Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of North Carolina-Charlotte: Resilience and Wellbeing-Focused Leadership Take Center Stage at Inaugural LEAD Symposium
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Nov. 20 -- The University of North Carolina Charlotte campus issued the following news release:
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Resilience and Wellbeing-Focused Leadership Take Center Stage at Inaugural LEAD Symposium
UNC Charlotte's campus came alive on Thursday, Nov. 13, as more than 250 faculty and staff gathered in the Barnhart Student Activity Center for the inaugural LEAD Symposium: Resilience and Wellbeing-Focused Leadership. Powered by the Office of Human Resources, the event brought together award-winning presenters and faculty researchers who are redefining what it means to lead in
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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Nov. 20 -- The University of North Carolina Charlotte campus issued the following news release:
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Resilience and Wellbeing-Focused Leadership Take Center Stage at Inaugural LEAD Symposium
UNC Charlotte's campus came alive on Thursday, Nov. 13, as more than 250 faculty and staff gathered in the Barnhart Student Activity Center for the inaugural LEAD Symposium: Resilience and Wellbeing-Focused Leadership. Powered by the Office of Human Resources, the event brought together award-winning presenters and faculty researchers who are redefining what it means to lead intoday's rapidly changing world.
The symposium reflects the University's strategic commitment to cultivating leaders who are resilient, empathetic, and high-performing.
"Resilience and wellbeing-focused leadership is needed now more than ever," said Deidra Harris-Lumpkins, associate vice chancellor for human resources. "In a world that's constantly evolving, where it feels like change is the only constant, the ability to lead with empathy, clarity and strength are attributes that set great leaders apart."
Throughout the day, participants explored insights, strategies and real-world stories designed to challenge, inspire and equip them with tools to lead effectively in dynamic environments.
A day of inspiration and practical tools
Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber gave kickoff remarks that underscored the importance of resilience as a defining quality for leaders at Charlotte.
"Wellbeing is not the opposite of ambition," said Gaber. "It is what sustains ambition."
From there, participants engaged with nationally recognized keynote speaker Andy Masters, who delivered sessions on Leadership Lessons from Hollywood and Embracing Your Work-Life "Mix" with Higher Quality and Less Stress. His blend of humor, storytelling and research-backed strategies resonated across the audience.
Breakout sessions offered faculty and staff the chance to dive deeper into specialized topics:
* Harnessing Emotion in Leadership -- Janaki Gooty
* AI and Leadership Effectiveness -- George Banks and Wenwen Dou
* Social Skills and Leadership -- Eric Heggestad
* Conflict Resolution for Leaders -- Scott Deyo
Voices from the audience
The impact of the symposium was felt immediately. Participants shared reflections that highlighted both the emotional resonance and practical value of the sessions.
* "I appreciated the vulnerability and great connection with good leadership."
* "This presentation reached the entire audience and left everyone with actionable advice and things to think about and apply in the workplace."
* "I liked the incorporation of research along with practical examples and key takeaways."
What leaders took away
* Empowerment. Participants left with cutting-edge tools to help teams navigate change, bounce back from setbacks and rise stronger than ever.
* Connection. The symposium fostered meaningful relationships across campus, building a support network that extends beyond the event.
* Inspiration. Whether seasoned leaders or emerging ones, attendees were encouraged to embrace people-first leadership and unlock their potential.
Beyond the symposium: year-round growth
The LEAD Symposium is part of a larger ecosystem of professional development and leadership development opportunities offered by the Office of Human Resources.
* Unleash Your Niner Potential Series: Interactive workshops on topics such as time management, productivity strategies, AI tools, and effective meeting facilitation.
* Leading What's Next Certificate: A cohort-based program for supervisors and managers, focused on enhancing leadership soft skills. Participants complete five of seven courses to earn certification.
* LEADer Refreshers: Short, online courses offering just-in-time training on topics such as onboarding, time and leave essentials, and performance management cycles. If it has been a while since you took LEAD, these are a great way to stay up to date.
