Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of South Carolina: Cocky's Reading Express Has Been Promoting Childhood Literacy for 20 Years
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Feb. 8 -- The University of South Carolina issued the following news:
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Story time!
Cocky's Reading Express has been promoting childhood literacy for 20 years. The folks behind the popular program revisit the journey.
By Craig Brandhorst, CRAIGB1@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3681
The kids go wild. That may be the best way to start a story about Cocky's Reading Express. The University of South Carolina-based childhood literacy outreach program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, and for 20 straight years now, the reception has been pretty much the same: The kids
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Feb. 8 -- The University of South Carolina issued the following news:
* * *
Story time!
Cocky's Reading Express has been promoting childhood literacy for 20 years. The folks behind the popular program revisit the journey.
By Craig Brandhorst, CRAIGB1@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3681
The kids go wild. That may be the best way to start a story about Cocky's Reading Express. The University of South Carolina-based childhood literacy outreach program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, and for 20 straight years now, the reception has been pretty much the same: The kidsgo wild.
Who can blame them? When one of the most beloved college mascots in the nation charges headlong into your elementary school gym giving high-fives and throwing spurs up like the Gamecocks just won a national championship, the excitement is contagious.
4K or 5th grade, doesn't matter. It might as well be the student section at Williams-Brice. They clap. They stomp. They wiggle in their seats. They cup their hands 'round their mouths and chant -- COCK-Y! COCK-Y! COCK-Y! And it builds from there.
But it's not just "The Cocky Show." The kids are primed even before the big bird's big entrance. CRE coordinator and program emcee Margaret Jackson makes sure of that. So do the teachers and school librarians. So do CRE's student volunteers, who warm up the kids with fun challenges designed to focus their attention before the read-alouds begin.
And focus they do. But they're also kids. Excited kids. And when Cocky finally does charge in? We'll say it again: The kids go wild.
Tommy Preston was there at the start. In fact, Preston is typically credited with hatching the idea. But the former Student Government president will be the first to tell you: Cocky's Reading Express was always a team effort. And a lot of the credit goes to then-dean of the College of Information and Communications Charles Bierbauer.
Preston remembers clearly the day he got called into the dean's office, along with a few other members of Student Government, to discuss an issue Bierbauer felt strongly about.
"Charles told us how South Carolina had the third highest illiteracy rate in the country, and we had an obligation to do something," he says. "He felt that it was very important that the University of South Carolina be a leader in helping address this issue in our state, and he wanted Student Government to be a key part of that."
That same evening, watching the news in his dorm room, he caught a clip of First Lady Laura Bush discussing libraries and literacy. Preston sat up. The world had his attention. But it was Bierbauer's words that landed.
Now global chief talent officer at Boeing, Preston looks back on that dean's office conversation as a pivotal moment. The 2007 political science and 2011 law school grad gets emotional talking about Bierbauer, who died in 2025. "Just his passion for the subject and the way he talked about our obligation as citizens of the state to make the state better -- it left an impression on me," he says.
Inspiration took hold. The decision to build the program around Cocky was almost a no-brainer.
"For me, it was simple," Preston explains. "We had to get college students out talking about this issue, doing something about it, and what better face for that than Cocky, who has such a powerful brand? It was this perfect combination of college students and this powerful asset that we already had in Cocky coming together."
And it came together quickly. The team gave up a week of their winter break for a whirlwind statewide tour. Then-USC President Andrew Sorensen provided funds to purchase books. Derrick Huggins, then-vice president for parking services, provided a USC shuttle bus and driver. Cheerleading Head Coach Erika Goodwin provided a Cocky -- 2003 Capital One Mascot Bowl winner Jamie Ballentine.
They also made sure to notify the media -- "We worked with university communications, and we worked with the press because we wanted to make a statement," Preston recalls -- and they booked appearances from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
They even went into "enemy territory," visiting Clemson Elementary. Ballentine's run as the CRE Cocky
was a limited engagement, but he vividly remembers that leg. He had a sinus infection and wasn't sure what to expect. Then, on the ride up, he got an idea.
"I said, 'Well, what books do you have?' and I looked through one of them. It was called Jump, Frog, Jump!, which is a very action-filled book. I was like, 'I'll act that one out.'"
That last-minute decision helped establish Cocky's role going forward, which is to win kids over with his moves so the volunteers can engage their minds. It also saved the day. Remember that part about the kids going wild? Well, they went wild at Clemson, too.
