Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Education (Colleges & Universities)
Featured Stories
University of Arkansas: AI Helps Arkansas Researchers Target Bacteria Behind Premature Beef Browning
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Sept. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news:
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AI Helps Arkansas Researchers Target Bacteria Behind Premature Beef Browning
Sep. 18, 2026
One of the beef industry's most costly challenges is invisible to the human eye but costs billions of dollars each year.
Every year, the U.S. beef industry loses an estimated $3.7 billion from beef that is discounted or discarded because it turns brown before its sell-by date, even though the product is likely to still provide a good eating experience, according to the Arkansas Beef Council.
Researchers ... Show Full Article FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Sept. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: * * * AI Helps Arkansas Researchers Target Bacteria Behind Premature Beef Browning Sep. 18, 2026 One of the beef industry's most costly challenges is invisible to the human eye but costs billions of dollars each year. Every year, the U.S. beef industry loses an estimated $3.7 billion from beef that is discounted or discarded because it turns brown before its sell-by date, even though the product is likely to still provide a good eating experience, according to the Arkansas Beef Council. Researcherswith the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the U of A Division of Agriculture's research arm, are working to change that in a year-long project funded by a $20,000 grant from the Arkansas Beef Council.
Aranyak Goswami, an assistant professor and computational biologist, and Derico Setyabrata, an assistant professor of meat science and muscle biology, are using artificial intelligence and existing DNA data to identify bacteria that influence how long fresh beef maintains its bright red color.
The machine-learning approach allows the researchers to examine complex microbial patterns across samples and rank the bacterial signatures most consistently associated with beef color stability.
"Our project is taking a fresh approach to this old problem," Goswami said. "We know that the invisible world of bacteria on beef at the time of packaging plays a big role in how long it stays red and appealing. What we don't yet know is which specific bacteria consistently track with better or poorer color stability and may ultimately prove to be the 'heroes' or 'culprits.' That's exactly what this research will find out."
Both researchers are part of the Department of Animal Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the U of A. Goswami is also a faculty member at the experiment station's Center for Agricultural Data Analytics and in the Department of Poultry Science.
Seeking Natural Solutions to Maintain Beef Freshness
The goal is to build what Goswami and Setyabrata call a "Freshness Hit List," a ranked list of five to 10 bacteria that would provide candidates for subsequent validation and future clean-label preservation research.
Setyabrata said the clean-label preservation uses beneficial bacteria already present in beef, rather than synthetic chemicals, to extend shelf life.
"That's exactly where the market is heading," Setyabrata said of clean-label preservation. "This project gives us an opportunity to better understand the biological factors that are associated with beef color stability and support future development of natural methods for preserving product quality, reducing waste and improving value throughout the beef supply chain."
The $20,000 investment by the Arkansas Beef Council will generate preliminary data that could support larger federal proposals to validate and expand the research, Goswami said.
"Research like this demonstrates the power of combining animal science, data analytics and industry partnerships to solve real-world challenges," said Michael Looper, head of the Department of Animal Science. "We are proud to support innovative work that improves beef quality, reduces waste and enhances value across the supply chain."
The Arkansas Beef Council received 25 proposals requesting more than $632,000 in funding from April 1-30. Of those, 13 promotion projects were approved for a total of $97,000. The council allocated $35,000 for research projects in fiscal year 2027, with specific research projects selected for funding through the council's review process.
"We are grateful for the council's partnership and look forward to delivering results that make a real difference for Arkansas producers," Goswami said.
More Beef
Watch: Behind the Discovery with Setyabrata -- "Preserving Meat, Reducing Waste."
Listen: Food Farms & Forests podcast with Setyabrata -- "What's the best way to store beef in the freezer?"
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Arkansas Beef Council: The Arkansas Beef Council was established by state legislation to oversee and administer the beef checkoff program in Arkansas. The council is responsible for collecting the nationally legislated $1 per head checkoff on all cattle, regardless of age or size, marketed in Arkansas and for distributing those funds in accordance with provisions of the order.
Congress established the national Beef Checkoff Program with the passage of the 1985 Farm Bill. On the national level, the Beef Checkoff Program is overseen by the Cattlemen's Beef Board.
About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR Sec. 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Original text here: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82886/ai-helps-arkansas-researchers-target-bacteria-behind-premature-beef-browning
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AI Helps Arkansas Researchers Target Bacteria Behind Premature Beef Browning
Sep. 18, 2026
One of the beef industry's most costly challenges is invisible to the human eye but costs billions of dollars each year.
Every year, the U.S. beef industry loses an estimated $3.7 billion from beef that is discounted or discarded because it turns brown before its sell-by date, even though the product is likely to still provide a good eating experience, according to the Arkansas Beef Council.
Researchers ... Show Full Article FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Sept. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: * * * AI Helps Arkansas Researchers Target Bacteria Behind Premature Beef Browning Sep. 18, 2026 One of the beef industry's most costly challenges is invisible to the human eye but costs billions of dollars each year. Every year, the U.S. beef industry loses an estimated $3.7 billion from beef that is discounted or discarded because it turns brown before its sell-by date, even though the product is likely to still provide a good eating experience, according to the Arkansas Beef Council. Researcherswith the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the U of A Division of Agriculture's research arm, are working to change that in a year-long project funded by a $20,000 grant from the Arkansas Beef Council.
Aranyak Goswami, an assistant professor and computational biologist, and Derico Setyabrata, an assistant professor of meat science and muscle biology, are using artificial intelligence and existing DNA data to identify bacteria that influence how long fresh beef maintains its bright red color.
The machine-learning approach allows the researchers to examine complex microbial patterns across samples and rank the bacterial signatures most consistently associated with beef color stability.
"Our project is taking a fresh approach to this old problem," Goswami said. "We know that the invisible world of bacteria on beef at the time of packaging plays a big role in how long it stays red and appealing. What we don't yet know is which specific bacteria consistently track with better or poorer color stability and may ultimately prove to be the 'heroes' or 'culprits.' That's exactly what this research will find out."
Both researchers are part of the Department of Animal Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the U of A. Goswami is also a faculty member at the experiment station's Center for Agricultural Data Analytics and in the Department of Poultry Science.
Seeking Natural Solutions to Maintain Beef Freshness
The goal is to build what Goswami and Setyabrata call a "Freshness Hit List," a ranked list of five to 10 bacteria that would provide candidates for subsequent validation and future clean-label preservation research.
Setyabrata said the clean-label preservation uses beneficial bacteria already present in beef, rather than synthetic chemicals, to extend shelf life.
"That's exactly where the market is heading," Setyabrata said of clean-label preservation. "This project gives us an opportunity to better understand the biological factors that are associated with beef color stability and support future development of natural methods for preserving product quality, reducing waste and improving value throughout the beef supply chain."
The $20,000 investment by the Arkansas Beef Council will generate preliminary data that could support larger federal proposals to validate and expand the research, Goswami said.
"Research like this demonstrates the power of combining animal science, data analytics and industry partnerships to solve real-world challenges," said Michael Looper, head of the Department of Animal Science. "We are proud to support innovative work that improves beef quality, reduces waste and enhances value across the supply chain."
The Arkansas Beef Council received 25 proposals requesting more than $632,000 in funding from April 1-30. Of those, 13 promotion projects were approved for a total of $97,000. The council allocated $35,000 for research projects in fiscal year 2027, with specific research projects selected for funding through the council's review process.
"We are grateful for the council's partnership and look forward to delivering results that make a real difference for Arkansas producers," Goswami said.
More Beef
Watch: Behind the Discovery with Setyabrata -- "Preserving Meat, Reducing Waste."
Listen: Food Farms & Forests podcast with Setyabrata -- "What's the best way to store beef in the freezer?"
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Arkansas Beef Council: The Arkansas Beef Council was established by state legislation to oversee and administer the beef checkoff program in Arkansas. The council is responsible for collecting the nationally legislated $1 per head checkoff on all cattle, regardless of age or size, marketed in Arkansas and for distributing those funds in accordance with provisions of the order.
Congress established the national Beef Checkoff Program with the passage of the 1985 Farm Bill. On the national level, the Beef Checkoff Program is overseen by the Cattlemen's Beef Board.
About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR Sec. 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Original text here: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82886/ai-helps-arkansas-researchers-target-bacteria-behind-premature-beef-browning
Niche Ranks CBU High for Campus Life
RIVERSIDE, California, Sept. 19 -- California Baptist University issued the following news:
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Niche ranks CBU high for campus life
CBU is among the best for campus, food and dorms
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Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2026) - The Niche 2027 college rankings were released recently, and California Baptist University once again received top marks for campus life.
