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Tuskegee University's Renaissance Era Ushers in New Fall 2026 Academic Programs
TUSKEGEE, Alabama, July 18 -- The Tuskegee University posted the following news:
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Tuskegee University's Renaissance Era Ushers in New Fall 2026 Academic Programs
Programs in cybersecurity, health sciences, nuclear engineering, and sport management address emerging national and global workforce needs
Crystal Drake
Tuskegee University is expanding its academic offerings with the launch of four new programs in this fall, reinforcing the institution's commitment to innovation, global workforce development, and student success in the careers of their choice. The new offerings include a Ph.D.
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TUSKEGEE, Alabama, July 18 -- The Tuskegee University posted the following news:
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Tuskegee University's Renaissance Era Ushers in New Fall 2026 Academic Programs
Programs in cybersecurity, health sciences, nuclear engineering, and sport management address emerging national and global workforce needs
Crystal Drake
Tuskegee University is expanding its academic offerings with the launch of four new programs in this fall, reinforcing the institution's commitment to innovation, global workforce development, and student success in the careers of their choice. The new offerings include a Ph.D.in Information Systems and Computer Security, a Ph.D. in Integrative Health and Behavioral Sciences, a Minor in Nuclear Engineering, and a new Sport Management concentration.
The additions reflect the University's strategic focus on preparing students for high-demand careers in technology, healthcare, engineering, and the sport industry while addressing emerging national and global workforce needs.
"For 145 years, Tuskegee University has prepared graduates through our enduring philosophy of educating the hand, the head, and the heart--equipping students with technical skills and intellectual rigor, but also building their character for purpose-driven leadership needed to transform communities," said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO.
"That educational model remains as relevant today as it was at our founding and Tuskegee remains committed to delivering an education aligned with the demands of the economy and the needs of society--programs that consistently exceed the expectations of gainful employment. We prepare our students to begin great careers, and ultimately achieve lasting social and economic mobility through the power of their education. These new Fall 2026 academic offerings brightly reflect Tuskegee's Renaissance Era--expanding pathways into high-demand fields while remaining true to our historic mission of developing leaders who serve, innovate, and excel."
Two New Ph.Ds are offered in Computer Science, and Integrative Health and Behavioral Science
The Ph.D. in Information Systems and Computer Security (ISCS) welcomed its first cohort of six doctoral students last spring and the program will introduce two new courses to further strengthen the curriculum.
The program offers specialized tracks in Cybersecurity and Data Science. growing students' expertise in information security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, quantum computing, software engineering, big data analytics, and related fields.
"The response to this new doctoral program has been tremendous," said Dr. Fan Wu, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science in the College of Business and Information Science. "The curriculum provides students with access to state-of-the-art topics and research opportunities that position them to become leaders in cybersecurity, data science, academia, industry, and government."
Tuskegee University's new Ph.D. in Integrative Health and Behavioral Sciences combines research, practice, and community engagement to address complex health challenges affecting individuals and communities.
The 60-credit-hour doctoral program integrates behavioral health, public health, rehabilitation science, and integrative health.
The program emphasizes research, program evaluation, and community-focused scholarship, preparing graduates for leadership roles in higher education, healthcare systems, research institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
"Today's health challenges require innovative solutions that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries," said Dr. Cordelia Nnedu, Dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health. "This doctoral degree equips scholars and practitioners with the skills needed to improve health outcomes while contributing meaningful research that impacts communities."
Nuclear Engineering is offered as a new minor
The 18-credit-hour minor includes three core courses and provides students with foundational knowledge in nuclear engineering principles, nuclear power plant operations, nuclear materials, radiation protection, and plant safety. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
The minor is available to students enrolled in mechanical, aerospace, electrical and computer, and chemical engineering programs.
This coursework addresses a growing demand for skilled professionals in the nuclear energy workforce, as experienced nuclear engineers retire and new energy technologies emerge.