Looking ahead
The inaugural LEAD Symposium set the stage for a culture of resilience and wellbeing-focused leadership at UNC Charlotte. By empowering faculty and staff with practical tools, meaningful connections and renewed inspiration, the University is investing in leaders who will shape a stronger, more compassionate future.
View photos from the inaugural LEAD Symposium (https://www.photos.charlotte.edu/EVENTS-2025-26/LEAD-Symposium-25), sponsored TIAA and Cornerstone.
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Original text here: https://inside.charlotte.edu/2025/11/19/resilience-and-wellbeing-focused-leadership-take-center-stage-at-inaugural-lead-symposium/
U Launches ChatGPT Edu, University-centered Generative AI Tool for Campus Use
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 20 -- The University of Utah issued the following news release:
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U launches ChatGPT Edu, a university-centered generative AI tool for campus use
Tool is designed for students, staff and faculty to get the most out of ChatGPT in a responsible and secure way
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The University of Utah has launched OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu, a version of the revolutionary generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool specifically designed for higher education and securely deployed for university use. Students, faculty and staff can request access to the tool via University IT's Service
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 20 -- The University of Utah issued the following news release:
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U launches ChatGPT Edu, a university-centered generative AI tool for campus use
Tool is designed for students, staff and faculty to get the most out of ChatGPT in a responsible and secure way
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The University of Utah has launched OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu, a version of the revolutionary generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool specifically designed for higher education and securely deployed for university use. Students, faculty and staff can request access to the tool via University IT's ServiceCatalog and they'll receive an email with login instructions.
"We've been steadily building a foundation for responsible AI across campus, and ChatGPT Edu represents a major leap forward," Chief AI Officer Manish Parashar said. "The U is at the forefront of reimagining how we teach, learn and research in the age of generative AI, and ChatGPT Edu will help us maintain an edge. We're excited for our community to use this tool in a way that's secure, optimized for academic work and aligned with our values."
As the university vets and deploys AI-powered tools for university work, protecting data is a top priority. With ChatGPT Edu, no university data is used to train the tool, and university-wide security measures make it safer to use than personal accounts.
Guidelines
* For all university-related tasks, use your ChatGPT Edu instance rather than a personal ChatGPT account. This ensures you have access to the university's enhanced features, higher data privacy standards and academic-focused optimizations--helping you get the most out of ChatGPT while keeping your work secure and aligned with university guidelines.
* ChatGPT Edu can be used for any work that doesn't contain sensitive or restricted data, as defined by university rules. Hospital and clinic personnel don't yet have permission to use the tool--access for these environments is being evaluated separately to meet health-care data protection requirements.
* Review university AI guidelines and policies for more information on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
What's Included in ChatGPT Edu
* The latest OpenAI models, advanced data analysis, search and multimodal capabilities: Use state-of-the-art AI to gather insights, access real-time information and collaborate through text, voice and images.
* Canvas & custom GPTs: Collaborate with ChatGPT for writing, coding and brainstorming. You can also create tailored AI experiences for specific needs.
* AI image generation: Create visuals from simple descriptions for presentations, projects and more--no design skills required.
* Coming soon: The university will work with OpenAI to create a process for users to buy credits to access ChatGPT's advanced features. Final details will be shared via the AI Office's email list.
Training Resources
* The university is partnering with OpenAI to offer a campus-wide ChatGPT Essentials virtual training at noon on Friday, Jan. 23. Sign up for the Zoom webinar. The recording will also be shared on ai.utah.edu.
* OpenAI will train more than 100 faculty, staff and students by Dec. 8 to lead additional sessions. Interested in becoming a trainer? Ask your supervisor to email a recommendation to Callie Reed. Additional sessions begin in January--watch for announcements from your department and official university channels.
* View sample prompts for students and faculty.
* Attend ChatGPT's webinar series to learn best practices and get the most out of the tool.
