Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Westmont College: Women's Council Empowers the Next Generation
SANTA BARBARA, California, May 7 -- Westmont College issued the following news:
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Women's Council Empowers the Next Generation
By Scott Craig
The Westmont Women's Leadership Council, dedicated to educating, enriching and empowering women, held its annual luncheon with keynote speaker Anja Manuel, co-founder and principal, Rice, Hadley, Gates and Manuel, LLC and an author, former diplomat, speaker and sought-after adviser to Fortune 50 and Silicon Valley CEOs. Several hundred supporters attended the event on April 24 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
"Each of us in this room
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SANTA BARBARA, California, May 7 -- Westmont College issued the following news:
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Women's Council Empowers the Next Generation
By Scott Craig
The Westmont Women's Leadership Council, dedicated to educating, enriching and empowering women, held its annual luncheon with keynote speaker Anja Manuel, co-founder and principal, Rice, Hadley, Gates and Manuel, LLC and an author, former diplomat, speaker and sought-after adviser to Fortune 50 and Silicon Valley CEOs. Several hundred supporters attended the event on April 24 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
"Each of us in this roomunderstands in our own way the importance of support," said Drew Parisi '05 vice chair of the council. "Whether it came in the form of a mentor who believed in us, a teacher who challenged us, or a generous supporter who provided for us, someone somewhere took a chance on us, which helped shape our confidence, expanded our vision and showed us what's possible. Today, we carry that responsibility forward."
The event raised more than $51,000 to provide needed scholarships to female students so they can flourish in their future careers.
President Gayle D. Beebe shared how Anna Grotenhuis, who helped establish the council, has dedicated herself to empowering women and maximizing their God-given gifts. Grotenhuis appreciates the support she received from Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, who left a lasting legacy of leadership and philanthropy.
"So today, our focus is on how we can do everything we can to encourage and support women as they aspire to great and noble causes while also celebrating the legacy of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree," Beebe said.
Following an emotional video, Beebe presented the prestigious Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara Award to Yvette Birch Giller and her mother, Sue Birch, for their extraordinary contributions to the community through their work with the Mosher Foundation, Giller as president and CEO and Birch as a trustee.
"Lady Ridley-Tree raised the bar for philanthropy in Santa Barbara, and she kept it elevated as a North Star for everyone dedicated to the health and vibrancy of our community," Giller said.
"We'll accept (this award) for all the women in the community volunteering so many hours and giving of themselves," Birch said. "As I look around here at the smiling young faces of all the Westmont women students, I know they'll be inspired by Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree's spirit, and they'll go on and become leaders in their own rights."
"At its core, our mission is not only to open doors, but to cultivate a lasting network, one that equips young women to move forward with confidence, clarity and purpose," said Sherry Nasseri '01, a clinical psychologist and adjunct professor of psychology at Westmont who chairs the Women's Leadership Council.
After Nasseri introduced Manuel, detailing her many accomplishments, Manuel said, "I want to say to our students out there, all the stuff that didn't work out doesn't end up on your resume. You guys will all do great."
Manuel's remarkable career spans diplomacy, law, investment, banking and global strategy. She said living abroad with her globally minded family set the stage for her work in international affairs. "I have grandfathers who fought on opposite sides of World War II -- German and American -- and I always thought that war is just the most stupid way to resolve conflicts," she said to applause.
Her father, a German diplomat who worked for the U.S. equivalent of USAID, took the family to live in Pakistan near a refugee camp for Afghans fleeing the Soviet invasion. "When you see these conflicts and what's going on in the headlines today, just always think to yourself that there are humans behind this who're just trying to live a good life," she said.
Manuel emphasized the importance of women serving in leadership roles, citing improved health and education outcomes when women comprise 30% of legislators.
She also touched on AI, expressing her concerns about its demand on electricity and cognitive surrender. "You have to learn ethics, creativity and critical thinking, and then we can use AI as a tool rather than a crutch," she said.
Mya Brushey, a graduating senior majoring in cellular molecular biology and biochemistry with aspirations in community medicine, credits Westmont's holistic formation and mentorship for refining her motivations and helping her understand success beyond outcomes.
"Westmont pushes us to think incredibly curiously," she says. "I'm grateful that I'm in a place where my professors don't just care that I get an A in the class, they want me to be curious and to love that I'm getting to understand the world in new ways through that curiosity."