The minor also supports national priorities related to energy security, climate change mitigation, and technological innovation. Coursework will introduce students to concepts related to next-generation reactor technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are expected to play a significant role in the future of clean energy production.
"The minor creates a valuable educational pathway for students interested in expanding their technical expertise and career opportunities," said Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Professor and Dean of the College of Engineering. "Graduates will be better positioned to contribute to critical sectors involving energy, national security, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies."
Sport Management Offers Several Career Options
Tuskegee University is also introducing a new Sport Management concentration, designed to prepare students for diverse careers within one of the world's fastest-growing industries.
"We have developed this program to equip students with a strong and comprehensive foundation in understanding both the organizational and human aspects of sport," said Dr. Brooke Burk '00, Professor and Dean of the School of Education. "And while we know this program will interest some student-athletes in our outstanding Tuskegee Athletics program, it is intentionally interdisciplinary so that any student can access skills that put them on a variety of pathways to careers in the increasingly competitive sports industry."
The interdisciplinary program combines coursework in psychology, sociology, business, communications, kinesiology, and leadership with specialized sport management courses covering sport marketing, sport law, ethics, leadership, facility management, injury prevention, and event management.
Students can tailor their studies to the business side of sport or leadership-focused career paths while gaining practical experience through a capstone internship or field-based professional project during their final year.
Graduates will be prepared for careers in athletic administration, sport marketing and promotion, event and facility management, collegiate and professional sports organizations, recreation programs, sport media, wellness management, coaching, youth sport administration, and athletic academic advising.
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Original text here: https://www.tuskegee.edu/news/2026/07/Tuskegee-Universitys-Renaissance-Era-Ushers-in-New-Fall-2026-Academic-Programs.html
TAMIU's Dr. Covarrubias Represents U.S.-Mexico Border at European Commission Global Debate
LAREDO, Texas, July 18 -- Texas A&M International University, a member of the Texas A&M University System, issued the following news release:
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TAMIU's Dr. Covarrubias Represents U.S.-Mexico Border at European Commission Global Debate
Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, director of Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, represented the U.S.-Mexico border region at the European Commission's 29th "Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debate" held recently virtually in Brussels, Belgium.
Covarrubias joined international
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LAREDO, Texas, July 18 -- Texas A&M International University, a member of the Texas A&M University System, issued the following news release:
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TAMIU's Dr. Covarrubias Represents U.S.-Mexico Border at European Commission Global Debate
Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, director of Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, represented the U.S.-Mexico border region at the European Commission's 29th "Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debate" held recently virtually in Brussels, Belgium.
Covarrubias joined internationalexperts from six border regions from five continents to discuss cross-border cooperation during the forum hosted in June by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) through its Border Focal Point Network.
The event, themed "Cross-Border Cooperation in the World," examined how border regions balance economic integration, security and international cooperation. Covarrubias joined experts representing the U.S.-Canada border, South America, Africa and Central Asia to share perspectives on the U.S.-Mexico border.
In his presentation, "Living Laboratories: Cross-Border Integration the North American Way," Covarrubias highlighted the Laredo border region as an example of deep economic integration. He noted that approximately $1.1 billion in goods crosses Laredo's international bridges daily and that monthly trade through the Port of Laredo increased from $25 billion to $31 billion between January 2024 and October 2025.
"Trade grew through the tariff turbulence, not despite it," Covarrubias said. "That tells you the integration is physical, not just paperwork. Components cross this border many times before a finished product rolls off the line. You cannot un-build that overnight, and you should not want to."
Covarrubias also placed Laredo within the broader North American economy, citing $1.93 trillion in trilateral trade in 2024, a 136% increase in investment in new ventures since implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and an estimated 12 million U.S. jobs supported by the integrated North American market.
Addressing the upcoming 2026 review of the USMCA, Covarrubias said maintaining a unified regional framework will be essential to North American competitiveness.
"Some in Washington would trade one trilateral framework for three bilateral deals," he said. "That means three rule sets and three certifications for a single product whose parts already move through all three countries. Fragmentation is slow and quiet, and it has a price."
