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Yale School of Management: Prof. Minjae Kim Wins Best Entrepreneurship Paper Award From Academy of Management
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Aug. 8 -- Yale School of Management issued the following news:
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Prof. Minjae Kim Wins Best Entrepreneurship Paper Award from Academy of Management
The international professional association recognized Kim's research on the role founders play in retaining employees as their startups grow.
Minjae Kim, assistant professor of organizational behavior, has won the 2026 Best Entrepreneurship Paper Award from the Organization and Management Theory Division of the Academy of Management, a global professional association for organization and management scholars.
Presented
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NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Aug. 8 -- Yale School of Management issued the following news:
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Prof. Minjae Kim Wins Best Entrepreneurship Paper Award from Academy of Management
The international professional association recognized Kim's research on the role founders play in retaining employees as their startups grow.
Minjae Kim, assistant professor of organizational behavior, has won the 2026 Best Entrepreneurship Paper Award from the Organization and Management Theory Division of the Academy of Management, a global professional association for organization and management scholars.
Presentedannually since 2015, the award recognizes a paper that "advances understanding of entrepreneurship, drawing on organization and management theory."
Kim won the award for his working paper "The Evolving Impact of Founders on Startup Employee Retention," co-authored with Daniel Kim, an assistant professor of management at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The study examines how founder departures affect employee retention--a challenge with which startups often struggle given their lack of formal structures, settled routines, or reputation.
Kim previously won the Best Entrepreneurship Paper Award in 2021 and 2024. Other SOM-affiliated recipients of the award have included then-faculty member Olav Sorenson, Professor Tristan Botelho, and then-PhD student Melody Chang.
Before joining SOM, Kim was an assistant professor of management at Rice University. His research focuses on when, why, and how social actors--including individuals and firms--coordinate their actions.
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Original text here: https://som.yale.edu/story/2026/prof-minjae-kim-wins-best-entrepreneurship-paper-award-academy-management
University of Iowa College of Law: Josephine Gittler Honored With Iowa Character Award
IOWA CITY, Iowa, Aug. 8 -- The University of Iowa College of Law issued the following news:
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Josephine Gittler honored with Iowa Character Award
The award recognizes Gittler's leadership, integrity, and longstanding commitment to advancing civic education.
Written by: Blake Etringer
Josephine Gittler, the Wiley B. Rutledge Professor of Law, has been honored with the 2026 Person of Character Award from the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
The Ray Center's annual Iowa Character Awards honor Iowans whose actions reflect integrity, leadership, responsibility, and a commitment
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IOWA CITY, Iowa, Aug. 8 -- The University of Iowa College of Law issued the following news:
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Josephine Gittler honored with Iowa Character Award
The award recognizes Gittler's leadership, integrity, and longstanding commitment to advancing civic education.
Written by: Blake Etringer
Josephine Gittler, the Wiley B. Rutledge Professor of Law, has been honored with the 2026 Person of Character Award from the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
The Ray Center's annual Iowa Character Awards honor Iowans whose actions reflect integrity, leadership, responsibility, and a commitmentto serving their communities.
The selection committee honored Gittler for advancing protections for vulnerable populations and for founding the Alliance for Civic Education of Iowa (ACE). Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and strengthening communities.
Friends and colleagues call her "extremely accomplished" and note she broke barriers as the first female faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Law. During her career, she worked diligently to revise guardianship and conservatorship in Iowa, reforms that were eventually signed into law.
"I've done my best with many others to engage in efforts to make sure that adults and children who are vulnerable for various reasons receive the care and the protection that they need," Gittler said, on her work to reform guardianship and conservatorship law in Iowa.
Gittler was also recognized for her passion and work advocating for civic education. Through her leadership with ACE, she helped secure the passage of legislation in 2025 that makes passing the U.S. citizenship civics test a high school graduation requirement in Iowa. Then, in 2026, she advocated for a bill that was signed into law that establishes a seal of civics excellence for high school graduates who demonstrate civic knowledge and engagement beyond standard requirements.
Gittler and her fellow Iowa Character Award recipients were recently recognized on July 31 during a ceremony in Altoona, Iowa. Local television station KDSM produced a short video with comments from friends and colleagues highlighting Gittler's story and impact.
