Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
What a year of data tells us about tariffs
LOS ANGELES, California, April 28 -- The University of California at Los Angeles School of Law posted the following news:
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What a year of data tells us about tariffs
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A year ago, Kimberly Clausing, the Eric M. Zolt Chair in Tax Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law, sat down with us to explain what tariffs are, how they work, and why their broad use was cause for concern. Since then, the trade landscape has shifted dramatically -with sweeping new tariffs, a landmark Supreme Court ruling, and mounting evidence of economic fallout.
We caught up with Clausing to find out what a year of
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LOS ANGELES, California, April 28 -- The University of California at Los Angeles School of Law posted the following news:
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What a year of data tells us about tariffs
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A year ago, Kimberly Clausing, the Eric M. Zolt Chair in Tax Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law, sat down with us to explain what tariffs are, how they work, and why their broad use was cause for concern. Since then, the trade landscape has shifted dramatically -with sweeping new tariffs, a landmark Supreme Court ruling, and mounting evidence of economic fallout.
We caught up with Clausing to find out what a year ofdata tells us about who has actually paid the price, whether the administration's goals have been met, and where U.S. trade policy goes from here.
A lot has happened since we last spoke about tariffs a year ago. Where do things stand now?
In February 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that most of the president's 2025 tariffs -those levied under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) -were unlawful. The Trump administration immediately pivoted to utilizing other authorities to levy similarly high tariffs on trading partners, and there are presently court challenges around these new tariffs.
Last time we spoke, you warned that tariffs function as a regressive tax that falls hardest on lower- and middle-income households. Now that we have a year of data, what does the evidence show about who has actually borne the cost?
The preponderance of evidence indicates that the tariffs are being fully, or nearly fully, "passed through" to U.S. buyers of imports -this tax is being borne by Americans. Firms have experienced some of the burden through lower profit margins, but a substantial share is being passed on to U.S. consumers in the form of higher prices. This has contributed to the affordability concerns affecting many U.S. households.
The administration has framed tariffs as a tool for restoring manufacturing and reducing the trade deficit. Have either of those goals been achieved?
No. While the trade deficit has been modestly reduced, the current account deficit -a broader measure -in 2025 was very similar to that in 2024.
Perhaps more important, manufacturing employment, along with other blue-collar jobs, has fallen steadily since the tariffs came into place. This is to some extent unsurprising, as higher imported input costs have harmed the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.
The Supreme Court's IEEPA ruling was a major legal development. What does it mean for how future administrations can use tariffs, and does it meaningfully constrain what's happening now?
The Supreme Court's ruling was an important decision for the rule of law and the separation of powers. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution gives the power to tax to Congress, not the president. The Trump administration's broad tariffs were not consistent with the authorities they invoked. How the courts will read the new tariffs remains an open question, and the U.S. Court of International Trade has expressed some bewilderment at the current tariff authorities being employed, but the situation is still evolving.
Given everything we've covered, what does the next chapter look like for U.S. and global trade? What should we be watching for?
One encouraging development is other countries' reactions to the Trump administration's embrace of protectionism. While many governments have had no choice but to placate the Trump administration's demands through bilateral negotiations, we have not seen a broader escalation of protectionist measures among other countries. On the contrary, countries are reaching out to further liberalize trade among themselves, in part to insulate themselves from U.S. protectionism.
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Original text here: https://law.ucla.edu/news/what-year-data-tells-us-about-tariffs
GP nurses could transform access to sleep care
BEDFORD PARK, Australia, April 27 -- Flinders University posted the following news:
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GP nurses could transform access to sleep care
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A new Flinders University study shows that nurses working in general practice could play a major role in improving access to sleep-health treatment, but only if patients and general practice staff are involved in designing these services.
Published in BMC Primary Care, the study is the first to explain why effective nurse-delivered sleep-care models have not yet made it into everyday GP clinics, despite strong evidence that they work.
Researchers from
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BEDFORD PARK, Australia, April 27 -- Flinders University posted the following news:
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GP nurses could transform access to sleep care
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A new Flinders University study shows that nurses working in general practice could play a major role in improving access to sleep-health treatment, but only if patients and general practice staff are involved in designing these services.
Published in BMC Primary Care, the study is the first to explain why effective nurse-delivered sleep-care models have not yet made it into everyday GP clinics, despite strong evidence that they work.
Researchers fromFHMRI Sleep Health reviewed and combined the findings of 85 studies exploring nurse-delivered models of care after seeing growing delays for specialist sleep services and limited access to recommended treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) and CPAP machines for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
"General practice nurse-delivered models of care for the management of sleep disorders have already been shown to be effective, but they still haven't been adopted into routine care," says lead author, Nicole Grivell, a sleep researcher and registered nurse.
"Until now, no research had explored the real-world barriers and enablers that affect whether GP clinics can successfully put these models into practice, especially in sleep health."
The review found strong potential for GP nurses to deliver assessment and treatment for common sleep problems like chronic insomnia and OSA, conditions frequently raised in everyday GP appointments.
"We know nurses in general practice are well placed to deliver treatments like CBTi and to support patients to commence CPAP," says co-author and senior researcher, Associate Professor Ching Li Chai-Coetzer, a respiratory and sleep physician.
"These approaches can improve sleep quality, daily functioning, and long-term wellbeing."
"With specialist wait times rising and limited access to CBTi, empowering GP nurses to deliver proven sleep care could change lives and ease pressure on the wider health system."
The study also revealed that if models of care are not designed to meet the needs of patients and general practice does not have sufficient funding, particularly for nurses to deliver the care, many new models of care will struggle to get off the ground.
The authors say that this leads to services that work well in trials but could fail in real-world practice.
The researchers urge policymakers, clinicians and researchers to co-design services with patients and GP clinic staff from the start to improve uptake, sustainability, and outcomes.
Key findings:
* Nurse-delivered models of care could ease pressure across the health system, improving access to timely assessment, treatment and follow-up for sleep disorders and other long-term conditions
* Patients must be central to designing models of care, because people's abilities, daily routines and motivation differ widely
* Co-designing services with patients and GP clinic staff would lead to more practical and sustainable models that better fit real-life needs
* Better-designed systems save time and resources, supporting smoother, more efficient care in general practice
"Despite strong evidence that nurse-delivered models of care work, they haven't made it into everyday practice," says Ms Grivell.
"Our review shows that involving patients and GP clinic staff in the design of these services is critical for real-world success.
"Done well, these models could reduce demand on specialist services and improve long-term health outcomes for thousands of Australians."
Acknowledgements: Funding for this project is in the form of Doctor of Philosophy scholarship funding, from a Flinders University Research Scholarship, Flinders Foundation Nick Antic Sleep Research Scholarship and an NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence grant "Positioning Primary Care at the Centre of Sleep Health Management"
The paper, ' Factors influencing the implementation of general practice nurse-delivered models of care for chronic conditions: a mixed-methods systematic review to inform models of care for chronic sleep disorders ', by Nicole Grivell, Brandon Brown, Jeffrey Fuller, Ching Li Chai-Coetzer, R. Doug McEvoy and Elizabeth Hoon (Adelaide University), was published in BMC Primary Care. DOI: 10.1186/s12875-025-03078-4.