Covarrubias also compared North America's and Europe's approaches to regional integration, noting that Europe built its institutional framework before economic integration accelerated, while North America's economy integrated first and institutions continue to evolve. He concluded by outlining three policy proposals developed by the Texas Center to strengthen continental competitiveness, including a joint U.S.-Mexico customs model, the proposed North American Industrial Coordination Council and the North American Digital Infrastructure Coordination Initiative.
"Borders are often described as the scars of history," Covarrubias said. "They might better serve as living laboratories. The contrast between our borders is the point, and it is worth comparing notes."
Covarrubias' participation in the European Commission forum highlights TAMIU's growing role in international discussions on border policy and regional economic development. It also brings his research on North American competitiveness, explored in his book, "Navigating the New Era of U.S.-Mexico Trade," to a global audience as preparations begin for the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
For more information about the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, visit texascenter.tamiu.edu, email Covarrubias at dcova@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.2520.
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Original text here: https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/2026/07/beyondbordersdebate.shtml
OSU Opens New Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility to Support Campus Growth
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, July 18 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news:
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OSU opens new Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility to support campus growth
An 83% increase in space. Almost double the square footage. A project over 10 years in the making.
Oklahoma State University's new Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility is bigger and better than ever.
After more than a decade of planning, OSU has completed this $22.4 million investment that nearly doubles the operational space for Parking and Transportation Services. It also expands the university's ability
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STILLWATER, Oklahoma, July 18 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news:
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OSU opens new Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility to support campus growth
An 83% increase in space. Almost double the square footage. A project over 10 years in the making.
Oklahoma State University's new Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility is bigger and better than ever.
After more than a decade of planning, OSU has completed this $22.4 million investment that nearly doubles the operational space for Parking and Transportation Services. It also expands the university's abilityto maintain its fleet of 700 vehicles, as well as 40 buses.
Located at the corner of Western and Lakeview roads, the 26,136-square-foot facility is a step up from the 14,264-square-foot motor pool on Farm Road where operations were previously held. Construction on the Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility began in October 2024 and will wrap up in September 2026.
For Steve Spradling, director of Parking and Transportation Services, the project is a culmination of years of persistence and planning.
"We outgrew the other one years ago," Spradling said. "When we started the bus system, we added on to the current facility, and it was just a stopgap measure. This puts us where we need to be for current and future growth."
The new facility features 12 service bays, three wash bays, seven offices and space to accommodate up to 18 vehicles in the maintenance shop at one time. Plus, there is an automated drive-through bus wash that will lighten the load immensely on keeping their iconic exteriors bright and shiny. The facility will house 16 employees and will help to keep fleet maintenance and transit operations all under one roof.
On top of keeping up with the regular maintenance of all 700 vehicles and 40 buses, the expanded facility will enable more repairs to be completed on campus.
"It will allow us to do a lot more maintenance in-house that we've been having to farm out to other places," Spradling said. "It will overall save us money, and we'll get a quicker turnaround."
The project was financed in a large part through the Federal Transit Administration, which supplied 80% of the funding. The other 20% came from OSU.
Spradling said securing this federal funding was a process that stretched out across more than 16 years.
"One of the things I'm most proud about is the fact that we sought out and found funding and were awarded funding without really any University Foundation funds or state funds," Spradling said.
Beyond crafting a better-fitting space for Parking and Transportation Services, this project supports OSU's long-standing sustainability efforts. The department plans to continue maintaining the compressed natural gas fleet, while also expanding into renewable natural gas to help reduce emissions and improve operations.
Spradling said the facility reflects the university's commitment to sustainability while also providing reliable transportation services.
"The importance is a sustainable future," Spradling said. "The facility is being built for a sustainable future in both transit and fleet services."
For Spradling, watching the project finally come to fruition has been especially meaningful.
"I'm really happy to see it coming to a conclusion," Spradling said.