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Original text here: https://law.uiowa.edu/news/2026/08/josephine-gittler-iowa-character-award
UW-Platteville Exercise Science Program Earns National Accreditation
PLATTEVILLE, Wisconsin, Aug. 8 -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville issued the following news release:
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UW-Platteville exercise science program earns national accreditation
UW-Platteville's exercise science program has earned a prestigious national accreditation that guarantees students a chance to earn a key strength coaching credential.
The Council on Accreditation of Strength and Continuing Education (CASCE) announced in July that UW-Platteville's Exercise Science-Strength and Conditioning program is among 23 programs across 20 institutions that earned accreditation in 2026. With
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PLATTEVILLE, Wisconsin, Aug. 8 -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville issued the following news release:
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UW-Platteville exercise science program earns national accreditation
UW-Platteville's exercise science program has earned a prestigious national accreditation that guarantees students a chance to earn a key strength coaching credential.
The Council on Accreditation of Strength and Continuing Education (CASCE) announced in July that UW-Platteville's Exercise Science-Strength and Conditioning program is among 23 programs across 20 institutions that earned accreditation in 2026. Withthe new additions, CASCE now recognizes 68 accredited programs. The accreditation, earned through a rigorous peer-review process, confirms that UW-Platteville's program meets national standards for preparing future strength and conditioning coaches.
The accreditation is a huge boon for future UW-Platteville exercise science students. Beginning in 2030, students looking to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam must hold a bachelor's degree from a CASCE-accredited institution. The CSCS credential is one of the most respected certifications in the strength field.
"This accreditation is a significant milestone for our department and our students," said Dr. Hans Krueger, UW-Platteville's strength and conditioning program director. "It reflects the dedication of our faculty to providing a high-quality educational experience that combines evidence-based instruction with meaningful hands-on experiences. Most importantly, it ensures our graduates are exceptionally well prepared to enter the profession and make an immediate impact in the field of strength and conditioning."
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Original text here: https://www.uwplatt.edu/news/uw-platteville-exercise-science-program-earns-national-accreditation
Rochester Institute of Technology Students Gain Real-world Experience Solving Health Care Challenges
ROCHESTER, New York, Aug. 8 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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RIT students gain real-world experience solving health care challenges
Rochester Institute of Technology students designed accessible health care solutions for children and adults with disabilities and gained real-world experience working with not-for-profit clients.
Interdisciplinary teams of RIT students collaborated on eight projects during the Studio 930 program, a 10-week cooperative education/internship. Students majoring in computer engineering technology, computer science, individualized
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ROCHESTER, New York, Aug. 8 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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RIT students gain real-world experience solving health care challenges
Rochester Institute of Technology students designed accessible health care solutions for children and adults with disabilities and gained real-world experience working with not-for-profit clients.
Interdisciplinary teams of RIT students collaborated on eight projects during the Studio 930 program, a 10-week cooperative education/internship. Students majoring in computer engineering technology, computer science, individualizedprogram, industrial design, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics engineering technology applied their RIT education to challenges facing people with chronic health conditions like dementia, autism, and cerebral palsy.
Experiential learning opportunities like Studio 930 prepare students for career success and are a staple at RIT, which is ranked fifth among co-op/internship programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Accessible design for dementia
One team built a sensory area installation to prompt memories and conversation among older adults living with middle-stage dementia at the Jewish Home of Rochester.
Gabrielle "Gigi" Bakos, a third-year student in the individualized program/sustainable architecture M.Arch programs, and her teammates visited the Strong National Museum of Play to get inspiration from its sensory installations created for children.
The students tailored concepts to an older population and made a wooden "memory map" of Greater Rochester with local detail. A virtual-reality orientation at the Jewish Home taught them about the effects of dementia and influenced their project down to the paint they selected. They picked contrasting colors for attachable landmark features because dementia mutes color perception.
"It's important that we designed with dignity," said Bakos, an Ithaca, N.Y. resident and incoming student senator for the School of Individualized Study.
Health technology innovation
Another set of projects in Studio 930 focuses on health care technology that streamlines workflow challenges at Rochester Regional Health, a strategic partner in the RIT RRH Alliance. RIT student teams designed concepts for a precision liquid dispenser for nurses caring for patients with dysphagia, who have trouble swallowing and require thickened liquids, and ergonomic child-proof bottle openers (mechanical and manual) for pharmacists, many of whom develop repetitive motion injuries on the job.