"We walked into boos, everybody wearing orange, Tiger paws on the wall, and then I jump -- frog jump-- and they start chanting 'Cocky!'" says Ballentine. "I was like, 'Ha ha! I can even convert Clemson kids! This is great!'"
It was also emotional. Preston recalls being nervous at first "because there were a lot of eyes on us," but then he saw how excited the kids got, especially when Cocky appeared. And when they got to pick out their own books, the emotions hit another level.
"I remember being in the Pee Dee that week, and a principal came up to me and gave me a big hug with tears in her eyes," says Preston. "She said, 'You have to realize that this is, for some of these kids, the first book that they will own in their house.'"
That was an eye opener for Preston, who grew up in the shadow of Clemson University before becoming a Gamecock.
"I grew up in a home full of books, with access to libraries and literacy, a university in my backyard," he says.
"To learn that there were kids in our state that didn't have that same opportunity -- there was no question in my mind after that trip, our lives were changed forever. We knew this was going to become a mission for students at USC."
Twenty years on, Cocky's Reading Express is a well-oiled machine. Literally. Since 2012, Cocky and a steady stream of student volunteers have been pulling up to elementary schools across South Carolina in a custom-wrapped bus sponsored by BP.
But that doesn't mean it's not hard work. CRE visits at least one Title I school each week and serves all 46 counties in South Carolina. In 2025 alone, they put more than 22,200 books in the hands of more than 15,500 students, surpassing their 20,000-book anniversary goal. They also installed 13 Little Free Libraries across South Carolina.
To keep things rolling, Jackson leans on a core group of 10-15 student volunteers, but over the course of the academic year as many as 100 will climb aboard the CRE bus. Since 2005, more than 4,000 volunteers have logged more than 16,000 service hours at more than 800 events.
"There's a lot of people involved and a lot of moving parts," says Jackson. "You don't build a program this big and last this long on the back of one person. You absolutely can't do it without the support of our entire program."
As an initiative of USC's School of Information Science housed at the South Carolina Center for Community Literacy, CRE taps into a pretty big brain trust. Graduate assistant Allison Hall, who completed her master's in library and information science in December and started a school librarian job in January, has been Jackson's right hand for the past two years. Assistant professor of information science and former CRE coordinator Valerie Byrd Fort and the center's head librarian Elizabeth Harnett are regular sounding boards. And then there's School of Information Science Director Lyda McCartin, or as Jackson calls her, "Cocky's Reading Express' biggest cheerleader."
"I have great people that I'm in my little cocoon with," Jackson says. "And don't even get me started on our volunteers. The magic they bring is undeniable."
Watching the CRE team do their thing at Jefferson Elementary on a festive Friday in October, it's
hard to tell who's having a better time. Over the course of the morning, nearly 600 kids crowd the buzzing gymnasium for a series of high-energy read-alouds, but as the volunteers hand out stickers and free books at the end of each session, it's like they're competing with the kids to see who can smile bigger.
For junior Faith Moody, that's the appeal. The public health major from Kingstree, South Carolina, plans to become a nurse, but in the meantime, she is taking every opportunity to participate in CRE.
"I decided to try it out freshman year and just fell in love with it," she says. "I love the energy, how the kids just are so interactive with you, especially when they're getting the books and telling you thank you for even coming. Sometimes they give you hugs and everything, right?"
Right. And those good vibes don't go unnoticed. "I think the students are even more important than Cocky," says Jackson.
She's not discounting the program's marquee namesake. Listen to the enthusiasm in her voice when she announces Cocky's big entrance. The respect is real. She's simply acknowledging the hard work her volunteers put in -- and their impact.
Briana Vinson is another good example. The Lake Wylie, South Carolina, native caught the volunteer bug in Girl Scouts. She worked as a babysitter and started tutoring when she was 14. She got involved with CRE freshman year because she didn't have a car on campus but still wanted to connect.
"Some kids, especially at this age, don't like reading -- or they think they don't like reading -- because they don't think reading can be fun," says Vinson, now a junior. "My favorite part of CRE is really teaching kids that learning and reading can be interactive, and it can be enjoyable."
Unlike the volunteers who are pursuing careers in education or libraries, Vinson is a human resources major. But childhood literacy cuts across the curriculum, and the opportunity to show the kids what's possible is reason enough to get on board.
"Just showing up at their school and being a representation of what a college student looks like can make a difference because sometimes these kids haven't seen a college student that looks like them," she says. "So we're like, 'You can do this. You can go to college. You can go be a doctor. You can go be a lawyer. But reading is a fundamental part of that.'"