-- Story By: Mak Vandruff, makenzie.vandruff@okstate.edu
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Original text here: https://news.okstate.edu/articles/communications/2026/osu-opens-new-transportation-operations-facility-to-support-campus-growth
Mercyhurst University Community Members Excel in Erie Reader's 40 Under 40
ERIE, Pennsylvania, July 18 -- Mercyhurst University issued the following news:
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Mercyhurst community members excel in Erie Reader's 40 Under 40
Congratulations to five members of the Mercyhurst community featured in the Erie Reader's 40 Under 40: alumnae Gabrielle Catrabone, Jaslyne Walter, and Michelle Schrimper; Adjunct Professor of Mercyhurst's Sports Business Management program, Tiffany Frits; and Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Computing and Information Science, Chris Mansour.
Gabrielle Catrabone
Gabrielle Catrabone '14 earned her degree in Finance from Mercyhurst
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ERIE, Pennsylvania, July 18 -- Mercyhurst University issued the following news:
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Mercyhurst community members excel in Erie Reader's 40 Under 40
Congratulations to five members of the Mercyhurst community featured in the Erie Reader's 40 Under 40: alumnae Gabrielle Catrabone, Jaslyne Walter, and Michelle Schrimper; Adjunct Professor of Mercyhurst's Sports Business Management program, Tiffany Frits; and Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Computing and Information Science, Chris Mansour.
Gabrielle Catrabone
Gabrielle Catrabone '14 earned her degree in Finance from Mercyhurstwhile playing on the Women's Soccer team all four years. Throughout college, she worked in Residence Life, the Recreation Center, and IT, which provided the opportunity to connect with different aspects of the university community. Now, as director of constituent engagement and special events at Cathedral Prep, Catrabone serves as an essential link between alumni and supporters, remaining rooted in Mercyhurst values of social connectedness and service. When reflecting on her Mercyhurst experience, Catrabone expressed gratitude for the impact it had on her personal and professional growth, specifically the mentorship of professors Dr. Argaez, Professor Anderson, Dr. Yalcindag, and Dr. Zaphiris. "Their encouragement, mentorship, and belief in my potential challenged me to think differently, gave me confidence in my abilities, and helped shape the professional I am today," she said. Catrabone returned to campus to coach Women's Soccer in 2022, and she described it as "really special" to give back to the program that brought her to Mercyhurst.
Jaslyne Walter
Jaslyne Walter graduated from Mercyhurst with a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies as well her Master of Science in Information Technology and Data Analytics. She currently serves as the IT talent pipeline program owner at Erie Insurance, board president of Meals on Wheels Erie, vice chair of Junior Achievement of Western PA (Erie), and co-chair of Erie Insurance's Asian Pacific Affinity Network. Guided by the Sisters of Mercy's spirit of kindness and service, Walter attributes her Mercyhurst foundation with shaping the values she continues to bring to work and community involvement. Specifically, under the mentorship of Political Science Professor Dr. Federici, Walter felt the greatest impact as both a student and person. "His kindness, patience, and genuine investment shaped who I am as a leader and influences how I show up for people today."
Michelle Schrimper
Michelle Schrimper '10 earned her bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Event Management from Mercyhurst. Having worked early in her career as a catering sales manager and event planner in the hotel industry, Schrimper's passion for hospitality and the Erie community has come full circle in her current role as a client and community relations specialist at PNC. Building meaningful relationships, delivering exceptional service, and fostering community engagement have been central themes throughout Schrimper's career. She credits her experience at Mercyhurst with providing the foundation for a profession focused on connecting people, creating memorable experiences, and making a positive impact. "Being recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree is a meaningful reflection of the values I learned at Mercyhurst and continue to strive for both personally and professionally," Schrimper said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to create exceptional experiences, build strong relationships, and contribute to the communities I serve."
Tiffany Frits
Tiffany Frits, vice president of customer experience at Erie Insurance, serves as an adjunct professor at Mercyhurst in the Sports Business Management program. Frits's dedication to creating opportunities and fostering social connection reflects in her professional and personal experiences. Throughout her career, Frits has worked in a variety of roles in the athletics industry while consistently advocating for those in need and creating meaningful impact in her community. Giving back to Erie as a fundraiser for Shriners Children's Hospital, a soccer coach, and an active volunteer, Frits embodies the Mercy spirit.
