Featured Stories
Virginia Tech: Werth Gift Expands Accessible Testing Environments
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, July 8 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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New Werth gift expands accessible testing environments
A generous gift from Robbie Werth '74, MBA '81 increases operational capacity at the Werth Testing Center.
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Since 2019, the Werth Testing Center has increased academic access at Virginia Tech, thanks to a generous alumnus donation. That generosity has expanded access yet again.
Robbie Werth '74, MBA '81 first donated to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in 2018, increasing dedicated accessible testing capacity from 27 seats to 43. Today, the Werth
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BLACKSBURG, Virginia, July 8 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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New Werth gift expands accessible testing environments
A generous gift from Robbie Werth '74, MBA '81 increases operational capacity at the Werth Testing Center.
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Since 2019, the Werth Testing Center has increased academic access at Virginia Tech, thanks to a generous alumnus donation. That generosity has expanded access yet again.
Robbie Werth '74, MBA '81 first donated to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in 2018, increasing dedicated accessible testing capacity from 27 seats to 43. Today, the WerthTesting Center has 142 seats.
"This center is one of the clearest expressions of our belief that students deserve an environment where they can demonstrate their knowledge based on what they have learned, without barriers that have nothing to do with their knowledge, preparation, or potential," said Frances Keene, vice president for Student Affairs.
The fall 2025 semester saw record highs for the Werth Testing Center. More than 7,000 exam slots were reserved, and over 2,000 final exams were administered.
"Each one of those represented a moment when a student was able to walk into an exam with more confidence because this resource exists," said Ashley Bray, director of Services for Students with Disabilities.
As this need continued to grow, Werth and his family felt motivated to give more. Their most recent donation added more accessible seating, specifically height adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and privacy shields, to the center.
"Details matter. Comfort matters. Focus matters," Werth said. "This isn't just about volume -- it's about quality. A supportive environment, dedicated staff, and committed proctors. I'm proud this center continues to evolve -- expanding space, integrating new tools, and improving service."
SSD and Student Affairs Advancement honored the Werth family's continued support at the end of spring semester. Family and friends, university staff, student proctors, and benefitting students gathered to celebrate the continued ability for everyone to thrive at Virginia Tech.
During the celebration, Keene recognized how the Werth Testing Center's mission is made possible by the group of dedicated staff and proctors and began with Werth's vision.
"Robbie's impact has always been rooted in access and independence," Keene said. "He has long championed the belief that ensuring fair opportunities requires practical environments where people with disabilities are welcomed, accommodated, and empowered and a community that understands how to interact respectfully, listen to needs, and create conditions where people can thrive."
Students benefit from a distraction-free learning environment in the Werth Testing Center and by encouraging proctors like Yassin Abdelkader, a junior studying corporate financial management.
"The center serves as a strong support system, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students from fully engaging in their education," Abdelkader said. "We work hard to create a welcoming and respectful environment where all students feel comfortable talking about their needs. Many students have shared that these resources make a meaningful difference in their academic experience and confidence at Virginia Tech."
Attendees toured the center's testing spaces and asked questions about center operations.
"When I read that there was a 'celebration for furniture,' I was really curious," said Ashley Shew, professor in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society. "What I saw was worth celebrating. I really appreciated the things the speakers had to say about access and dignity. The program, setup, and celebration centered disabled experiences and what we need, rather than paint disability as a burden."
The center helps create a campus community where students are welcome, whatever their needs may be. Whether a student needs extra time or larger print and accessible technologies, they have space to show what they know in a way that works best for them.
"When I first became involved with Services for Students with Disabilities, I learned something that stuck with me," Werth said. "There are thousands of students here -- bright, capable, hardworking students -- who simply need the right environment to demonstrate what they know. Not special treatment. Not an advantage. Just a fair shot."
Apart from his philanthropy to the testing center, Werth has dedicated his professional life to creating accessible transportation for people with disabilities in the Washington D.C. area.
"It has been deep, fulfilling work, built on the same values I learned here: service, commitment, and the belief that everyone deserves opportunity and dignity," Werth said. "When we invest in accessibility, we invest in potential. When we remove barriers, we unlock talent."