And reading can also be fun. Thus, Cocky showing off his dance moves and throwing spurs up. Thus, Jackson hyping the kids until she's almost hoarse. Thus, student volunteers bringing the energy.
"We don't just get up on stage and read a book to the kids and call it a day," says Vinson. "We make it interactive. We sing. We dance. I'll even make up my own songs, like 'Groovy Joe.' I came up with that and Margaret was just like, 'Cool! Let's do it!'"
And yes, the kids went wild. Ask them if they had a good time, and the answer is a resounding YES. But if you really want to understand the CRE effect, ask an elementary school teacher. Ask the librarian. Ask Jessica Smoak, MLIS '20.
Before she became the media specialist at Jefferson Elementary, Smoak spent 15 years as a classroom teacher. She originally approached Cocky's Reading Express about coming to her school in 2024 but was waitlisted because there were so many competing requests. This year, one of her colleagues, 5th grade teacher Jessica Hutchins, reached out and was able to book a visit. The wait, it seems, was worth it.
"It's been great," Smoak says as a line of chattering 4th graders snakes toward the book table. "The kids are having a ball. The teachers love it. I've heard all kinds of rave reviews as they're going out, kids saying how great it was, getting hugs and high fives from Cocky."
To underscore the educational value, she echoes the teary-eyed sentiment the school principal in the Pee Dee shared with Tommy Preston 20 years ago, following one of the very first CRE events.
"It's great just getting them excited about how a book can be fun," Smoak says. "And then the fact that they actually get to take a book with them -- so many of these children don't have books at home, so they're excited about that. They'll remember that forever."
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Original text here: https://www.sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2026/02/cockys-reading-express-preston-ballentine-carolinian.php
Syracuse University: Battery Research by Professor Quinn Qiao Awarded Raymond Funding
SYRACUSE, New York, Feb. 8 -- Syracuse University posted the following news:
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Battery Research by Professor Quinn Qiao Awarded Raymond Funding
Project will develop new estimation framework for lithium iron phosphate batteries used in forklifts through industry partnership program.
Alex Dunbar
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Quinn Qiao has been awarded funding from the Raymond Corporation for battery research that could advance material handling technology.
Qiao, who also serves as interim associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and
... Show Full Article
SYRACUSE, New York, Feb. 8 -- Syracuse University posted the following news:
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Battery Research by Professor Quinn Qiao Awarded Raymond Funding
Project will develop new estimation framework for lithium iron phosphate batteries used in forklifts through industry partnership program.
Alex Dunbar
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Quinn Qiao has been awarded funding from the Raymond Corporation for battery research that could advance material handling technology.
Qiao, who also serves as interim associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science andSyracuse University site director for the NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) Center for Solid-State Electric Power Storage (CEPS), will lead a project titled "Development of a Novel, Multi-faced State-of-Charge Estimation Framework Tailored for Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries in Forklift Applications."
The funding comes through Raymond's University Research Program, which encourages professors and student researchers to apply engineering and technical research to develop solutions for the material handling industry.
The Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a global provider of material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions.
Now in its 10th year, the University Research Program has funded 20 projects from leading universities across North America, totaling more than $6 million since 2016. Selected applicants are evaluated on criteria including potential industry impact, project timeline and budget feasibility.
"Raymond's University Research Program reflects our steadfast dedication to advancing the next generation of material handling innovators," says Brett Wood, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America. "Our collaboration with academic institutions provides a vital platform for addressing contemporary industry challenges while fostering breakthroughs in technology and innovation that will shape the future of warehousing and distribution."
The program will begin accepting one-page concept papers for 2027 this summer, with applications due by the end of October. More information is available on the program website (https://www.universityresearchprogram.com/).
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/02/06/battery-research-by-professor-quinn-qiao-awarded-raymond-funding/
SUNY Chancellor King Highlights SUNY Connection to Team USA Ahead of Winter Olympics
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 8 -- The State University of New York issued the following news release:
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SUNY Chancellor King Highlights SUNY Connection to Team USA Ahead of Winter Olympics
Alumni and Faculty Member Representing SUNY at the 2026 Winter Olympics
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State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today highlighted that two SUNY alumni are part of Team USA who will be participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sophia Kirkby is a North Country Community College alumna who will be competing as part of the women's doubles luge team. Chris Lillis is an alumnus of Monroe Community
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 8 -- The State University of New York issued the following news release:
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SUNY Chancellor King Highlights SUNY Connection to Team USA Ahead of Winter Olympics
Alumni and Faculty Member Representing SUNY at the 2026 Winter Olympics
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State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today highlighted that two SUNY alumni are part of Team USA who will be participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sophia Kirkby is a North Country Community College alumna who will be competing as part of the women's doubles luge team. Chris Lillis is an alumnus of Monroe CommunityCollege and will be competing in men's aerials.
