Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Virginia Tech: Valerie Ragan Honored With Emerita Status
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, May 2 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Valerie Ragan honored with emerita status
Valerie Ragan, professor of practice of veterinary medicine in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has been conferred the title of professor of practice emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emerita title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a
... Show Full Article
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, May 2 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Valerie Ragan honored with emerita status
Valerie Ragan, professor of practice of veterinary medicine in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has been conferred the title of professor of practice emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emerita title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive acopy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 11 years, Ragan has made significant contributions and is recognized internationally as an expert on the globally important zoonotic disease brucellosis, and has lectured or worked on the disease in seven countries while affiliated with the university.
From 2009-25, she led the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine, now known as the Center for Public Veterinary Medicine, serving as director from 2009-14 at the University of Maryland campus, and from 2014-25 at the Virginia Tech campus, leading the center's growth toward serving as a national center of excellence.
Additionally, Ragan developed courses that guided students through a systems approach to problem solving when addressing local, national, and global issues.
Ragan was principal or co-principal investigator on eight research grants totaling $826,032 while at Virginia Tech.
In 2017, she was awarded the American Veterinary Medical Association's Public Service Award, which honors a member veterinarian for long-term outstanding public service or unusual contributions to the practice or science of public health and regulatory veterinary medicine. In 2025, Ragan received the United States Animal Health Association's Medal of Distinction, the organization's highest honor for outstanding leadership and contributions to the field.
Ragan orchestrated a major revision to the public practice track at the college, revising several courses and developing two new courses. In the classroom, Ragan taught a wide variety of graduate courses on the topics of veterinary medicine.
Ragan studied biology at Virginia Tech before receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia.
-- Written by Emily Southern '26
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Original text here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/05/vetmed-emerita-ragan.html
Virginia Tech: Bradley Klein Honored With Emeritus Status
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, May 2 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Bradley Klein honored with emeritus status
Bradley Klein, associate professor of neuroscience in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of
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BLACKSBURG, Virginia, May 2 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Bradley Klein honored with emeritus status
Bradley Klein, associate professor of neuroscience in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy ofthe resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 34 years, Klein made significant research contributions to the study of neuroscience. His scholarship includes more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, and he continues as editor-in-chief of the definitive textbook on veterinary physiology that is used by veterinary medicine students around the world.
He guided the laboratory training of seven graduate and seven undergraduate students, many of whom have continued to have impactful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Klein served on and led department, college, and university committees including over 20 years as chair of the Peer Evaluation of Teaching Committee and chair of the first committee that led to the development of an undergraduate neuroscience curriculum culminating in the establishment of the School of Neuroscience.
He was a longtime member and chair of Virginia Tech's Sigma Xi chapter and was the first associate head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology.
In the classroom, Klein taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate classes on the topics of veterinary neuroscience and physiology and received the Carl J. Norden North American Outstanding Teacher Award.
-- Written by Emily Southern '26
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Original text here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/05/vetmed-emeritus-klein.html
University of Cincinnati: Why is It So Difficult to Own a Restaurant in Cincinnati?
CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 2 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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Why is it so difficult to own a restaurant in Cincinnati?
UC expert weighs in on challenges in the industry
By Emily Glass, glassei@ucmail.uc.edu
Rising costs of both labor and food are putting pressure on restaurant owners across the region, according to WLWT.
The outlet turned to UC Lindner College of Business economics professor David Brasington for a look into the factors that make restaurant ownership so difficult in today's market.
Brasington told WLWT that the ease of starting a restaurant actually
... Show Full Article
CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 2 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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Why is it so difficult to own a restaurant in Cincinnati?
UC expert weighs in on challenges in the industry
By Emily Glass, glassei@ucmail.uc.edu
Rising costs of both labor and food are putting pressure on restaurant owners across the region, according to WLWT.
The outlet turned to UC Lindner College of Business economics professor David Brasington for a look into the factors that make restaurant ownership so difficult in today's market.
Brasington told WLWT that the ease of starting a restaurant actuallymakes resources including ingredients, labor and location in the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area more competitive.