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Original text here: https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2026/04/27/gp-nurses-could-transform-access-to-sleep-care/
$13 Million CIRM Award to Fund Research on the Role of RNA Pollution in Neurodegenerative Diseases
LA JOLLA, California, April 27 -- The University of California San Diego campus posted the following news:
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$13 Million CIRM Award to Fund Research on the Role of RNA Pollution in Neurodegenerative Diseases
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Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the Salk Institute and Sanford Burnham Prebys have received a four-year, $13 million award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to investigate how to reverse age-related neurodegeneration by eliminating what the researchers call "RNA pollution" in aging neurons. The ultimate goal is to
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LA JOLLA, California, April 27 -- The University of California San Diego campus posted the following news:
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$13 Million CIRM Award to Fund Research on the Role of RNA Pollution in Neurodegenerative Diseases
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Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the Salk Institute and Sanford Burnham Prebys have received a four-year, $13 million award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to investigate how to reverse age-related neurodegeneration by eliminating what the researchers call "RNA pollution" in aging neurons. The ultimate goal is todevelop new therapies to protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
As brain cells age, they often make mistakes when processing their genetic instructions (RNA). This creates RNA pollution, which accumulates over decades, stressing the cells and making the brain highly vulnerable to diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), according to principal investigator Gene Yeo, PhD, professor of cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and director of the Center for RNA Technologies and Therapeutics.
"If you have a pre-disposing genetic mutation for neurodegeneration, our working model is that the mutation by itself does not suffice until you have this age related-RNA pollution," said Yeo, who is also director of the Innovation Center at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. "The combination results in age-dependent disease."
Instead of focusing on the late-stage symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, like protein clumps in the brain, the research initiative will investigate the root causes of cellular aging. To do so, the team is moving away from traditional animal models and standard stem cell methods, which often fail to replicate human aging.
Normally, when scientists use skin cells from patients to create stem cells for brain research, the process "rejuvenates" the cells, erasing their biological age and any accumulated RNA pollution. In this study, however, the researchers will use a technique called transdifferentiation to convert patient skin cells directly into what they call induced neurons (iNs). These cells retain the age of the patients they came from, making it possible to study how RNA pollution forms.
The team will then map out signatures of RNA pollution across more than 200 cell lines and patient biofluids like spinal fluid and blood plasma to understand how the damage differs between healthy aging brains and those with neurodegenerative diseases. They will also investigate how a breakdown in the production of cellular energy by mitochondria contributes to the buildup of RNA pollution.
Using advanced robotics, the researchers will conduct screenings of thousands of potential treatments that can clean up the RNA pollution and restore neurons to a healthy state, including small-molecule drugs that have already been approved by the FDA for other conditions and targeted RNA therapies.
The most promising therapeutic candidates will be tested on "iSpheroids", advanced 3D models of human brain tissue, and eventually in animal models to ensure the therapies have a high chance of working in human patients.
"We hypothesize that if we can slow down the age-dependent dysregulation of RNA, even if you have a mutation that is a trigger for neurodegeneration, you will still be resilient to it because your neurons will maintain a youthful resilience," said Yeo.
"If you have a pre-disposing genetic mutation for neurodegeneration, our working model is that the mutation by itself does not suffice until you have this age related-RNA pollution."
CIRM is a state agency that supports the development of innovative stem cell and gene therapies for a variety of diseases. "Reversing age-dependent neurodegeneration by elimination of RNA pollution" is one of six CIRM Discovery (DISC4) awards to California researchers that have been approved for a combined total of $80M in funding.
"This bold research initiative embodies UC San Diego's commitment to advancing the frontier of medical science and translating fundamental discoveries into tangible health solutions for some of the most challenging diseases we face today," said Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences John M. Carethers, MD. "In a time of uncertain federal research funding, CIRM's state-backed investment is indispensable, sustaining the high-risk, high-impact work that will usher in the next generation of innovative therapies that will protect millions from devastating neurodegenerative diseases."
Co-principal investigators on the study include Douglas Galasko, MD, professor in residence and Jerome Mertens, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and Alex Chaim, PhD, assistant professor Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at UC San Diego; Fred "Rusty" Gage, PhD, professor in the Laboratory of Genetics at the Salk Institute; and Anne Bang, PhD, associate professor in the Center for Therapeutics Discovery at Sanford Burnham Prebys.
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Original text here: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/13-million-cirm-award-to-fund-research-on-the-role-of-rna-pollution-in-neurodegenerative-diseases
Alfred University students present work at Undergraduate Research Forum
ALFRED, New York, April 27 -- Alfred University issued the following news release:
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Alfred University students present work at Undergraduate Research Forum
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More than 130 Alfred University students participated in the 2026 Undergraduate Research Forum, held Thursday, April 23, in the Joyce-Walton Center. The students, representing each of the university's academic units-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art & Design + Performing Arts Division-were on hand to present their research projects to faculty,
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ALFRED, New York, April 27 -- Alfred University issued the following news release:
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Alfred University students present work at Undergraduate Research Forum
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More than 130 Alfred University students participated in the 2026 Undergraduate Research Forum, held Thursday, April 23, in the Joyce-Walton Center. The students, representing each of the university's academic units-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art & Design + Performing Arts Division-were on hand to present their research projects to faculty,staff, fellow students, and external audiences.
More than 100 poster abstracts (multiple students shared some posters) were on display at this year's Undergraduate Research Forum. This marks an increase of approximately 20 posters from last year's event, and more than 40 from two years ago.
The Undergraduate Research Forum provides a unique educational opportunity for aspiring researchers to present their work, whether it be in preliminary stages or as a capstone project, and gain experience by presenting their research and answering questions about their work from visitors and guests. All currently-enrolled Alfred University undergraduate students who are engaged in original work are eligible to participate. Those who received an undergraduate degree in the December immediately prior to Undergraduate Research Forum are also eligible.
Projects presented Thursday included, among others, a study on female distance by first-year political science major Riley Bell; another by sophomore art major West Armstrong that focused on his incorporation of found materials in his artwork; and senior mechanical engineering major Michael Donor, whose presented his work to convert a standard bicycle into an electric-powered bike.
Bell, a political science major from Syracuse, ran her first half-marathon in March 2026 and plans to run her first full marathon in the fall. Along the way, she developed a scholarly interest in the area of long-distance runners who were women, and she brought that interest to the Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies class held this semester.
Her research project focused on the runner Katherine Switzer, who in 1967 became the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon as a registered competitor. The Amateur Athletic Union subsequently banned women from participating in races against men, and the medical profession joined the AAU is working to keep women from participating in rigorous sports such as marathons, suggesting the constant jarring of marathon running could cause serious harm to a woman's reproductive organs.
Bell's research shows how women have continued competing in marathons. "What female runners are doing," she says, "is reclaiming their bodies one mile at a time, proving that their strength and personhood was never a liability, but a right."
"I have a passion for this idea because of my passion for running," said Bell, who hopes to complete a full marathon within the prescribed time limit to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Armstrong began collecting samples of mud in the backyard of his home in Jacksonville, FL, in order to experiment with materials used in creating ceramic art. He baked the mud samples in a kiln, continued his experiments, and is still working on incorporating found material into his ceramic art as he studies in the School of Art & Design at Alfred University.
He presented his findings at the Undergraduate Research Forum with a poster titled "You Can Make Anything You Want with Everything You Have."
"Why are we as artists not asking where and how our materials come from, especially if it's not made in an ethical way?" West asks. "I want to do my own gathering."
West displayed some his locally harvested ceramic artwork at an exhibit called "Rewilding," in the Robert C. Turner Gallery. He digs for clay around the Alfred University campus, and experiments with glazes created from ash he collects after burning different materials. He looks forward to continuing his research, experimenting with different materials. His exhibit at the Research Forum illustrates "a notion I have of creating functional ceramic pieces using only the materials from the local environment."
