Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Antipathy toward snakes? Your parents likely talked you into that at an early age
CORVALLIS, Oregon, Feb. 16 -- Oregon State University posted the following news release:
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Antipathy toward snakes? Your parents likely talked you into that at an early age
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CORVALLIS, Ore. - A study of more than 100 kindergarten-age children suggests kids tend to think of snakes differently than they do other animals and that hearing negative or objectifying language about the slithery reptiles might contribute to that way of thinking.
The study also suggests it takes minimal intervention to "inoculate" a child against snake negativity.
The findings, published in Anthrozoos, Link
... Show Full Article
CORVALLIS, Oregon, Feb. 16 -- Oregon State University posted the following news release:
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Antipathy toward snakes? Your parents likely talked you into that at an early age
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CORVALLIS, Ore. - A study of more than 100 kindergarten-age children suggests kids tend to think of snakes differently than they do other animals and that hearing negative or objectifying language about the slithery reptiles might contribute to that way of thinking.
The study also suggests it takes minimal intervention to "inoculate" a child against snake negativity.
The findings, published in Anthrozoos, Linkis external are important for multiple reasons, explains co-author Jeff Loucks of Oregon State University.
Snakes are reviled in many human cultures but little is known about how children develop feelings of fear and vilification toward an animal that plays an important role in the balance of many ecosystems.
At least 450 of the more than 4,000 identified snake species are facing elevated risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but public support for protecting them and restoring their habitat is weak - probably because of a general societal hatred of snakes.
"Childhood is a critical time for shaping someone's attitudes and behaviors toward animals," Loucks said. "Snakes have a very negative reputation in Western societies and are commonly misunderstood."
Loucks, professor of teaching in OSU's College of Liberal Arts, cites earlier research that shows snakes trigger some level of anxiety in 54% of all people and that the average American has a negative attitude toward snakes.
"Data indicate that it's common for U.S. drivers to go out of their way to run over a snake," he said.
Loucks and study leader Denee Buchko of the University of Regina sought to find the roots of that antipathy and the roles language and education play in its development. The three-part project involved 5-year-olds, their parents, pictures of snakes and descriptive language that might suggest snakes were more like other animals than inanimate objects or vice-versa.
The scientists used a technique known as an induction task to assess how similar kids think snakes are to humans, to other non-human animals and to non-living things.
"Before we gave them this task, we had parents look through a picture book of snakes with their child, and we also read children a story book about a day in the life of a snake," Loucks said. "The story book either referred to the snakes more like an object - with 'it' pronouns and not referencing feelings or thoughts - or more like a person, with 'she' pronouns and references to thoughts and feelings."
The researchers found that when parents used negative language when talking about snakes, children were encouraged to think about snakes as being different from humans. They also found that the objectifying language in the storybook had the same effect.
"Something unexpected, though, was that kids generally thought that snakes were similar to other non-human animals," Loucks said. "So, we did a second study with different subjects, took away the picture book and the storybook and just gave kids the induction task. In this case, they did not think that snakes were similar to humans or other animals."
With another set of subjects, Louck and Buchko brought back the picture book and the storybook, and again they found that kids thought snakes were similar to other animals but not to humans, replicating the findings from the first part of the research.
"It seems as though 5-year-old kids, from Western cultures anyway, tend to think that snakes are very different from other animals, and negative and objectifying language might contribute to that," Loucks said. "But some exposure to snakes and learning about their biological needs can act as an inoculation against negative attitudes toward snakes, which can help to engender care and respect for these animals."
This research was supported by a National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery grant.
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Original text here: https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/antipathy-toward-snakes-your-parents-likely-talked-you-early-age
Whitacre Shares Journey From ADM Price-fixing Scandal to Faith at Union Luncheon
JACKSON, Tennessee, Feb. 15 -- Union University issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Whitacre shares journey from ADM price-fixing scandal to faith at Union luncheon
At age 32, Mark Whitacre was the fourth-highest ranking executive at Archer Daniels Midland. In the 1990s, he would become a whistleblower in the largest price-fixing scandal in American history.
Whitacre, who spent eight years in prison for criminal misconduct during his time at ADM, shared about his involvement with the price-fixing scheme and his testimony of restoration during Union University's Faith in
... Show Full Article
JACKSON, Tennessee, Feb. 15 -- Union University issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Whitacre shares journey from ADM price-fixing scandal to faith at Union luncheon
At age 32, Mark Whitacre was the fourth-highest ranking executive at Archer Daniels Midland. In the 1990s, he would become a whistleblower in the largest price-fixing scandal in American history.