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Original text here: https://www.westmont.edu/westmont-news/womens-council-empowers-next-generation
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: Study Introduces Advanced Method to Better Understand How Cells Change Over Time
HOUSTON, Texas, May 7 (TNSjou) -- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston issued the following news:
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New study introduces advanced method to better understand how cells change over time
New computational approach that helps scientists better understand how cells develop and change over time by examining DNA methylation--a key chemical process that regulates gene activity.
By Caliann Ferguson
A recent study published in Nature Communications introduces a new computational approach that helps scientists better understand how cells develop and change over time by examining
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HOUSTON, Texas, May 7 (TNSjou) -- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston issued the following news:
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New study introduces advanced method to better understand how cells change over time
New computational approach that helps scientists better understand how cells develop and change over time by examining DNA methylation--a key chemical process that regulates gene activity.
By Caliann Ferguson
A recent study published in Nature Communications introduces a new computational approach that helps scientists better understand how cells develop and change over time by examiningDNA methylation--a key chemical process that regulates gene activity.
DNA methylation acts like a molecular switch, turning genes on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence. In recent years, advances in single-cell sequencing have allowed researchers to study methylation patterns at the level of individual cells. This is especially important because cells in the same tissue can behave very differently depending on their stage of development or function. However, analyzing how these methylation patterns evolve over time--particularly during processes like embryonic development--has remained a major challenge.
To address this, co-authors and researchers at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Hao Feng, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, and Wen Tang, MS, helped develop a new method called "MIST" (methylation inference for single cells along trajectories). This tool uses a hierarchical Bayesian framework--a statistical modeling approach that can account for variability and uncertainty in complex biological data. The method tracks cells along a developmental timeline (often referred to as "pseudotime") and identifies where meaningful changes in DNA methylation occur.
What makes MIST particularly valuable is its ability to detect subtle, stage-specific changes in methylation across individual cells. In testing, the method outperformed existing approaches in identifying genes with significant methylation changes over time.
"By tracking those changes one cell at a timeover pseudotime, our work could help researchers find earlier warning signs of disease, discover better biomarkers, and better understand the biological steps that lead from healthy cells to diseased ones. Over time, that kind of knowledge can support earlier diagnosis and more precise treatment strategies," said Feng.
The researchers applied MIST to real-world datasets, including mouse embryo development and the developing human brain. In both cases, the tool successfully identified key regulatory genes and methylation patterns that align with major developmental transitions--offering new insight into how cells specialize and form tissuescommit to specialized cell types.
This work represents an important step forward in epigenetics and single-cell analysis. By providing a more precise way to map how gene regulation evolves during development, MIST could help scientists better understand diseases linked to epigenetic changes, including cancer and neurological disorders. It also opens new opportunities for studying how environmental factors influence gene activity over time. "A key strength of our research is that it offers a fundamental analytical approach that can be used to study many different diseases," said Feng.
Publications such as this one are one small step towards solving some of the greatest health challenges. Feng shared, "I'm excited by the possibility of making very complex biological data more understandable, so we can see patterns that were hidden before. I'm also motivated by the fact that building a computational method does not just help one lab, it can help many other researchers ask better questions and make new discoveries."
Ultimately, tools like mist are helping transform large, complex biological datasets into actionable insights--bringing researchers closer to decoding the dynamic processes that shape human health and disease.
Additional authors on the study include Daoyu Duan, Case Western Reserve; Wenjing Ma, University of Michigan Ann Arbor; Hao Wu, Emory University; and Liangliang Zhang, Case Western Reserve.
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Original text here: https://www.uth.edu/news/story/new-study-introduces-advanced-method-to-better-understand-how-cells-change-over-time
University of Louisiana Lafayette: College of Liberal Arts Overseeing Global Career Accelerator Program Partnership
LAFAYETTE, Louisiana, May 7 -- The University of Louisiana Lafayette campus issued the following news:
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College of Liberal Arts overseeing new Global Career Accelerator program partnership
Students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette can now enroll in a for-credit, work-based program that is delivered online by experiential learning company Podium Education.
As part of a partnership being overseen by UL Lafayette's College of Liberal Arts, undergraduate and graduate students from any major or discipline are eligible to register for Podium Education's semester-long Global Career
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LAFAYETTE, Louisiana, May 7 -- The University of Louisiana Lafayette campus issued the following news:
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College of Liberal Arts overseeing new Global Career Accelerator program partnership
Students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette can now enroll in a for-credit, work-based program that is delivered online by experiential learning company Podium Education.
As part of a partnership being overseen by UL Lafayette's College of Liberal Arts, undergraduate and graduate students from any major or discipline are eligible to register for Podium Education's semester-long Global CareerAccelerator program.