According to the abstract for Doner's project, his research objective "is to design and re-engineer a (bicycle) frame that holds a battery and motor and (has) modified suspension," demonstrating how a traditional pedal-powered bicycle frame can be constructed and engineered for conversion to an electric-powered bike.
The Newfield, NY, resident explained how he used CAD (computer-aided design) software to model the frame of an existing bicycle and convert it into an electric bicycle by incorporating a motor, battery and upgraded suspension. The modified suspension-achieved by adding shock absorbing components to the rear of the frame-is needed to create a smoother ride on rougher roads, protecting the electrical components.
"I designed the frame using the SolidWorks modeling software," he said. The suspension was modified, he said, to allow the rear wheel to pivot as the bicycle turns, improving stability in the frame. The bicycle is fully motorized-the pedals were replaced with pegs, which can be replaced with larger foot rests to provide greater comfort and balance for the rider. The motor, which starts up with a key, has three speeds and the bicycle seven gears and operates with a throttle mounted on the handle bar. The next steps are to create a custom housing for the motor and batteries, to protect them against poor weather and dust and dirt from the road.
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Original text here: https://www.alfred.edu/about/news/pressreleases/general/2026/alfred-university-students-present-work-at-undergraduate-research-forum.cfm
96 first-year PhD students named Presidential Excellence Award fellows through graduate program to advance their scholarship, research
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana, April 27 -- Purdue University issued the following news release:
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96 first-year PhD students named Presidential Excellence Award fellows through graduate program to advance their scholarship, research
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Heather Hayen is not your traditional doctoral student. After earning a graduate degree in elementary education, Hayen spent several years as a teacher, including time in a middle school classroom for deaf students. Drawing from those experiences, she saw how curriculum, teacher preparation and literacy education intersect, particularly the preservice experiences
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana, April 27 -- Purdue University issued the following news release:
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96 first-year PhD students named Presidential Excellence Award fellows through graduate program to advance their scholarship, research
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Heather Hayen is not your traditional doctoral student. After earning a graduate degree in elementary education, Hayen spent several years as a teacher, including time in a middle school classroom for deaf students. Drawing from those experiences, she saw how curriculum, teacher preparation and literacy education intersect, particularly the preservice experiencesand institutional contexts that shape teachers' knowledge, outlook and long-term retention.
And now, the journey that brought her to Boilermaker country has reached another milestone: Hayen is one of 96 graduate students selected as 2025-26 Presidential Excellence Award recipients, a faculty-nominated fellowship supported by Purdue's Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.
A banquet celebrating this year's recipients drew more than 300 students and faculty nominators in a recent event featuring a message by Provost Patrick Wolfe.
"This Presidential Excellence Award represents not only individual recognition but also the mentorship and scholarly community that have supported my development," says Hayen, who is studying under Melanie Kuhn, the Jean Adamson Stanley Professor of Literacy. "It feels less like a culmination and more like a charge to continue doing careful, principled work that contributes to curriculum scholarship and ultimately supports teachers and students in meaningful ways."
The 96 first-year graduate students were awarded the fellowships through a program that recognizes outstanding PhD applicants who demonstrate strong potential to contribute to their discipline and to college and university priorities. Award recipients receive $10,000 per year for up to four years as a supplement to their base stipend or salary, dependent on enrollment and satisfactory academic and research progress.
"The Presidential Excellence Awards fellowship program is a great example of how Purdue works to bring in and support top graduate students who strengthen our research and help extend Purdue's impact worldwide," says Odalys Torres Luquis, senior program manager of Purdue's Office of Graduate Recruitment and Success.
The provost's office established the Presidential Excellence Award to help recruit the best and brightest students. This year's 96 recipients were selected from nearly 300 nominations across every Purdue college -up from 75 awardees last year. There were 127 in the program's inaugural year in 2023, when Wolfe announced a series of measures supporting graduate student efforts, recognizing their role as engines that power the university's research and teaching.
A legacy Boilermaker finds new connections
A third-generation Boilermaker, Susanna Berg says the Presidential Excellence Award was crucial in helping her select Purdue and adjust to graduate school life, moving hundreds of miles from her hometown of Tucker, Georgia. The university has become a special place for her family -Berg's parents met at Purdue in the 1990s, and both grandfathers were Boilermakers in the 1960s.
"This award has already provided opportunities to present my work with the department and conferences around the country as well as get one step ahead in finding connections with other researchers," Berg says. "I am excited to continue to learn from my Presidential Excellence Award peers in different disciplines as they grow and represent Purdue."
Berg grew up loving the outdoors. She factored that passion into her career aspirations, sparking an interest in agriscience, environmental systems and animal science at the University of Georgia. She also was motivated to focus her studies on protecting future food systems with extreme temperatures, natural disasters and farmland loss becoming more frequent.
"Creating a resilient agroecosystem in the U.S. and globally is essential to ensuring our survival as challenges progress," says Berg, who is working on her PhD in the Agroecology Lab of her advisor, assistant agronomy professor Yichao Rui. "I hope to work hands-on with growers to teach sustainable principles and help them to conduct this change on their farms. In the long term, I want to continue teaching and Extension work at a university."
Interdisciplinary-driven benefits of PhD program
Growing up close to the sea and surrounded by a diverse natural ecosystem in Puerto Rico, Erick Joel Negron Alvarez developed a deep appreciation for the environment from an early age. He began his academic journey studying environmental biology in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and later worked in environmental consulting in San Juan.
Living in a region frequently impacted by storms, infrastructure challenges and environmental pressures also exposed him to the realities of climate vulnerability and resource management, particularly concerns about drinking water quality. There, he gained a unique perspective on these issues where power outages, water stagnation in pipes and microbial growth within infrastructure systems can directly affect water quality and public health.
Now, as a first-generation Latino graduate student in the Midwest pursuing a doctorate in sustainability and environmental engineering, Negron approaches environmental challenges from a more engineering-focused perspective, emphasizing the development of practical solutions to complex problems.
"Coming from a science background, I felt that pursuing graduate studies in an engineering-focused environment would allow me to develop new technical skills and perspectives. At the same time, Purdue's interdisciplinary programs made it possible to maintain strong connections to ecological and microbiological research, which aligned closely with my interests," says Negron, who is studying under Caitlin Proctor, an assistant professor of sustainability engineering and environmental engineering.
For his doctoral studies, Negron is focusing on microbial communities in water systems and how they influence the safety, performance and resilience of water infrastructure. He is particularly interested in how environmental stressors, infrastructure design and operational conditions shape microbial behavior in both natural and built environments, and how this understanding can be leveraged to improve water quality, public health and sustainability outcomes.
"Seeing how fragile critical infrastructure could be, and how directly it affected public health and daily life, shaped my interest in environmental systems, water resources and sustainable infrastructure," he says. "These experiences made environmental challenges feel very real and personal, rather than abstract or theoretical."
Encouraged that their work is recognized, supported
Biomedical engineering student Evan Larson describes winning a Presidential Excellence Award as a meaningful honor at this early stage of his doctoral training. Through his studies, he seeks to better understand post-traumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury, with his research examining how biomechanical trauma interacts with systemic inflammation and the gut microbiome to influence long-term joint degeneration. He is studying under Deva Chan, an associate professor of biomedical engineering.