"We are beyond proud of SUNY alumni Sophia Kirkby and Chris Lillis as they represent Team USA, and SUNY, in the 2026 Winter Olympic games," said SUNY Chancellor King. "I am excited to see our country come together during this year's Winter Olympics and cheer on our incredible athletes as they represent the United States on the world stage. Congratulations to every Team USA member, especially our Team SUNY representatives."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "The Olympics offer the entire world an opportunity to come together and celebrate fair competition in a multitude of different sports and athletic endeavors. Olympic athletes are rightly recognized as at the very pinnacle of their respective disciplines and have the singular honor of representing their nations on the world stage. We are proud of the SUNY connection at this year's Winter Games, and we congratulate our SUNY alumna and faculty member, as well as everyone on Team USA, for earning this honor."
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About SUNY Winter Olympic participants:
* Sophia Kirkby of Ray Brook will be competing in doubles luge. She graduated in December 2025, from North Country Community College, with an AS Business Management degree.
* Chris Lillis is an alumnus of Monroe Community College, as well as an Olympic medalist and a four-time world championship medalist. He will be competing in men's freestyle aerial skiing.
Along with the Team USA Olympians, Riccardo Bianchi, Ph.D., SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Associate Dean for the Foundations of Medicine in the College of Medicine and Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology, returned to his hometown of La Spezia, Italy, last month as one of 10,001 Olympic Torch Bearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. When Dr. Bianchi stepped onto the Olympic Torch Relay route in La Spezia, he returned not only as a runner but as a son of the city, a neuroscientist, a leader in medical education, and a lifelong ambassador for health, discipline, and community.
SUNY offers athletic opportunities for students at all levels of competition from intramural and club sports to nationally ranked National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), or United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) sports teams. Statewide, SUNY has over 85 NCAA Division I, 290 NCAA Division III, and 385 NJCAA athletic teams, as well as hundreds of non-competitive athletic clubs.
To learn more about SUNY athletics and find a SUNY sporting event near you, please visit: https://www.suny.edu/attend/athletics/
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About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country's oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/2-26/2-6-26-2/olympics.html
PHSC Boosts Local Economy by $563.2 Million Annually
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, Feb. 8 -- Pasco-Hernando State College issued the following news release on Feb. 6, 2026:
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PHSC Boosts Local Economy by $563.2 Million Annually
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) generates a powerful economic impact of $563.2 million annually for the region, according to a new report by Lightcast, underscoring the college's role as a major driver of workforce development, job creation and economic growth across Pasco and Hernando counties. While this new statewide assessment spotlights all 28 member colleges, supplemental reports for the individual institutions
... Show Full Article
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, Feb. 8 -- Pasco-Hernando State College issued the following news release on Feb. 6, 2026:
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PHSC Boosts Local Economy by $563.2 Million Annually
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) generates a powerful economic impact of $563.2 million annually for the region, according to a new report by Lightcast, underscoring the college's role as a major driver of workforce development, job creation and economic growth across Pasco and Hernando counties. While this new statewide assessment spotlights all 28 member colleges, supplemental reports for the individual institutionsprovide strong context for understanding how much PHSC contributes to our local communities.
In November 2025, the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) and the Helios Education Foundation released the Lightcast report, An Engine of Opportunity, showing that the Florida College System (FCS) generates nearly $56.7 billion in annual economic impact, and that college activities support one out of every 24 jobs statewide. The AFC-Helios report further illustrates how deeply the state colleges are intertwined with the everyday functioning of Florida's economy. The study also shows that students receive an average 21.2% rate of return from their educational studies. For students, the investment in education pays off with a very strong return, not only through increased earnings but by opening doors to meaningful, stable careers.