On the same day, Werth received the Alumni Aspire! Award for Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life, becoming the 11th alumnus to ever receive this award. In presenting the award, Bray said, Werth holds a "spirit of service that makes improvements possible and reflects Virginia Tech's highest purpose."
-- Written by Emma Duncan '26, multimedia journalism
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Original text here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/06/sa-ssd-werth-gift-expands-accessibility.html
VCU: Resident Joins School of Dentistry Faculty, Eager to Start Journey as a Pediatric Dentist and Educator
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 8 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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Resident joins School of Dentistry faculty, eager to start new journey as a pediatric dentist and educator
In teaching dental students, Jennifer Hunter said she has 'found fulfillment in passing on wisdom and knowledge.'
By Mackenzie Meleski, School of Dentistry
Jennifer Hunter, D.D.S., didn't always know that pediatric dentistry was her calling. Now, as she prepares to complete her residency and step into the role of an assistant professor of pediatric dentistry, she wouldn't have it any other
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 8 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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Resident joins School of Dentistry faculty, eager to start new journey as a pediatric dentist and educator
In teaching dental students, Jennifer Hunter said she has 'found fulfillment in passing on wisdom and knowledge.'
By Mackenzie Meleski, School of Dentistry
Jennifer Hunter, D.D.S., didn't always know that pediatric dentistry was her calling. Now, as she prepares to complete her residency and step into the role of an assistant professor of pediatric dentistry, she wouldn't have it any otherway.
"I've learned to never say never and be open to any opportunities," Hunter said. "When I graduated from dental school 11 years ago, I said I was never going back to school. But here I am on a new and exciting journey as a pediatric dentist and an educator."
Hunter graduated with her B.S. from Howard University in 2011 before venturing to the University of Michigan to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery.
After spending nearly a decade in private practice, Hunter slowly but surely felt the pull to go back to school and specialize in pediatric dentistry. And her decision led her to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.
"I had a great impression of VCU after attending an open house," Hunter said. "It gave me the opportunity to talk with faculty and current residents and get a feel for what VCU was about. Everyone seemed like a family, and I was also drawn to how diverse the school was. It felt like a homecoming when I got in."
Even before her residency, Hunter saw the importance of education and reaching out a hand to provide others with opportunities. Although she had an early interest in the profession, Hunter first began to truly envision herself as a dentist and take the first steps by participating in dental exploration programs while in high school and undergraduate studies.
"While I was in high school and early college, I really took every opportunity to immerse myself in different experiences and learn more about dentistry," Hunter said.
These programs led her to meet like-minded individuals and form connections that would last a lifetime. They also provided Hunter with her first opportunities to serve as a mentor and motivator to students on the same path that she traveled.
But as Hunter worked closely with students during residency, she felt compelled to pursue a new path.
"I had the opportunity to teach third-and fourth-year dental students during my residency and that really set the stage for me," Hunter recalled. "I found fulfillment in passing on wisdom and knowledge."
The journey at VCU continues for Hunter, who will be transitioning from resident to faculty at the start of the fall semester. She is the first pediatric dentistry resident at VCU School of Dentistry in 14 years to make this transition, following in the footsteps of the director of the pediatric dentistry residency program, Tiffany Williams, D.D.S.
Over the past two years, Williams worked closely with Hunter and saw that she had great potential as an educator.
"I have seen incredible growth in Dr. Hunter in these last two years and it was evident early on that she was a budding leader and role model," Williams said. "I often jokingly encouraged her to pursue academics. It made me incredibly happy when she inquired of the faculty position."
Along with Williams, Hunter cited both her parents and fellow pediatric dentist and associate professor, Paula Coates, D.D.S., who interviewed her prior to starting her residency, as significant motivators and influences. Their combined support saw her through the challenges of completing her residency.
Now, it's Hunter's time to pay it forward and be a mentor and motivator to students and residents.
As a faculty member, she hopes to instill a level of confidence in her students.
"I remember what it was like being a student," Hunter said. "Especially when it comes to treating children, it can be challenging. I know confidence grows over time, but my goal is to help guide them and help them be as prepared as they can be."