"This recognition supports and motivates me to approach these questions with even greater precision, depth and creativity," says Larson, whose time playing soccer at Grinnell College deeply shaped his interest in injury, recovery and long-term musculoskeletal health. "Academically, the award strengthens my drive to pursue rigorous and translational research focused on post-traumatic osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament injury. It is encouraging to know that the vision guiding my work is recognized and supported by the broader Purdue community."
For Hayen, who is pursuing a PhD in curriculum studies, her motivation to pursue this area of study emerged directly from her classroom experience. There, she saw how curriculum decisions, often made far from classrooms, impacted what teachers were allowed to do and how students experienced learning.
"Those years in schools continue to shape the questions I ask and keep my research anchored in the lived realities of teachers and students," says Hayen, who received a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising from Central Michigan University and a master's in education from Hunter College.
Full list of recipients of 2025-26 Presidential Excellence Awards
Why Purdue?
"I was especially drawn to the research being done in water quality, microbial ecology and infrastructure resilience. Given my background and experiences in Puerto Rico, I saw significant opportunities to grow and make meaningful contributions in these areas. The chance to work with faculty who are addressing real-world environmental challenges, and who value interdisciplinary collaboration, made Purdue the ideal place for me to continue my academic journey and develop as a researcher."
-Erick Joel Negron Alvarez, PhD student, sustainability engineering and environmental engineering
"Purdue felt like the place where everything I had been building toward finally came together. With my background spanning computational joint modeling and microbiome-driven immune modulation, Purdue provides a uniquely positioned platform to connect these domains in a meaningful way. The institutional resources, collaborative culture and translational focus create an opportunity not simply to study injury but to redefine how it is understood and ultimately treated."
-Evan Larson, PhD student, biomedical engineering
"The draw to Purdue was its strong community of scholars in curriculum and teacher education, its emphasis on rigorous theoretical engagement, and its commitment to connecting research with practice. I was looking for a program that would challenge me intellectually while still valuing the practical realities of schooling. Purdue has provided that environment, pushing me to sharpen my thinking, expand my theoretical grounding and engage in meaningful scholarly dialogue."
-Heather Hayen, PhD student, curriculum studies
"Purdue has always had a special place in my heart since both of my grandfathers attended in the '60s, and my parents met each other here in the '90s! Seeing Purdue's reputation in agriculture grow over the years made it my top choice for graduate school."
-Susanna Berg, PhD student, agroecology and environmental systems
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Original text here: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/2026/Q2/96-first-year-phd-students-named-presidential-excellence-award-fellows-through-graduate-program-to-advance-their-scholarship-research
2026 Shaffer Public Interest Fellow to Serve Domestic Violence Survivors in North Carolina
SOUTH BEND, Indiana, April 27 -- The University of Notre Dame Law School posted the following news:
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2026 Shaffer Public Interest Fellow to Serve Domestic Violence Survivors in North Carolina
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Nikki Rafferty, a third-year student at Notre Dame Law School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Thomas L. Shaffer Public Interest Fellowship. The fellowship will enable her to serve domestic violence survivors and their children in North Carolina.
The Shaffer Fellowship, named in honor of former dean and professor Thomas L. Shaffer and funded by donor support, is awarded each year
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SOUTH BEND, Indiana, April 27 -- The University of Notre Dame Law School posted the following news:
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2026 Shaffer Public Interest Fellow to Serve Domestic Violence Survivors in North Carolina
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Nikki Rafferty, a third-year student at Notre Dame Law School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Thomas L. Shaffer Public Interest Fellowship. The fellowship will enable her to serve domestic violence survivors and their children in North Carolina.
The Shaffer Fellowship, named in honor of former dean and professor Thomas L. Shaffer and funded by donor support, is awarded each yearto one or two members of Notre Dame Law School's graduating class. The fellow's salary and benefits are covered while they work for two years at a nonprofit organization providing legal services to low-income or other underrepresented populations.
The Shaffer Fellowship will enable Rafferty to serve at Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC), expanding its direct services to survivors of domestic violence. In addition to assisting clients in obtaining protective orders, she will provide representation in child custody cases where an abuser poses a direct threat to a child's well-being.
Rafferty's time at Notre Dame Law School has prepared her well for a career in public interest law. She served as the president of the Public Interest Law Forum and the director of service for the Women's Legal Forum. She also externed at Indiana Legal Services and JUSTICE, a nonprofit in London dedicated to making the justice system more equitable. She spent her 2L summer at Legal Aid of North Carolina, where she will continue her work with the fellowship.
Rafferty was raised in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It was during those years that Rafferty first felt called to pursue public interest work, serving for a year as a Domestic Violence Hotline Crisis Advocate at a state-designated domestic violence service center in North Carolina.
"That experience opened my eyes to the prevalence of intimate partner violence in my community and the role that legal advocates can play in aiding survivors. Throughout law school, my passion for aiding survivors and expanding access to justice continued to grow based on my experience working at various legal aid organizations," she said.
Rafferty expressed her gratitude in receiving the fellowship, as it will allow her to provide free legal services to domestic violence survivors, which is critical in a time when funding is very low for this work.
"Throughout my time interning at legal aid organizations during law school, I have seen firsthand the transformative experience that free legal services can have on both clients and communities," she said. "I hope that my fellowship will allow me to empower survivors and promote safety in my community."
For Rafferty, being a "different kind of lawyer" means viewing the law profession not just as a job, but as a vocation.
"As Catholics, we are called to help the most vulnerable in society," said Rafferty. "It is hard for me to imagine a more vulnerable population than impoverished children facing physical abuse. I hope to use my fellowship as a living embodiment of Notre Dame's Catholic mission, and I want to serve my community by aiding domestic violence survivors in obtaining protection for themselves and ensuring the safety of their children. I hope to carry all I have learned during my time at Notre Dame with me into a career dedicated to serving the public and expanding equal access to justice for all."
The Thomas L. Shaffer Public Interest Fellowship, established in 2013, continues a long tradition of public interest at Notre Dame Law School. The fellowship honors Thomas L. Shaffer '61 J.D., who was a longtime faculty member and former dean at Notre Dame Law School. During his tenure, he was a supervising attorney in the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic, now called the Notre Dame Clinical Law Center, where he taught clinical ethics and guided the legal practice of law students who served underprivileged people in the South Bend area. Information about past Shaffer fellows can be found here.
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Original text here: https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/2026-shaffer-public-interest-fellow-to-serve-domestic-violence-survivors-in-north-carolina/
2026 NAU teaching awards
FLAGSTAFF, Arizona, April 27 -- Northern Arizona University posted the following news:
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2026 NAU teaching awards
College Teachers of the Year
* Monica Acosta Alvarado, NAU Yuma
* Nancy Barron, College of Arts and Letters
* Ana Chaves, Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
* Rory Faust, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
* Kaitlin Hublitz, College of Education
* Karl Krotke Crandall, Honors College
* Haylee McElroy, College of Health and Human Services
* Mandy McGuire, Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing
* Landi Morris, The W. A. Franke College of Business
... Show Full Article
FLAGSTAFF, Arizona, April 27 -- Northern Arizona University posted the following news:
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2026 NAU teaching awards
College Teachers of the Year
* Monica Acosta Alvarado, NAU Yuma
* Nancy Barron, College of Arts and Letters
* Ana Chaves, Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
* Rory Faust, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
* Kaitlin Hublitz, College of Education
* Karl Krotke Crandall, Honors College
* Haylee McElroy, College of Health and Human Services
* Mandy McGuire, Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing
* Landi Morris, The W. A. Franke College of Business
* Sara Souther, College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
NAU Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
* Landi Morris, The W. A. Franke College of Business
NAU Award for Excellence in Global Learning
* NAU-Tianhua Global Education Partnership Team
* Sara Abercrombie
* Shadow Armfield
* Alisa Ashley
* Qjan Chen
* Clement Lambert
* Rainy Lei
* Ramona Mellott
* Lucas Yuanyibo Zhang
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Original text here: https://news.nau.edu/2026-nau-teaching-awards/
17 faculty named 2026-27 University Research Professors
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, April 27 -- The University of Kentucky issued the following news:
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17 faculty named 2026-27 University Research Professors
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On Friday, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved 17 University Research Professors for the 2026-27 academic year. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK.