Nationally, CBU came in at No. 5 for Best College Food and No. 8 for Best College Campus. In the ratings for California colleges, CBU ranked No. 2 for Best College Campus, Best College Food,Best College Dorms and Best Christian College. ... Show Full Article RIVERSIDE, California, Sept. 19 -- California Baptist University issued the following news: * * * Niche ranks CBU high for campus life CBU is among the best for campus, food and dorms - Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2026) - The Niche 2027 college rankings were released recently, and California Baptist University once again received top marks for campus life. Nationally, CBU came in at No. 5 for Best College Food and No. 8 for Best College Campus. In the ratings for California colleges, CBU ranked No. 2 for Best College Campus, Best College Food,Best College Dorms and Best Christian College.Additionally in the state rankings, CBU placed No. 7 for Best College for Education and No. 9 for Best College Athletics.
"California Baptist University is an exceptional Baptist university that excels in its academics, athletics and community," wrote a student reviewer on Niche.com. "So many friendly faces, fun places to see, and the food is diverse, which means there is always something new to try! I have loved my time at CBU, and it will always have a special place in my heart because I built a beautiful community."
Hearing from both current students and alumni about how CBU became home for them means a lot to Chris Hofschroer, dean of students. The Student Services division is committed to making CBU a special place for students to enjoy and develop both in and outside of the classroom, he said.
"We are constantly studying trends, talking to students, looking at what other schools are doing, and figuring out what new things we can implement in our own unique, CBU way," he said. "We really strive for CBU to become home for our students, so if we can make our students feel seen, heard, cared for, safe, comfortable, challenged and loved just like they do at their actual home, we've accomplished our goal."
Provider Contract Food Service manages the dining services on campus. CBU knows its students, and Provider brings its culinary, operational and hospitality expertise to that relationship, said Rodney Couch, CEO and founder of Provider Contract Food Service.
"We have the opportunity to listen directly to students, respond quickly to their feedback, and continually improve the dining experience around what matters to them," he said. "Our measure of success is when a student walks into one of our locations and feels welcomed, finds something they are excited to eat and knows that we genuinely care about their experience."
The Niche college rankings are based on various statistical analyses per category, according to the site. The results compile data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation and nearly 500,000 reviews from students.
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Original text here: https://calbaptist.edu/about/news-events/news/nich_ranks_cbu_high_for_campus_life
* * *
Niche ranks CBU high for campus life
CBU is among the best for campus, food and dorms
-
Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2026) - The Niche 2027 college rankings were released recently, and California Baptist University once again received top marks for campus life.
Nationally, CBU came in at No. 5 for Best College Food and No. 8 for Best College Campus. In the ratings for California colleges, CBU ranked No. 2 for Best College Campus, Best College Food,Best College Dorms and Best Christian College. ... Show Full Article RIVERSIDE, California, Sept. 19 -- California Baptist University issued the following news: * * * Niche ranks CBU high for campus life CBU is among the best for campus, food and dorms - Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2026) - The Niche 2027 college rankings were released recently, and California Baptist University once again received top marks for campus life. Nationally, CBU came in at No. 5 for Best College Food and No. 8 for Best College Campus. In the ratings for California colleges, CBU ranked No. 2 for Best College Campus, Best College Food,Best College Dorms and Best Christian College.Additionally in the state rankings, CBU placed No. 7 for Best College for Education and No. 9 for Best College Athletics.
"California Baptist University is an exceptional Baptist university that excels in its academics, athletics and community," wrote a student reviewer on Niche.com. "So many friendly faces, fun places to see, and the food is diverse, which means there is always something new to try! I have loved my time at CBU, and it will always have a special place in my heart because I built a beautiful community."
Hearing from both current students and alumni about how CBU became home for them means a lot to Chris Hofschroer, dean of students. The Student Services division is committed to making CBU a special place for students to enjoy and develop both in and outside of the classroom, he said.
"We are constantly studying trends, talking to students, looking at what other schools are doing, and figuring out what new things we can implement in our own unique, CBU way," he said. "We really strive for CBU to become home for our students, so if we can make our students feel seen, heard, cared for, safe, comfortable, challenged and loved just like they do at their actual home, we've accomplished our goal."
Provider Contract Food Service manages the dining services on campus. CBU knows its students, and Provider brings its culinary, operational and hospitality expertise to that relationship, said Rodney Couch, CEO and founder of Provider Contract Food Service.
"We have the opportunity to listen directly to students, respond quickly to their feedback, and continually improve the dining experience around what matters to them," he said. "Our measure of success is when a student walks into one of our locations and feels welcomed, finds something they are excited to eat and knows that we genuinely care about their experience."
The Niche college rankings are based on various statistical analyses per category, according to the site. The results compile data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation and nearly 500,000 reviews from students.
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Original text here: https://calbaptist.edu/about/news-events/news/nich_ranks_cbu_high_for_campus_life
James Madison University: Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions
HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- James Madison University issued the following news:
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Board of Visitors summary of actions and discussions
The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in the Festival Conference and Student Center.
The following is a summary of actions taken by the Board and key areas of discussion at the Board meeting:
The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes of April 24, 2026, June 18, 2026, and Aug. 26, 2026.
Accepted committee reports from Academic and Research Excellence; Athletics; Audit/Risk and Compliance; Enrollment ... Show Full Article HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- James Madison University issued the following news: * * * Board of Visitors summary of actions and discussions The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in the Festival Conference and Student Center. The following is a summary of actions taken by the Board and key areas of discussion at the Board meeting: The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes of April 24, 2026, June 18, 2026, and Aug. 26, 2026. Accepted committee reports from Academic and Research Excellence; Athletics; Audit/Risk and Compliance; Enrollmentand Marketing; Governance; Finance and Physical Development; Philanthropy and Engagement; and Student Affairs.
Presentations to the Board of Visitors
Faculty Senate Speaker Melaine Shoffner provided an update from the Faculty Senate:
* The Faculty Senate held its final meeting of the 2025-2026 academic year on April 30, 2026.
* Committee reports and Senate discussion addressed topics related to support for and implementation of strategic plan initiatives (e.g., AI tools, the Madison Promise, Carnegie classification).
* The Shared Governance Committee developed guidelines for best voting practices; it has not yet been determined where these guidelines will be housed.
* The Senate Treasurer reported processing 25 requests to honor faculty bereavements during the academic year.
* The Faculty Senate will continue to address the following concerns in the 2026-2027 academic year: a) goal of reclassifying JMU as a research-intensive (R1) university; b) guidance for and mis/use of AI. The Senate will also help to facilitate the adoption of program learning objectives, where possible, for the new General Education curriculum.
Gram Sher, Student Representative to the Board, provided the following updates:
* Students have been involved with Weeks of Welcome, Greek Life recruitment, Student Org Night, Career Fair.
* Meetings with students, organizations, admin, and key campus partners.
* Attended/hosted student-focused events.
* Goals: Educate/Inform students about Board functions and how they can get involved; Support student voices on campus; Collaborate with students to relay any issues to the Board and other administration.
President James Schmidt presented during his report:
* The first-year class consists of 5,037 students, 1.1% above the target with a total fall enrollment of 23,167.
* JMU continues to shine in national rankings, including dining, which Princeton Review ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in Virginia.
* The search for a new provost is moving forward with three finalists.
* Since July 1, JMU donors have committed $10.6 million compared to $4.2 million at this same time last year--more than double the inked commitments.
* In memory of former Board of Visitors member Leslie Flanary Gilliam, her family has committed $3.5 million toward the rededication and renaming of the College of
* Health and Behavioral Studies building as Gilliam Hall.
* TimelyCare is expanding to faculty and staff at no cost. The platform provides 24/7 mental health support, counseling, health coaching, and other well-being resources.
* Discussed pathway to R1 status and how JMU will be distinctive and not sacrifice undergraduate teaching or our signature undergraduate experience.
* The General Assembly awarded JMU $115.3 million to expand facilities for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, $1 million for the Fast Flex Nursing pathway, $28.75 million to renovate and expand Johnston Hall and $1.7 million for furnishing and equipping the building.
* Looking to the next legislative session, JMU's number one priority is seeking at least $8M to enhance compensation competitiveness.
* JMU will seek additional support to address growth in nursing, engineering, and real estate education programs.
* Capital requests for the 2027 legislative session include planning and design monies for the College of Business Addition; Physics and Chemistry Addition; and the renovation of Moody Hall.