- ChatGPT 101: A Guide to Your AI Super Assistant (Live Session (https://openai.registration.goldcast.io/repeating-event/e39b027c-eace-438b-af8a-4ee6e5b13a54) | Recording (https://openai.zoom.us/rec/play/-220xONj0OEv5GlqKKyZfBnEtcQgOO1Bm9ihnkhvrGOYlpl6tYCY84JIO89G7h8CffGL_UFnuo7L6syS.2NE3eR615hwi_bwa?canPlayFromShare=true&from=share_recording_detail&startTime=1723658409000&componentName=rec-play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fopenai.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2FDfpv9pIFe1t_69xwr3Rpg-pgFgw3sxNV_LmHGStWYeaNwYvd9KMX2IlEu0mtdl2f.uzZgPLUGIT2Zl1Um%3FstartTime%3D1723658409000))
- ChatGPT 102: Leveraging AI to do Your Best Work (Live Session (https://openai.registration.goldcast.io/repeating-event/dbd10755-c52e-46e0-b533-c5e7f4e81329) | Recording (https://openai.zoom.us/rec/play/wYVEhK9-CmznDOs7fz1Wox2mu0fJ-S4cTv1YLf1mAvvU1cpwjIHMIXmqVEnm_MPAp1fEU871yMkg8Nbx.qdLGsPVGBhsdcS4x?canPlayFromShare=true&from=share_recording_detail&startTime=1718215204000&componentName=rec-play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fopenai.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2FUciVOpj5XGSt6q4j_xXU_6hjDmQJwmdUiUaLj08WY11OBLGgrnLgiVujVKQHkC-S.n0HANzVRQN-h8aIq%3FstartTime%3D1718215204000))
Since President Taylor Randall's launch of the One-U Responsible AI Initiative in late 2023 and the establishment of the AI Office earlier this year, the university has rapidly advanced its mission to leverage AI for societal impact. Departments across campus are integrating AI into research, operations, and teaching, with new academic programs announced this fall and more on the way. The Martha Bradley Evans Center for Teaching Excellence has also been instrumental in helping faculty harness AI to enhance learning outcomes. ChatGPT Edu's launch provides the campus community with a powerful, secure tool that builds on these efforts and accelerates the university's leadership in responsible, impactful AI adoption.
Community members can sign up for email updates from the AI Office for the latest on when new tools are approved, new guidelines are issued and more.
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Original text here: https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/u-launches-chatgpt-edu-a-university-centered-generative-ai-tool-for-campus-use/
Junior Ikey Sasson, Cyber Hawks Earn National Recognition in First Cybersecurity Competition
WEST LONG BRANCH, New Jersey, Nov. 20 -- Monmouth University issued the following news:
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Junior Ikey Sasson, Cyber Hawks Earn National Recognition in First Cybersecurity Competition
The Monmouth University Cyber Hawks recently competed in the latest National Cyber League (NCL) Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competition, with junior computer science student Ikey Sasson earning the top spot among over 7,800 individual participants. Sasson's CTF performance scored a perfect 3,000 points with 99.34% accuracy. This was Monmouth's inaugural appearance in the competition.
"We are proud of Ikey for his
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WEST LONG BRANCH, New Jersey, Nov. 20 -- Monmouth University issued the following news:
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Junior Ikey Sasson, Cyber Hawks Earn National Recognition in First Cybersecurity Competition
The Monmouth University Cyber Hawks recently competed in the latest National Cyber League (NCL) Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competition, with junior computer science student Ikey Sasson earning the top spot among over 7,800 individual participants. Sasson's CTF performance scored a perfect 3,000 points with 99.34% accuracy. This was Monmouth's inaugural appearance in the competition.
"We are proud of Ikey for hisoutstanding performance and consequent success among cybersecurity scholars nationwide," said Joe Coyle, Ph.D., professor and dean of the School of Science. "This achievement reflects not only his technical skill and dedication, but also the strength of Monmouth's hands-on, forward-thinking approach to preparing students for real-world challenges. We strive to prepare students for success, and national accomplishments like this demonstrate how our students are preparing to shape the future of cybersecurity and quantum computing."