"It's easy to get into this business, so there's a lot of competition for price, quality, for experience," he explained.
Brasington also said that the "dramatic" increase in food costs along with the uncertainty in today's economic landscape make running a restaurant challenging on levels seen during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Read the full WLWT report (https://www.wlwt.com/article/greater-cincinnati-restaurant-closures-challenges-kentucky/71154292).
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Original text here: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/05/trouble-for-restaurants-in-cincinnati.html
Texas A&M Engineering: Mittal Joins Prestigious Biomedical Engineering Institute
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, May 2 -- The Texas A&M University College of Engineering issued the following news:
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Mittal joins prestigious biomedical engineering institute
Dr. Jeetain Mittal of Texas A&M's chemical engineering department was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, earning one of the field's highest honors.
By Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has elected Dr. Jeetain Mittal, Texas A&M University professor
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas, May 2 -- The Texas A&M University College of Engineering issued the following news:
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Mittal joins prestigious biomedical engineering institute
Dr. Jeetain Mittal of Texas A&M's chemical engineering department was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, earning one of the field's highest honors.
By Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has elected Dr. Jeetain Mittal, Texas A&M University professorin the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, as a 2026 member of its College of Fellows. Mittal was officially inducted at the organization's annual event in Washington, D.C. in April.
Faculty members are nominated and peer-reviewed by leaders in the field, recognizing contributions to engineering and its impact on biology and medicine. Fellows represent the top two percent of the medical and biological engineering community, according to the institute.
Mittal also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Arts & Sciences, where his work bridges disciplines and brings a molecular-level perspective to complex biological systems.
"It is a meaningful recognition from a broad interdisciplinary community," Mittal said. "I see it as validation of the direction of my work, especially efforts to connect fundamental molecular insights with biologically relevant outcomes. This recognition reflects the contributions of students, postdoctoral researchers and collaborators."
Mittal's research develops multiscale computational frameworks to understand how biomolecular systems self-assemble, which aligns with AIMBE's focus on connecting engineering principles to biologically and medically relevant problems.
His work focuses on intrinsically disordered proteins and biomolecular condensates, which organize cellular processes and are increasingly linked to neurodegenerative disease. A central aim is to build predictive, mechanism-based connections between molecular interactions and emergent biological function.
Receiving this fellowship provides increased exposure for Mittal's work and creates opportunities to interact across disciplines.
"Dr. Mittal is profoundly deserving of this honor," said Dr. Faisal Khan, chemical engineering department head. "His career is defined by a legacy of transformative contributions, and this fellowship serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring impact. Our department is privileged to count a scholar of his caliber among our colleagues."
Mittal's recognition as an AIMBE Fellow highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research across the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Chemistryin addressing complex challenges in health and disease.
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Original text here: https://news.engineering.tamu.edu/news/2026/05/01/mittal-joins-prestigious-biomedical-engineering-institute/
Hofstra OT Student Selected for National AOTA Future Scientists Institute
HEMPSTEAD, New York, May 2 -- Hofstra University issued the following news:
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Hofstra OT Student Selected for National AOTA Future Scientists Institute
Lindsey Angioletti
When Ashley Miller '26, from Malverne, NY, walked into the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) national conference last week in Anaheim, California, she was not just attending sessions -- she was stepping into the future of her profession.
A graduate student in occupational therapy at Hofstra's School of Health Sciences (SHS), Miller was selected for the highly competitive Institute for Future Scientists
... Show Full Article
HEMPSTEAD, New York, May 2 -- Hofstra University issued the following news:
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Hofstra OT Student Selected for National AOTA Future Scientists Institute
Lindsey Angioletti
When Ashley Miller '26, from Malverne, NY, walked into the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) national conference last week in Anaheim, California, she was not just attending sessions -- she was stepping into the future of her profession.
A graduate student in occupational therapy at Hofstra's School of Health Sciences (SHS), Miller was selected for the highly competitive Institute for Future Scientistsin Occupational Therapy, a national program designed to cultivate the next generation of researchers and academic leaders in the field.
For Miller, the experience was both energizing and affirming.