Melinda Wood, Vice President, Access and Enrollment and Chris Orem, Executive Director, Planning Analytics and Institutional Research presented on strategic enrollment planning:
* The era of easy growth is over: -13% and -7% projected decline in high school graduates nationally and in Virginia; Families are asking hard questions about the value and legislatures are asking about the role of higher education; The Madison Promise commits JMU to grow, become more selective, and rise nationally, which requires a deliberate, long-range strategy.
* Strategic enrollment planning at JMU: University-wide, every division at the table and has defined role in plan; Long-range roadmap through FY32, aimed a 2040; data informed: PAIR evidence, net-revenue modeling, workforce needs; success = predictable, planned change in who we enroll.
* A disciplined four-phase framework: preparation and data analysis, strategy development, plan formation and goal setting; implementation and evaluation
* An end-to-end view of the student pipeline: high school and transfer pipelines; undergraduate; graduate and doctoral; Virginia workforce.
* What a student chooses and experiences: Shared outcome among academic affairs, student affairs, access and enrollment, administration and finance; 30,000 students by 2040 and the capacity to serve them well.
* What extends our reach and makes it possible: marketing and communications; athletics; philanthropy and engagement; REDI.
* Three phases of growth to 30,000: FY27-31 (1.5%/year); FY32-36 (1.7%/year); FY37-40 2.0%/year).
* Strategic anchors already in motion: direct admit nursing; CHBS expansion; new COB building; new program development pipeline.
* Three things to remember: Enrollment planning is now a university-wide approach and discipline; Programs, buildings and beds determine when and where we can grow; The plan is developed by May 2027 and implementation begins.
Myles Surrett, Associate Vice President, Career, Experiential Learning, Transitions and Accessibility and Libby Westley, Director, University Career Center presented on the Career Outcomes Report:
* Career Outcome: full/part-time work; internships or service programs; military service; graduate school.
* Career Outcomes overview: 95.3% of degree recipients have a career outcome.
* Local impact of JMU graduates: continued Virginia connection (68.3%); 121 undergraduate students started at JMU from the Shenandoah Valley in Fall 2021 247 - # of graduates from the Class of 2025 working full-time in the Shenandoah Valley; 263 - # of graduates from the Class of 2025 continuing their education in the Shenandoah Valley; 322% more students came to the Valley for JMU and stayed as residents afterwards.
* JMU teaching across Virginia, 2025: 257 JMU graduates indicated they are in a teaching profession and are employed in Virginia; 85.4% of JMU graduates who indicated they are employed in a teaching profession are teaching in Virginia.
* JMU nursing across Virginia, 2025: 78.9% of JMU Nursing majors indicated they are employed in Virginia post-graduation; 150 JMU Nursing majors indicated they are employed in nursing post-graduation in Virginia.
* WBLE: A work-based learning experience incorporates hands-on work in an applied context that increases knowledge and skills necessary for discipline-focused career readiness; 30.2% of students completed a WBLE for credit; undergraduate outcomes correlated to WBLEs: 96.7% with 1+ WBLE have a career outcome.
The Board of Visitors voted and approved:
* Motion to approve Six-Year Plan Update
* Motion to approve the Personnel Action Report
* Motion to approve the Real Estate Purchase
September 18, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2026/09/18-bov-actions.shtml
* * *
Board of Visitors summary of actions and discussions
The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in the Festival Conference and Student Center.
The following is a summary of actions taken by the Board and key areas of discussion at the Board meeting:
The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes of April 24, 2026, June 18, 2026, and Aug. 26, 2026.
Accepted committee reports from Academic and Research Excellence; Athletics; Audit/Risk and Compliance; Enrollment ... Show Full Article HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- James Madison University issued the following news: * * * Board of Visitors summary of actions and discussions The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in the Festival Conference and Student Center. The following is a summary of actions taken by the Board and key areas of discussion at the Board meeting: The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes of April 24, 2026, June 18, 2026, and Aug. 26, 2026. Accepted committee reports from Academic and Research Excellence; Athletics; Audit/Risk and Compliance; Enrollmentand Marketing; Governance; Finance and Physical Development; Philanthropy and Engagement; and Student Affairs.
Presentations to the Board of Visitors
Faculty Senate Speaker Melaine Shoffner provided an update from the Faculty Senate:
* The Faculty Senate held its final meeting of the 2025-2026 academic year on April 30, 2026.
* Committee reports and Senate discussion addressed topics related to support for and implementation of strategic plan initiatives (e.g., AI tools, the Madison Promise, Carnegie classification).
* The Shared Governance Committee developed guidelines for best voting practices; it has not yet been determined where these guidelines will be housed.
* The Senate Treasurer reported processing 25 requests to honor faculty bereavements during the academic year.
* The Faculty Senate will continue to address the following concerns in the 2026-2027 academic year: a) goal of reclassifying JMU as a research-intensive (R1) university; b) guidance for and mis/use of AI. The Senate will also help to facilitate the adoption of program learning objectives, where possible, for the new General Education curriculum.
Gram Sher, Student Representative to the Board, provided the following updates:
* Students have been involved with Weeks of Welcome, Greek Life recruitment, Student Org Night, Career Fair.
* Meetings with students, organizations, admin, and key campus partners.
* Attended/hosted student-focused events.
* Goals: Educate/Inform students about Board functions and how they can get involved; Support student voices on campus; Collaborate with students to relay any issues to the Board and other administration.
President James Schmidt presented during his report:
* The first-year class consists of 5,037 students, 1.1% above the target with a total fall enrollment of 23,167.
* JMU continues to shine in national rankings, including dining, which Princeton Review ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in Virginia.
* The search for a new provost is moving forward with three finalists.
* Since July 1, JMU donors have committed $10.6 million compared to $4.2 million at this same time last year--more than double the inked commitments.
* In memory of former Board of Visitors member Leslie Flanary Gilliam, her family has committed $3.5 million toward the rededication and renaming of the College of
* Health and Behavioral Studies building as Gilliam Hall.
* TimelyCare is expanding to faculty and staff at no cost. The platform provides 24/7 mental health support, counseling, health coaching, and other well-being resources.
* Discussed pathway to R1 status and how JMU will be distinctive and not sacrifice undergraduate teaching or our signature undergraduate experience.
* The General Assembly awarded JMU $115.3 million to expand facilities for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, $1 million for the Fast Flex Nursing pathway, $28.75 million to renovate and expand Johnston Hall and $1.7 million for furnishing and equipping the building.
* Looking to the next legislative session, JMU's number one priority is seeking at least $8M to enhance compensation competitiveness.
* JMU will seek additional support to address growth in nursing, engineering, and real estate education programs.
* Capital requests for the 2027 legislative session include planning and design monies for the College of Business Addition; Physics and Chemistry Addition; and the renovation of Moody Hall.
Melinda Wood, Vice President, Access and Enrollment and Chris Orem, Executive Director, Planning Analytics and Institutional Research presented on strategic enrollment planning:
* The era of easy growth is over: -13% and -7% projected decline in high school graduates nationally and in Virginia; Families are asking hard questions about the value and legislatures are asking about the role of higher education; The Madison Promise commits JMU to grow, become more selective, and rise nationally, which requires a deliberate, long-range strategy.
* Strategic enrollment planning at JMU: University-wide, every division at the table and has defined role in plan; Long-range roadmap through FY32, aimed a 2040; data informed: PAIR evidence, net-revenue modeling, workforce needs; success = predictable, planned change in who we enroll.
* A disciplined four-phase framework: preparation and data analysis, strategy development, plan formation and goal setting; implementation and evaluation
* An end-to-end view of the student pipeline: high school and transfer pipelines; undergraduate; graduate and doctoral; Virginia workforce.
* What a student chooses and experiences: Shared outcome among academic affairs, student affairs, access and enrollment, administration and finance; 30,000 students by 2040 and the capacity to serve them well.
* What extends our reach and makes it possible: marketing and communications; athletics; philanthropy and engagement; REDI.
* Three phases of growth to 30,000: FY27-31 (1.5%/year); FY32-36 (1.7%/year); FY37-40 2.0%/year).
* Strategic anchors already in motion: direct admit nursing; CHBS expansion; new COB building; new program development pipeline.
* Three things to remember: Enrollment planning is now a university-wide approach and discipline; Programs, buildings and beds determine when and where we can grow; The plan is developed by May 2027 and implementation begins.
Myles Surrett, Associate Vice President, Career, Experiential Learning, Transitions and Accessibility and Libby Westley, Director, University Career Center presented on the Career Outcomes Report:
* Career Outcome: full/part-time work; internships or service programs; military service; graduate school.