A CTF competition is a cybersecurity tournament that tests the real-world capabilities of practitioners and students, according to Brian Callahan, Ph.D., specialist professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering and advisor of the Cyber Hawks. Participants compete in various challenges--including Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), digital forensics, password cracking, and exploiting software--to collect hidden "flags" across the digital landscape.
"CTF tournaments like the NCL provide examples of the kinds of real-world challenges and tasks that cybersecurity practitioners engage with every day. These hands-on activities bolster the book learning, industry certifications, and other theoretical work we do in the classroom," said Callahan. "That way, cybersecurity students at Monmouth bring the best of both worlds: strong knowledge of the field and proof they don't just know--they can do as well--and contribute to their organization on day one of the job."
The NCL awards its top 500 individual performers with challenge coins as recognition of their achievement. Ten additional Monmouth students won "coins"--prizes awarded for top performances--for the Cyber Hawks, including Aaila Arif, Mike Montulet, Jenna Esposito, Robert O'Grady, Justin Veltri, Jodan Elysee, Maheen Hanif Ghaffar, Dhrumil Patel, Raul Cortinas, and Michael Sherrer.
Monmouth's Cyber Hawks are sponsored by the newly established Monmouth Cybersecurity Research Center, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing research, education, and innovation in quantum computing and cybersecurity.
The National Cyber League is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing high school and college students, as well as their coaches, an online, safe platform of real-world cybersecurity challenges. Its mission is to build pathways for students that lead to successful career placements in the cybersecurity field.
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Original text here: https://www.monmouth.edu/news/junior-ikey-sasson-cyber-hawks-earn-national-recognition-in-first-cybersecurity-competition/
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Student Spotlight - Linh Tran
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 20 -- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health issued the following Q&A on Nov. 19, 2025, by Yvette Shu with Linh Tran, a third-year PhD candidate in the Health Policy and Management Department:
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Student Spotlight: Linh Tran
Note: Responses were edited for clarity and conciseness.
What is your current research focus and some of the ideas you're interested in?
I'm interested in insurance coverage and provider acceptance of insurance for mental health services, as they are much lower than other forms of healthcare in the United States. I plan
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 20 -- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health issued the following Q&A on Nov. 19, 2025, by Yvette Shu with Linh Tran, a third-year PhD candidate in the Health Policy and Management Department:
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Student Spotlight: Linh Tran
Note: Responses were edited for clarity and conciseness.
What is your current research focus and some of the ideas you're interested in?
I'm interested in insurance coverage and provider acceptance of insurance for mental health services, as they are much lower than other forms of healthcare in the United States. I planto investigate the incentives for the provider and insurance network and how they impact consumers' access to mental healthcare.
What motivated you to investigate insurance coverage and mental health crises?
I have always found mental health to be an interesting topic to study, especially since I've had some personal struggles with mental health. I also find this topic fascinating from an economics perspective. There is a strong body of literature around how providers organize themselves in health economics. When it comes to behavioral health, however, things are somewhat different. There is a shortage of behavioral health providers, which shifts the balance of power and therefore changes how the market works for consumers.
What's one major insight you've discovered so far in your research?
One thing that struck me was the diversity in mental health providers. There are counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and so on, and each of them have their own certification process and unique conditions that they treat. It remains to be seen whether and how consumers differentiate among them.
What led you to do research at JHBSPH? How have your experiences at Stanford Law School and in the private sector informed your decision to pursue a PhD?
I always wanted to get a higher degree after my undergrad. I did a one-year pre-doc at Stanford Law School and got my formal introduction to the health system in the US. I was always curious about what it was like working in the health sector, so after my time at Stanford I spent some time in the private sector as an economic consultant. I then realized my research interests in mental health and insurance coverage. I find that going to BSPH rather than pursuing a pure economics PhD was a good choice because of the many different angles from which we approach research into health and health care. It has been very intellectually stimulating.
How have your experiences in the private sector shaped your perspective on public health in the US?