As an individual, one can hope to help as many people as they can. But an educator gives others the skills to help others and make an even greater impact, according to Hunter.
"I may not be able to reach and help every child in need," Hunter said. "But through my teaching, I'm able to have a bigger outreach because those students are going to go on to treat more and more individuals. Having a hand in their education and their drive to help others is the most rewarding part."
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Original text here: https://news.vcu.edu/article/resident-joins-school-of-dentistry-faculty-to-start-new-journey-as-a-pediatric-dentist-and-educator
University of Wyoming Students Present, Win at National Biomedical Symposium
LARAMIE, Wyoming, July 8 -- The University of Wyoming posted the following news:
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UW Students Present, Win at National Biomedical Symposium
University of Wyoming students earned multiple honors while presenting their biomedical research at the recent 10th biennial National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE), a four-day national conference that showcases achievements of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) IDeA Program.
The NIGMS IDeA Program supports institutes that train biomedical scientists in the 24 IDeA-eligible states, including Wyoming.
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LARAMIE, Wyoming, July 8 -- The University of Wyoming posted the following news:
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UW Students Present, Win at National Biomedical Symposium
University of Wyoming students earned multiple honors while presenting their biomedical research at the recent 10th biennial National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE), a four-day national conference that showcases achievements of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) IDeA Program.
The NIGMS IDeA Program supports institutes that train biomedical scientists in the 24 IDeA-eligible states, including Wyoming.Close to 1,200 students attended the event in Rockville, Md., where they heard keynote speakers; participated in plenary panels; presented research either orally or during a poster session; attended professional development workshops; and networked with peers, researchers and administrators from across the United States and Puerto Rico.
UW's INBRE and Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) programs support faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in biomedical research. Their missions center on conducting high-quality scientific research and building biomedical research capacity through support for UW and Wyoming community college faculty members; and mentoring to help students hone their skills for graduate school, professional schools or work in industry jobs after graduation.
"NISBRE is a chance for invited students to present their own research at a multidisciplinary conference and expand the experience into networking with others at all levels," says Annie Bergman, the director of the Wyoming INBRE student research program, who mentors undergraduate and graduate students in biomedical research tracks. "This is the perfect atmosphere for those students with a growth mindset willing to engage in conversations about career paths and opportunities they have not yet considered."
Maycie Schultz, a UW doctoral student in zoology and physiology from Sioux Falls, S.D., was selected to give an oral presentation on her research, "Transcriptomic Insights into Alzheimer's Disease Progression: scRNAseq and Visium HD Spatial Mapping Reveal AD-Specific Molecular Drivers in A Mouse Model." She received a Scientific Merit Award for her presentation.
Of the 369 posters displayed over three days, UW zoology and physiology undergraduate student Cutter Barrus, of Powell, received one of three Outstanding Poster Presentation Awards for his research poster, "Xenopus Tadpoles Display Distinct and Enduring Visual Preferences." He also received an Undergraduate Travel Award, with selection of these awards based on abstracts submitted by the students.
"At NISBRE, I was able to meet many new people across a variety of scientific fields. I was also able to meet those within my own field and gain new ideas for my work," says Barrus, who also visited a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research lab during the symposium. "As someone who got to visit the NIH lab, that was an incredible experience. I was able to see how a neuroscience lab from the NIH campus operates. This allows me to branch more ideas into what is possible in research."
Priscilla Phan, a fourth-year doctoral student in molecular biology from Cheyenne, says NISBRE provided a unique and invaluable experience.
"Unlike molecular biology-focused events, it allowed me to explore new biomedical science and attend tailored career advancement talks. As I begin thinking about the end of my Ph.D., the conference reminded me of the diverse career paths available," Phan says. "I networked with professionals who offered practical advice on transitioning from graduate school to the workforce and tips for getting hired. Ultimately, NISBRE was an essential experience for building the professional skills and networks I need to advance my career."
Also attending was Danny Burns, a UW doctoral student from Wall, N.J.