* Career Outcomes overview: 95.3% of degree recipients have a career outcome.
* Local impact of JMU graduates: continued Virginia connection (68.3%); 121 undergraduate students started at JMU from the Shenandoah Valley in Fall 2021 247 - # of graduates from the Class of 2025 working full-time in the Shenandoah Valley; 263 - # of graduates from the Class of 2025 continuing their education in the Shenandoah Valley; 322% more students came to the Valley for JMU and stayed as residents afterwards.
* JMU teaching across Virginia, 2025: 257 JMU graduates indicated they are in a teaching profession and are employed in Virginia; 85.4% of JMU graduates who indicated they are employed in a teaching profession are teaching in Virginia.
* JMU nursing across Virginia, 2025: 78.9% of JMU Nursing majors indicated they are employed in Virginia post-graduation; 150 JMU Nursing majors indicated they are employed in nursing post-graduation in Virginia.
* WBLE: A work-based learning experience incorporates hands-on work in an applied context that increases knowledge and skills necessary for discipline-focused career readiness; 30.2% of students completed a WBLE for credit; undergraduate outcomes correlated to WBLEs: 96.7% with 1+ WBLE have a career outcome.
The Board of Visitors voted and approved:
* Motion to approve Six-Year Plan Update
* Motion to approve the Personnel Action Report
* Motion to approve the Real Estate Purchase
September 18, 2026
* * *
Original text here: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2026/09/18-bov-actions.shtml
Eastern Early Childhood Experts Weigh in on Dolly Parton's Literacy Legacy
WILLIMANTIC, Connecticut, Sept. 19 -- Eastern Connecticut State University issued the following news:
* * *
Eastern early childhood experts weigh in on Dolly Parton's literacy legacy
By Kyle Berson '26
Willimantic, CT (09/18/2026) -- Dolly Parton left behind more than a musical legacy following her passing on Aug. 25. The country music icon was also a philanthropist and a staunch advocate for early childhood literacy. Imagination Library, Dolly Parton's book-giving program, has distributed millions of children's books worldwide since 1995.
The program ships one free book per month to every ... Show Full Article WILLIMANTIC, Connecticut, Sept. 19 -- Eastern Connecticut State University issued the following news: * * * Eastern early childhood experts weigh in on Dolly Parton's literacy legacy By Kyle Berson '26 Willimantic, CT (09/18/2026) -- Dolly Parton left behind more than a musical legacy following her passing on Aug. 25. The country music icon was also a philanthropist and a staunch advocate for early childhood literacy. Imagination Library, Dolly Parton's book-giving program, has distributed millions of children's books worldwide since 1995. The program ships one free book per month to everyenrolled child until age five. Eastern early childhood experts say the program's biggest impact has been expanding equitable access to learning materials for families.
"There is a large opportunity gap for children and families in the United States that results in limited access to education and educational materials," said Theresa Bouley, professor of education. "For some children, the books donated to them by the Imagination Library may be the only books they have in their home."
Bouley said that research shows children who lack access to books at home enter school at a disadvantage.
Niloufar Rezai, director of Eastern's Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC), agrees, saying that exposure to books supports language development, literacy skills, vocabulary growth, and stronger parent-child interactions.
Beyond individual children, Rezai explained how literacy initiatives can strengthen communities.
"Programs that place books directly into the hands of children help strengthen connections between families, schools, libraries, and early childhood programs," she said.
"They also contribute to long-term educational outcomes, encouraging early literacy by helping close opportunity gaps that can exist before children enter kindergarten."
Challenges despite success
Although Parton's Imagination Library distributes millions of books annually, childhood literacy still faces challenges nationwide.
Bouley said that interactive "read-alouds" of children's books - such as story time in pre-K classrooms - are increasingly being replaced by individual activities or digital technology.
"Neither can replace the benefits of listening to a teacher reading a high-quality book out loud," Bouley said.
Bouley also suggested a decline in adult reading could impact childhood reading.
"Today's children see their parents and caregivers reading books less and less," she said. "Children are greatly influenced by watching what their caregivers do, or don't do. Modeling the purpose and pleasure of reading is critical."
Another challenge is funding for childhood education.
"Historically, and even more so today, schools have been grossly underfunded," Bouley said. "Often teachers end up spending their own money just to stock their classroom libraries, so buying books to send home to families is nearly impossible."
She suggested that programs that donate books to schools and directly to families - like the Imagination Library - could have a profound impact on children, communities, teachers, and schools.
Bouley also stressed the availability of multilingual books. "With a culturally and linguistically diverse community such as Willimantic, books should not just be written in English, but in the family's native language."
In 2023, the Imagination Library addressed this need directly by launching an English-Spanish bilingual program that provides books with both English and Spanish text.
On campus
At Eastern, the CFDRC's Lily Pad Lending Library, an initiative with a mission similar to the Imagination Library, aims to close opportunity gaps in early childhood literacy in Windham. The Lily Pad lends free books and educational resources for young learners and families to enjoy at home.
"At the CFDRC, we have seen the value of expanding access to high-quality children's literature firsthand," said Rezai. "Similar to the goals of the Imagination Library, the initiative recognizes that literacy development extends beyond the classroom and that families play a critical role in fostering a love of reading."
Rezai concluded: "The lasting legacy of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library may be its recognition that something as simple as a book can be a powerful tool in promoting equity, literacy, and family Engagement."
About the Imagination Library
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to distribute books in her childhood home in Sevier County, TN. She created the program in honor of her father, whom she credited as one of the most intelligent people she knew despite being illiterate.
The program quickly gained popularity in Tennessee and expanded nationwide. By 2007, Imagination Library had operations across the United States, Native American communities, Canada, and the United Kingdom. By 2010, the program had donated more than 25 million books to families worldwide.
"I know there are children in your community with their own dreams," Parton said on the program's website. "The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world."
* * *
Original text here: https://easternct.meritpages.com/news/eastern-early-childhood-experts-weigh-in-on-dolly-parton-s-literacy-legacy/61855
* * *
Eastern early childhood experts weigh in on Dolly Parton's literacy legacy
By Kyle Berson '26
Willimantic, CT (09/18/2026) -- Dolly Parton left behind more than a musical legacy following her passing on Aug. 25. The country music icon was also a philanthropist and a staunch advocate for early childhood literacy. Imagination Library, Dolly Parton's book-giving program, has distributed millions of children's books worldwide since 1995.
The program ships one free book per month to every ... Show Full Article WILLIMANTIC, Connecticut, Sept. 19 -- Eastern Connecticut State University issued the following news: * * * Eastern early childhood experts weigh in on Dolly Parton's literacy legacy By Kyle Berson '26 Willimantic, CT (09/18/2026) -- Dolly Parton left behind more than a musical legacy following her passing on Aug. 25. The country music icon was also a philanthropist and a staunch advocate for early childhood literacy. Imagination Library, Dolly Parton's book-giving program, has distributed millions of children's books worldwide since 1995. The program ships one free book per month to everyenrolled child until age five. Eastern early childhood experts say the program's biggest impact has been expanding equitable access to learning materials for families.
"There is a large opportunity gap for children and families in the United States that results in limited access to education and educational materials," said Theresa Bouley, professor of education. "For some children, the books donated to them by the Imagination Library may be the only books they have in their home."
Bouley said that research shows children who lack access to books at home enter school at a disadvantage.
Niloufar Rezai, director of Eastern's Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC), agrees, saying that exposure to books supports language development, literacy skills, vocabulary growth, and stronger parent-child interactions.
Beyond individual children, Rezai explained how literacy initiatives can strengthen communities.
"Programs that place books directly into the hands of children help strengthen connections between families, schools, libraries, and early childhood programs," she said.
"They also contribute to long-term educational outcomes, encouraging early literacy by helping close opportunity gaps that can exist before children enter kindergarten."
Challenges despite success
Although Parton's Imagination Library distributes millions of books annually, childhood literacy still faces challenges nationwide.
Bouley said that interactive "read-alouds" of children's books - such as story time in pre-K classrooms - are increasingly being replaced by individual activities or digital technology.
"Neither can replace the benefits of listening to a teacher reading a high-quality book out loud," Bouley said.
Bouley also suggested a decline in adult reading could impact childhood reading.
"Today's children see their parents and caregivers reading books less and less," she said. "Children are greatly influenced by watching what their caregivers do, or don't do. Modeling the purpose and pleasure of reading is critical."
Another challenge is funding for childhood education.