Different types of health care technology present a major growth area at RIT where students apply design thinking to improve life for people with disabilities. Studio 930 is a student-centered and collaborative opportunity housed within the School of Individualized Study and affiliated with RIT's Access: Healthcare Technology.
Studio 930 creates an environment where diverse perspectives enrich the design process, said Dan Phillips, associate professor of electrical and microelectronic engineering. "When you get different people working together, it's good for everyone."
The internship asks students to come with an open mind because accessible and inclusive design requires empathy and awareness, said Lara Cardoso Goulart '17 (industrial design MFA), program director and co-director of the industrial design BFA program.
"There are things that once you see, you can't unsee," she said. "It will make the students better people."
The sensory project for the Jewish Home of Rochester was eye opening for Paige Panagos, a fourth-year industrial design major from Boxford, Mass. Their experience made them think about a career in access and medical technology. "I feel great that I made a tangible part of user testing," they said. "Design is storytelling."
RIT's maker culture
RIT student Gabrielle "Gigi" Bakos, right, shares a 'memory map' of Rochester, N.Y., to Dan Harel, left, adjunct professor and one of the Studio 930 founders. Bakos and her team designed the map for dementia patients living at the Jewish Home of Rochester.
Studio 930 operates as a design consultancy and a workplace in RIT's multi-level maker place, the SHED. Maker culture has deep roots at RIT with generations of students who tinker and play with technology and the arts and build careers around their passions. All RIT students have access to the SHED's centralized wood and metal shops, textile and electronics area, and 3D printers, laser cutters, and other spaces.
Proximity to the makerspaces sped up the process work for the Studio 930 teams. Students could make quick prototypes and refine their ideas without leaving the building. Michael Buffalin IV, SHED makerspace director, and SHED mentor and co-op student Nathan Lavie, a second-year mechatronics engineering technology major, helped the teams navigate the makerspace and choose the right materials and processes.
"Studio 930 was meant for the SHED," Goulart said. "It's not just a classroom; it's a multidisciplinary space."
Assistive play design
The wood shop was a second home for the team that included fourth-year industrial design students Brooke Banninger, from Pottstown, Pa., and Spencer Harris from Milwaukee, Wisc., and Andrew Nasser, fourth-year mechatronics engineering technology major from Manhattan. The students designed a child's pushcart with a top-loading compartment holding up to 40 pounds and a lid that doubles as a seat.
Their client, Sara Calus, director of educational and clinical services at the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, envisioned a weighted cart for toddlers to push, pull, and steer without tipping or losing control. The motion and force needed to move the cart will "stimulate sensory regulation and foster motor planning to help the brain and muscles work together to complete a functional activity," she said.
After children tested the nearly finished prototype at Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, Calus described the project a "smashing success."
The team made a few final adjustments and painted the cart to look like a mail truck for added whimsy. They included a shelf between the handles to hold visual cue cards to help the child pushing the cart process information.
"The children crave input and movement, and this is perfect," Calus said.
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RIT Studio 930 accessible design challenges
* Sensory area installation for people with dementia, the Jewish Home of Rochester
* A precision food cutter to prevent choking, Lifetime Assistance Inc.
* Adjustable toilet support for children with cerebral palsy, Mary Cariola Center
* Interactive toys for children with cerebral palsy, CP Rochester
* Portable sensory cocoon and a push-weighted cart for toddlers, Rochester Hearing and Speech Center
* Ergonomic bottle opener for pharmacists and a precision dispensing lid for nurses, Rochester Regional Health
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Original text here: https://www.rit.edu/news/rit-students-gain-real-world-experience-solving-health-care-challenges
Pennsylvania State University Greater Allegheny IST Professor Receives Best Work-in-Progress Paper Award
MCKEESPORT, Pennsylvania, Aug. 8 -- Pennsylvania State University Greater Allegheny campus issued the following news:
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Greater Allegheny IST professor receives Best Work-in-Progress paper award
Co-author Jennifer Breese recognized for innovative work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and autonomous systems
By Nick Trunzo
Research co-authored by Penn State Greater Allegheny faculty member Jennifer Breese, associate professor of information sciences and technology, received the Best Work-in-Progress Paper Award at the 2026 International Conference on Knowledge
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MCKEESPORT, Pennsylvania, Aug. 8 -- Pennsylvania State University Greater Allegheny campus issued the following news:
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Greater Allegheny IST professor receives Best Work-in-Progress paper award
Co-author Jennifer Breese recognized for innovative work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and autonomous systems
By Nick Trunzo
Research co-authored by Penn State Greater Allegheny faculty member Jennifer Breese, associate professor of information sciences and technology, received the Best Work-in-Progress Paper Award at the 2026 International Conference on KnowledgeManagement (KM2026) in Lisbon, Portugal, recognizing innovative work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and autonomous systems.