"Attending the biennial NISBRE conference this year was a wonderful learning and networking experience. I was able to meet staff from the NIH and learn about many of the funding opportunities available to students and early career faculty, which was very useful," he says. "It was great being able to meet students and faculty from network peer institutions and learn about their ongoing research and experiences and to discuss potential future collaborations. The NIH is very large, and its offerings are vast and complex; thanks to the many useful and informative sessions provided at the conference, I have a much better idea of what is relevant to me and where to go to find more information and to ask questions."
The following Wyoming students had research abstracts accepted and presented posters at the symposium:
University of Wyoming
* Maria Azmerin, a doctoral student from Bangladesh in the School of Pharmacy, "Generation and Preliminary Behavioral Characterization of 5xFAD-iRhom2-Deficient Mice in Alzheimer's Disease."
* Cutter Barrus, a senior from Powell in the Pratt Lab in zoology and physiology, "Xenopus Tadpoles Display Distinct and Enduring Visual Preferences."
* Danny Burns, a fourth-year doctoral student from Wall, N.J., in the Robinson Lab in statistics, "Paging Dr. Chatbot: A Cross-sectional Comparison of Emotional Content of Text Responses to Patient Health Queries between Physicians & Artificial Intelligence Chatbots."
* Ethan Forbis, a senior from Riverton in the Schmitt Lab in kinesiology and health sciences, "Refining Circadian Biomarkers: Core Temperature Logging as an Alternative to Exercise-Derived Metrics."
* Gustavo Hernandez, a senior from Laramie in the Schmitt Lab in kinesiology and health sciences, "Tick Tock Exercise O'Clock."
* Bailey Isaak, a senior from Laramie in the Navratil Lab in zoology and physiology, "Female Peptidylarginine Deiminase 2 and 4 Double Knockout Mice have Abnormal Estrous Cycles and Reduced Fertility."
* Priscilla Phan, a fourth-year doctoral student from Cheyenne in the Levy Lab in molecular biology, "Investigating the Role of the LINC Complex in Nuclear Morphology Regulation Using Xenopus Laevis Egg Extracts."
* Maycie Schultz, a doctoral student in zoology and physiology from Sioux Falls, S.D., "Transcriptomic Insights into Alzheimer's Disease Progression: scRNAseq and Visium HD Spatial Mapping Reveal AD-Specific Molecular Drivers in A Mouse Model."
* Abagail Straight, a senior from Casper in the Bowman Lab in molecular biology, "Mechanisms of PopZ-Mediated Client Recruitment."
* Isabelle Wasseen, a senior from Rock Springs in the Nair Lab in the School of Pharmacy, "iRhom2 Regulates Neuroinflammation-Driven Cognitive Dysfunction."
* William Weader, of Casper, in the Teule-Finley Lab, "Citrullination and Aging in Female Mice: Investigating the Patterns of Peptidylarginine Deiminase 2 Production."
Western Wyoming Community College
Sam Latimer, Breelyn Semon and Jazmin Jamal, from Rock Springs, in the Holmes Lab, "High Resolution Genetic Analysis of Connectivity in a Membraneless Compartment."
Latimer will be a first-year graduate student in UW's graduate program in molecular and cellular life sciences, and Jamal is accepted into the UW INBRE Transfer Fellow Program starting this fall.
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Original text here: https://www.uwyo.edu/news/2026/07/uw-students-present-win-at-national-biomedical-symposium.html
University of South Carolina-Aiken Chancellor Leads Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors
AIKEN, South Carolina, July 8 -- The University of South Carolina Aiken Campus issued the following news:
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USCA chancellor leads Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors
Leslie Hull-Ryde
The Peach Belt Conference announced updates on July 1 to its executive committee, including Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, USCA chancellor, as the chair of the PBC Board of Directors.
"USCA is proud to be part of the collegial PBC community, and I am honored to be part of the leadership team for the next academic year," Heimmermann said.
Entering his sixth year as chancellor at USCA, Heimmermann has served
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AIKEN, South Carolina, July 8 -- The University of South Carolina Aiken Campus issued the following news:
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USCA chancellor leads Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors
Leslie Hull-Ryde
The Peach Belt Conference announced updates on July 1 to its executive committee, including Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, USCA chancellor, as the chair of the PBC Board of Directors.
"USCA is proud to be part of the collegial PBC community, and I am honored to be part of the leadership team for the next academic year," Heimmermann said.