"Historically, and even more so today, schools have been grossly underfunded," Bouley said. "Often teachers end up spending their own money just to stock their classroom libraries, so buying books to send home to families is nearly impossible."
She suggested that programs that donate books to schools and directly to families - like the Imagination Library - could have a profound impact on children, communities, teachers, and schools.
Bouley also stressed the availability of multilingual books. "With a culturally and linguistically diverse community such as Willimantic, books should not just be written in English, but in the family's native language."
In 2023, the Imagination Library addressed this need directly by launching an English-Spanish bilingual program that provides books with both English and Spanish text.
On campus
At Eastern, the CFDRC's Lily Pad Lending Library, an initiative with a mission similar to the Imagination Library, aims to close opportunity gaps in early childhood literacy in Windham. The Lily Pad lends free books and educational resources for young learners and families to enjoy at home.
"At the CFDRC, we have seen the value of expanding access to high-quality children's literature firsthand," said Rezai. "Similar to the goals of the Imagination Library, the initiative recognizes that literacy development extends beyond the classroom and that families play a critical role in fostering a love of reading."
Rezai concluded: "The lasting legacy of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library may be its recognition that something as simple as a book can be a powerful tool in promoting equity, literacy, and family Engagement."
About the Imagination Library
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to distribute books in her childhood home in Sevier County, TN. She created the program in honor of her father, whom she credited as one of the most intelligent people she knew despite being illiterate.
The program quickly gained popularity in Tennessee and expanded nationwide. By 2007, Imagination Library had operations across the United States, Native American communities, Canada, and the United Kingdom. By 2010, the program had donated more than 25 million books to families worldwide.
"I know there are children in your community with their own dreams," Parton said on the program's website. "The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world."
* * *
Original text here: https://easternct.meritpages.com/news/eastern-early-childhood-experts-weigh-in-on-dolly-parton-s-literacy-legacy/61855
Dalton State Names Health Professions Building in Honor of C. Kenneth White
DALTON, Georgia, Sept. 19 -- Dalton State College issued the following news:
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Dalton State names health professions building in honor of C. Kenneth White
September 18, 2026
Dalton State College unveiled the new name for its School of Health Professions building in a Sept. 18 ceremony honoring Dalton businessman and philanthropist C. Kenneth "Ken" White. The new name, Ken White Health Professions Hall, recognizes White's nearly three decades of leadership, service, and philanthropic support that helped propel the College's growth and success.
"A building naming is one of the highest honors ... Show Full Article DALTON, Georgia, Sept. 19 -- Dalton State College issued the following news: * * * Dalton State names health professions building in honor of C. Kenneth White September 18, 2026 Dalton State College unveiled the new name for its School of Health Professions building in a Sept. 18 ceremony honoring Dalton businessman and philanthropist C. Kenneth "Ken" White. The new name, Ken White Health Professions Hall, recognizes White's nearly three decades of leadership, service, and philanthropic support that helped propel the College's growth and success. "A building naming is one of the highest honorsa college can bestow, recognizing those whose generosity and leadership have left a lasting mark on the institution," Dalton State College President John Fuchko said. "Mr. White has helped create opportunities for students and strengthened programs that serve our region, and, from this day forward, every student who enters these doors will be reminded of the generosity, vision and community spirit represented by the name Ken White."
White recently pledged the second-largest individual gift in Dalton State history to help support the planned expansion of the School of Health Professions and leverage additional state support for the project. The building expansion, which will occur over the next few years and total about $11 million including public and private funding, will increase the college's capacity to prepare students for high-demand healthcare careers while helping address workforce needs across Georgia. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the naming in August.
"Public support provides a strong foundation for higher education, but philanthropy allows institutions to dream bigger, move faster and serve students more effectively," Fuchko said. "Investments like Mr. White's send a powerful message to our students that someone believes in them and in their potential. We are incredibly grateful for his support and belief in our mission."
Ken White Health Professions Hall is home to Dalton State's nursing, social work and allied health programs, as well as the student health center. The facility plays a vital role in preparing healthcare professionals who serve Northwest Georgia and beyond.
A native of Cherokee County, White was a certified public accountant before entering Dalton's carpet industry and building a successful second career from the 1970s through the 1990s. After selling his company, Whitecrest Carpets, he became deeply involved in nonprofit and community organizations, including the Dalton State Foundation.
White's support extends beyond Dalton State's School of Health Professions and has touched nearly every area of the college. He was the first donor to recognize the need for an on-campus student health clinic following the opening of student housing and made a significant financial investment to help establish the service. The student health center also bears his name. He endowed a scholarship to support business students, provides an annual scholarship for the college's top-performing accounting student, supports athletics, consistently contributes to Giving Day efforts and has provided matching gifts to encourage additional philanthropy.
"For nearly 30 years, Ken has shared his wonderful gifts of time, talent, and treasure to help Dalton State grow and thrive," David Elrod, vice president for institutional advancement, said. "His visionary gift will help expand opportunities for Dalton State to prepare future healthcare professionals and meet the growing workforce demand across the region. Ken is our dear friend, and we are honored by the tangible and enduring association with his name on this important campus building."
White has served on the Dalton State Foundation Board of Trustees since 1998. During his tenure, White has served as chairman and vice chairman of the board and held leadership roles on the Audit, Executive and Investment committees. He continues to serve on the Investment Committee, a role he has held with distinction for more than a decade.
Learn more about Dalton State at www.daltonstate.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.daltonstate.edu/news/dalton-state-names-health-professions-building-in-honor-of-c-kenneth-white/
* * *
Dalton State names health professions building in honor of C. Kenneth White
September 18, 2026
Dalton State College unveiled the new name for its School of Health Professions building in a Sept. 18 ceremony honoring Dalton businessman and philanthropist C. Kenneth "Ken" White. The new name, Ken White Health Professions Hall, recognizes White's nearly three decades of leadership, service, and philanthropic support that helped propel the College's growth and success.
"A building naming is one of the highest honors ... Show Full Article DALTON, Georgia, Sept. 19 -- Dalton State College issued the following news: * * * Dalton State names health professions building in honor of C. Kenneth White September 18, 2026 Dalton State College unveiled the new name for its School of Health Professions building in a Sept. 18 ceremony honoring Dalton businessman and philanthropist C. Kenneth "Ken" White. The new name, Ken White Health Professions Hall, recognizes White's nearly three decades of leadership, service, and philanthropic support that helped propel the College's growth and success. "A building naming is one of the highest honorsa college can bestow, recognizing those whose generosity and leadership have left a lasting mark on the institution," Dalton State College President John Fuchko said. "Mr. White has helped create opportunities for students and strengthened programs that serve our region, and, from this day forward, every student who enters these doors will be reminded of the generosity, vision and community spirit represented by the name Ken White."
White recently pledged the second-largest individual gift in Dalton State history to help support the planned expansion of the School of Health Professions and leverage additional state support for the project. The building expansion, which will occur over the next few years and total about $11 million including public and private funding, will increase the college's capacity to prepare students for high-demand healthcare careers while helping address workforce needs across Georgia. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the naming in August.
"Public support provides a strong foundation for higher education, but philanthropy allows institutions to dream bigger, move faster and serve students more effectively," Fuchko said. "Investments like Mr. White's send a powerful message to our students that someone believes in them and in their potential. We are incredibly grateful for his support and belief in our mission."
Ken White Health Professions Hall is home to Dalton State's nursing, social work and allied health programs, as well as the student health center. The facility plays a vital role in preparing healthcare professionals who serve Northwest Georgia and beyond.
A native of Cherokee County, White was a certified public accountant before entering Dalton's carpet industry and building a successful second career from the 1970s through the 1990s. After selling his company, Whitecrest Carpets, he became deeply involved in nonprofit and community organizations, including the Dalton State Foundation.
White's support extends beyond Dalton State's School of Health Professions and has touched nearly every area of the college. He was the first donor to recognize the need for an on-campus student health clinic following the opening of student housing and made a significant financial investment to help establish the service. The student health center also bears his name. He endowed a scholarship to support business students, provides an annual scholarship for the college's top-performing accounting student, supports athletics, consistently contributes to Giving Day efforts and has provided matching gifts to encourage additional philanthropy.
"For nearly 30 years, Ken has shared his wonderful gifts of time, talent, and treasure to help Dalton State grow and thrive," David Elrod, vice president for institutional advancement, said. "His visionary gift will help expand opportunities for Dalton State to prepare future healthcare professionals and meet the growing workforce demand across the region. Ken is our dear friend, and we are honored by the tangible and enduring association with his name on this important campus building."