The award-winning paper, "DroneBench: Benchmarking AI Agent Performance via Secure Autonomous Drone Operations," explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be evaluated in simulated drone environments before being deployed in real-world applications.
For Breese, the award highlights the impact of collaborative research that connects higher education with industry partners while advancing emerging technologies.
"Receiving the Best Work-in-Progress Paper Award is especially meaningful because it recognizes not only the quality of our research completed to date, but also the future potential of the project," Breese said. "The award validates the importance of our work and highlights the contributions that the Greater Allegheny campus faculty and our collaborators are making to research in emerging technologies on an international stage."
Breese collaborated on the research with lead author Ivan V. Voinov, a Penn State alumnus and founder of Agale.ai, and co-author Lori Paluti, founder of Pittsburgh Drone Services. The conference also provided an opportunity for Breese to connect with other researchers and industry professionals from around the world, strengthening collaborations that help move emerging technology research forward, she said.
"I left inspired by the quality of the presentations and the collaborative spirit of the attendees," Breese said. "I would encourage Penn State faculty to submit their work and experience the benefits of participating in this academic community."
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into robotics and other physical technologies, DroneBench provides a standardized approach for evaluating AI agents in physical environments, identifying potential security concerns and supporting the development of safer, more reliable autonomous systems.
"DroneBench addresses a critical gap in AI evaluation by moving beyond purely digital benchmarks to assess how intelligent agents perceive, reason and act in complex physical environments," Breese said. "This research has the potential to establish new standards for measuring embodied AI capabilities in safe, reproducible and realistic settings."
The International Conference on Knowledge Management brings together researchers, educators and industry professionals from around the world to share advances in knowledge management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and information technology. The conference uses a double-blind peer-review process to evaluate submissions and recognize outstanding research contributions across these fields.
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Original text here: https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/story/23321/2026/08/07/greater-allegheny-ist-professor-receives-best-work-progress-paper-award
Morehead State University Board of Regents Approves Academic, Campus Initiatives
MOREHEAD, Kentucky, Aug. 8 -- Morehead State University issued the following news:
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MSU Board of Regents Approves Academic, Campus Initiatives
The Morehead State University Board of Regents approved several academic, campus and administrative initiatives during its quarterly meeting on Friday, Aug. 7.
The Board elected its officers for the coming year and welcomed new regents with the administration of the oath of office:
* Student Regent Molly Boyd, a senior finance major from Prestonsburg.
* Faculty Regent Dr. DuWayne Dale (Class of 1998, 2007), director of bands & associate professor
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MOREHEAD, Kentucky, Aug. 8 -- Morehead State University issued the following news:
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MSU Board of Regents Approves Academic, Campus Initiatives
The Morehead State University Board of Regents approved several academic, campus and administrative initiatives during its quarterly meeting on Friday, Aug. 7.
The Board elected its officers for the coming year and welcomed new regents with the administration of the oath of office:
* Student Regent Molly Boyd, a senior finance major from Prestonsburg.
* Faculty Regent Dr. DuWayne Dale (Class of 1998, 2007), director of bands & associate professorof music.
Regents also recognized three members of the University community for their outstanding contributions. Honored were Brady Adkins, a computer science major from West Liberty; Stephanie Akers (Class of 2014), director of the Educational Unit for Child Care Services and Master of Arts in Teaching coordinator; and Megan Duff, director of SOAR.
As part of the consent agenda, the Board approved the minutes from the June 12 meeting, ratified personnel actions and spring graduates, approved faculty sabbaticals and emeritus status, authorized a new academic certificate, approved awarding honorary doctorates to the Greenes, adopted revisions to the Student Code of Conduct Handbook and approved updates to the University's Emergency Operations Plan.
Following a closed executive session held pursuant to KRS 61.810(b) to discuss matters relating to the future disposition of real estate, the Board returned to open session and approved revisions to the Board of Regents bylaws, asset preservation projects and a campus utility and infrastructure capital project.