The program is open to all students, including full-time and part-time students. It is being offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters. It provides training and experience in areas such as:
* working on projects with many major companies and organizations;
* digital training with industry tools, technologies and platforms; and
* access to an exclusive early-career network.
The Global Career Accelerator program is structured to give students experience in tracks such as digital marketing, data analytics, coding for web development and coding for data, said Dr. Ani Kokobobo, dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
"Students get to apply what they are learning in the classroom to project-based work with companies," Kokobobo explained. "Along with the experience they will gain and the contacts they will make, students who complete the program will earn three credit hours toward their degrees."
The format of the program consists of "live labs," virtual sessions with other students that are held weekly via Zoom. The other component is pre-recorded video lessons that participants view at their own pace.
Learn more, including details about registration and cost of participation in the program, at Podium Education's website for its Global Career Accelerator program at UL Lafayette. Or contact Dr. Jessica Pearce, associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts, at (337) 482-6219.
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Original text here: https://louisiana.edu/news/college-liberal-arts-overseeing-new-global-career-accelerator-program-partnership
Syracuse University: From Campus to Los Alamos - Lucas Heffler '26 Joins Frontier of American Science
SYRACUSE, New York, May 7 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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From Campus to Los Alamos: Lucas Heffler '26 Joins Frontier of American Science
Heffler credits hands-on lab coursework, industry-experienced faculty and Department of Energy summer training for his new role.
Emma Ertinger
Lucas Heffler '26 is heading to one of the most storied research institutions in the world. The chemical engineering senior has accepted a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico--a facility synonymous with scientific breakthroughs and home to some of the
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SYRACUSE, New York, May 7 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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From Campus to Los Alamos: Lucas Heffler '26 Joins Frontier of American Science
Heffler credits hands-on lab coursework, industry-experienced faculty and Department of Energy summer training for his new role.
Emma Ertinger
Lucas Heffler '26 is heading to one of the most storied research institutions in the world. The chemical engineering senior has accepted a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico--a facility synonymous with scientific breakthroughs and home to some of thebrightest minds in the country. One of 17 National Laboratories supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, LANL has long stood at the frontier of discovery in science, engineering and national security.
Born out of the Manhattan Project during World War II, LANL made history as the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Today, the lab's primary focus is to modernize the United States' nuclear stockpile and maintain its safety, security and reliability. LANL's scientists and engineers conduct advanced research in areas including national security, energy, geophysics and supercomputing.
Heffler will begin his position as a research and development engineer at LANL this summer. He became interested in the National Labs system through connections with College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) alumni and gained valuable industry experience through internships and the Nuclear Chemistry Summer Schools (NCSS), a Department of Energy workforce development program administered by the American Chemical Society. Heffler completed a six-week NCSS program at San Jose State University in California, where participants attend lectures, visit research facilities and conduct hands-on laboratory exercises to build their expertise in nuclear chemistry.
Heffler took advantage of ECS resources like attending resume reviews and employer information sessions offered through Career Services.
"Getting that experience of just being comfortable talking to employers definitely helps while on job interviews," says Heffler.
Looking back on his coursework, Heffler says that Chemical Engineering Laboratory I and II helped him discern his career interests and prepare to enter the workforce. Setting up experiments, analyzing data and writing technical reports are all skills he will rely on in his work as an research and development engineer.
Heffler found supportive faculty in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, including Program Director Katie Cadwell and his advisor, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering Radhakrishna Sureshkumar. He also appreciated the opportunity to take classes with professor Theodore Walker, who draws on his experience as a senior scientist for ExxonMobil.
"Having professors that have worked in industry and can look at things from an industry standpoint is enlightening," Heffler says.
"Lucas possesses a rare combination of technical depth, creative insight and problem-solving skills," says Sureshkumar. "After working closely with him as his advisor and instructor, I am delighted by his highly deserving appointment at LANL. He is a natural leader who will undoubtedly make major contributions to the profession."
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/05/05/from-campus-to-los-alamos-lucas-heffler-26-joins-frontier-of-american-science/
Penn State-World Campus: Congratulations to the Spring Graduates of the Class of 2026
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania, May 7 -- Pennsylvania State University World campus issued the following news:
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Congratulations to the spring graduates of the Class of 2026
By Hannah Pollock
More than 1,500 Penn State World Campus students will graduate with their Penn State degrees during the University's spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.