In its individual report, PHSC's own economic contributions reflect this broader statewide value. This impact includes PHSC's operational spending, employee earnings, student expenditures and the long-term economic gains associated with PHSC alumni who remain in the area and contribute to a skilled, productive workforce. In addition to the financial economic impact in the region, PHSC also supports 6,505 jobs locally. From the student perspective, they will receive a cumulative present value of $285.5 million in increased earnings over their working lives, which represents $7.10 in higher future wage earnings for every dollar they invest in their education. Taxpayers also benefit from PHSC with an average internal rate of return of 2.6%
"PHSC is proud to be a driving force in our region's economic vitality, and this new data underscores the transformative impact our college delivers every day," said Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC president. "Our students, alumni, faculty and staff strengthen the local workforce, elevate families and contribute to a more prosperous future for Pasco and Hernando counties. As we expand programs that meet industry needs and create new pathways to opportunity, PHSC remains steadfast in its mission to fuel economic mobility, support community growth and ensure that our region continues to thrive."
With over 90 career program options, ranging from bachelor's to certificates, and from apprenticeship programs to career development courses, PHSC offers a wide range of opportunities for students to explore the path that best suits their interests. Throughout Pasco and Hernando counties, PHSC has seven locations in Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.
Data sources for this study include, but are not limited to, 2023-24 academic and financial reports from the college, industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and earnings and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau. To learn more about the Engine of Opportunity Report, please visit: myafc.org/impact/. To learn more about PHSC, please visit: phsc.edu/.
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Original text here: phsc.edu/about/news/press-release/phsc-boosts-local-economy-5632-million-annually
Hannah Melton: ATU Student Leader of the Month
RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Feb. 8 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news:
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Hannah Melton: ATU Student Leader of the Month
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Hannah Melton's leadership experiences at Arkansas Tech University have taught her that what some view as failure is actually an opportunity to learn and grow.
"Anytime I was in a role of leadership, my biggest thing was leading by example and leading with empathy," said Melton. "People make mistakes. Things don't always go as planned. It's not about pointing out that this was awful...it's about figuring out what went wrong and what we are going to do
... Show Full Article
RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Feb. 8 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news:
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Hannah Melton: ATU Student Leader of the Month
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Hannah Melton's leadership experiences at Arkansas Tech University have taught her that what some view as failure is actually an opportunity to learn and grow.
"Anytime I was in a role of leadership, my biggest thing was leading by example and leading with empathy," said Melton. "People make mistakes. Things don't always go as planned. It's not about pointing out that this was awful...it's about figuring out what went wrong and what we are going to dobetter next time."
A senior from Clarksville, Melton was selected by the ATU Center for Student Engagement and First-Gen Success as the January 2026 ATU student leader of the month.
"There's something about the organizations I was in at Arkansas Tech...I feel like I've grown so much as a leader," said Melton. "I don't realize how much I have learned and grown until I start thinking about it and talking about it. I wouldn't be able to do the things I am doing now if I hadn't taken those opportunities. Every time I meet a new leader, I learn their skills. There's always something they do that I really like and want to apply to my leadership."
Melton has served as president, vice president of new member education and in multiple additional leadership roles for Delta Zeta sorority.
She is a member of the ATU Honors program and has been active in ATU Student Activities Board, ATU Student Government Association and the new student orientation program.
Melton has also served as a student worker in the ATU Division of Student Affairs, in the Hull Building Student Union and for Jerry the Bulldog, campus ambassador, as one of his student handlers.
A member of the 2025 ATU Homecoming court, Melton was selected 2024 ATU Greek woman of the year and was named Who's Who at Arkansas Tech in 2025.
A rehabilitation science major at ATU, Melton plans on pursuing a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree once she completes her bachelor's degree at Arkansas Tech.
"For me, it's been meeting a whole bunch of people," said Melton when asked about her favorite aspect of ATU. "The first thing I got involved in was Delta Zeta. That opened a huge pathway for me. I met Ellie Stokes, who helped me get a job at the student union, which also helped me get to work with Jerry. As I started to get more involved, I made more connections with people. I love meeting people. There are so many different types of people, and learning from them is really great."
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Original text here: https://www.arkansastechnews.com/hannah-melton-atu-student-leader-of-the-month/
Columbia Theological Seminary: Presbyterian Lectures 2026
DECATUR, Georgia, Feb. 8 -- The Columbia Theological Seminary issued the following news:
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Presbyterian Lectures 2026
Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson featured as keynote speaker for this year's Presbyterian Lectures
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Columbia Theological Seminary is pleased to welcome the seminary community and the wider public to the Presbyterian Lectures 2026, featuring Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson, Assistant Teaching Professor in the Practice of Preaching and Practical Theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.