"It is our privilege each year to recognize distinguished experts who have made significant contributions across the breadth of research fields at the University of Kentucky,"
... Show Full Article
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, April 27 -- The University of Kentucky issued the following news:
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17 faculty named 2026-27 University Research Professors
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On Friday, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved 17 University Research Professors for the 2026-27 academic year. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK.
"It is our privilege each year to recognize distinguished experts who have made significant contributions across the breadth of research fields at the University of Kentucky,"said Ilhem Messaoudi, UK's acting vice president for research. "This cohort of University Research Professors have demonstrated excellence in fields that address scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world."
College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.
The 2026-27 University Research Professors are:
* Wayne T. Sanderson, biosystems and agricultural engineering, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
* Ashley W. Seifert, biology, College of Arts and Sciences
* Nathaniel Stapleton, mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
* Russell Jame, finance and quantitative methods, Gatton College of Business and Economics
* Andrew Pilny, communication, College of Communication and Information
* Ian Boggero, oral health science, College of Dentistry
* Patrick Lee Lucas, school of interiors, College of Design
* Danelle Stevens-Watkins, educational, school and counseling psychology, College of Education
* Scott Berry, mechanical and aerospace engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
* Miriam Kienle, school of art and visual Studies, College of Fine Arts
* James M. Donovan, J. David Rosenberg College of Law
* Ann L. Coker, obstetrics and gynecology, College of Medicine
* Greg A. Gerhardt, neuroscience, College of Medicine
* Mary Kay Rayens, College of Nursing
* Rachel Hogg-Graham, health management and policy, College of Public Health
* Joseph K. Young, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, The Graduate School
* Douglas A. Boyd, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, UK Libraries
Throughout the summer, the university will feature a 2026-27 University Research Professor in UKNow to share more about each professor's area of research and how their work is advancing Kentucky and beyond.
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Original text here: https://research.uky.edu/news/17-faculty-named-2026-27-university-research-professors
South Dakota Mines Annual Leadership Awards Celebrate Student Initiative and Achievements
RAPID CITY, South Dakota, April 26 -- The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology issued the following news release:
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South Dakota Mines Annual Leadership Awards Celebrate Student Initiative and Achievements
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Spring at South Dakota Mines marks a time to celebrate achievement and recognize the student leaders who have made a lasting impact on campus and the community.
The university recently held its Hardrocker Honors ceremony, a combined version of the 75 th Annual Honors Convocation and Leadership Hall of Fame awards. Each year, the ceremony recognizes students for their distinguished
... Show Full Article
RAPID CITY, South Dakota, April 26 -- The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology issued the following news release:
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South Dakota Mines Annual Leadership Awards Celebrate Student Initiative and Achievements
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Spring at South Dakota Mines marks a time to celebrate achievement and recognize the student leaders who have made a lasting impact on campus and the community.
The university recently held its Hardrocker Honors ceremony, a combined version of the 75 th Annual Honors Convocation and Leadership Hall of Fame awards. Each year, the ceremony recognizes students for their distinguishedacademic and leadership achievements.
"This is one of the most meaningful times of the year at South Dakota Mines," said Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D. "We have the opportunity to recognize students who not only excel academically, but who lead with purpose and leave a lasting impact on our campus and community. Their contributions help shape the future of Mines, and we are proud to celebrate all they have accomplished."
More than 160 students were honored for achievements spanning academics, research, leadership and personal growth.
Joseph Tunge, a sophomore biomedical engineering major from Sioux Falls, S.D., received the Cushman Clark Rising Star Award. The $400 scholarship, funded by Samuel Cushman Clark, honors his grandfather, Samuel Cushman, who served as the university dean from 1890 to 1891.
Victoria Verhey, a junior pre-professional health science major from Rapid City, S.D., received the CHAD Award - Caring, Helping, Aspiring and Developing. The award, named in honor of Chad Nienhueser, a distinguished student leader and 2005 Leadership Hall of Fame inductee, recognizes individuals who embody Nienhueser's passion for leadership and service.
Grace Pridgeon, an electrical engineering major from Gillette, Wyo., was awarded the $600 Gustafson Student Leadership Scholarship. Established by Jim Gustafson, a 1987 electrical engineering alumnus, recognizes a junior or senior who excels academically and in leadership roles.
The Leadership Hall of Fame, a prestigious award established in 2000, honors individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the Mines campus community.
Each year, four to six students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and have made a meaningful impact on and off campus are chosen for the Leadership Hall of Fame. Portraits of the 2026 inductees will be added to the Leadership Hall of Fame display outside the Beck Ballroom in the Surbeck Center.
The impact of this year's inductees touches nearly every area of the university and community, ranging from community service, peer mentorship and youth outreach to Student Associate Senate, CAMP and Greek Life.
The 2026 Leadership Hall of Fame includes:
Allan Dade Gomez - Gomez is a mechanical engineering major from Kersey, Colo. His university involvement includes president of Triangle Fraternity, where he logged more than 600 hours of community service, founded the Cornhole Club, was the brakes design lead for the Baja team and participated in the President's Leadership Academy.
Duram C. Kelly - Kelly is a mechanical engineering major from North Mankato, Minn. His involvement includes Supermileage, Circle K International, Swing Dance, Wind Ensemble and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. During his time, he also helped organize six blood drives and collected more than 1,000 pounds of food for Feeding South Dakota. As philanthropic chair for Lambda Chi Alpha, Kelly revitalized a declining fundraiser, created a new event and oversaw more than $2,400 raised for charity and over 1,300 hours of community service.
Bayler J. Larson - Larson is a metallurgical engineering major from Ethan, S.D. Over his four years, Larson has served as a peer mentor and a first-year master mentor, guiding incoming freshmen. He also held several leadership roles on the Baja SAE team and shared his skills and craftmanship at the Foundry and Makerspace.
Madelyn "Maddy" Siekmann - Siekmann is a biomedical engineering major from Chaska, Minn. She served on the Student Association Senate, vice president of the South Dakota Board of Regents Student Federation and served as a student representative for the 2024 Presidential Search Committee. She was also president of the Hard Rockin' Drama Club, a Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) peer mentor and a student ambassador.
Clive E. Uy - Uy is a mechanical engineering major with minors in aerospace and systems engineering from Bellingham, Wash. He served as vice president of the Student Association Senate, chassis subsystem lead and media manager on the university's Baja team and worked on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) where he developed tools that improved laboratory efficiency. Uy also mentored youth through Campus Kids, served as a mechanical engineering ambassador, participated in the President's Leadership Academy and contributed to SOUL's charitable outreach in the Rapid City community.
Jacob Vostad - Vostad is a chemical engineering major from Sioux Falls, S.D. He served as president of the Student Association Senate, founded SOUL, a service club that connects students with underserved community members, and headed up the creation of the Hardrocker Huddle and IN PHASE. His vision and leadership also helped to bring back the community Rocker Days Parade.