Chris Mansour
Christopher Mansour is a founding member of Mercyhurst's nationally recognized Cybersecurity program, and he now serves as an associate professor and the chair of the Department of Computing and Information Science. Born and raised in Lebanon, Mansour came to the U.S. to study computer engineering and engineering at Villanova University, and he has since been a pillar in the Erie community for educating young cybersecurity professionals and growing the innovative technological ecosystem. His passion for teaching emphasizes his commitment to the Mercy core values of service, generosity, and intellectual creativity.
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Original text here: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/news/mercyhurst-community-members-excel-erie-readers-40-under-40-0
Lebanon Valley College: Finding the Balance Between Optimism and Emotional Honesty
ANNVILLE, Pennsylvania, July 18 -- Lebanon Valley College issued the following news:
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Finding the Balance Between Optimism and Emotional Honesty
Key Points:
* Toxic positivity can unintentionally dismiss or minimize difficult emotions, even when people mean well.
* Good mental health includes acknowledging and processing the full range of human emotions.
* Resilience comes from working through challenging feelings--not ignoring or suppressing them.
* Social media and cultural expectations can create pressure to always appear happy and positive.
* Emotional wellness is built on honesty,
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ANNVILLE, Pennsylvania, July 18 -- Lebanon Valley College issued the following news:
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Finding the Balance Between Optimism and Emotional Honesty
Key Points:
* Toxic positivity can unintentionally dismiss or minimize difficult emotions, even when people mean well.
* Good mental health includes acknowledging and processing the full range of human emotions.
* Resilience comes from working through challenging feelings--not ignoring or suppressing them.
* Social media and cultural expectations can create pressure to always appear happy and positive.
* Emotional wellness is built on honesty,self-compassion, and finding balance between hope and reality.
Insights by Kathy Richardson - Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Lebanon Valley College
From social media posts promoting "good vibes only" to well-meaning phrases like "everything happens for a reason," positivity has become a cultural expectation. While optimism can help people navigate life's challenges, mental health professionals say there is an important difference between maintaining hope and dismissing difficult emotions.
The concept, often referred to as toxic positivity, describes the pressure to maintain a positive outlook regardless of circumstances. Although these messages are usually shared with good intentions, they can unintentionally minimize or invalidate the very real emotions people experience during times of stress, grief, trauma, or loss.
"Toxic positivity is the message that only positive emotions are welcome and valued," said Kathy Richardson, Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lebanon Valley College. "Having good mental health means acknowledging and recognizing all of our emotions."
People naturally experience a wide range of emotions throughout life, and mental health experts emphasize that sadness, anger, disappointment, fear, and grief are just as much a part of being human as happiness and gratitude. Ignoring those feelings doesn't make them disappear. Instead, suppressing emotions can make it more difficult to process challenging experiences and may even affect personal well-being and relationships.
"In order to successfully deal with all that life throws at us, we have to honor and recognize all of the emotions and feelings--even the ones that are hard," Richardson said.
Examples of toxic positivity often appear in everyday conversations. A friend grieving the loss of a loved one may hear, "They're in a better place." Someone struggling with anxiety might be told to "just stay positive," while a person facing disappointment may hear, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." While these responses are typically intended to offer comfort, they can leave people feeling dismissed or unseen instead.
In many cases, these comments reflect how uncomfortable people can be with another person's pain. Rather than sitting with someone through a difficult moment, there can be a tendency to search for reassuring words that move the conversation back toward optimism. Yet acknowledging another person's emotions is often far more meaningful than trying to immediately fix them.
Healthy resilience, Richardson explains, looks very different from toxic positivity. Rather than avoiding sadness, anger, grief, or disappointment, resilience involves allowing yourself to experience those emotions, understanding them, and gradually moving through them.