Entering his sixth year as chancellor at USCA, Heimmermann has servedthe last two years as the vice chair of the board.
"The Peach Belt has a great leadership team in place. I look forward to working with Commissioner Diana Kling and the other chancellors and presidents in support of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans," Heimmermann said.
The executive committee includes the four leadership positions on the Board of Directors: chair, first vice chair, second vice chair and Immediate past chair. These positions are held by current institutional presidents and chancellors. Members serve two-year terms, progressing through each leadership role during their tenure on the committee.
Clayton State University President Dr. Georj Lewis joins the executive committee as first vice chair, while Columbus State University President Dr. Stuart Rayfield begins her term as second vice chair. Georgia College & State University President Dr. Cathy Cox has completed her tenure as chair and will continue to serve the committee as immediate past chair. Lander University President Dr. Richard E. Cosentino has concluded his service on the executive committee after completing his term as immediate past chair.
USCA is a founding member of the Peach Belt Conference. Pacer Athletics include 10 sports programs. Other teams in the conference include Augusta University, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Flagler University, Georgia College & State, Georgia Southwestern University, Lander University, Middle Georgia University, North Georgia University and USC Beaufort.
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Original text here: https://www.usca.edu/news/articles/news/2026/usca-chancellor-leads-peach-belt-conference-board-of-directors-.html
UMKC Bloch Alumna and Missouri Public Service Leader Receives Global Recognition
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 8 -- The University of Missouri Kansas City campus issued the following news:
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UMKC Bloch Alumna and Missouri Public Service Leader Receives Global Recognition
From local communities to the state capital, Deidre Anderson-Barbee has dedicated her career to improving early childhood education
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When Deidre Anderson-Barbee (MPA '00) moved to Kansas City, she was a single mother looking for a graduate program with the tools to make a greater impact. Nearly three decades later, that journey has earned her recognition from the Network of Schools of Public Policy,
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 8 -- The University of Missouri Kansas City campus issued the following news:
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UMKC Bloch Alumna and Missouri Public Service Leader Receives Global Recognition
From local communities to the state capital, Deidre Anderson-Barbee has dedicated her career to improving early childhood education
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When Deidre Anderson-Barbee (MPA '00) moved to Kansas City, she was a single mother looking for a graduate program with the tools to make a greater impact. Nearly three decades later, that journey has earned her recognition from the Network of Schools of Public Policy,Affairs and Administration, also known as NASPAA, as one of two recipients of its global Alumni Spotlight Award.
Anderson-Barbee has spent her career working at every level of the early childhood system, from serving children and families directly to leading nonprofit organizations and shaping statewide policy.
Whether in classrooms, communities or government, she has remained guided by the same belief: meaningful change begins with the people a system is designed to serve.
"I bring my whole self into everything that I do," Anderson-Barbee said. "When you're in community and you are proximate to the work, what you're doing for the system actually works. But when you build a system without the end users in mind, it's just a system."
Originally from Iowa, Anderson-Barbee moved to Kansas City in 1997 and enrolled in the UMKC Master of Public Administration program with an emphasis in urban policy and management at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
As a single mother working in child welfare, she sought a graduate program that reflected the work she envisioned for herself: strengthening communities through nonprofit leadership and public service rather than pursuing elected office.
"Getting my master's was having the credential to do the higher-level work," she said. "But I never wanted to be removed from where it all started."
For Anderson-Barbee, the MPA program at UMKC shaped her approach to leadership by emphasizing collaboration.
"The content you get in an MPA degree is relevant to anyone," Anderson-Barbee said. "The MPA program teaches you to collaborate because not everybody's looking for the same career path, not everybody's coming from the same background."
She also credits faculty members David Renz and former Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser with bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
"The professors who meant the most to me were the ones who could bring their real-life experience to the classroom," she said. "They were able to make it personally relevant for me as a student."
After graduating, Anderson-Barbee built a career centered on improving outcomes for children and families. She spent more than a decade leading EarlystART, a Kansas City nonprofit providing early childhood education services.
During her tenure as chief executive officer, the organization expanded from one early learning center serving approximately 120 children to three centers serving more than 300 while increasing access to high-quality early education through community partnerships and scholarships.