You can find the full list of award winners here and view a photo album of the Hardrocker Honors here.
***
Original text here: https://www.sdsmt.edu/news/releases/2026hardrockerhonors.html
MCCC Launches Paramedic Degree, Certificate Programs at Bedford Location
MONROE, Michigan, April 26 -- Monroe County Community College issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:
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MCCC LAUNCHES PARAMEDIC DEGREE, CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AT BEDFORD LOCATION
Monroe County Community College has launched new degree and certificate programs to be offered at its Bedford location to prepare future paramedics, Helen Stripling, dean of the Health Sciences Division, has announced.
The programs will be housed at the MCCC's Bedford location, the Whitman Center, at 7777 Lewis Ave. in Temperance. That location is also home to MCCC's Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
... Show Full Article
MONROE, Michigan, April 26 -- Monroe County Community College issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:
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MCCC LAUNCHES PARAMEDIC DEGREE, CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AT BEDFORD LOCATION
Monroe County Community College has launched new degree and certificate programs to be offered at its Bedford location to prepare future paramedics, Helen Stripling, dean of the Health Sciences Division, has announced.
The programs will be housed at the MCCC's Bedford location, the Whitman Center, at 7777 Lewis Ave. in Temperance. That location is also home to MCCC's Emergency Medical Technician CertificateProgram and offers numerous credit and non-credit classes and other services.
Students can apply for enrollment in the programs for the 2026-27 academic year, which beings August 26.
The new Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paramedic Program takes 5 semesters to complete, while the new Paramedic Certificate Program is 3 semesters in length.
Paramedics are allied health professionals who function as part of a comprehensive emergency medical services response, performing interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance, Stripling said. In order to become a paramedic, you first have to become an emergency medical technician. An EMT requires less training and cost than becoming a paramedic. Upon successful completion of either the Paramedic degree or certificate program at MCCC, students will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic Certification Exam.
According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity, a paramedic is classified as a high-demand and high-wage job through 2032 that requires a postsecondary certificate or moderate-term training. There are 150 projected annual paramedic openings in Michigan with an average hourly wage of $22-$27 per hour. Projected growth through 2032 is 3.6% in the state.
Both the degree and certificate programs are selective admissions programs, said Shawn McBride, director of emergency medical services. To be admitted, applicants must possess a current, unrestricted EMT license or higher or have completed a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services-approved EMT program and be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Medical Technicians Certification Exam. In the latter case, certification and licensure must be completed prior to completing of the Paramedic degree or certificate program at MCCC. In addition, prospective students must complete The Human Body (HLTSC-170) or Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL-257) or equivalent course prior to admission.
"Students who do not meet these requirements but would still like to eventually become a paramedic can enroll in MCCC's EMT Certificate Program, which is two semesters in length and prepares students to provide out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services system," he said.
The MCCC Paramedic Program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. This letter is not a CAAHEP accreditation status; it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for eligibility to take the National Registry's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.
For more information, go to www.monroeccc.edu/paramedic or contact McBride at MCCC's Whitman Center at (734) 457-6057 or smcbride@monroeccc.edu.
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About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college's mission is to enrich lives in the community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located at 7777 Lewis Ave., Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.monroeccc.edu/news/2026/mccc-launches-paramedic-degree-certificate-programs-at-bedford-location?type=main
Honors Convocation recognizes excellence in students, faculty and staff as academic year nears conclusion
GREENVILLE, Tennessee, April 26 -- Tusculum University posted the following news:
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Honors Convocation recognizes excellence in students, faculty and staff as academic year nears conclusion
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GREENEVILLE - With the end of the academic year approaching, Tusculum University recognized the accomplishments of its students as they become career-ready professionals and of the faculty and staff for their one-on-one work with these Pioneers.
Dr. Scott Hummel, left, presented the President's Award to student Nehemiah Storey.
Tusculum held its annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 23, to
... Show Full Article
GREENVILLE, Tennessee, April 26 -- Tusculum University posted the following news:
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Honors Convocation recognizes excellence in students, faculty and staff as academic year nears conclusion
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GREENEVILLE - With the end of the academic year approaching, Tusculum University recognized the accomplishments of its students as they become career-ready professionals and of the faculty and staff for their one-on-one work with these Pioneers.
Dr. Scott Hummel, left, presented the President's Award to student Nehemiah Storey.
Tusculum held its annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 23, tospotlight academic achievement and other important elements of the university experience, such as civic engagement and school spirit. The event highlights the pioneering spirit that reverberates around the university and the focus on preparing student to lead successful lives following graduation.
"The Honors Convocation is an excellent way to conclude the academic year because it causes us to reflect on what has taken place in the classroom and extracurricular activities," said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum's president. "When we stop for a moment and contemplate what our students, faculty and staff have achieved, we see excellence in so many facets. We are proud that the Tusculum family is making its mark on campus and in the community and are pleased to see everyone excelling in faith, knowledge and love."
The most prestigious award came at the end of the ceremony, when Dr. Hummel named Nehemiah Storey as the recipient of the President's Award. This honor goes to a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Tusculum and has been the highest attainer in the combined areas of academics, extracurricular activities, campus leadership and attitude. Tusculum bases the selection on the student's complete time at Tusculum.
Dr. Hummel enumerated many of Storey's accomplishments, including serving as a resident assistant. He also touched on his prowess in the classroom, such as placement on the President's List, Dean's List and Charles Oliver Gray List at Tusculum, the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll and the National Football Foundation Outstanding Academic Award winner in 2023 and the NFF's Hampshire Honor Society.
He noted that Storey served on the Tusculum football team leadership council and was a student coach for Tusculum's spring football practices. Dr. Hummel said Storey influenced the community as a student teacher and volunteer assistant coach for the football team at Chuckey-Doak Middle School. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a participant in Students Pray on Thursdays at Tusculum Baptist Church, and he organized a prayer walk on campus in 2025.
"I was pleasantly surprised to win the award, and I'm incredibly grateful for the recognition and the impact I've had on Tusculum," said Storey, a sport science major. "Knowing that the sport science program nominated me for the President's Award means the world to me. It reinforces the fact that my time at Tusculum has been meaningful and productive. It fills me with joy to know that the faculty values my contributions."
Storey additionally won the David Bow Award, named in honor of Dr. David Bow, a sport studies professor who has served in multiple roles during his 49 years as a faculty member, coach and athletic director at Tusculum. Storey called Dr. Bow an exceptional Tusculum faculty member and said it has been a pleasure to take his classes this year.
Other awards that were issued included the Key Award, with students receiving one in virtually every academic program. To qualify, students have to attain the designated grade point average or higher in their academic field and stand out among their peers.
Students honored, left to right, Holly Ratcliff, Chuck Sutton and Nancy Leonard during the ceremony.
Dr. David Cook, left, presented the Outstanding Faculty for Excellence in Teaching, Service and Scholarship award to Dr. Melissa Burt.
The Outstanding Faculty for Excellence in Teaching, Service and Scholarship award went to Dr. Melissa Burt, assistant professor of environmental science. Students credited her with being helpful and explaining and placing material into a usable context. They said she guides students while giving them freedom to explore and encouraging them with creative control of projects. They also said she thoughtfully shepherds and mentors her research students.
"She provided me with impactful learning experiences through literary exploration and now with publication opportunities," student Jori Ray said. "Her guidance in examining graduate school opportunities has been encouraging and rewarding."
