U.S. Public and Private Higher Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
WGU and Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance Sign Partnership
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 20 -- Western Governors University-Utah issued the following news release:
Western Governors University (WGU), the nonprofit online university operating in Tennessee for more than a decade, has signed a partnership agreement with the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance (TECA).
The partnership encourages TECA members to pursue higher-education opportunities with WGU's flexible, online degree programs and provide scholarships TECA members can use to attend WGU.
"At WGU, we're committed to furthering the educational opportunities and pathways for all Tennesseans, and
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 20 -- Western Governors University-Utah issued the following news release:
Western Governors University (WGU), the nonprofit online university operating in Tennessee for more than a decade, has signed a partnership agreement with the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance (TECA).
The partnership encourages TECA members to pursue higher-education opportunities with WGU's flexible, online degree programs and provide scholarships TECA members can use to attend WGU.
"At WGU, we're committed to furthering the educational opportunities and pathways for all Tennesseans, andTECA is an important partner in achieving that mission," said Kimberly K. Estep, WGU Tennessee chancellor and Southeast regional vice president. "Their work connecting, mentoring, and championing educators across the state is vital to our children's future. With our state facing another school year with a teacher shortage, we must find ways to nurture and support our educators, and this partnership is one way we're doing our part."
TECA's mission is to provide high-quality programming and networking opportunities to support and retain educators of color across the state of Tennessee. They engage and convene educators of color with opportunities to explore fellowship, develop layers of mentorship, and pursue leadership opportunities. TECA has more than 4,000 members and staff across the state.
"We're honored to partner with WGU in our shared mission to support educators of color in Tennessee," said Diarese George, chief executive officer for TECA. "By working together, we can cultivate a steady pipeline of diverse teaching talent and provide the resources and opportunities for our members to become better educators, mentors, and leaders."
In the last 20 years, WGU's Teachers College has conferred degrees to more than 91,000 graduates across all 50 states, with nearly 3,300 of those in Tennessee. The Teachers College has partnered with more than 2,600 school districts and more than 500 community colleges nationwide, including more than 20 in Tennessee. WGU's Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
WGU's online model provides a broad portfolio of dozens of degree pathways in a student-centered, competency-based model with flexible scheduling to learn where and when students want within each six-month term. This enables students to progress through their courses as soon as they demonstrate skills mastery.
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About Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance (TECA): A statewide nonprofit founded in 2016 that envisions a future where the diversity of Tennessee educators reflects the diversity of students across the state. Its mission is to provide high-quality programming and networking opportunities to support and retain educators of color across the state of Tennessee. Organizationally, TECA provides leadership development, professional learning opportunities, intentional mentorship, civic engagement and advocacy training, and strategic partnership centered on racial equity in recruitment and retention. Since its inception in 2016, the organization has attracted and supported a network of over 4000 educators of color, allies, advocates, and community stakeholders across the state.
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Original text here: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2024/11/wgu-tennessee-educators-color-partnership.html
University of Surrey: New Study Investigates How Jetlag Can Disrupt Our Metabolism
GUILFORD, England, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- The University of Surrey issued the following news release:
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Have you ever felt sluggish and out of sorts after a long-haul flight or a late-night shift?
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A new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Aberdeen has found that disruptions to our body clock, such as those experienced during jetlag, impact our metabolism - but to a lesser extent than sleepiness and the primary clock in the brain.
Led by Professor Jonathan Johnston at the University of Surrey and Professor Alexandra Johnstone at the University of Aberdeen, the
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GUILFORD, England, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- The University of Surrey issued the following news release:
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Have you ever felt sluggish and out of sorts after a long-haul flight or a late-night shift?
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A new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Aberdeen has found that disruptions to our body clock, such as those experienced during jetlag, impact our metabolism - but to a lesser extent than sleepiness and the primary clock in the brain.
Led by Professor Jonathan Johnston at the University of Surrey and Professor Alexandra Johnstone at the University of Aberdeen, theresearch involved a controlled experiment where participants experienced a 5-hour delay in their bedtime and mealtimes.
The study, published on iScience, highlights that the time shifts lead to:
* Reduced energy spent processing meals.
