), which pairs students and professors for five weeks of scholarly study. The résumé- and career-building offering – which comes with a paycheck, plus food and housing for participants – strengthens skills in critical thinking, data literacy, website design, public speaking and more.

In addition to historic preservation, the fifth annual event included groups from communication and digital studies, linguistics, psychology, sociology and studio art. Each student-faculty team presented its process and results last week at a two-hour symposium in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing.

“What makes AHSSSI particularly unique is that it gives an avenue for programs on campus to present research that people may not always think of as conducting research,” said Associate Professor of Psychological Science Marcus Leppanen, who coordinates the institute. “It provides an opportunity to develop marketable skills that apply directly to students’ future careers.”

Read more about the 2026 Humanities Symposium.

UMW Center for Historic Preservation Announces 2026 Book Prize

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Cover of the book Road to NowhereA historical account of a road that never was is the winner of this year’s University of Mary Washington Center for Historic Preservation Book Prize.

Road to Nowhere: How a Highway Map Wrecked Baltimore tells the story of the lasting harm caused by the 1957 proposal of a highway slicing through Maryland’s once-vibrant Black middle-class Rosemont neighborhood. Written by historian Emily Lieb and published in November 2025 by University of Chicago Press, the book draws on land records, oral history, news items and policy documents to reveal the effects of the unfinished East-West Expressway.

UMW’s Center for Historic Preservation announced the book as its choice for the 2026 prize in May in recognition of Historic Preservation Month, which celebrates the heritage and architectural legacy of communities across the country. “This is an important event for our students and our community because it gives everybody a chance to think about the future of historic preservation in this country,” said Professor of Historic Preservation Christine Henry. “What’s new? What’s exciting? What new direction are preservationists taking the field?”

Road to Nowhere tells the story of Black families who were attracted to the Rosemont area after several white schools were converted into “colored” ones. In the 1950s, they enjoyed a community dotted with a sprawling park, corner stores and other amenities. But, by 1967, when city council voted to condemn hundreds of its homes to make way for the proposed expressway, residents faced deflated property values and predatory real estate deals. Read more about the Historic Preservation Book Prize winner.

Transition to Microsoft Authenticator, July 1

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UMW will transition from Duo Security to Microsoft Authenticator for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) beginning July 1, 2026. This change is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to enhance security, streamline authentication services, and provide a more integrated user experience across Microsoft and university-managed systems.

What to Expect
Beginning July 1 after Finance year-end processing completes:

  • Duo Security will be retired and will no longer be available for authentication.
  • Microsoft Authenticator will become the University’s required MFA solution for supported systems and services.
  • All MFA approval requests will be completed through the Microsoft Authenticator mobile application.
  • All systems leveraging Microsoft Entra ID Single Sign-On will also leverage Microsoft Authenticator for MFA.

Action Required (If You Have Not Already Completed Enrollment)
To ensure uninterrupted access to University resources, please complete the following steps as soon as possible.  You can view the registration steps in some detail at https://technology.umw.edu/email/mfa/.

  1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Complete your MFA registration using the following enrollment link: UMW MFA registration page 
  3. Verify your enrollment by successfully approving a test sign-in using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

What’s Not Changing

  • Your University username and password.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) access to University applications and services.
  • The requirement to use Multi-Factor Authentication for applicable University accounts.  The tool used for MFA is changing, but the requirement for securing with MFA is not.

Support
The IT Help Desk will provide support throughout the transition period to assist with enrollment and answer any questions you may have.

If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@umw.edu or 540-654-2255.

Women’s Leadership Colloquium, Registration Begins July 1

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Save the date postcard with date of Nov. 5, 2026Don’t miss out on the 32nd Annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium on Thursday, November 5. Early Bird Registration is now OPEN for the 32nd Annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium at UMW.

Early Bird Registration—July 1st – September 15th: $199.99 per person.

Register now to secure your spot at this special discounted rate! Group and student rates are also available.

Women lead in far more spaces than just formal organizational positions. Whether serving as executives, entrepreneurs, educators, mothers, caregivers, volunteers, mentors, artists, coaches, or community advocates, women regularly demonstrate leadership across multiple dimensions of their lives. The 32nd Women’s Leadership Colloquium day-long experience will explore and support the development of women’s leadership across multiple dimensions of experience.

Objectives for the day:

  • Embrace leadership as a way of being, not just a position.
  • Lead with greater confidence, authenticity, and self-awareness to improve performance.
  • Navigate challenges with resilience and emotional intelligence.
  • Speak with courage and advocate for self and others.
  • Apply practical strategies to thrive in leadership and enhance wellbeing.

The Women’s Leadership Colloquium invites and welcomes ALL to attend who wish to explore and support the development of women in leadership roles.

This year’s event promises to be extraordinary, with inspiring keynote and breakout speakers to be announced soon. Stay informed and connected by following the Women’s Leadership Colloquium on Facebook and LinkedIn.

George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Other July 4th Events

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fireworks in the sky

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with patriotic fun at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and other Fredericksburg events.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at George Washington’s Ferry Farm.

At Ferry Farm’s Independence Day Celebration, enjoy hands-on crafts, patriotic fun and a special appearance by James Monroe.

Additional summer events from the James Monroe Museum include a quilting workshop, history trivia, perfume making, book talks and a coffee tasting.

Learn more about other events in Fredericksburg to celebrate July 4th!

 

Parking Closures for Paving and Restriping, July 8-17

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Beginning on Wednesday, July 8, crews will begin repaving and restriping several campus parking lots. During this time, access to these lots will be restricted to work and emergency vehicles only.  Pedestrian access will not be affected.

Please note that this schedule is weather dependent and subject to change. Rain delays would shift the work to the next day.

Signage for closures will be posted 24 hours in advance, and lots will close at 4:00 PM on the day before the work begins. All vehicles must be removed from the work area by the time of the closure.

  • Thornton Street lot, July 8
  • CRUC Loop, July 9
  • CRUC Loading, July 10
  • William Street lot, July 9-10
  • Simpson Lot, July 11
  • Randolph Lot, July 12
  • Sunken Road lots, Woodard and Mercer Hall lot, July 15-16
  • Combs Drive, July 17

Parking for faculty and staff will remain available in all other designated faculty and staff lots. Vehicles can park in the Alvey Deck throughout this period to avoid any of the parking lot closures.

For a list view of parking locations please see the Lot Designation Page on the Parking Management website.

As a reminder:

  • Accessible parking spaces are available in all open lots to any vehicles with DMV-issued accessible placards or license plates.
  • The UMW Police Department provides escorts when needed and may be reached at ext. 1025.  Please visit the Safety Escort webpage for more information.

For a calendar view of lot reservations visit the Parking Lot Reservations Calendar webpage.  Please contact Parking Management with any parking related questions: parking@umw.edu, 540-654-1129.

For more information on upcoming Facilities work, visit the Facilities’ construction website.