White has served on the Dalton State Foundation Board of Trustees since 1998. During his tenure, White has served as chairman and vice chairman of the board and held leadership roles on the Audit, Executive and Investment committees. He continues to serve on the Investment Committee, a role he has held with distinction for more than a decade.
Learn more about Dalton State at www.daltonstate.edu.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.daltonstate.edu/news/dalton-state-names-health-professions-building-in-honor-of-c-kenneth-white/
California Institute of Technology: How Algae, Avocados, and Happy Accidents Helped Shape a Career - Interview With Environmental Economist Prakash Mishra
PASADENA, California, Sept. 19 (TNSjou) -- The California Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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How Algae, Avocados, and Happy Accidents Helped Shape a Career: An Interview with Environmental Economist Prakash Mishra
September 18, 2026
As a kid growing up in North Carolina, Prakash Mishra was very interested in planets. "My parents got me a telescope when I turned 6 or 7, and that was my personality for probably 10 years," he says, noting that he thought he would eventually study physics or astrophysics.
But a series of what he calls "happy accidents" led him down a different ... Show Full Article PASADENA, California, Sept. 19 (TNSjou) -- The California Institute of Technology issued the following news: * * * How Algae, Avocados, and Happy Accidents Helped Shape a Career: An Interview with Environmental Economist Prakash Mishra September 18, 2026 As a kid growing up in North Carolina, Prakash Mishra was very interested in planets. "My parents got me a telescope when I turned 6 or 7, and that was my personality for probably 10 years," he says, noting that he thought he would eventually study physics or astrophysics. But a series of what he calls "happy accidents" led him down a differentpath. He went to the University of Pennsylvania to study biochemical engineering but ended up earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 2019. Six years later, he completed a doctorate, also at Penn, in applied economics. Now, after a year at Dartmouth College as a Globalization Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mishra has joined Caltech as an assistant professor of economics.
His research focuses on how to preserve environmental services provided by nature, such as carbon sequestration and water filtration, without undercutting economic development, using global- or continent-scale data to inform empirical answers to hard policy tradeoffs. For example, in a recent paper published in The Review of Economic Studies, Mishra explored protected land--including wilderness areas but also working farmlands, managed forests, and cultural landscapes--over four decades in the European Union and analyzed the causal effect of protection on vegetation cover and nightlights. Mishra and his coauthors surprisingly found no meaningful impacts on either outcome.
But the takeaway of this work was not to stop protecting land, Mishra says. Instead, he and his coauthors argue that the incentives for land protection in the EU were poorly designed.
"The EU Commission would set area-based targets to protect land, but it was local governments who chose how to site protected areas," he says. "Local governments, beholden to their voters, chose to protect land at little risk of development and with protection frameworks that still allowed human use. This work connects to a broader research agenda of mine on designing market incentives that actually serve the dual goals of environmental conservation and economic development."
We recently spoke with Mishra about his path to environmental economics, the projects that currently excite him, and what he's looking forward to at Caltech.
When did your interest in the environment begin?
In high school, my friend and I decided to enter a North Carolina-wide science fair, but it was not obvious how we would write a paper about astrophysics. We had read news articles about algaculture--specifically, using algae to clean up chimneys on a polluting factory. We thought, "This is amazing! What if you could put this in a car and clean up car exhaust?" We bought a bunch of algae online that survived at really high temperatures, hooked it up to a fan that sat on the back of a car, and tried to show that it could reduce the carbon dioxide in the exhaust. It did not work at all; the algae died. But it was a really fun learning experience that sparked my interest in climate issues.
How did you move into economics?
I went to Penn as a chemical biology major, but a lot of people in that field were getting jobs in pharmaceuticals. That was not super exciting to me. At the end of my first year, I found an internship working for the City of Boston. My main task: figuring out how to optimize the trash trucks so that they would know where to pick up and where trash was likely to be filling up on a given day of the week. It involved interesting prediction problems and ways to use data to make people's lives a lot better. I found that really appealing, and as I was leaving that place, my boss, Lauren, mentioned that her husband was about to move to Penn to be an economics professor. She said if I liked what I was doing, I should go work for him, and that's exactly what I did. If I had not worked in Boston, I don't think I would've been an economist.
I continued grad school at Penn and went in thinking I would be an urban economist. But, in another happy accident, the first question that I started thinking about was an environmental question. I had watched a Netflix documentary about the avocado industry in Mexico. The US used to have, basically, a complete embargo on Mexican avocados but in 1997, almost overnight, that changed. The documentary pitched trade with the US as an environmental catastrophe due to accelerated deforestation and water depletion. There were two pieces missing from that narrative: First, did the people in Michoacan, Mexico, benefit from trade? After all, US avocado prices are higher than Mexican avocado prices. And second, if the US never traded avocados with Mexico, would they be getting avocados more from water-scarce California, or Chile, or even the Peruvian rainforest? I was interested in documenting the trade-off in which people who are otherwise living in poverty get access to a lot of new opportunities, but it comes at a real environmental cost.
That was the question that got me started, and, since then, I've been chasing these types of questions, where on the one hand you have the environment, and on the other you have some form of economic or sustainable development. How do you balance those two things with policy?
What types of problems does environmental economics try to solve?
One of the projects that I'm really excited about is carbon offset markets, which economists have found attractive for a long time. We emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and when anyone can emit carbon, and carbon affects everyone, no one bears enough of the responsibility. Carbon offset markets give people an incentive to do something about it. You could make everyone stop emitting carbon--for example, make everyone buy an electric car. But some vehicles, like trucks, are still really expensive to make less carbon intensive. Instead of paying for these large costs up front, maybe there are some carbon reduction opportunities in the world which have a lower cost but need financing to get off the ground. In theory, a carbon offset is a way to make these trades.
For example, let's say I have a factory, and one of my options for carbon offsetting is to install an algaculture scrubber, which could be really expensive. Or I could just finance a project abroad that plants trees in a place that was deforested 10 years ago and, consequently, traps carbon that would've gone into the atmosphere. In both of those scenarios, we remove some carbon from the atmosphere, but in the second option, you can get those carbon gains at a lower cost. And this is super important, especially in political climates right now where there's just not a lot of money for environmental causes. You need to be thinking about cost minimization as a piece of how you think about the environment. Our work on carbon offsets has looked at whether they can actually work in real life. Spoiler: Despite their theoretical appeal, carbon offset markets face a lot of practical problems!
What brought you to Caltech?
I was looking for a place where the blend of methods I use, which are somewhat interdisciplinary, would be at home. A lot of what I do involves data science with satellite or environmental data, and very classic economic machinery and techniques and models. Many places appreciate the economic side, but I wanted one that would also appreciate the scientific side and maybe even teach me about it. Along the way, I met Hannah [Druckenmiller; Caltech assistant professor of economics and a William H. Hurt Scholar], and she told me about all the resources here. I mean, there's JPL just up the street [Caltech manages JPL for NASA]. So, there were a lot of reasons for me to think that this would be a place where I could learn a lot about the things that I see as my own blind spots.
Can you tell us about other future projects you have in mind?
We are hoping to work with Caltech's Linde Center for Science, Society, and Policy on a project about the role of the Clean Water Act in cleaning up the nation's water supply. Hannah and other coauthors have done a lot of work showing how the Clean Water Act has played a major role in wetland conservation, but there's still no large-scale evidence of its impacts on water quality.
I've also started some work exploring the role of property rights in Amazonian deforestation. Much prior work, including my own, has been focused on how markets for the services provided by forests can improve the environment-development tradeoff. A lesser-known fact about the Brazilian constitution is that it enshrines land reform as a right. If a farmers' land in the Amazon has too much forest, it could be deemed as not meeting its social function, meaning a squatter could theoretically gain the right to expropriate your land. This is a hugely political issue in Brazil. We are interested in how to design this institution to reduce its environmental costs and have been combing through judicial documents and satellite imagery to study how this process allocates land to squatters.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm a triathlete, so running, cycling, and swimming takes up lot of my time. I was in Hanover, New Hampshire, for a year before this, so I am just getting back to a lot of outdoorsy things, because that's a very cold place. I was not used to cycling on the ice.
Written by Katie Neith
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Original text here: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/how-algae-avocados-and-happy-accidents-helped-shape-a-career-an-interview-with-environmental-economist-prakash-mishra
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How Algae, Avocados, and Happy Accidents Helped Shape a Career: An Interview with Environmental Economist Prakash Mishra
September 18, 2026
As a kid growing up in North Carolina, Prakash Mishra was very interested in planets. "My parents got me a telescope when I turned 6 or 7, and that was my personality for probably 10 years," he says, noting that he thought he would eventually study physics or astrophysics.