"The most valuable part of attending the conference was establishing professional connections with occupational therapy scholars at all stages of their doctoral journeys," she said. "We were encouraged to challenge existing literature and engage in research that values interdisciplinary collaboration and promotes health equity."
That focus on research and innovation is already central to Miller's academic path. She is currently a research assistant at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, where she works in a brain-computer interface lab supporting studies on stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Her broader body of work includes projects on accessibility in the performing arts, caregiver education, and student learning environments, all grounded in improving outcomes and expanding access to care.
At the conference, Miller connected with leaders whose work helped define the profession, as well as emerging scholars pursuing doctoral degrees. Those conversations helped sharpen her own ambitions.
"I had the opportunity to meet scholars whose research aligns with my interest in neurological rehabilitation, and their encouragement has been invaluable as I consider pursuing a PhD," Miller said.
Just as impactful, she added, was hearing firsthand stories from pioneers in occupational therapy, a reminder of how the field continues to evolve.
"A moment that stood out for me was hearing such enthusiasm from leaders who helped shape occupational therapy," Miller said. "It gave me a deeper appreciation for the profession and the work we do."
Miller credits Hofstra faculty with helping her reach this milestone. Early encouragement from Alexandra Laghezza, assistant professor of occupational therapy, sparked her interest in doctoral study, while Yu-Pin Hsu, program director, associate professor of occupational therapy, provided key support during the application process.
"I am so grateful for the mentorship I have received," Miller said. "Dr. Laghezza encouraged me to pursue this path, and Dr. Hsu's support was instrumental in helping me reach this opportunity."
"Ashley is an exceptional student whose commitment to research, clinical excellence, and advancing the field of occupational therapy is truly remarkable," Hsu said. "She is exactly the kind of student this program is designed to support."
Dean Reginald Alston, SHS, said the recognition highlights the University's emphasis on preparing students to lead in rapidly evolving healthcare fields.
"This opportunity places Ashley among a select group of students nationwide who are shaping the future of occupational therapy," Alston said. "Her work reflects the kind of innovation and impact we strive to foster in our students."
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Original text here: https://news.hofstra.edu/2026/05/01/hofstra-ot-student-selected-for-national-aota-future-scientists-institute/
Georgia State Provost Nicolle Parsons-Pollard Named AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Class of 2026-27 Participant
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 2 -- Georgia State University issued the following news:
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Georgia State Provost Nicolle Parsons-Pollard Named AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Class of 2026-27 Participant
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicolle Parsons-Pollard has been selected as a participant for 2026-27 in the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education.
The institute is a six-month program through the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) of Universities and Colleges designed to cultivate a pipeline of exceptional leaders
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 2 -- Georgia State University issued the following news:
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Georgia State Provost Nicolle Parsons-Pollard Named AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Class of 2026-27 Participant
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicolle Parsons-Pollard has been selected as a participant for 2026-27 in the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education.
The institute is a six-month program through the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) of Universities and Colleges designed to cultivate a pipeline of exceptional leadersfrom all backgrounds who are poised to serve as college and university presidents. It includes symposia, workshops and one-on-one mentoring to connect participants with top higher education leaders.
Guidance from participating leaders, including current and former college and university presidents, will discuss pressing challenges facing institutions of higher learning and how to navigate them.
"Connections and collaboration matter in the leadership of academic institutions, both internally and across higher education more broadly," Parsons-Pollard said. "I am grateful to AGB for this generous opportunity, and I am excited to engage with peers in ways that allow me to contribute my own expertise and grow through their perspectives and knowledge."
Parsons-Pollard has served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs since 2023 after service as interim provost since 2022. Prior to this leadership role, she was appointed in 2020 as Georgia State's associate provost for faculty affairs.
In her role as provost, Parsons-Pollard is the university's chief academic officer. Among her responsibilities are, but not limited to, the development and implementation of GSU's academic programs and policies, direction for international initiatives and study abroad, institutional effectiveness and assessment of learning outcomes and programs.
Additionally, she directs activities in the recruitment, hiring and retention, and promotion processes for faculty positions.