Penn State World Campus graduating students and their families are also invited each semester to attend a reception at the University Park campus to recognize their success, as well as meet the faculty, academic advisers, and other staff who helped
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania, May 7 -- Pennsylvania State University World campus issued the following news:
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Congratulations to the spring graduates of the Class of 2026
By Hannah Pollock
More than 1,500 Penn State World Campus students will graduate with their Penn State degrees during the University's spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.
Penn State World Campus graduating students and their families are also invited each semester to attend a reception at the University Park campus to recognize their success, as well as meet the faculty, academic advisers, and other staff who helpedthem reach their goal.
The big picture
The spring members of the Penn State World Campus Class of 2026 include 1,526 graduates who are earning degrees from 100 different academic programs. Here is a breakdown by the level of degree they will receive:
* 751 students will receive a bachelor's degree.
* 682 students will receive a master's degree.
* 27 students will receive a doctoral degree.
* 66 students will receive an associate degree.
This group of graduates hails from 48 states and 21 different countries, including France, Japan, and China.
The graduates' ages range from 18 to 67. There are 227 graduates with a military affiliation, such as being an active-duty service member, a veteran, a military spouse, or a reservist.
Sixty-three people are graduating with at least their second degree earned online through Penn State World Campus.
Military students
Veterans and active-duty service members who are graduating receive red, white, and blue honor cords to wear during their academic commencement. Graduates receive these honor cords before graduation during a ceremony at Penn State University Park exclusively for military students.
Graduating with a Penn State degree earned online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online for more than 25 years. It has a comprehensive portfolio of more than 200 degree and certificate programs available in fields such as business, technology, education, health care, liberal arts, and more.
Penn State World Campus students can be part of signature Penn State experiences, such as commencement, just like their peers. The students can request to attend one of the commencement ceremonies across Penn State's campuses during graduation weekend.
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Original text here: https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/about-us/news-and-features/congratulations-to-the-spring-graduates-of-the-class-of-2026
Gardner-Webb University and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Establish Partnership
BOILING SPRINGS, North Carolina, May 7 -- Gardner-Webb University issued the following news:
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Gardner-Webb University and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Establish Partnership
Gryphon-Bulldog Collaborative to Bring New Opportunities for Thomas Jefferson Students
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Students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) will soon have expanded access to college level coursework through a new partnership with Gardner Webb University. The initiative was formalized with the recent signing of the Gryphon Bulldog Collaborative.
"This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding
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BOILING SPRINGS, North Carolina, May 7 -- Gardner-Webb University issued the following news:
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Gardner-Webb University and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Establish Partnership
Gryphon-Bulldog Collaborative to Bring New Opportunities for Thomas Jefferson Students
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Students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) will soon have expanded access to college level coursework through a new partnership with Gardner Webb University. The initiative was formalized with the recent signing of the Gryphon Bulldog Collaborative.
"This partnership represents a significant step forward in expandingaccess to high-quality, affordable college experiences for our students," stated TJCA Executive Director Jodi Isaacs. "We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities that prepare our graduates for success beyond high school."
The formal signing was held in Tucker Student Center and attended by rising juniors and seniors from TJCA. Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Robert Prickett welcomed the students and administrators.
Waters thanked everyone involved for their work in making the partnership possible. "We are delighted to celebrate this dual enrollment agreement between Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Gardner-Webb University," she noted. "TJCA students are already engaging in a strong academic portfolio to prepare them for college, and we are proud to become part of that journey by offering the opportunity to begin earning college credit while remaining on their campus. Together, we are committed to providing courses that challenge students, build confidence, and prepare them for college success."
TJCA Senior Director of Business and Athletics Steven Jones, a Gardner Webb alumnus who earned a bachelor's degree in sports management and a Master of Business Administration, also spoke to the students. "As a Gardner-Webb alum, this partnership means quite a bit to me personally," he shared. "I know firsthand the care and investment the professors pour into their students, and I'm excited that TJCA students will get to experience that while they're still in high school."
"This opportunity opens some really meaningful doors for our school," Jones continued. "I'm especially glad to partner with an institution like Gardner-Webb, which had such a lasting impact on me."
Following the signing, Gardner-Webb Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan, who serves TJCA students, divided the students into teams for a scavenger hunt. With help from the other GWU Admissions Counselors, the students completed the activity, which introduced them to campus resources and familiarized them with the Tucker Student Center.
Through the Gryphon Bulldog Collaborative, Gardner Webb faculty will teach university level courses on the TJCA campus, with tuition fully covered by the school. Students will gain direct access to four year university instruction while continuing to learn in a supportive high school environment.