But a series of what he calls "happy accidents" led him down a different ... Show Full Article PASADENA, California, Sept. 19 (TNSjou) -- The California Institute of Technology issued the following news: * * * How Algae, Avocados, and Happy Accidents Helped Shape a Career: An Interview with Environmental Economist Prakash Mishra September 18, 2026 As a kid growing up in North Carolina, Prakash Mishra was very interested in planets. "My parents got me a telescope when I turned 6 or 7, and that was my personality for probably 10 years," he says, noting that he thought he would eventually study physics or astrophysics. But a series of what he calls "happy accidents" led him down a differentpath. He went to the University of Pennsylvania to study biochemical engineering but ended up earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 2019. Six years later, he completed a doctorate, also at Penn, in applied economics. Now, after a year at Dartmouth College as a Globalization Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mishra has joined Caltech as an assistant professor of economics.
His research focuses on how to preserve environmental services provided by nature, such as carbon sequestration and water filtration, without undercutting economic development, using global- or continent-scale data to inform empirical answers to hard policy tradeoffs. For example, in a recent paper published in The Review of Economic Studies, Mishra explored protected land--including wilderness areas but also working farmlands, managed forests, and cultural landscapes--over four decades in the European Union and analyzed the causal effect of protection on vegetation cover and nightlights. Mishra and his coauthors surprisingly found no meaningful impacts on either outcome.
But the takeaway of this work was not to stop protecting land, Mishra says. Instead, he and his coauthors argue that the incentives for land protection in the EU were poorly designed.
"The EU Commission would set area-based targets to protect land, but it was local governments who chose how to site protected areas," he says. "Local governments, beholden to their voters, chose to protect land at little risk of development and with protection frameworks that still allowed human use. This work connects to a broader research agenda of mine on designing market incentives that actually serve the dual goals of environmental conservation and economic development."
We recently spoke with Mishra about his path to environmental economics, the projects that currently excite him, and what he's looking forward to at Caltech.
When did your interest in the environment begin?
In high school, my friend and I decided to enter a North Carolina-wide science fair, but it was not obvious how we would write a paper about astrophysics. We had read news articles about algaculture--specifically, using algae to clean up chimneys on a polluting factory. We thought, "This is amazing! What if you could put this in a car and clean up car exhaust?" We bought a bunch of algae online that survived at really high temperatures, hooked it up to a fan that sat on the back of a car, and tried to show that it could reduce the carbon dioxide in the exhaust. It did not work at all; the algae died. But it was a really fun learning experience that sparked my interest in climate issues.
How did you move into economics?
I went to Penn as a chemical biology major, but a lot of people in that field were getting jobs in pharmaceuticals. That was not super exciting to me. At the end of my first year, I found an internship working for the City of Boston. My main task: figuring out how to optimize the trash trucks so that they would know where to pick up and where trash was likely to be filling up on a given day of the week. It involved interesting prediction problems and ways to use data to make people's lives a lot better. I found that really appealing, and as I was leaving that place, my boss, Lauren, mentioned that her husband was about to move to Penn to be an economics professor. She said if I liked what I was doing, I should go work for him, and that's exactly what I did. If I had not worked in Boston, I don't think I would've been an economist.
I continued grad school at Penn and went in thinking I would be an urban economist. But, in another happy accident, the first question that I started thinking about was an environmental question. I had watched a Netflix documentary about the avocado industry in Mexico. The US used to have, basically, a complete embargo on Mexican avocados but in 1997, almost overnight, that changed. The documentary pitched trade with the US as an environmental catastrophe due to accelerated deforestation and water depletion. There were two pieces missing from that narrative: First, did the people in Michoacan, Mexico, benefit from trade? After all, US avocado prices are higher than Mexican avocado prices. And second, if the US never traded avocados with Mexico, would they be getting avocados more from water-scarce California, or Chile, or even the Peruvian rainforest? I was interested in documenting the trade-off in which people who are otherwise living in poverty get access to a lot of new opportunities, but it comes at a real environmental cost.
That was the question that got me started, and, since then, I've been chasing these types of questions, where on the one hand you have the environment, and on the other you have some form of economic or sustainable development. How do you balance those two things with policy?
What types of problems does environmental economics try to solve?
One of the projects that I'm really excited about is carbon offset markets, which economists have found attractive for a long time. We emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and when anyone can emit carbon, and carbon affects everyone, no one bears enough of the responsibility. Carbon offset markets give people an incentive to do something about it. You could make everyone stop emitting carbon--for example, make everyone buy an electric car. But some vehicles, like trucks, are still really expensive to make less carbon intensive. Instead of paying for these large costs up front, maybe there are some carbon reduction opportunities in the world which have a lower cost but need financing to get off the ground. In theory, a carbon offset is a way to make these trades.
For example, let's say I have a factory, and one of my options for carbon offsetting is to install an algaculture scrubber, which could be really expensive. Or I could just finance a project abroad that plants trees in a place that was deforested 10 years ago and, consequently, traps carbon that would've gone into the atmosphere. In both of those scenarios, we remove some carbon from the atmosphere, but in the second option, you can get those carbon gains at a lower cost. And this is super important, especially in political climates right now where there's just not a lot of money for environmental causes. You need to be thinking about cost minimization as a piece of how you think about the environment. Our work on carbon offsets has looked at whether they can actually work in real life. Spoiler: Despite their theoretical appeal, carbon offset markets face a lot of practical problems!
What brought you to Caltech?
I was looking for a place where the blend of methods I use, which are somewhat interdisciplinary, would be at home. A lot of what I do involves data science with satellite or environmental data, and very classic economic machinery and techniques and models. Many places appreciate the economic side, but I wanted one that would also appreciate the scientific side and maybe even teach me about it. Along the way, I met Hannah [Druckenmiller; Caltech assistant professor of economics and a William H. Hurt Scholar], and she told me about all the resources here. I mean, there's JPL just up the street [Caltech manages JPL for NASA]. So, there were a lot of reasons for me to think that this would be a place where I could learn a lot about the things that I see as my own blind spots.
Can you tell us about other future projects you have in mind?
We are hoping to work with Caltech's Linde Center for Science, Society, and Policy on a project about the role of the Clean Water Act in cleaning up the nation's water supply. Hannah and other coauthors have done a lot of work showing how the Clean Water Act has played a major role in wetland conservation, but there's still no large-scale evidence of its impacts on water quality.
I've also started some work exploring the role of property rights in Amazonian deforestation. Much prior work, including my own, has been focused on how markets for the services provided by forests can improve the environment-development tradeoff. A lesser-known fact about the Brazilian constitution is that it enshrines land reform as a right. If a farmers' land in the Amazon has too much forest, it could be deemed as not meeting its social function, meaning a squatter could theoretically gain the right to expropriate your land. This is a hugely political issue in Brazil. We are interested in how to design this institution to reduce its environmental costs and have been combing through judicial documents and satellite imagery to study how this process allocates land to squatters.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm a triathlete, so running, cycling, and swimming takes up lot of my time. I was in Hanover, New Hampshire, for a year before this, so I am just getting back to a lot of outdoorsy things, because that's a very cold place. I was not used to cycling on the ice.
Written by Katie Neith
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Original text here: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/how-algae-avocados-and-happy-accidents-helped-shape-a-career-an-interview-with-environmental-economist-prakash-mishra
$3.5 Million Gift Will Name JMU Health and Behavioral Studies Building for Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82)
HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- James Madison University issued the following news:
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$3.5 million gift will name JMU Health and Behavioral Studies building for Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82)
A $3.5 million gift from longtime James Madison University friend and philanthropic partner Richard Gilliam will name the university's College of Health and Behavioral Studies building in honor of his late wife, Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82). She was a Board of Visitors member, a JMU alumna, businesswoman and philanthropic leader whose influence continues to be felt across the university.
The gift ... Show Full Article HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- James Madison University issued the following news: * * * $3.5 million gift will name JMU Health and Behavioral Studies building for Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82) A $3.5 million gift from longtime James Madison University friend and philanthropic partner Richard Gilliam will name the university's College of Health and Behavioral Studies building in honor of his late wife, Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82). She was a Board of Visitors member, a JMU alumna, businesswoman and philanthropic leader whose influence continues to be felt across the university. The giftcomes as JMU prepares for a significant expansion of its healthcare programs, including nursing, and advances its vision to help address some of Virginia and the nation's most pressing healthcare needs.