Parsons-Pollard also plays a key leadership role in Georgia State's BluePrint to 2033 strategic plan, with oversight of initiatives that are bringing the plan's goals into reality.
A professor of criminal justice, prior to her time at GSU she completed an American Council on Education (ACE) fellowship during the 2014-15 academic year. Some of her previous academic leadership positions include vice provost for academic and faculty affairs at Monmouth University, and assistant vice provost for academic operations at Virginia State University.
She earned her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in public policy and administration, as well as a master's degree in criminal justice and a bachelor's in mass communications from VCU.
For more about Parsons-Pollard, click here (https://provost.gsu.edu/meet-the-provost/). For more about the institute, visit the AGB website (https://leadandgovern.com/about-agb-institute/).
-- Story by Jeremy Craig, communications manager for the Office of the Provost
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Original text here: https://news.gsu.edu/2026/05/01/georgia-state-provost-nicolle-parsons-pollard-named-agb-institute-for-leadership-governance-in-higher-education-class-of-2026-27-participant/
Community Voices Drive UVA Study on Cancer Risk
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, May 2 -- The University of Virginia issued the following research news:
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Community voices drive UVA study on cancer risk
By Zeina Mohammed, spr2jm@virginia.edu
A University of Virginia-based study is amplifying community voices to better understand why certain communities face higher cancer rates.
For more than a year, researchers working in the lab of UVA Department of Family Medicine Chair Dr. Li Li have been running a study based in Danville alongside the Health Collaborative, a group of residents working to advance health equity in Caswell County, North
... Show Full Article
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, May 2 -- The University of Virginia issued the following research news:
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Community voices drive UVA study on cancer risk
By Zeina Mohammed, spr2jm@virginia.edu
A University of Virginia-based study is amplifying community voices to better understand why certain communities face higher cancer rates.
For more than a year, researchers working in the lab of UVA Department of Family Medicine Chair Dr. Li Li have been running a study based in Danville alongside the Health Collaborative, a group of residents working to advance health equity in Caswell County, NorthCarolina, and Virginia's Pittsylvania County and city of Danville.
Hania Taha, a postdoctoral research associate at UVA, is the lead coordinator of the community-based study investigating how lifestyle, and environmental and genetic factors can contribute to cancer risk in rural southern Virginia. She stressed the effort has been a collaboration from the beginning, with members of the UVA team and the task force meeting monthly with community members from the Danville and Martinsville areas to develop the study.
"This is an important model for community-informed cancer prevention research," she said. "We got feedback on all study aspects, including recruitment material, instructions for sample collection and where to set up clinics and recruitment."
The group collects information about lifestyle factors and collects samples of blood, hair, stool, and other biospecimens to build a database to understand cancer development in the area.
The study builds on ongoing work led by Li, who also directs UVA's population health program and co-directs of the Cancer Prevention and Population Health program. This study is an extension of Li's work building a biobank with samples from UVA Health patients to study different aspects of colon cancer.
"We are collecting surveys about medical history, environmental samples of water and soil, and information about lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, physical activity, alcohol, drinking and so on," Taha said. "The idea is to understand how the interplay between all these factors drives cancer risk."
Jolandria Graves leads the Health Collaborative's chapter in Pittsylvania County. Along with Kitteria Mayo in Danville and Kyle Warren Love in Caswell County, they represent the community voices of the Dan River region.
"We're focused on improving the overall health and well-being of the Dan River region and connecting resources to help address this illness," Graves said. "We're doing that by showing up as community partners, adding valuable community input that supports the impact of this initiative."
As a former nutrition teacher and culinary instructor, Graves is passionate about increasing access to "nutritious and affordable" food.
"The biggest benefit has been sharing ideas with like-minded individuals with different areas of expertise," she said. "We're all working toward the same goal, together."
The UVA team, which involves members of Li's lab and UVA public health professors Wendy Cohn and Kara Wiseman, continues to travel monthly to meet with members of the Community Cohort Study Advisory Team in Danville. In December, the team celebrated the collaboration's one-year anniversary.
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Original text here: https://news.virginia.edu/content/community-voices-drive-uva-study-cancer-risk