As the organization grew, Anderson-Barbee recognized another challenge facing early childhood education: developing and retaining the workforce needed to meet families' needs.
She founded Starting Early, an organization dedicated to attracting, training and supporting the next generation of early childhood educators while bringing together providers, businesses and policymakers to address systemic challenges.
Her leadership eventually led to statewide service as assistant commissioner of Missouri's Office of Childhood within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, where she helped oversee efforts to expand access to high-quality early childhood programs across Missouri.
Even in a statewide leadership role, Anderson-Barbee believed the best policy begins in local communities.
"You can't just make decisions from behind a desk," she said. "You need to be out where families are."
Today, Anderson-Barbee continues serving children and families as director of student and family support services at Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School while remaining closely connected to UMKC. She serves on the Bloch School's Public Affairs Advisory Council, giving input to both the Master of Business Administration and MPA programs.
"One of the greatest joys of leading the Bloch School's MPA program is seeing graduates whose impact reaches far beyond their job titles," said Susan Opp, Ph.D., Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Professor. "Deidre is one of those leaders. She has spent her career bringing people together, tackling difficult public challenges and building stronger systems for children and families across Missouri. Just as important, she has remained deeply connected to UMKC, generously sharing her experience with our students and helping shape the future of the program that helped launch her own career. There is no better example for our students of the difference a UMKC MPA graduate can make."
For students considering a career in public service, Anderson-Barbee encourages them to think beyond a job title and focus on the impact they hope to make.
"There couldn't be a more important time in our nation to have public servants and leaders," she said. "I think it's the human side of business. What kind of person do you want to be in business? If you're trying to figure that out, the MPA is a program that can help you figure out who you are and how you fit in whatever ecosystem you want to work in."
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Bloch School Accreditation
The Bloch School of Management is the only school in the Kansas City region accredited by both AACSB and NASPAA. The Bloch School's business administration programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the public administration programs are accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration.
Learn more about Henry W. Bloch School of Management (https://bloch.umkc.edu/)
-- Story by: Hunter Miesner, Strategic Marketing and Communications
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Original text here: https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/july/umkc-bloch-alumna-and-missouri-public-service-leader-receives-global-recognition.html
Middle States Reaffirms RIT's Accreditation
ROCHESTER, New York, July 8 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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Middle States reaffirms RIT's accreditation
RIT has officially been reaffirmed for accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), marking the successful conclusion of a multi-year self-study and evaluation process. MSCHE notified the university of its June 25 action following review of RIT's self-study report and an on-site evaluation conducted in the spring.
The commission's action acknowledges receipt of the university's self-study and formally reaffirms RIT's
... Show Full Article
ROCHESTER, New York, July 8 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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Middle States reaffirms RIT's accreditation
RIT has officially been reaffirmed for accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), marking the successful conclusion of a multi-year self-study and evaluation process. MSCHE notified the university of its June 25 action following review of RIT's self-study report and an on-site evaluation conducted in the spring.
The commission's action acknowledges receipt of the university's self-study and formally reaffirms RIT'saccreditation. MSCHE also noted the on-site evaluation visit to RIT's Rochester campus from March 29 through April 1.
The university's next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled for the 2033-2034 academic year.
"Reaffirmation of accreditation reflects the dedication and commitment of faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and university partners who contributed to this effort," said Christine Licata, vice provost for Academic Affairs and co-chair of the university's Self-Study Steering Committee. "The self-study process provided an opportunity not only to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards but also to examine our strengths and identify areas for continuous improvement as we advance RIT's mission and strategic priorities."
The accreditation review included a comprehensive self-study that examined RIT's mission, governance, academic programs, student success, resources, planning, and institutional effectiveness. An eight-member team of peer evaluators appointed by MSCHE visited campus in March to assess the self-study findings and meet with faculty, staff, students, trustees, and university leaders. The team concluded that RIT met all accreditation standards and requirements.
In its report, the evaluation team highlighted RIT's strengths in academic quality, experiential education, interdisciplinary collaboration, global engagement, student support, research growth, and strategic planning. The review also recognized RIT's 2035 Strategic Framework as well aligned with the university's mission and future direction.
