December 6, 2025

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Mellinger, Kelly and Tabak Discuss What’s New at UMW on WFVA Town Talk

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Three academic deans — Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business)

Academic Deans Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business) at WFVA

Three academic deans — Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business) — appeared on News Talk 1230 WFVA’s Town Talk to discuss new majors, academic programs, and strategic initiatives taking shape across campus.

The conversation also highlights standout faculty, growing community and industry partnerships, and how each college is preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Together, the deans offer insight into the evolving academic landscape at UMW and the priorities driving innovation within their schools. Listen to the episode.

 

StartUp Pitch Competition Brings Buy-in to Student Entrepreneurs

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UMW seniors (L to R, middle of frame) Helen Worku, Taylor Munger and Katie Reif pose with judges for placing first in the Eagle Innovation StartUp Pitch Competition. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

UMW seniors (L to R, middle of frame) Helen Worku, Taylor Munger and Katie Reif pose with judges for placing first in the Eagle Innovation StartUp Pitch Competition. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From cleaning services to apps that promote style and fitness, there’s no shortage of business ideas brewing in the minds of University of Mary Washington entrepreneurs. But the winners of last week’s Eagle Innovation StartUp Pitch Competition, presented by UMW’s College of Business (COB), gave judges something they could sink their teeth into … and sink into their teeth.

Mary Washington seniors Taylor Munger, Katie Reif and Helen Worku’s FlossyPik dental flosser won first place in the annual Shark Tank-like contest, along with $2,500 in prize money to take the tooth-cleaning tool to the next level. Its mobility-friendly design and the group’s plan to produce it in various colors with addable stickers – and apply for a patent – bring comfort and pizzazz to the business of flossing. And the judges praised its potential appeal in pediatric dentistry.

“I see entrepreneurship as more than just starting a business,” COB Dean Filiz Tabak said to kick off the event in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium, where nine finalists’ ideas for new ventures took centerstage. “It’s about identifying opportunities; it’s about solving problems; and it’s about creating and adding value. It requires resilience, creativity and the courage to take risks.” Read more.