Whitacre, who spent eight years in prison for criminal misconduct during his time at ADM, shared about his involvement with the price-fixing scheme and his testimony of restoration during Union University's Faith inthe Marketplace luncheon Feb. 10.
Having earned a doctorate from Cornell in biochemistry, Whitacre entered the corporate world and eventually landed as the president of the BioProducts Division at ADM. As a young executive with just two years of experience at ADM, Whitacre followed the lead of the senior executives, and when they announced their plan to mentor him so he could advance in the company, he decided to fall in line.
"Show me your mentor, and I'll show you your future," Whitacre said.
ADM leaders revealed their 12-year history of price-fixing and told Whitacre that he needed to learn about this secret side of their business.
With promise of a larger paycheck, Whitacre went along.
"I was hooked," Whitacre said. "I was hooked on the world. It was like being addicted to crack. I was outright addicted and didn't have God in my life."
During this time, Whitacre's wife, Ginger, became a Christian. It was a shock to Whitacre who, although having grown up in a Christian home, didn't believe in God.
"I thought it was ridiculous. I thought it was witchery. I thought it was voodoo. I just couldn't imagine that my wife was engaged with this," he said.
Ginger told him that she'd be praying for him.
"She became addicted to following Jesus, and I got more addicted to the world," Whitacre said.
After numerous, admittedly bad decisions, Whitacre found himself at a crossroads. Lies and fraud caught up to him. It was Ginger who urged him to inform the FBI about his and ADM's involvement with price fixing.
The next three years of Whitacre's life involved wearing a wire for the FBI to document and build a case against ADM.
Working as an informant -- living through the FBI's raid on ADM and the ensuing court case -- became more than he could handle. Whitacre tried to take his own life.
But God intervened. Their groundskeeper, who regularly showed up for work at 8:30 a.m., felt a tug on his heart, and for the first time in eight years came to work two hours earlier instead. He found Whitacre passed out in his garage but not yet dead.
Having survived, Whitacre was then sentenced and served more than eight years in prison. But this time, he had a different mentor.
Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, visited Whitacre and began to share about scientists who believed in God. Three months into his sentence, he came to the realization that God was real and that Jesus was his Son.
Whitacre repeated, "Show me your mentor, and I'll show you your future."
He asked the Lord to use his time in prison, so he began helping other inmates with GEDs, correspondence courses and language learning.
"For the first time in my life," Whitacre said, "I was helping someone besides myself. I'd never experienced servant leadership until I went to prison. And it was the most rewarding thing."
After his release from prison, Whitacre began working at faith-based businesses and became involved with the "faith at work" movement. Today, Whitacre is vice president of culture and care at Coca-Cola Consolidated, where for eight years he has led faith-based initiatives in the workplace. He and his wife Ginger have been married for 46 years.
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Original text here: https://www.uu.edu/news/release.cfm?ID=3053
Walker Golf Course ranked No. 2 nationally by Golfers' Choice 2026
CLEMSON, South Carolina, Feb. 15 -- Clemson University posted the following news:
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Walker Golf Course ranked No. 2 nationally by Golfers' Choice 2026
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Clemson University's Walker Golf Course has been named the No. 2 collegiate golf course in the country. The list, compiled by Golfers' Choice, ranked the top 15 collegiate golf courses throughout the country -all of which received at least 10 reviews over the past year.
Walker has earned widespread acclaim over the years. In 2021, the course was ranked the nation's No. 1 public college course by Golfers' Choice. In 2012, Walker was ranked
... Show Full Article
CLEMSON, South Carolina, Feb. 15 -- Clemson University posted the following news:
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Walker Golf Course ranked No. 2 nationally by Golfers' Choice 2026
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Clemson University's Walker Golf Course has been named the No. 2 collegiate golf course in the country. The list, compiled by Golfers' Choice, ranked the top 15 collegiate golf courses throughout the country -all of which received at least 10 reviews over the past year.
Walker has earned widespread acclaim over the years. In 2021, the course was ranked the nation's No. 1 public college course by Golfers' Choice. In 2012, Walker was rankedNo. 9 among university courses by PGA.com.
Designed by DJ DeVictor, the 18-hole Walker Course measures 6,911 yards in length from the tiger tees, accommodating golfers of all skill levels. The last five holes run along the shores of Lake Hartwell, including the signature Tiger Paw shaped 17 th hole. Over the past year, Walker renovated its full-service driving range, putting green and chipping areas -enhancing its location adjacent to the Madren Conference Center and Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center.