MSCHE accreditation is a critical process that assures students, families, employers, and government agencies that a university meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. Accreditation also enables students to access federal financial aid programs and ensures the transferability and recognition of academic credentials.
"This successful reaccreditation reflects contributions from hundreds of members of the RIT community who participated in working groups, provided feedback, contributed evidence, hosted campus evaluators, and helped advance the university's continuous improvement efforts throughout the self-study process," said RIT President Bill Sanders. "I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for the thorough and collegial review process, noting that the findings accurately reflect RIT's culture, achievements, and aspirations."
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Original text here: https://www.rit.edu/news/middle-states-reaffirms-rits-accreditation
Lamar University: Nancy Evans Reading Center Expands Literacy Partnerships, Serving 1,367 Students Across Southeast Texas
BEAUMONT, Texas, July 8 -- Lamar University issued the following news:
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Nancy Evans Reading Center expands literacy partnerships, serving 1,367 students across Southeast Texas
By April Thompson
The Nancy Evans Reading Center within Lamar University's College of Education and Human Development expanded its regional literacy partnerships during the 2026 school year, serving approximately 1,367 students across five Southeast Texas school districts, according to an interim summary report released June 26, 2026.
"The work of the Nancy Evans Reading Center demonstrates the transformative power
... Show Full Article
BEAUMONT, Texas, July 8 -- Lamar University issued the following news:
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Nancy Evans Reading Center expands literacy partnerships, serving 1,367 students across Southeast Texas
By April Thompson
The Nancy Evans Reading Center within Lamar University's College of Education and Human Development expanded its regional literacy partnerships during the 2026 school year, serving approximately 1,367 students across five Southeast Texas school districts, according to an interim summary report released June 26, 2026.
"The work of the Nancy Evans Reading Center demonstrates the transformative powerof partnerships. When universities, school districts, families, and communities unite around a common purpose, extraordinary things happen for children," Dean of the College of Education and Human Development Dr. Johnny O'Connor said.
The regional literacy initiative focused on strengthening foundational literacy skills for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, increasing family engagement, and providing access to university-supported instructional resources and literacy programming. More than 7,500 literacy materials and take-home reading resources were distributed across participating districts.
The initiative partnered with Dayton ISD, Port Arthur ISD, Channelview ISD, Sheldon ISD, and Beaumont ISD, supporting a range of programs, including STAAR-focused literacy boot camps, summer literacy camps, virtual instruction, and family engagement events.
In Dayton ISD, the Nancy Evans Reading Center implemented a five-day STAAR Literacy Motivational Bootcamp at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School, serving approximately 450 sixth-grade students. The program focused on reading comprehension strategies, including context clues, inferencing, close reading, and evidence-based responses. District data showed increases in the number of students meeting and approaching proficiency standards on STAAR assessments compared to spring interim results, along with a decrease in students performing below grade level.
In Port Arthur ISD, the Titan Summer LitCamp served 584 students and included structured literacy instruction, family engagement events, and take-home reading libraries. The kickoff event included families, district leaders, and community partners.
Channelview ISD's summer literacy program served 273 students in kindergarten through second grade, focusing on foundational reading skills identified through MAP assessment data and supported by hands-on instructional materials.
Sheldon ISD's Camp Ignite Virtual Literacy Program provided remote literacy instruction and family engagement supports for first- and second-grade students through a blended online learning model.
"We are proud of the impact these initiatives are having across Southeast Texas and of the opportunities they create for students to strengthen their literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading," O'Connor said. "At Lamar University, we remain committed to supporting educators, strengthening our school partnerships, and helping every student build the strong foundation necessary for future success."
The Nancy Evans Reading Center plans to continue expanding its literacy partnerships during the 2026-27 school year, with an emphasis on educator collaboration, family engagement, and evidence-based literacy instruction across Southeast Texas.
To learn more about the College of Education and Human Development, visit https://www.lamar.edu/education/.
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Original text here: https://www.lamar.edu/news-and-events/news/2026/07/nancy-evans-reading-center-expands-literacy-partnerships-serving-1,367-students-across-southeast-texas.html