It was interesting to see how companies approach their decision-making process. Companies are driven by profit incentives, so I began wondering about how we can use policies to align firm incentives with public health interests. It was a question I couldn't answer as an economic consultant but something I think about often now.
How do you hope that your research will impact mental health and insurance?
I hope to identify frictions for why some providers don't accept insurance. There are some obvious reasons, but I'm curious about whether there are any others that haven't been explored yet. There are also policies that have been put in place to prevent this, and I hope to contribute to the literature examining their impacts. Trying to pinpoint the policy knobs that can be turned is a definite goal of mine.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I'm keeping it open. There are three main paths: academia, think tank, or private sector. Right now, I'm leaning towards academia, but no commitments yet!
What's one stand-out experience you've had so far at JHBSPH?
My favorite program at BSPH is a monthly health economics seminar where researchers come in and discuss their work so far. It was very inspiring to see all their works in various stages of progress, and it was very educational to be able to speak with them in a more casual setting and learn about what their research focus is. I remember coming out of every session with so many questions and ideas, and I would say it helped me to figure out what I wanted out of my own career.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to make ice cream! My favorite ice cream is a goat cheese habanero marionberry flavor from Salt and Straw, an ice cream place from the Bay Area. It's incredibly divisive, but it's what inspired me to begin making ice cream.
What's your favorite place in Baltimore?
I love going to Bird in Hand in Charles Village. It is incredibly cute. They have art and keychains made by local artists, and the atmosphere is amazing. I definitely have been guilty of hogging a table for a little bit too long in there.
Finally, do you have any book recommendations?
One of my favorite books is Know My Name by Chanel Miller. She was the victim of a sexual assault case at Stanford. She wrote an incredibly impactful victim statement and eventually a book about her experience. Besides being a crucial perspective on the subject matter, the book has amazing prose and really captures how she feels being re-traumatized by the criminal justice system and processing her mental health. She is extremely transparent, and it's such a moving book.
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Original text here: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-mental-health-and-addiction-policy/2025/student-spotlight-linh-tran
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: For Better Health, Drink Less Alcohol
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 20 -- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health issued the following news release:
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For Better Health, Drink Less Alcohol
Even at low levels, alcohol consumption carries health risks.
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Alcohol use in the U.S. has been in decline for years - only 54% of U.S. adults today say they consume alcohol - the lowest number in nearly 90 years and a 13% drop since just 2022. Fifty-three percent say moderate drinking, or "one or two drinks a day," is bad for a person's health; that number is even higher--66%--among young adults ages 18 to 34.
"We're
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 20 -- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health issued the following news release:
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For Better Health, Drink Less Alcohol
Even at low levels, alcohol consumption carries health risks.
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Alcohol use in the U.S. has been in decline for years - only 54% of U.S. adults today say they consume alcohol - the lowest number in nearly 90 years and a 13% drop since just 2022. Fifty-three percent say moderate drinking, or "one or two drinks a day," is bad for a person's health; that number is even higher--66%--among young adults ages 18 to 34.
"We'reseeing a major cultural shift in the U.S.," says Johannes Thrul, PhD, MS, an associate professor in Mental Health. "Young people are drinking much less, and less frequently, than previous generations, and social pressures to drink are weakening."
The rate of drinking among young adults has dropped from almost 60% to 50%
since 2023, according to Gallup, and the Monitoring the Future survey, an annual national poll tracking substance use, has shown a marked decline in young people's drinking over the last decade.
"Overall, this [younger] generation seems to be more selective about how, when, and why they drink, and alcohol seems to play a smaller role than it did in previous generations," Thrul says.
It's an encouraging trend. But while young people are drinking less, "public awareness still lags behind the evolving science on the health effects of alcohol," Thrul says. And excessive alcohol use is still responsible for the deaths of 178,000 Americans a year. Raising that awareness and helping people make more informed choices about alcohol consumption are essential to further reducing alcohol's toll on America's health.