* Changes in blood sugar and fat levels.
* Slower release of breakfast contents from the stomach.
These metabolic effects were temporary, however, and mostly recovered within 2-3 days of the 5-hour time delay. This was in marked contrast to the main clock in the brain, plus feelings of sleepiness and alertness, which had not recovered within 5 days of the 5-hour time delay.
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"Our research underscores the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, particularly in our fast-paced world in which long trips and shift work are ever so common. Even a small time shift can impact many aspects of metabolism, but it now seems that metabolic consequences of jetlag recover far more quickly than impairment of sleep and alertness. Understanding the impact of circadian rhythms on our health can help us make informed choices about our lifestyle. By optimising our sleep and eating patterns, we can improve our overall wellbeing."
- Professor Jonathan Johnston, Professor of Chronobiology and Integrative Physiology
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Original text here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/new-study-investigates-how-jetlag-can-disrupt-our-metabolism
UM, University of Coimbra Organise Joint Seminar on International and EU Law
MACAU, China, Nov. 20 -- The University of Macau issued the following news release:
The Faculty of Law (FLL) of the University of Macau (UM) and the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra (UC) jointly organised the 'Joint Seminar between Faculty of Law of University of Macau and Faculty of Law of University of Coimbra: Contemporary Issues of International and European Union Law & Recognition Ceremony: Tribute to Professor Doutor Manuel Lopes Porto'. The ceremony aimed to honour Manuel Lopes Porto, professor of UC, for his outstanding contributions to higher education and academic exchanges
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MACAU, China, Nov. 20 -- The University of Macau issued the following news release:
The Faculty of Law (FLL) of the University of Macau (UM) and the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra (UC) jointly organised the 'Joint Seminar between Faculty of Law of University of Macau and Faculty of Law of University of Coimbra: Contemporary Issues of International and European Union Law & Recognition Ceremony: Tribute to Professor Doutor Manuel Lopes Porto'. The ceremony aimed to honour Manuel Lopes Porto, professor of UC, for his outstanding contributions to higher education and academic exchangesbetween Macao and Coimbra, Portugal, and the seminar aimed to discuss contemporary issues in international and European Union (EU) law.
To promote the development of higher education and research between Macao and Portugal, Joao Nuno Calvao da Silva, vice rector of UC, led a delegation to visit UM and held in-depth discussions with Rui Martins, vice rector of UM, on promoting knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research.
During the recognition ceremony, Rui Martins, Joao Nuno Calvao da Silva, as well as Tong Io Cheng, dean of FLL, Wei Dan, vice dean of FLL, and Paulo Canelas de Castro, president of the Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEE) and associate professor in FLL, delivered speeches. They highly praised Manuel Lopes Porto for his outstanding achievements in the field of law and expressed their sincere gratitude for his long-term service to the legal community. Following the speeches, Manuel Lopes Porto was presented with a commemorative trophy and a certificate of recognition.
The ceremony was followed by a seminar on 'Contemporary Issues of International and European Union Law', where participants discussed key issues such as the development of emerging regional alliances, challenges in humanitarian law, the application of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention, regulatory mechanisms, and energy policy. Speakers included UC representatives--Manuel Lopes Porto, Joao Nuno Calvao da Silva, and Jonatas Machado, dean of UC's Faculty of Law, and UM representatives--Wei Dan, Paulo Canelas de Castro, and Muruga Perumal Ramaswamy, associate professor in FLL. Their presentations sparked heated discussions among the participants and led to a dynamic academic exchange.
The seminar not only allowed both parties to share their insights on contemporary legal challenges, but also strengthened the partnership between UM and UC. Both institutions look forward to further cooperation in the areas of legal education and academic research.
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Original text here: https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/59636/
Staffordshire University: Plastic Artworks on Display in Museum's Secret Garden
STOKE-ON-TRENT, England, Nov. 20 -- Staffordshire University issued the following news:
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Plastic waste has been transformed into colourful community artworks in a new display at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
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The series of collages, made entirely from fragments of plastics washed up on UK beaches, highlight the problem of plastic pollution.
The artworks were created by members of the public at the Make Plastic History event organised by University of Staffordshire and the museum earlier this year.