"My late wife, Leslie, and her sister both attended and loved their experiences at JMU. This gift is a way for our family to honor Leslie's memory," Gilliam said. "We hope that it provides more students with the opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare and enables the university to further health science efforts across our state."
For JMU President Jim Schmidt, the gift represents both an endorsement of the university's vision and an invitation to others to help JMU realize its full potential in the healthcare sector.
"Healthcare workforce shortages affect every community in Virginia. Universities have a responsibility to help meet that challenge, and JMU is prepared to do its part in a significant way, Schmidt said. "Richard Gilliam's gift honors Leslie's remarkable legacy while helping us prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her name will be associated with a place dedicated to learning, service and improving lives, which feels especially fitting given the impact she had on this university and the people around her."
The Gilliam gift builds on growing momentum behind JMU's healthcare and nursing vision, including nearly $150 million in new investment from the Commonwealth of Virginia and support from the Bedford Falls Foundation. The commonwealth's investment includes a new five-story building that will expand the College of Health and Behavioral Studies alongside the existing building that soon will bear Leslie Gilliam's name. It also funds the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall, which houses the Department of Graduate Psychology, and ongoing support for JMU's new Nursing Fast Flex pathway.
"The commonwealth's investment has created an extraordinary opportunity for JMU to expand healthcare education," Schmidt said. "Philanthropic partners like Richard help turn that opportunity into reality. Their support allows us to think even more boldly about how many students we can serve, how we prepare them for their professions, and how JMU can contribute to the health and well-being of communities across Virginia. We are deeply grateful for this generous gift and for Richard's commitment to advancing healthcare education at JMU while honoring Leslie's extraordinary legacy."
Proceeds from the Gilliam gift and future naming gifts will bring these new and existing spaces to life and help elevate them into a truly world-class environment for healthcare education. Philanthropy will provide and continually update the sophisticated technology and equipment students use in simulation laboratories -- from high-fidelity patient simulators that replicate real-world clinical scenarios to electronic observation and monitoring systems that allow faculty to guide and assess students' work. It will also support the specialized equipment, furnishings and supplies needed across CHBS's many community-facing clinics, including audiology, speech-language, occupational therapy and counseling, where students gain hands-on clinical experience while providing services to members of the community.
"CHBS already has a strong reputation for interprofessional and interdisciplinary education, advanced community-facing clinical care and innovative approaches to rural health," said Dr. Sharon Lovell, dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies. "Our students learn with and from faculty, students and practitioners in multiple disciplines, and they gain meaningful clinical experience alongside faculty and professionals while serving individuals across the lifespan in our communities. Richard Gilliam's gift gives us the opportunity to build on what we already do exceptionally well and set an even higher standard for education, innovation and service."
A legacy of leadership and philanthropy
A 1982 management graduate, Leslie Gilliam was a businesswoman, philanthropist and university leader who served on the JMU Board of Visitors, co-founded Women for Madison and helped establish The Madison Trust. She was an inaugural member of the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council and believed deeply in the potential of collective philanthropy: "When women come together with a goal ... great things will happen."
Women for Madison posthumously presented Gilliam with its inaugural Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which now bears her name.
The Gilliam family has continued her legacy since her death in 2016. In 2018, the family made a $5.2 million commitment -- then the largest gift in JMU history -- to name the Leslie Flanary Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business. Leslie was especially committed to the center because its reach extends beyond the College of Business, serving students from all majors across the university. At the time, her daughter Julia Gilliam Sterling recalled her mother saying of JMU, "I love JMU. Julia, those are my people."
Now Leslie Gilliam's name will become part of another ambitious chapter in JMU's future -- one centered on preparing healthcare professionals and advancing the university's role in improving health across Virginia.
Realizing that larger vision will require continued partnership among the university, the commonwealth, philanthropists and other organizations.
September 18, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2026/09/18-gilliam-gift.shtml
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$3.5 million gift will name JMU Health and Behavioral Studies building for Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82)
A $3.5 million gift from longtime James Madison University friend and philanthropic partner Richard Gilliam will name the university's College of Health and Behavioral Studies building in honor of his late wife, Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82). She was a Board of Visitors member, a JMU alumna, businesswoman and philanthropic leader whose influence continues to be felt across the university.
The gift ... Show Full Article HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- James Madison University issued the following news: * * * $3.5 million gift will name JMU Health and Behavioral Studies building for Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82) A $3.5 million gift from longtime James Madison University friend and philanthropic partner Richard Gilliam will name the university's College of Health and Behavioral Studies building in honor of his late wife, Leslie Flanary Gilliam ('82). She was a Board of Visitors member, a JMU alumna, businesswoman and philanthropic leader whose influence continues to be felt across the university. The giftcomes as JMU prepares for a significant expansion of its healthcare programs, including nursing, and advances its vision to help address some of Virginia and the nation's most pressing healthcare needs.
"My late wife, Leslie, and her sister both attended and loved their experiences at JMU. This gift is a way for our family to honor Leslie's memory," Gilliam said. "We hope that it provides more students with the opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare and enables the university to further health science efforts across our state."
For JMU President Jim Schmidt, the gift represents both an endorsement of the university's vision and an invitation to others to help JMU realize its full potential in the healthcare sector.
"Healthcare workforce shortages affect every community in Virginia. Universities have a responsibility to help meet that challenge, and JMU is prepared to do its part in a significant way, Schmidt said. "Richard Gilliam's gift honors Leslie's remarkable legacy while helping us prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her name will be associated with a place dedicated to learning, service and improving lives, which feels especially fitting given the impact she had on this university and the people around her."
The Gilliam gift builds on growing momentum behind JMU's healthcare and nursing vision, including nearly $150 million in new investment from the Commonwealth of Virginia and support from the Bedford Falls Foundation. The commonwealth's investment includes a new five-story building that will expand the College of Health and Behavioral Studies alongside the existing building that soon will bear Leslie Gilliam's name. It also funds the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall, which houses the Department of Graduate Psychology, and ongoing support for JMU's new Nursing Fast Flex pathway.
"The commonwealth's investment has created an extraordinary opportunity for JMU to expand healthcare education," Schmidt said. "Philanthropic partners like Richard help turn that opportunity into reality. Their support allows us to think even more boldly about how many students we can serve, how we prepare them for their professions, and how JMU can contribute to the health and well-being of communities across Virginia. We are deeply grateful for this generous gift and for Richard's commitment to advancing healthcare education at JMU while honoring Leslie's extraordinary legacy."
Proceeds from the Gilliam gift and future naming gifts will bring these new and existing spaces to life and help elevate them into a truly world-class environment for healthcare education. Philanthropy will provide and continually update the sophisticated technology and equipment students use in simulation laboratories -- from high-fidelity patient simulators that replicate real-world clinical scenarios to electronic observation and monitoring systems that allow faculty to guide and assess students' work. It will also support the specialized equipment, furnishings and supplies needed across CHBS's many community-facing clinics, including audiology, speech-language, occupational therapy and counseling, where students gain hands-on clinical experience while providing services to members of the community.
"CHBS already has a strong reputation for interprofessional and interdisciplinary education, advanced community-facing clinical care and innovative approaches to rural health," said Dr. Sharon Lovell, dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies. "Our students learn with and from faculty, students and practitioners in multiple disciplines, and they gain meaningful clinical experience alongside faculty and professionals while serving individuals across the lifespan in our communities. Richard Gilliam's gift gives us the opportunity to build on what we already do exceptionally well and set an even higher standard for education, innovation and service."
A legacy of leadership and philanthropy
A 1982 management graduate, Leslie Gilliam was a businesswoman, philanthropist and university leader who served on the JMU Board of Visitors, co-founded Women for Madison and helped establish The Madison Trust. She was an inaugural member of the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council and believed deeply in the potential of collective philanthropy: "When women come together with a goal ... great things will happen."
Women for Madison posthumously presented Gilliam with its inaugural Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which now bears her name.
The Gilliam family has continued her legacy since her death in 2016. In 2018, the family made a $5.2 million commitment -- then the largest gift in JMU history -- to name the Leslie Flanary Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business. Leslie was especially committed to the center because its reach extends beyond the College of Business, serving students from all majors across the university. At the time, her daughter Julia Gilliam Sterling recalled her mother saying of JMU, "I love JMU. Julia, those are my people."
Now Leslie Gilliam's name will become part of another ambitious chapter in JMU's future -- one centered on preparing healthcare professionals and advancing the university's role in improving health across Virginia.
Realizing that larger vision will require continued partnership among the university, the commonwealth, philanthropists and other organizations.
September 18, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2026/09/18-gilliam-gift.shtml