Visit the Walker Course website for more information, including the course scorecard, greens fees and tee times.
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Original text here: https://news.clemson.edu/walker-golf-course-ranked-no-2-nationally-by-golfers-choice-2026walker-golf-course-ranked-no-2-nationally-by-golfers-choice-2026/
Virginia State University Hosts Governor Abigail Spanberger To Grow A Greater Future
ETTRICK, Virginia, Feb. 15 -- Virginia State University issued the following news:
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Virginia State University Hosts Governor Abigail Spanberger To Grow A Greater Future
Governor Spanberger toured Randolph Farm and engaged with students during her campus visit.
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Virginia State University welcomed Governor Abigail Spanberger to campus on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The Governor, who was sworn in earlier this year as Virginia's first female governor, visited to learn more about the University's College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension programs, research initiatives, and student engagement
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ETTRICK, Virginia, Feb. 15 -- Virginia State University issued the following news:
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Virginia State University Hosts Governor Abigail Spanberger To Grow A Greater Future
Governor Spanberger toured Randolph Farm and engaged with students during her campus visit.
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Virginia State University welcomed Governor Abigail Spanberger to campus on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The Governor, who was sworn in earlier this year as Virginia's first female governor, visited to learn more about the University's College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension programs, research initiatives, and student engagementefforts.
Governor Spanberger, accompanied by Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Katie Frazier, began her visit with a presentation from former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and current Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, who highlighted key initiatives and student accomplishments. The Governor then toured Randolph Farm, VSU's 416-acre agricultural learning center, where University leaders showcased agricultural innovation, workforce development efforts, and the institution's continued commitment to expanding opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
"Virginia State University has always welcomed me, from my time in Congress to today," said Governor Spanberger. "Having served on the House Agriculture Committee and having watched Dr. Bronaugh do incredible work at USDA, I know you have extraordinary people here who are focused on the success of students. It is wonderful to see her back home in the Commonwealth and here at VSU."
During her time on campus, Governor Spanberger also addressed students at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, emphasizing the importance of education, leadership, and public service. Following her remarks, she spent time engaging with students and taking photos. Watch a video recap of the visit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSuu2xSMF9Y).
"It is always an honor to be on a college campus and to be with students who are planning their next steps," she said. "Being here at Virginia State University, a place where students come to excel and pursue their futures, is especially meaningful. Secretary Frazier and I were just at Randolph Farm learning more about the important research taking place at this extraordinary and historic University."
"It was an honor to welcome Governor Spanberger to Virginia State University," said Eldon Burton, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations. "Her visit reflects the importance of strong partnerships between higher education and state leadership. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the transformative work happening across our campus and to engage in meaningful dialogue with our students about leadership, service, and the future of the Commonwealth."
Virginia State University was proud to host Governor Spanberger and appreciates her continued support of the University's goal to promote academic excellence, research innovation, and meaningful community engagement. The visit provided an opportunity to foster open dialogue with state leadership while highlighting the University's commitment to preparing students for a Greater future.
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Original text here: https://www.vsu.edu/news/2026/vsu-hosts-governor-abigail-spanberger-to-grow-a-greater-future.php
UNM lecture to explore health risks of microplastics and environmental toxicants
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Feb. 15 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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UNM lecture to explore health risks of microplastics and environmental toxicants
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The University of New Mexico Department of Physics, Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science hosts the next Science & Society Distinguished Public Talk on Wednesday, Feb. 19, featuring researcher Eliane El Hayek.
Eliane El Hayek
The free public lecture, titled "When Innovative Science Intersects with the Needs of Public Health and Communities," begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 1100 in the Physics, Astronomy, and Interdisciplinary
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Feb. 15 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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UNM lecture to explore health risks of microplastics and environmental toxicants
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The University of New Mexico Department of Physics, Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science hosts the next Science & Society Distinguished Public Talk on Wednesday, Feb. 19, featuring researcher Eliane El Hayek.
Eliane El Hayek
The free public lecture, titled "When Innovative Science Intersects with the Needs of Public Health and Communities," begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 1100 in the Physics, Astronomy, and InterdisciplinaryScience ( PAlS) building, 210 Yale Blvd. NE. A meet-and-greet with refreshments will take place at 5 p.m. The lecture will also be available via Zoom.
El Hayek is a research assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the UNM College of Pharmacy whose work examines how environmental toxicants affect human health. Her research focuses on the biochemical interactions of micro- and nanoplastics, metals and other environmentally relevant contaminants, as well as the physiological mechanisms that drive their toxicity.
Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines biochemistry, toxicology, environmental science, spectroscopy and polymer chemistry, El Hayek's laboratory develops new methods to detect and analyze microplastics in both environmental and human samples. These collaborations aim to improve scientific understanding of how plastic pollution accumulates in biological systems and affects long-term health outcomes.
Her team's preliminary findings suggest microscopic plastic particles may accumulate more significantly in the brain than in organs such as the liver or kidneys, raising questions about potential neurological effects and the broader implications of plastic waste contamination.
The Science & Society Distinguished Public Talks series is co-sponsored by the UNM chapter of Sigma Xi, the Albuquerque section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the UNM Department of Physics and Astronomy, and interdisciplinary science partners.
The event is free and open to the public. To join the lecture via Zoom, visit unm.zoom.us for access information.
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Original text here: https://news.unm.edu/news/unm-lecture-to-explore-health-risks-of-microplastics-and-environmental-toxicants
Darwin Day: When Evolution Turns Against Us -- Humans vs. Viruses
HAIFA, Israel, Feb. 15 -- The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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Darwin Day: When Evolution Turns Against Us -- Humans vs. Viruses
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How has evolution shaped viral infection? How does humanity cope with viral diseases? Why do vaccines work well against one disease but not another? Why are drugs that work against bacteria ineffective against viruses? And how optimistic can we allow ourselves to be about the future?
These questions were addressed recently by Dr. Yotam Bar-On of the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at a Technion event. We are
... Show Full Article
HAIFA, Israel, Feb. 15 -- The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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Darwin Day: When Evolution Turns Against Us -- Humans vs. Viruses
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How has evolution shaped viral infection? How does humanity cope with viral diseases? Why do vaccines work well against one disease but not another? Why are drugs that work against bacteria ineffective against viruses? And how optimistic can we allow ourselves to be about the future?
These questions were addressed recently by Dr. Yotam Bar-On of the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at a Technion event. We arepleased to publish the main points of his lecture in honor of Darwin Day, observed annually on February 12 and dedicated to Charles Darwin's contribution to our understanding of life on Earth. The date marks Darwin's birthday; he was born in Britain in 1809.
Evolution, in general, is a long-term process spanning millions and even billions of years, since the emergence of life on Earth approximately four billion years ago. However, when it comes to viruses, evolution is astonishingly rapid. Mutations arise, viral traits change, and subsequent viral lineages become more resistant to the immune system and to human-made vaccines.
Unlike bacteria, viruses are absolute parasites that cannot reproduce without a host cell. They invade the cell and commandeer it to produce thousands of copies of themselves, that is, new viruses, thereby preventing the cell from carrying out its original functions. At the end of the process, they accelerate the cell's suicide mechanisms (apoptosis), leading to its destruction.
"The rapid evolution of viruses challenges the immune system, which must contend with this pace of change," Dr. Bar-On said in his lecture. "It's evolution versus evolution, and the two operate at different speeds. This mutation rate also challenges us-scientists and vaccine developers-who want the vaccines we develop to remain effective over time despite rapid changes in viral traits. In general, vaccines are our primary tool in the fight against viral diseases, and they have already saved hundreds of millions of lives. But for many diseases, this is an ongoing effort."
Vaccines work by prompting the body to produce antibodies specific to the attacking virus, along with immune memory that helps the body respond quickly in the future if exposed again to similar viruses. "Viral illness itself also generates antibodies and immune memory, and often does so even better than vaccines, but we want to be immunized without first becoming ill, especially in the case of dangerous diseases."
Dr. Bar-On also referred to mRNA vaccines, which came to public attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. "These vaccines, which are replacing traditional ones, are based on injecting not proteins but rather a 'code' into the muscle that instructs the body's cells to produce the viral protein themselves. mRNA vaccines are not more effective than traditional vaccines; they are simply easier and cheaper to manufacture on a large scale. That is why the scientific community is now working on mRNA vaccines for a variety of other viral diseases."
Dr. Bar-On also criticized aspects of the scientific and pharmacological community's conduct during the pandemic. "There is no doubt today that COVID-19 vaccines saved many lives, and it was right to administer them. However, the responsible authorities should have been more transparent about side effects, rare as they may be. These side effects were extremely rare and do not detract from the vaccines' importance, but concealing them increased vaccine hesitancy, created a sense of an aggressive campaign and public condescension, and ultimately undermined the crucial effort to expand vaccination."