Regents also received informational presentations on employee healthcare insurance for 2027, performance funding and the University's annual initiatives, in addition to the President's Report.
Following the meeting, members of the Board toured campus before attending the grand opening and dedication of Prefontaine Hall, Morehead State's newest residence hall.
For more information, visit Morehead State University's Board of Regents website (https://www.moreheadstate.edu/about-msu/leadership/bor/index).
Recognitions
The MSU Board of Regents inducted new regent members and recognized employees and students at the August meeting.
* Dr. DuWayne Dale, director of bands & associate professor of music and Molly Boyd, a senior finance major from Prestonsburg
* Brady Adkins, computer science major from West Liberty, Dr. Jay Morgan and Stephanie Akers, director of the Educational Unit for Child Care Services and Master of Arts in Teaching coordinator
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Original text here: https://www.moreheadstate.edu/news/2026/08/msu-board-of-regents-academic-initiatives
$500,000 Gift Marks First Private Investment in James Madison University's Future Madison District Transformation
HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Aug. 8 -- James Madison University issued the following news:
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$500,000 gift marks first private investment in JMU's future Madison District transformation
The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group of Staunton, Virginia, has committed $500,000 to support James Madison University's vision for the Madison District, becoming the first philanthropic partner in the university's effort to reimagine the heart of campus. The gift includes the 10-year naming of the Champions Parking Deck and will help advance the plans for a vibrant, connected district that enhances learning, student
... Show Full Article
HARRISONBURG, Virginia, Aug. 8 -- James Madison University issued the following news:
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$500,000 gift marks first private investment in JMU's future Madison District transformation
The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group of Staunton, Virginia, has committed $500,000 to support James Madison University's vision for the Madison District, becoming the first philanthropic partner in the university's effort to reimagine the heart of campus. The gift includes the 10-year naming of the Champions Parking Deck and will help advance the plans for a vibrant, connected district that enhances learning, studentlife and the campus experience.
"It is exciting to see the Obaughs step forward so early to invest in our innovative vision," said JMU President Jim Schmidt. "I'm grateful for their longstanding relationship as alumni and donors, and I'm especially energized by their enthusiasm for the Madison District of our campus. This naming reflects the power of partnership. When community leaders and businesses invest in JMU's future, they help create opportunities for students, strengthen our region, and advance projects that serve the greater good.
"Gifts like this, along with other kinds of investments and partnerships, will be essential to turning our plans into reality," he said. "It is heartening to see that our campus vision is already resonating with the JMU community and beyond. I look forward to what we can accomplish together."
The parking deck, built in 2001, sits adjacent to Bridgeforth Stadium in the central or mid area of campus. Early on in his inaugural listening tour, the JMU president identified the area as a priority for revitalization with multiuse facilities to enhance student learning, student life and the fan experience for the JMU community.
"As proud alumni, longtime donors and corporate sponsors of James Madison University, we find it especially meaningful to know that our gift is the first one for the Madison District," said Eric W. Obaugh, president of the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group. "We hope it will kick off many more gifts and investments from JMU alumni and friends.
"Our family's connections go all the way back to the '90s when I was a student. Jennifer received her master's at JMU, our daughter is a recent graduate, and our son is a JMU student today," Obaugh said. "It has been wonderful to be associated with JMU and its growing reputation on the national stage. This gift reflects our belief in President Jim's vision for an even bolder future for our alma mater."
The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group is a family-owned business located in Staunton, Virginia. The headquarters is easily recognizable because of the giant American flag that flies overhead. On Thursday, August 6, the auto group announced the addition of a Waynesboro Ford dealership to their company.
Charles R. Obaugh Jr. opened the business in 1976, and the company is now led by the family's second generation, Eric W. Obaugh. What started as a small Pontiac Buick GMC store has expanded in the last 50 years to include the brands of Chevrolet, GMC, Kia and Mitsubishi, as well as an RV and Outdoor Center. The Charlie Obaugh team serves the local communities of Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County and surrounding region.
The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group gift seeds a general expendable account with the JMU Foundation, established to receive charitable contributions supporting naming opportunities for university buildings and structures such as parking decks and dining services.
JMU's new strategic plan, the Madison Promise, underscores the university's commitment to transform JMU's physical environment, calling for new residential facilities, the Madison District, and a Living Lab framework that unites learning, living, and community engagement.
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Original text here: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2026/08/07-obaugh-gift.shtml