This year's lectures, titled:
Digital Insurgent Homiletics: Afro-Womanist-Futurist
... Show Full Article
DECATUR, Georgia, Feb. 8 -- The Columbia Theological Seminary issued the following news:
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Presbyterian Lectures 2026
Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson featured as keynote speaker for this year's Presbyterian Lectures
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Columbia Theological Seminary is pleased to welcome the seminary community and the wider public to the Presbyterian Lectures 2026, featuring Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson, Assistant Teaching Professor in the Practice of Preaching and Practical Theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.
This year's lectures, titled:
Digital Insurgent Homiletics: Afro-Womanist-FuturistStrategies for Preaching Liberation, will explore how preaching can serve as a powerful practice of liberation and resistance in a digital age. It also invites us into faithful imagination during a time of cultural and technological change.
Rev. Dr. Sampson asks listeners to consider how proclamation emerges not only from pulpits, but also through online spaces and public movements. These are places where communities continue to long for justice and hope.
Drawing from Afro-Womanist thought, Rev. Dr. Sampson centers the spiritual insight and prophetic leadership of Black women. She highlights their essential role in shaping the future of preaching and the church's witness.
Her work challenges traditional homiletical frameworks. It engages futurist imagination, digital disruption, and the liberative possibilities of preaching that speaks beyond institutional boundaries.
These lectures will offer timely reflection on how the gospel is proclaimed amid political unrest and cultural change. Rev. Dr. Sampson brings innovative approaches to proclamation that call the church toward courage, creativity, and renewed responsibility in the work of liberation.
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Lecture Schedule
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Reception to follow
Thursday, February 26, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
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Location
Harrington Center Chapel
Columbia Theological Seminary
701 S. Columbia Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
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We invite you to join us for these important lectures and to welcome Rev. Dr. Sampson to Columbia as she helps us reflect on the evolving practices of preaching, liberation, and faith in public life.
All are welcome.
For more information about other Alumni Reunion events, please click here.
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Original text here: https://www.ctsnet.edu/presbyterian-lectures-2026/
Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Barbara Jordan: Meet BJNF Co-Chair Lisa Napper
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs issued the following news:
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Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Barbara Jordan: Meet BJNF Co-Chair Lisa Napper
Lisa Napper (MPAff '27), first-year Master of Public Affairs student at the LBJ School focusing on child and economic policy, is co-chairing the 30th Barbara Jordan National Forum (BJNF), one of the school's signature events celebrating leadership, civic engagement, and Barbara Jordan's enduring legacy. The forum brings together students, alumni, and policy leaders for a week of panels, workshops,
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs issued the following news:
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Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Barbara Jordan: Meet BJNF Co-Chair Lisa Napper
Lisa Napper (MPAff '27), first-year Master of Public Affairs student at the LBJ School focusing on child and economic policy, is co-chairing the 30th Barbara Jordan National Forum (BJNF), one of the school's signature events celebrating leadership, civic engagement, and Barbara Jordan's enduring legacy. The forum brings together students, alumni, and policy leaders for a week of panels, workshops,and discussions designed to inspire public service and foster meaningful dialogue around critical policy issues.
Napper's passion for policy was shaped largely by her upbringing.
"I'm fortunate to have grown up surrounded by public servants. My mom is a trailblazer in city government work, so I was raised among passionate teachers, firefighters, judges, local government officials, and administrators, all driven by a love for people and community."
She chose the LBJ School because she found a community of like-minded peers. After attending an open house, Napper knew she had "found my people," admiring her classmates' depth, commitment, and the joy they bring to the challenges of the field.
Barbara Jordan's legacy inspired Napper to step into a leadership role as a BJNF co-chair.
"I'm inspired by her bold, clear vision, and passion for people. There is so much to take from her legacy, and I wanted to help share that as a BJNF chair."
As co-chair, Napper is eager to create a forum where attendees can connect, learn, and leave with actionable tools to make meaningful change. This year's BJNF will include panels on practical policy tools, volunteer opportunities, an art show, and sessions that allow students and community members to engage directly with Barbara Jordan's curriculum.
Napper encourages LBJ students to get involved: "Come out to the events and bring a friend." Through her leadership, the 30th BJNF aims to honor Jordan's legacy while cultivating the next generation of public leaders.
Learn more about this year's BJNF and see the full schedule of events here (https://lbj.utexas.edu/30th-annual-barbara-jordan-national-forum-no-idle-spectators-my-faith-constitution-whole).
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Original text here: https://lbj.utexas.edu/celebrating-life-legacy-barbara-jordan-meet-bjnf-co-chair-lisa-napper