Even Low Levels of Drinking Are Harmful
The idea that alcohol has medicinal qualities dates back to ancient times. For decades research has pointed to potential health benefits, such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in moderate drinkers, and the now debunked "French paradox" - the concept that French people have lower rates of coronary heart disease, despite a diet high in saturated fats, due to high red wine consumption.
But many of these early observational studies had methodological flaws
and failed to consider that people who consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol may have other habits, like a healthy diet and regular exercise, that could account for their overall health. Older studies also often compared moderate drinkers to a group of "abstainers" that included "sick quitters" - people who had stopped drinking due to poor health--making the moderate drinkers appear healthier by comparison.
Recent large-scale studies tell a different story, indicating that alcohol consumption in any amount raises health risks. As Elizabeth Platz, ScD, MPH, a professor in Epidemiology, puts it: "The safest amount of alcohol is none."
"Even just one drink a day adds health risk," says Thrul. "Alcohol might feel relaxing in the moment, but physiologically, it disrupts restorative sleep, increases anxiety the next day, and can contribute to long-term mental health problems."
Consuming alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of self-harm, suicide, and addiction. Twenty-eight million, or 1 in 10, Americans ages 12 or older had alcohol use disorder in the last year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Drinking also carries health risks like high blood pressure, weakened immune system, brain damage, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and at least seven types of cancer. Alcohol consumption is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco and obesity, causing about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths from cancer each year.
"The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed," says Platz. "For some cancers, like breast cancer, the risk is increased at even one drink per day."
Decreasing Drinking Brings Health Dividends
Just as health risks rise with increased alcohol consumption, cutting back on drinking even just a few days a week yields health benefits.
"In Dry January studies, participants often see lower blood pressure, better energy, stronger concentration, and reduced anxiety within a few weeks," says Thrul. "Abstinence or reduced drinking not only prevents future disease but also improves how you feel tomorrow morning and next month."
Many participants in Dry January have also been shown to reduce their alcohol consumption and the number of drinking days after the challenge ends. Quitting drinking can also improve the appearance of skin, help weight loss, and save you money. And, not drinking or reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can reduce the risk of cancer, says Platz.
There are a few evidence-based steps that can help reduce consumption, Thrul adds. "Keep an account of your drinks. Eat before drinking, take alcohol-free days, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages."
The latter is made easier thanks to the booming market for non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits, which Thrul says reflects a broader societal change. Driven by "the sober curious" movement and an increased consumer demand for healthier alternatives, the non-alcoholic drink industry is outperforming the alcoholic beverage market in growth, with global sales doubling in the last five years, according to The Economist.
"More people want the social experience without the physiological downsides of alcohol," Thrul explains. "Not drinking is becoming just as normal as drinking."
While mocktails are a good alternative to alcohol, Platz says they should still be consumed in moderation. "Mocktails can be highly caloric. If you have interest in switching to a non-alcoholic beverage ... make sure you look at the nutrition label."
Getting the Word Out About Alcohol's Risks
"Experts have known for decades that alcohol is a risk factor for certain cancers," says Platz. "While public health experts are aware of this risk, much of the public is not."
An October 2025 report found that only 37% of adults in the U.S. know that alcohol increases the risk of cancer; more than half, 53%, said they didn't know about the risk.
"We need clear communication to make sure consumers know the risks and can make informed decisions," says Thrul. "We can also emphasize the immediate, tangible benefits of cutting back."
Labeling could be a start. Earlier this year, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a health advisory highlighting the connection between alcohol and cancer and recommended that the warning label on alcohol containers be updated to reflect the link.
Policy shifts could also help, such as "making alcohol less affordable through taxes or minimum prices, making it less available by limiting the hours it's sold and outlet density, and making it less appealing by restricting marketing and promotion," Thrul explains.
Lawmakers could learn from policies that helped curb the use of cigarettes. "We have been treating the alcohol industry differently from the tobacco industry," says Thrul, when we should "double down on those evidence-based alcohol policy strategies, and that includes limiting and restricting alcohol advertisements."