Professor Claire Gwinnett is a world-leading expert in applying forensic science
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STOKE-ON-TRENT, England, Nov. 20 -- Staffordshire University issued the following news:
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Plastic waste has been transformed into colourful community artworks in a new display at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
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The series of collages, made entirely from fragments of plastics washed up on UK beaches, highlight the problem of plastic pollution.
The artworks were created by members of the public at the Make Plastic History event organised by University of Staffordshire and the museum earlier this year.
Professor Claire Gwinnett is a world-leading expert in applying forensic scienceapproaches to microplastic pollution.
She explained: "We know that this is a problem created by humans, and for the solutions to be effective they have got to come from people. The only way to do that is to educate and change people's perceptions and understanding in a positive way so that they can be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
"This has been a brilliant collaboration with the museum. It's fantastic to see the artwork in a public space and it's so attractive that people will want to know more about the issue and the research that we do at University of Staffordshire."
Professor Gwinnett has been involved in research projects on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Hudson and Mississippi Rivers and Long Island Sound in the US, farmland in Turkey and the UK, Hawaiian islands, Weddell Sea in Antarctic and rivers and coastal areas around the UK.
Funded by the SHAPE Involve and Engage Public Engagement Programme, Make Plastic History was a huge success, with the museum seeing over three times the average number of visitors through the door on the day.
Almost 70 artworks were made during workshops run by Cornish artist Dan Lewis and each one was photographed. A selection is now on display in the museum's 'Secret Garden' area.
Co-organiser Laura Wilkinson, a Research Associate at University of Staffordshire, said: "We had feedback from visitors who said they loved the event and wanted more like it. They said that it was a really fun way to engage with the issue of microplastics and that they learned so much that they could takeaway."
Artist Dan Lewis added: "The main impact our Make Plastic History event had on me was to witness the connections between people, hear their ideas, understand the action they are taking personally around plastics and know that they have hope and possibility about the future."
Discover more about Professor Gwinnett's research in her TEDx Talk A forensic scientist's approach to microplastics (https://youtu.be/YWRUWbx98vo?si=bhvtZRHQtrYAwkxK).
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"We know that this is a problem created by humans, and for the solutions to be effective they have got to come from people. The only way to do that is to educate and change people's perceptions and understanding in a positive way so that they can be part of the solution to plastic pollution."
- Claire Gwinnett, Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science
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Original text here: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/news/2024/11/plastic-artworks-on-display-in-museums-secret-garden
School of Public Health Research Hub Will Focus on Health and Aging Trends Among Rural Americans
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- The University of Minnesota School of Public Health issued the following news release:
A research network housed at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) will continue its focus on the unique health challenges faced by rural populations, particularly those related to aging. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the Interdisciplinary Network on Rural Population Health and Aging (INRPHA), pools expertise from a range of disciplines to advance research, policies, and interventions tailored to improving the health of rural populations
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- The University of Minnesota School of Public Health issued the following news release:
A research network housed at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) will continue its focus on the unique health challenges faced by rural populations, particularly those related to aging. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the Interdisciplinary Network on Rural Population Health and Aging (INRPHA), pools expertise from a range of disciplines to advance research, policies, and interventions tailored to improving the health of rural populationsin communities across the U.S. INRPHA was previously housed at Penn State University and has moved to the SPH for a new five-year grant cycle.
"We're grateful to the National Institute on Aging for its continued support of the INRPHA, and thrilled to add to SPH's strong tradition of research in support of public health efforts in rural communities," says Carrie Henning-Smith, SPH associate professor and INRPHA principal investigator. "We see this as an opportunity to support research that expands our knowledge of what is working well in rural parts of the U.S.--looking at examples where older adults in rural communities are thriving, and exploring the policies or interventions that are contributing to those successful outcomes. At the same time, we're interested in research that highlights differences among rural people and places, rather than treating all of rural residents like a monolith," she says.
The INRPHA's work is organized around four key aims:
* Conducting and supporting research that enhances understanding of the multidimensional causes of health and mortality outcomes, and disparities among U.S. rural working-age and older adults.
* Supporting and growing a network of researchers, including scholars from relevant disciplines who represent a range of topical and methodological perspectives.