"Resilience isn't avoiding or stuffing difficult emotions--it's about working through them," she said.
The pressure to always appear happy can affect anyone, but certain groups may be especially vulnerable. Teenagers and young adults often place tremendous value on peer acceptance and may worry about being perceived as "a downer." Parents can face similar pressures as they compare their everyday lives to the carefully curated family moments that fill social media feeds.
"When scrolling, it's easy to judge yourself and your experiences against other people's highlight reels," Richardson said.
When someone is struggling, experts say empathy is often more valuable than advice. Instead of searching for the perfect words, simply acknowledging another person's pain and offering support can help them feel seen and understood. Statements such as, "I'm so sorry you're going through this," or "I don't know exactly what to say, but I'm here for you," create space for honest conversations without minimizing difficult emotions.
Recognizing and naming emotions is also an important part of emotional well-being. Richardson often references psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel's phrase, "name it to tame it," which highlights how putting emotions into words can help people better understand and process difficult experiences.
"Verbalizing difficult emotions is one of the first steps in working through them," Richardson said.
Rather than choosing between optimism and honesty, Richardson encourages people to strive for balance.
"The sweet spot is finding the balance between dealing with real emotions and working through them so we can move to a more positive place," she said.
As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, experts hope the focus shifts away from expecting constant positivity and toward fostering authentic emotional well-being. Rather than striving to be happy all the time, emotional wellness comes from acknowledging life's full range of emotions, responding to them with self-compassion, and trusting that healing doesn't require pretending everything is okay. Giving ourselves--and others--permission to be honest about difficult moments creates space for resilience, stronger relationships, and lasting personal growth.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling at LVC
Turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career. Lebanon Valley College offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that prepares students for licensure as professional counselors, with flexible pathways for both undergraduate and graduate students. Explore our accelerated 3+2 program or our post-baccalaureate master's program to take the next step toward supporting individuals, families, and communities.
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Original text here: https://www.lvc.edu/news/finding-the-balance-between-optimism-and-emotional-honesty/
Faught Begins Leadership Role at Wayland Baptist University's San Antonio Campus
PLAINVIEW, Texas, July 18 -- Wayland Baptist University issued the following news:
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Faught begins leadership role at Wayland's San Antonio campus
Phillip L Hamilton
Dr. Jerry Faught II has begun serving as executive director and campus dean of Wayland Baptist University's San Antonio campus, bringing extensive experience in higher education, ministry and external campus leadership to the position.
Dr. Faught succeeds Dr. Glenn Simmons, who retired June 30 after leading the San Antonio campus. In addition to overseeing Wayland's operations in San Antonio, Dr. Faught will provide administrative
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PLAINVIEW, Texas, July 18 -- Wayland Baptist University issued the following news:
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Faught begins leadership role at Wayland's San Antonio campus
Phillip L Hamilton
Dr. Jerry Faught II has begun serving as executive director and campus dean of Wayland Baptist University's San Antonio campus, bringing extensive experience in higher education, ministry and external campus leadership to the position.
Dr. Faught succeeds Dr. Glenn Simmons, who retired June 30 after leading the San Antonio campus. In addition to overseeing Wayland's operations in San Antonio, Dr. Faught will provide administrativeleadership for the university's Wichita Falls teaching site. He previously served as executive director and campus dean of Wayland's Wichita Falls campus.
"I am honored to serve as the director of the San Antonio campus and excited for the opportunities ahead," Dr. Faught said. "My goal is to bring fresh, innovative recruiting ideas while working alongside our outstanding staff to build on the strong foundation already in place. Together, I look forward to expanding our reach, serving our students well, and helping the campus continue to grow and thrive."
As executive director and campus dean in San Antonio, Dr. Faught oversees academic and administrative operations while working with faculty and staff to strengthen student recruitment, retention and community engagement. He also will help guide efforts to expand awareness of the educational opportunities Wayland provides in San Antonio and the surrounding region.