"In the U.S, the prevalence of smoking used to be very high, but through public health strategies, we've reduced smoking rates," adds Platz. That same approach, she says, should be taken with drinking.
Incorporating alcohol awareness into medical training could give consumers a more personal source of information. "Alcohol carries serious health risks, yet many people never hear this message from their doctors," Thrul notes. "Primary care providers have a lot to cover in a relatively short amount of time ... [but] getting alcohol awareness into primary provider care training or continuing medical education would [help] to get the message out there."
Changes to the alcohol intake guidance in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans would also be valuable. "If the U.S. guidelines adopt a similar limit [to the one in Canada's 2023 guidance], the implications would be quite substantial for how we counsel patients, for how we design interventions to reduce drinking, how the public sees alcohol, and how we design policies as well."
It would mean changing the norms of what moderate drinking is, Thrul says. "The bottom line is, if the guidance shifts downward, the burden isn't just on individuals to drink less, it's on the entire system--including public health, medicine, and the alcohol industry--to support that change."
Morgan Coulson is an editorial associate in the Office of External Affairs at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
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Original text here: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-health-risks-of-drinking-alcohol
Cabrera Eyes Fashion Marketing Career in Mexico
CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas, Nov. 20 -- The University of the Ozarks issued the following news:
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Cabrera Eyes Fashion Marketing Career in Mexico
By Larry Isch
University of the Ozarks junior Maria Fernanda Cabrera Gonzalez is turning her passion for marketing and fashion into global experience--while keeping her professional ambitions focused on her home country of Mexico. The marketing and finance major from Tabasco, Mexico, recently completed a prestigious 24-week certification in Fashion and Luxury Marketing and Communication through ELLE Education in collaboration with Camilo Jose Cela University
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CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas, Nov. 20 -- The University of the Ozarks issued the following news:
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Cabrera Eyes Fashion Marketing Career in Mexico
By Larry Isch
University of the Ozarks junior Maria Fernanda Cabrera Gonzalez is turning her passion for marketing and fashion into global experience--while keeping her professional ambitions focused on her home country of Mexico. The marketing and finance major from Tabasco, Mexico, recently completed a prestigious 24-week certification in Fashion and Luxury Marketing and Communication through ELLE Education in collaboration with Camilo Jose Cela University(UCJC) in Spain.
The certificate program was delivered fully online, allowing Cabrera to enhance her knowledge in the fashion and luxury industries while also continuing her studies on campus. The program also included an optional one-week in-person Executive Week in Madrid. During her week in Madrid last July, Cabrera was able to connect with leading professionals and executives from global brands such as Loewe, Pandora, and Mango.
"These encounters provided me with valuable insights into how top brands manage their image, communication, and marketing strategies in the competitive luxury sector," she said. "The program's practical projects and evaluations also helped me develop essential skills in campaign creation, brand storytelling, and market analysis."
During the Executive Week, Cabrera attended sessions on runway production, digital marketing, neuromarketing, influencer marketing, and sustainable fashion, while also participating in workshops and networking events with prominent industry leaders.
"This unique opportunity allowed me to meet students from all over the world, exchange perspectives, and gain first-hand experience in the European fashion market," she said.
Her journey was made possible through a Santander Scholarship, funded by Banco Santander, which supports students pursuing international academic opportunities. Through the Santander Open Academy Mexico platform--a scholarship call that was open exclusively to Mexican citizens--Cabrera received more than $3,000 to help cover the Executive Week in Madrid and part of her program tuition.
Looking ahead, Cabrera plans to apply her experience in the Mexican luxury market. Major international brands such as Pandora, Mango, and L'Oreal have significant operations and corporate offices in Mexico City, where she hopes to begin her career after returning home following graduation.
"My goal is to enter the luxury or beauty industry in Mexico City and use the connections I made through this experience to engage with brand teams and industry leaders in Mexico," she said. "This program helped me strengthen my marketing and communication skills while teaching me how to create strong brand identities and manage large-scale campaigns--skills that are essential for success in the luxury and fashion industries. I truly encourage other students to take advantage of programs like this. They not only boost your CV but also open doors to meaningful connections and global perspectives."