* Providing development and training opportunities through pilot grants, structured mentoring, topical and data workshops, and regular network meetings.
* Advancing members' dissemination of research findings through training and support of academic articles and policy briefs, as well as public webinars to expand access to knowledge related to rural population health and aging.
The INRPHA is a collaboration among multiple institutions. While SPH is the lead, Henning-Smith will partner with co-principal investigators from Penn State University, Syracuse University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. INRPHA is under the umbrella of SPH's Rural Health Research Center. INRPHA will also partner with the UMN Life Course Center and SPH Center for Health Aging and Innovation to promote specific activities and opportunities.
Henning-Smith noted that research that emerges from INRPHA pilot grants has the potential to inform both policy and practice.
"Rural populations are ahead of the curve when it comes to population aging; that is, they are older, on average, than urban residents, and are actively engaged in adjusting to changing demographics," says Henning-Smith. "That makes aging especially exciting to research in rural areas, and an ideal place to develop policies to support aging populations."
Henning-Smith encourages anyone at UMN who is interested in joining or collaborating with INRPHA to reach out, via inrpha@umn.edu
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Original text here: https://www.sph.umn.edu/news/school-of-public-health-research-hub-will-focus-on-health-and-aging-trends-among-rural-americans/
SUNY University at Albany: 5 Questions With Orion Artis, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 20 -- SUNY University at Albany issued the following Q&A on Nov. 19, 2024, with Deputy Title IX Coordinator Orion Artis:
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By Amy Geduldig
UAlbany alum Orion Artis '03 has recently taken on the role of Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the University. The Queens native joined the renamed Office of the Title IX Coordinator in July during its transition to a new location on the third floor of the Campus Center, and his arrival reflects an enhanced focus on the services and support the office provides students, faculty and staff.
As the deputy Title IX coordinator, Artis
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ALBANY, New York, Nov. 20 -- SUNY University at Albany issued the following Q&A on Nov. 19, 2024, with Deputy Title IX Coordinator Orion Artis:
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By Amy Geduldig
UAlbany alum Orion Artis '03 has recently taken on the role of Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the University. The Queens native joined the renamed Office of the Title IX Coordinator in July during its transition to a new location on the third floor of the Campus Center, and his arrival reflects an enhanced focus on the services and support the office provides students, faculty and staff.
As the deputy Title IX coordinator, Artisoversees University-wide compliance with policies and laws that prohibit discrimination and sexual misconduct. He also conducts investigations and offers the campus community access to trainings, resources and support services.
One can routinely find the father of three walking around campus meeting students, faculty and staff and he encourages the community to visit the office to learn more the University's commitment to fostering a living, learning and working experience that is safe, welcoming and inclusive.
What should people know about the Office of the Title IX Coordinator?
The Office of the Title IX Coordinator investigates claims of sex discrimination and sexual assault on campus. We're here to facilitate students' successful engagement in University programs and activities.
I'd like students to better understand that we are a resource for when they have issues. Title IX is very student focused. A lot of our work is determined and guided by their decision-making process: Is the situation preventing you from engaging in the University's programs and services? Does it deny access to the University's programs or services? We encourage everyone to alert the Title IX Office when they hear about allegations. I think that communicating what we see, what we know, and our curiosities helps facilitate that.
How can the campus community support Title IX at the University?
The community here is something that I've never experienced professionally; people care deeply about the mission of the school, the student body, and their colleagues and community.
To support their peers, I recommend students think of New York City's old slogan: If you see something, say something. Or they can knock on the Title IX door just to say good afternoon. I'm a chatty person -- come say hello, don't wait until you have trauma to know who we are. I'm here to help you get to know the services that we provide. So that way, in the event that you or someone you know may need them, I'm not a nameless or faceless bureaucrat.
What drew you to this position and to UAlbany?
I came to UAlbany as an Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) student, where students learn about the community. We learn the buildings, we learn the players to communicate with for help, for support -- academic support and emotional support. I was a student ambassador for about three years, and I started a community service organization. All of those experiences are very nostalgic for me. Being so connected to the University all four years drew me to this position.