Dr. Jeffrey Tillman now serves as site coordinator for the Wichita Falls teaching site. In that role, Dr. Tillman provides local leadership and support for students and faculty while working with Dr. Faught.
Dr. Faught also serves as a professor of theological studies in Wayland's School of Christian Studies. His combination of academic, administrative and ministry experience will support the university's commitment to providing academically rigorous, faith-based education to students in San Antonio and Wichita Falls.
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Original text here: https://www.wbu.edu/news-and-events/2026/07/faught-sa-announcement.htm
Albright College Launches Marching Band, Names Zachary Kuhn as Inaugural Director of Marching Arts
READING, Pennsylvania, July 18 -- Albright College issued the following news:
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Albright College Launches Marching Band, Names Zachary Kuhn as Inaugural Director of Marching Arts
Albright College is pleased to announce the launch of its new Marching Arts Program, an exciting addition to campus life that will debut in Fall 2027. The College has also named Zachary Kuhn as its inaugural Director of Marching Arts, where he will lead the development of a year-round program designed to enrich the student experience while supporting recruitment, athletics, and community engagement.
The Marching
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READING, Pennsylvania, July 18 -- Albright College issued the following news:
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Albright College Launches Marching Band, Names Zachary Kuhn as Inaugural Director of Marching Arts
Albright College is pleased to announce the launch of its new Marching Arts Program, an exciting addition to campus life that will debut in Fall 2027. The College has also named Zachary Kuhn as its inaugural Director of Marching Arts, where he will lead the development of a year-round program designed to enrich the student experience while supporting recruitment, athletics, and community engagement.
The MarchingArts Program will feature a fall marching band and a spring pep band, providing students with opportunities to perform at football and basketball games, admissions events, campus traditions, and community celebrations throughout the academic year.
"The launch of our Marching Arts Program is another exciting step in Albright College's continued evolution," said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., President of Albright College. "We are committed to creating a vibrant student experience that prepares students for success while fostering a strong sense of community and school pride. This program will enrich campus life, strengthen our campus traditions, and provide students with meaningful opportunities to grow as musicians and leaders. We are especially pleased to welcome Zachary Kuhn to Albright. His vision, creativity, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to build this program."
Designed as a serious collegiate music program, the Marching Arts Program will emphasize musicianship, leadership, teamwork, and performance excellence while creating a welcoming community for students from every academic discipline. Participants will enroll in one-credit ensemble courses during both the fall and spring semesters, creating a year-round musical experience.
Kuhn is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, where he studied film scoring. He brings a composer-arranger's creative background together with practical experience in marching arts education, ensemble leadership, recruitment, and program development. At Albright, he will lead the artistic, instructional, and operational work required to build the Marching Arts Program from the ground up.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to build this program from the ground up. Our goal is to create a serious collegiate athletic band experience rooted in strong musicianship, disciplined preparation, contemporary design, and real student ownership. Built well, this program can give students from every major a place to belong, lead, and represent Albright with pride."
Recruitment for the inaugural ensemble will begin immediately, with the first marching season scheduled for Fall 2027. The program is open to both music majors and non-majors, and College officials anticipate strong interest from students throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Prospective student performers specializing in winds, percussion, and color guard are encouraged to contact Admissions as recruitment begins for the inaugural Fall 2027 season.
James Gaddy, Executive Vice President, said the new program reflects Albright's commitment to creating distinctive opportunities that attract and engage students.
"Whether you're planning to major in business, psychology, biology, education, or music, if you're interested in continuing your passion for performing, we want to hear from you," Gaddy said. "I encourage prospective students to reach out to our Admissions team to learn more about becoming part of Albright's inaugural Marching Arts Program. This is an opportunity to help build something special from day one."
In addition to enhancing student life, the Marching Arts Program will create new opportunities for alumni engagement, community partnerships, and philanthropic support through scholarships, instruments, uniforms, and other program needs.
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Original text here: https://www.albright.edu/news-at-albright/2026-news/marching-band-launch