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Original text here: https://ozarks.edu/news/cabrera-eyes-fashion-marketing-career-in-mexico/
CEO of HOPE Gas, Morgan O'Brien, Highlights Workforce Opportunities During Fairmont State University's Presidential Speaker Series
FAIRMONT, West Virginia, Nov. 20 -- Fairmont State University issued the following news:
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CEO of HOPE Gas, Morgan O'Brien, Highlights Workforce Opportunities during Fairmont State University's Presidential Speaker Series
Fairmont State University wrapped up the Fall installment of its 2025-2026 Presidential Speaker Series on Nov. 13 with Morgan O'Brien, CEO of Hope Gas. The Presidential Speaker Series welcomes distinguished leaders to campus to explore politics, economics, civics, the arts, and culture--sparking meaningful dialogue and strengthening intellectual engagement across the Falcon
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FAIRMONT, West Virginia, Nov. 20 -- Fairmont State University issued the following news:
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CEO of HOPE Gas, Morgan O'Brien, Highlights Workforce Opportunities during Fairmont State University's Presidential Speaker Series
Fairmont State University wrapped up the Fall installment of its 2025-2026 Presidential Speaker Series on Nov. 13 with Morgan O'Brien, CEO of Hope Gas. The Presidential Speaker Series welcomes distinguished leaders to campus to explore politics, economics, civics, the arts, and culture--sparking meaningful dialogue and strengthening intellectual engagement across the Falconcommunity.
Fairmont State University President Mike Davis hopes the series' breadth will encourage more consistent participation from students and community members.
"The Presidential Speaker Series brings together a dynamic mix of leaders whose perspectives reflect the diverse interests of our campus and community," Davis said. "Our goal is to offer conversations that resonate with everyone, spark ideas, inspire action, and underscore the tremendous value of engaging with the university."
Thursday's event emphasized the importance of retaining graduates in West Virginia and building a skilled workforce, one that not only supports local communities but also empowers working families who call the state home. O'Brien believes this can be done through things like strategic partnerships, hands-on professional development, adapting education to meet the needs of the workforce, and evolving with cutting-edge industry advancements-all things Hope Gas is implementing.
"West Virginia has a depth of human capital you won't find anywhere else, rooted in shared history, breathtaking landscapes, and a resilience that sets us apart," Davis said. "We see that same resilience in our students as they grow into adaptable professionals and committed citizens who strengthen their communities. That's why it's important to make sure our graduates stay in our state and why Fairmont State is working with employers to make that possible."
Although not a native West Virginian, O'Brien, like Davis, recognizes the state's potential and believes the energy sector is a key driver in keeping skilled workers here. He stressed to the audience, especially students, that industries like natural gas rely on far more than field workers. They also need accountants, HR professionals, IT specialists, and many others. Even if students don't initially see the connection, he noted, there is likely a place for their skills within West Virginia companies.
"We have everything any company would have--every discipline. No matter your major, we need you," O'Brien said. "There's so much opportunity here in the state, and it should reach everywhere. It shouldn't just be in Morgantown or Fairmont--it should be in Calhoun, Madison, Parkersburg, and beyond. We need to make sure that it ripples throughout West Virginia. That's why I'm most excited about what the future looks like."
While the Fall lineup has concluded, the 2025-2026 series is far from complete. The series will resume on February 12 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms (third floor) with Dr. Mike Lee, Professor and Director of the Civility Initiative at the College of Charleston (SC). He will lead a discussion on Civility and Dialogue Across Differences, a topic sure to engage both students and community members. To view the Spring lineup, visit https://www.fairmontstate.edu/about/president/speaker-series.aspx.
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Original text here: https://www.fairmontstate.edu/news/2025/11/ceo-hope-gas-morgan-obrien-highlights-workforce-opportunities-during-fairmont-state-universitys-presidential-speaker-series.aspx