Dr. Burt's supervisor also praises her.
"From the first-year student in her environmental science course to the senior doing class-based research or studying ant specimens in her laboratory, Dr. Burt connects with her students, finds ways to encourage them to do their best work and sets them up for a more substantial future," said Dr. Chuck Pearson, assistant dean of math and science.
The Outstanding Service to Students Award for a faculty member went to Holly Ratcliff, assistant professor of English. The award, voted by students, recognized her for the way she provided encouragement and support, was available, made learning interesting, encouraged those in her classes to think outside the box and guided and counseled them to grow.
In addition to these qualities, Ratcliff played a special role as the faculty speaker during the memorial service for Payton Cook, a freshman and a member of the men's lacrosse team, who passed away in a car accident in December. She was one of Cook's professors. Tusculum held a moment of silence for Cook at the start of the convocation.
Members of the new Student Government Association executive board took their oaths. Left to right are BriAnna Higgins, Isabella Headland, John Ross, AnnaLee Simpson and Serena Hood.
The School Spirit Award went to Jerry Ricker, a sport science major, who is a member of the track and field and cross country teams and a member of the Student Government Association. He is also a member of and mentor for Student Support Services, which serves students whose parents do not have a bachelor's degree, who meet income-eligibility guidelines and have a disability.
Students also honored Chuck Sutton, vice president of student affairs and retention, and Nancy Leonard with the Outstanding Service Award to a staff member and cafeteria worker, respectively.
The Civic Engagement Award for an outstanding group went to the track and field teams.
Early during the convocation, members of the new executive board for the Student Government Association for the 20256-2027 academic year took their oaths. They are:
* President - John Ross
* Vice President - Isabella Headland
* Treasurer - AnnaLee Simpson
* Secretary - BriAnna Higgins
* Speaker of the House - Serena Hood
To see the complete list of awards, please visit https://www3.tusculum.edu/news/tusc-family/2026/honors-convocation-awards-for-2026/. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.
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Original text here: https://www3.tusculum.edu/news/news/2026/honors-convocation-recognizes-excellence-in-students-faculty-and-staff-as-academic-year-nears-conclusion/
Ghanaian MBA student on community enrichment, purpose
TULSA, Oklahoma, April 26 -- The University of Tulsa posted the following news:
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Ghanaian MBA student on community enrichment, purpose
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When Kwame Mawuenyega Ackah arrived at The University of Tulsa after a decade working in the public and private sectors in Ghana, he was searching for more than an advanced degree. He sought an immersive experience, clarity on his goals, community and the educational experience to make meaningful change back home.
Now an MBA student at Collins College of Business, Ackah said UTulsa's approachable faculty, business curriculum and leadership opportunities
... Show Full Article
TULSA, Oklahoma, April 26 -- The University of Tulsa posted the following news:
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Ghanaian MBA student on community enrichment, purpose
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When Kwame Mawuenyega Ackah arrived at The University of Tulsa after a decade working in the public and private sectors in Ghana, he was searching for more than an advanced degree. He sought an immersive experience, clarity on his goals, community and the educational experience to make meaningful change back home.
Now an MBA student at Collins College of Business, Ackah said UTulsa's approachable faculty, business curriculum and leadership opportunitieshas led him to grow personally and professionally. He recently interned at Tulsa International Airport. He also served as the student executive officer for UTulsa's student-managed investment fund, overseeing an $8.6 million portfolio that grew to a record-breaking $9.1 million during his tenure.
"I was looking for a business school that would give me additional knowledge to make a difference in my country," he said. "The professors have been accessible, and the opportunities have been great."
Outside the classroom, Ackah is a member of a fraternity, a graduate assistant with CaneCareers, a member of the Real Estate Club and president of the Graduate Student Association. He emphasized that these roles have expanded his social and professional needs.
"Everyone here has treated me so well. It's like everyone has known me for years," he said. "These intentional activities on campus have given me exposure and confidence."
Ackah said his attention to community involvement stems from his upbringing in Ghana. He explained that his culture emphasizes collective responsibility for the enrichment of all.
"Being a part of a community makes you aware of what needs to be done to shape it," he said. "When I came here, I didn't feel like I should just focus on academics. If I'm part of the community, I know who is available when things need to be done."
When advising others, Ackah emphasized the importance of finding ways to become involved: "Don't focus only on credentials. Focus on community. After school, you will need people to help open doors, and then for you to do the same for others."
His research focuses on migration, demographics and legal structures in Africa, using Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya as case studies -regions he sees as pivotal for Africa's economic future.
Looking ahead, Ackah plans to establish a nonprofit organization centered on creating dialogue among African governments, stakeholders and international partners.
"The MBA program makes me a global thinker," he said. "Once I'm done with school, I hope to have the right stakeholders to pursue these dreams. The University of Tulsa has put me in a position to make these dreams possible."
Learn more about MBA and other graduate programs at utulsa.edu/grad.
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Original text here: https://utulsa.edu/news/ghanaian-mba-student-on-community-enrichment-purpose/
College of Education Announces 2026 Celebrating Excellence Award Recipients
POCATELLO, Idaho, April 26 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
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College of Education Announces 2026 Celebrating Excellence Award Recipients
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Each year, the College of Education hosts an annual Celebrating Excellence event to honor deserving faculty, staff, alumni and partners of the College for their significant accomplishments and commitment to excellence in education. We are pleased to announce this year's Celebrating Excellence Award winners.
Mahlet Asfaw, College of Education Staff Excellence Award
Mahlet Asfaw is an administrative assistant for the Office of
... Show Full Article
POCATELLO, Idaho, April 26 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
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College of Education Announces 2026 Celebrating Excellence Award Recipients
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Each year, the College of Education hosts an annual Celebrating Excellence event to honor deserving faculty, staff, alumni and partners of the College for their significant accomplishments and commitment to excellence in education. We are pleased to announce this year's Celebrating Excellence Award winners.
Mahlet Asfaw, College of Education Staff Excellence Award
Mahlet Asfaw is an administrative assistant for the Office ofField Experience and the Kent Center for Student Success, with a background in customer service and insurance management. She specializes in administrative coordination, effective communication, and providing support to students, staff, and partners with professionalism and efficiency. Her experience has enabled her to develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a service-oriented approach, contributing to a welcoming and well-managed academic environment. She holds a bachelor's degree in management from Unity University and an associate degree in insurance from the Ethiopian Institute of Banking and Insurance. Outside of work, she enjoys roasting coffee and preparing traditional Ethiopian foods for her family.
Kolby Cordingley, College of Education Faculty Excellence Award
Kolby Cordingley is a professor of practice in the Idaho State University Human Performance and Sport Studies Department. He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in physical education with an emphasis in athletic administration. Cordingley has taught at ISU for the last 24 years and has taught a wide variety of courses, and is currently serving as the Be Fit activity courses program director and the Department of Human Performance and Sports Studies chair. While teaching at ISU, he also coached wrestling for 20 plus years, including 12 years as the head coach at Highland High School, where he was twice named the 5A Idaho Coach of the Year and earned seven 5 th /6 th District Coach of the Year awards as well. His proudest accomplishment while serving as the head coach of Highland was being a part of nine 5A State Academic championships, which is awarded to the team with the highest cumulative GPA. Cordingley believes that his greatest achievements in his coaching and teaching career have been creating meaningful relationships where athletes and students feel safe and valued. He feels grateful every day for the opportunity he has to work in the College of Education with amazing people, including the faculty, staff, and students of Idaho State University.