My majors were psychology and Africana studies. Africana studies, in particular, centers on the civil rights movement. As a lawyer, I wanted to transition from criminal justice into the education sphere to work in the area of civil rights. Title IX seemed like a natural way for me to move into that space. I still feel part of the movement of America that seems to have all people seen, regardless of any individual's opinions of their lives or lifestyles; to say, "You are an American, you are free, you are free to be you."
How do you navigate the challenges of working in the Title IX space?
After law school, I put on my first business card the Latin phrase "Inveniam viam," which generally means "I will find a way or I will make one." If there is a barrier, the first questions I ask myself are why is it here, and can it be moved or should it be moved? I will find ways to improve a system. I will think of ways to work around a system, sometimes the other side is where you have to be. Old methods of working, being, seeing -- they don't always facilitate a new way of being and seeing. So that that's been my model: I will find a way or I will make one. I bring that kind of approach to my work. I understand what it means to work collaboratively with a team, but I also know how to push back in ways that are respectful.
Also I'm not afraid to introduce myself randomly to complete strangers. I make the rounds. I'm the guy who you talk to in line at the Campus Center and helps you to recognize the services that we have and that are welcomely provided.
Any favorite places in Albany?
I like green. We like hiking, we like camping and we have all of that within a 20-minute drive. I recently had the opportunity to take advantage of going to Saratoga Spa State Park. That was a blast. And just driving up and down the highways, the hills and the valleys, you don't get any of that in Chicago or the Great Plains. It's as flat as the eye can see.
The fountain is also very nostalgic for me and for most of the student body. When I was a student at UAlbany, I was able to bring my very young son to live with me during the summer and I have memories of bringing him to play in the fountain.
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Original text here: https://www.albany.edu/news-center/news/2024-5-questions-orion-artis-deputy-title-ix-coordinator
ETSU Professor Publishes Book, Wins Journal Award
JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- East Tennessee State University issued the following news:
East Tennessee State University's Dr. Andrew F. Herrmann is making waves in the world of Communication Studies.
Herrmann, an associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling, has achieved two major milestones: publishing a new book on autoethnography and seeing the Journal of Autoethnography, which he co-founded, receive the prestigious Best New Journal Award.
In his new book, "Assessing Autoethnography: Notes on Analysis, Evaluation, and
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JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- East Tennessee State University issued the following news:
East Tennessee State University's Dr. Andrew F. Herrmann is making waves in the world of Communication Studies.
Herrmann, an associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling, has achieved two major milestones: publishing a new book on autoethnography and seeing the Journal of Autoethnography, which he co-founded, receive the prestigious Best New Journal Award.
In his new book, "Assessing Autoethnography: Notes on Analysis, Evaluation, andCraft," co-authored with Dr. Tony Adams of Bradley University, Herrmann dives into the complexities of autoethnography, a research method that uses personal experience to explore larger cultural and social issues.
Unlike traditional biographies, autoethnography requires a level of introspection and critical analysis. It connects personal stories to broader human themes. The book provides guidance for scholars, offering clear criteria for evaluating autoethnographic work.
"This isn't just about telling a story," Herrmann said. "It's about using that story to draw out universal truths and insights, showing how our lives intersect with culture, communication and society."
Herrmann's work in autoethnography extends beyond his book.
The Journal of Autoethnography has quickly become a respected platform in academic circles. The Council of Editors of Learned Journals named it the Best New Journal, praising its interdisciplinary approach and the way it brings together diverse perspectives under a unified methodological frame. The journal has fostered a space where scholars can explore personal narratives as valid forms of academic inquiry, addressing topics that range from identity and loss to social justice and resilience.
The impact of the journal and Herrmann's work on the field of Communication Studies is significant. Autoethnography has been a growing field for over a decade, but his contributions have helped solidify its place in academic research.
"Autoethnography allows us to bridge the personal with the universal, shedding light on shared human experiences in a way few methods can," Herrmann said. "My hope is that this work empowers more scholars to explore their own stories with depth and honesty, ultimately enriching our collective understanding of society and culture."
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East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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Original text here: https://www.etsu.edu/etsu-news/2024/11-november/etsu-professor-publishes-book-wins-journal-award.php