"Another mistake was the excessive investment in research and development channels that were not particularly relevant. One example was surface disinfection; enormous budgets were allocated to this area. Today we know that transmission via surfaces was almost nonexistent in the context of COVID; infections occurred almost entirely through respiratory droplets expelled when we speak, sneeze, and so on."
Dr. Bar-On explained the differences between diseases in terms of vaccine effectiveness. "Ultimately, one of the key factors in eradicating epidemics is the virus's rate of evolution-the slower it is, the more effective the vaccine. Some viruses change relatively slowly, for example, measles, polio, and smallpox. As a result, we have managed to eradicate them completely or almost completely. For the same reason, the COVID vaccine was so effective. By contrast, vaccines against HIV have not been effective because of the virus's rapid mutation rate and its ability to enter a dormant state. Fortunately, combination therapy, a 'cocktail' treatment, was developed that curbed HIV infection and significantly reduced mortality."
Returning to the lecture's title, Dr. Bar-On concluded: "Evolution is an endless game. Viruses win in the short term because of their rapid rate of change, but with science, technology, and vaccines, we can win in the long term."
Dr. Yotam Bar-On is a senior researcher at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. He joined the Technion faculty after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Rockefeller University in New York, where he studied the immune evasion mechanisms of HIV. In his Technion laboratory, he investigates the interaction between viruses and the immune system. His research integrates molecular biology, evolutionary theory, and advanced computational tools, with the goal of developing new strategies to understand infectious diseases and improve our ability to respond to the spread of viruses in a changing world.
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Original text here: https://www.technion.ac.il/en/blog/article/darwin-day-when-evolution-turns-against-us-humans-vs-viruses/
Black History: PBS Documentary Chronicles Robert Covington's Journey From TSU to the NBA
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 15 -- Tennessee State University issued the following news:
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Black History: PBS Documentary Chronicles Robert Covington's Journey from TSU to the NBA
Emmanuel Freeman
PBS premiered Allergic To Failure: The Robert Covington Story nationwide beginning Feb 2 across more than 30 television markets, highlighting the remarkable path of former Tennessee State University star Robert Covington from an HBCU campus to a 12-year NBA career.
The documentary aired at 9 p.m. ET, 7 and 8 p.m. CT, and beginning at 6 p.m. PT, and will continue broadcasting nationwide through
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 15 -- Tennessee State University issued the following news:
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Black History: PBS Documentary Chronicles Robert Covington's Journey from TSU to the NBA
Emmanuel Freeman
PBS premiered Allergic To Failure: The Robert Covington Story nationwide beginning Feb 2 across more than 30 television markets, highlighting the remarkable path of former Tennessee State University star Robert Covington from an HBCU campus to a 12-year NBA career.
The documentary aired at 9 p.m. ET, 7 and 8 p.m. CT, and beginning at 6 p.m. PT, and will continue broadcasting nationwide throughFeb. 28. The film will also be available on PBS On Demand.
Produced by 10th Collective, the documentary follows the Chicago-born Covington's journey defined by perseverance - from a devastating injury between his junior and senior seasons at Tennessee State that nearly ended his career, to going undrafted, and ultimately signing a record-breaking contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now a veteran of five NBA franchises, Covington navigates free agency, fatherhood and the responsibility of possibly being the last active NBA player from an HBCU.
The project arrives during PBS HBCU Week and Black History Month, exploring broader themes of opportunity, representation and the cultural impact of historically Black colleges and universities within professional sports.
The film features interviews and perspectives from prominent voices across basketball and media, including NBA stars Karl-Anthony Towns, Damian Lillard and Joel Embiid; former NBA player Antoine Walker; HBCU/NBA alumni Kyle O'Quinn and Hall of Famer Bob Dandridge; Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade; HBCU coaches Kenny Blakeney and Kevin Broadus; and former HBCU coach Brian "Penny" Collins. Media personalities Michael Wilbon, Stan Verrett and Taylor Rooks, along with journalists David Aldridge and Michael Lee, provide context on the relationship between the NBA and HBCUs.
Through intimate moments with family and friends, Allergic To Failure presents a personal portrait of resilience while examining the evolving role of HBCUs in producing professional athletes.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to watch and share the documentary on social media using #PBS #HBCU #NBA #AllergicToFailure and tagging @atf_33, @PBS, @MarylandPublicTV and @10thCollective.
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About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville's only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor's degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master's degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU's campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
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Original text here: https://tnstatenewsroom.com/black-history-pbs-documentary-chronicles-robert-covingtons-journey-from-tsu-to-the-nba/