The new program builds on TJCA's existing dual enrollment offerings by adding university credit options alongside community college pathways. This integrated approach allows students to earn advanced credits, reduce future college costs, and strengthen their readiness for higher education.
The initiative also aligns with TJCA's mission to cultivate thoughtful, articulate graduates prepared for college and a lifetime of citizenship and active intellectual inquiry.
Gardner-Webb's Dual Enrollment Program is an option offered to qualified students from any high school or homeschool. It gives them the chance to experience college-level learning, explore academic interests, and earn credits that transfer widely--all at a reduced cost. With personalized support, access to campus resources, and flexible course options, students will gain a head start on their college journey.
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About Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students K-12 in Mooresboro, North Carolina, since 1999. Using the classical education model, TJCA has been a college-preparatory school option for the community for over 25 years. This model follows the Trivium, the three natural stages of human development involving Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Learn more at tjca.org.
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About Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina's recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.
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Original text here: https://gardner-webb.edu/news/thomas-jefferson-gardner-webb-establish-partnership/
Eastern Kentucky University: Family's Boundless Love - Mike Karpathakis Endowed MBA Scholarship
RICHMOND, Kentucky, May 7 -- Eastern Kentucky University issued the following news:
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A FAMILY'S BOUNDLESS LOVE: The Mike Karpathakis Endowed MBA Scholarship
Mike Karpathakis began his EKU journey pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with encouragement from his then employer's (Ajax Magnethermic Corporation) generous tuition reimbursement program. In 1998, while working full-time as an electrical engineer, Mike earned an MBA degree from Eastern's outstanding College of Business with a 3.98 GPA. Mike fondly remembered collaborating alongside fellow MBA classmate, now Dr. James
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RICHMOND, Kentucky, May 7 -- Eastern Kentucky University issued the following news:
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A FAMILY'S BOUNDLESS LOVE: The Mike Karpathakis Endowed MBA Scholarship
Mike Karpathakis began his EKU journey pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with encouragement from his then employer's (Ajax Magnethermic Corporation) generous tuition reimbursement program. In 1998, while working full-time as an electrical engineer, Mike earned an MBA degree from Eastern's outstanding College of Business with a 3.98 GPA. Mike fondly remembered collaborating alongside fellow MBA classmate, now Dr. JamesKirby Easterling.
Mike, a native of Athens, Greece, arrived in the United States at age 17 to attend the American Language Academy at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. In 1988, he earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in physics at Baldwin Wallace University and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Case Western Reserve University. In 1996, Mike became a proud American citizen.
Mike served as an electrical engineer for 12 years at Ajax Magnethermic Corporation in Richmond, Kentucky, and 14 years as an electrical engineering manager at Lexmark International, Inc., in Lexington, Kentucky. His work travel took him everywhere from France, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, China and the Philippines to every state in the continental United States.
The Karpathakis family was active in the Richmond and EKU communities for more than 30 years. They became eternal Colonels when their only child, daughter Erin, graduated from Model Laboratory School in 2016 and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in risk management and insurance at Eastern in 2020. Wife and mother, Melinda, practiced law in Richmond, Kentucky, for 23 years before serving as the director of gift and estate planning at Eastern for seven years and as adjunct faculty in the EKU paralegal program for nine years.
In October 2016, at age 51, Mike was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare visual variant of early-onset Alzheimer's. As a result, he fought a long and brutal seven-year battle with this degenerative disease and sadly passed away in January 2024, at age 58.
Since all three members of Mike's immediate family have close connections and passion for the mission of EKU, in January 2024, Melinda and Erin worked with friend and EKU Director of Development, Marie Fore, to establish the Mike Karpathakis Endowed MBA Scholarship Fund. The scholarship would be the first graduate student endowed scholarship at Eastern--to honor Mike's memory and ease some of the financial burden for graduate students pursuing their MBA degree. Mike was grateful to have been the recipient of tuition assistance from his employer, and Erin, too, is grateful to have been an EKU scholarship recipient. In addition, during the early stages of his disease, Mike benefited from participation with graduate students in EKU's Occupational Therapy Memory Cafe and in activities they sponsored at his memory care facility.
The Karpathakis family has a boundless love for Eastern students, and they desire to see them continue to grow and prosper.
To make a gift in support of the Mike Karpathakis Endowed MBA Scholarship, please visit go.eku.edu/give-Karpathakis.
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Original text here: https://www.eku.edu/news/a-familys-boundless-love-the-mike-karpathakis-endowed-mba-scholarship/