Rachelle Gilbert, College of Education Alumni Teaching Excellence Award
After completing her bachelor's degree in secondary education at ISU, Rachelle Gilbert has gone on to teach English classes for 18 years at Marsh Valley High School, where she also serves as the high school and district's librarian. During her time she has conceptualized a book study group for teachers at her school to collaborate and improve teaching pedagogy, and assists students in every aspect of their learning, whether it is as a mentor for senior projects, student council advisor, a teacher of research and online literacy, book recommender, IDLA site coordinator, or as the former director of her school's German exchange through the Goethe Institute for ten years. In addition to teaching, she coached for 15 years to build the Marsh Valley Girls Soccer team into a consistent state contender. Education has been the unexpected calling of her life.
While waffling about which career to choose, her mother wisely told her she was a born teacher. However, her teaching journey has not been idyllic. After significant burnout, she almost quit after her sixth year of teaching. A book about Hypatia changed her trajectory, and she enrolled in the University of Idaho through the Grace Nixon Institute scholarship to pursue a Master of Teaching in English, which she completed in 2015. Her educational path was not over. She completed a Master of Library Sciences and is currently striving for a PhD in English while teaching full-time.
During the Fall 2026 semester, she will be attending the University of Essex in England thanks to the study abroad opportunities provided by ISU. While her love of education in the classroom has always been keen, she cannot wait to embark into the world to learn through experience and a change of perspective, and to combine these two educational outlooks to enrich the learning experience of her students.
Ashley Schaffner, College of Education Alumni Leadership Excellence Award
Ashley Schaffner is a proud Idaho State University alumna, graduating in 2012 with an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Over the past 14 years, she has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to advancing STEM education across Idaho.
Ashley began her career as an elementary educator, where she served as a mentor teacher, team lead, and computer science educator, developing curriculum to introduce young learners to coding and technology. She now serves as a regional hub coordinator for the Idaho STEM Ecosystem, leading efforts to connect schools, industry, and community partners to expand STEM opportunities across southeastern Idaho.
Through her work, Ashley has supported large-scale STEM outreach, trained educators across the state, secured and distributed grant funding, and founded She Can STEM, an initiative designed to inspire young women to explore STEM pathways.
Her leadership also extends beyond her professional role through service on non-profit and school boards, statewide committees, and national presentations. Her recent capstone work focused on strengthening coordination of STEM outreach at Idaho State University, further demonstrating her commitment to building sustainable, collaborative systems that benefit students and communities.
Justin Dayley, College of Education Bengal Partner Award
Justin Dayley is the director of the Outdoor Adventure Center at Idaho State University, where he leads outdoor recreation programming and student leadership development. His work includes overseeing adventure trips, instructional programs, risk management practices, and experiential learning opportunities for students. With a background in outdoor education and backcountry leadership, he is committed to helping participants build skills, resilience, and confidence through meaningful experiences in the outdoors. He especially values programs that create connection, personal growth, and access to adventure for new participants.
Scott Snell, College of Education Kole-McGuffey Award for Excellence in Educational Research
Scott Snell, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, is a certified nurse educator and emerging scholar with over 19 years of experience in higher education. He recently earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Idaho State University, where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of School Psychology and Educational Leadership. During his time at ISU, he contributed to graduate education and scholarly work, including serving as an editorial contributor for New Directions for Community Colleges, supporting manuscript review and publication processes.
Snell's professional background is rooted in academic nursing, where he previously served as an associate professor and registered nursing program manager at the College of Southern Idaho. His work has focused on curriculum development, student learning, and the integration of high-fidelity simulation in nursing education. He currently serves as simulation clinical lab supervisor at Coastal Alabama Community College and as adjunct faculty in the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of West Florida, where he teaches in simulation-based and graduate-level courses.
His research centers on leadership development and role transition in higher education, with a particular focus on academic nurse administrators. His dissertation explored the lived experiences of nurse faculty transitioning into administrative roles, highlighting the importance of mentorship, leadership preparation, and institutional support in shaping successful transitions. His work aims to inform leadership development practices and strengthen administrative pathways within higher education.
To learn more about the College of Education's Celebrating Excellence event, please visit our website.
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Original text here: https://www.isu.edu/news/2026-spring/college-of-education-announces-2026-celebrating-excellence-award-recipients-.html
Clemson receives $11 million Bezos Earth Fund grant for sustainable cotton research
CLEMSON, South Carolina, April 26 -- Clemson University posted the following news:
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Clemson receives $11 million Bezos Earth Fund grant for sustainable cotton research
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College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
What we wear carries an environmental cost long before clothing reaches a store shelf. From water-intensive dyeing to chemical processing and waste, the materials used in fashion have a major impact on natural resources. Researchers at Clemson University are working to change that by rethinking cotton from the ground up.
With an $11 million grant from the Bezos Earth
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CLEMSON, South Carolina, April 26 -- Clemson University posted the following news:
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Clemson receives $11 million Bezos Earth Fund grant for sustainable cotton research
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College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
What we wear carries an environmental cost long before clothing reaches a store shelf. From water-intensive dyeing to chemical processing and waste, the materials used in fashion have a major impact on natural resources. Researchers at Clemson University are working to change that by rethinking cotton from the ground up.
With an $11 million grant from the Bezos EarthFund, Clemson scientists led by Christopher "Chris" Saski, systems geneticist and professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, will advance research aimed at creating cotton that performs better, uses fewer resources and opens new possibilities for growers, manufacturers and consumers.
"Clemson University is proud to be a part of shaping the future of global agriculture and the fashion industry through bold innovation and advancing groundbreaking research," said Clemson University Interim President Robert H. Jones. "Dr. Saski's cutting-edge research in the fields of gene editing and synthetic biology has the potential to positively impact the lives of every person on our planet, which is a testament to the work we do every day at Clemson University and to fulfilling our unique land-grant mission of education, research and service."
For South Carolina, where cotton remains an important part of the agricultural economy, the work could help strengthen a legacy crop while positioning the state at the forefront of sustainable textile innovation.
Reinventing cotton at the source
The project will combine gene editing, synthetic biology and advanced breeding to develop next-generation cotton with built-in color, improved performance and greater resilience. Instead of adding those traits later through resource-intensive manufacturing, researchers are designing them directly into the plant.
The approach could reduce water use, lower chemical inputs and create fibers better suited for modern manufacturing. It could also help growers by increasing the value and versatility of cotton in a rapidly changing global market.
Collaborators from the University of Georgia are also part of the team. The project builds on Clemson's advances in cotton transformation and eco-friendly fiber coloring.
"This work focuses on growing fibers that are inherently better for the planet by moving color, performance and resilience into the biology of cotton itself," Saski said. "This approach flips the traditional model that has been used for more than a century to build a future of sustainable fashion, and we're excited to have support from the Bezos Earth Fund to help us move this research forward and further."
A global challenge with local impact
The Bezos Earth Fund is investing in new approaches to the materials used in clothing, an industry with a significant environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, pollution and waste. Clemson researchers say addressing those challenges starts with rethinking how fibers are grown and produced.
For the Clemson team, the grant represents an opportunity to turn scientific discovery into practical solutions with impact far beyond the lab. From South Carolina farms to global supply chains, the work could help shape a more sustainable future for one of the world's most widely used natural fibers.
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Original text here: https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-receives-11-million-bezos-earth-fund-grant-for-sustainable-cotton-research/
