Featured Stories
Virginia Tech: Alan P. Druschitz Honored With Emeritus Status
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, Oct. 2 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Alan P. Druschitz honored with emeritus status
By Anne Kroemer Hoffman
1 Oct 2026
Alan P. Druschitz, professor of practice of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor of practice emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated
... Show Full Article
BLACKSBURG, Virginia, Oct. 2 -- Virginia Tech issued the following news:
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Alan P. Druschitz honored with emeritus status
By Anne Kroemer Hoffman
1 Oct 2026
Alan P. Druschitz, professor of practice of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor of practice emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominatedindividuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech community for 15 years, Druschitz is considered an international expert in metal casting and corrosion. Druschitz led the development of the nationally recognized Foundry Educational Foundation certified metal casting program at Virginia Tech, bringing Virginia Tech national recognition as one of 20 Foundry Educational Foundation-certified schools.
Druschitz served as the director of the Foundry Institute for Research and Education, managed the day-to-day operation of the Kroehling Advanced Materials Foundry, served as the Foundry Educational Foundation Key Professor, and also served as the chair of the foundry safety committee. He was charged with creating and supporting the metal casting program curriculum.
He mentored more than 120 undergraduate researchers, many of whom pursued graduate degrees, and hosted international undergraduate researchers from China as part of their academic training. He significantly enriched students' educational experiences through study abroad programs in China and Australia that integrated cultural engagement with hands-on research. His extensive and dedicated service to Virginia Tech earned him the Dean's Award for Excellence in Service in 2018.
Since 2014, one of Druschitz's senior design teams and one of his undergraduate researchers have been awarded first place in the Foundry Educational Foundation/American Foundry Society Student Technology Contest, and numerous senior design teams and undergraduate researchers presented and published their projects at professional conferences. Druschitz helped over 144 students receive a total of more than $512,000 in scholarships. Druschitz and his students also devoted considerable time to outreach activities that introduced students, prospective students, and the local community to metal casting.
Druschitz received his bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
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Original text here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/09/eng-mse-druschitz-emeritus.html
Upcoming Happenings at Wofford College
SPARTANBURG, South Carolina, Oct. 2 -- Wofford College issued the following news:
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October-November events
Upcoming happenings at Wofford College
2026-09-30
The fall semester is in full swing at Wofford College, bringing engaging speaker events, art exhibits and a mainstage theatre production alongside favorite campus traditions like Homecoming and the Blessing of the Animals.
All events are open to the public and free of charge unless otherwise noted. View the online calendar at calendar.wofford.edu. For athletics events, visit athletics.wofford.edu.
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Wednesday, Oct. 1
"Sorting
... Show Full Article
SPARTANBURG, South Carolina, Oct. 2 -- Wofford College issued the following news:
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October-November events
Upcoming happenings at Wofford College
2026-09-30
The fall semester is in full swing at Wofford College, bringing engaging speaker events, art exhibits and a mainstage theatre production alongside favorite campus traditions like Homecoming and the Blessing of the Animals.
All events are open to the public and free of charge unless otherwise noted. View the online calendar at calendar.wofford.edu. For athletics events, visit athletics.wofford.edu.
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Wednesday, Oct. 1
"SortingFact from Fear in the AI Risk Debate"
11 a.m., Leonard Auditorium, Main Building
Dr. Kimberly Hall, associate professor and chair of English; Dr. Aaron Garrett, associate professor and chair of computer science; Dr. Stephanie Holt, assistant professor of philosophy; and Dr. Rachel Vanderhill, professor of international affairs, will discuss recent developments and answer your questions about AI risks.
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Wednesday, Oct. 1
Environmental Resources Panel Discussion
6:30 p.m., Leonard Auditorium, Main Building
Wofford Women's Leadership will host an Environmental Resources Panel Discussion featuring Jaclin DuRant, South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream; Shelley Robbins, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy; and Kris Stroup, Appalachian Voices. Panelists will share their expertise and perspectives on some of today's environmental challenges and opportunities. Please use the registration link to submit questions.
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Wednesday, Oct. 7
Blessing of the Animals
12:30 p.m., Burwell Building
The Rev. Dr. Ron Robinson '78, Perkins-Prothro Chaplain and professor of religion, will bless animals whose names and images were shared by campus community members during this annual tradition.
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Thursday, Oct. 8
A Day for Wofford
Celebrate and support Wofford College with other alumni, parents, trustees and friends on our 24-hour annual day of giving.
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Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10
The 2026 SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF)
Great Oaks Hall, Roger Milliken Science Center
SURF brings together students and cadets from the 11 colleges and universities of the Southern Conference for a weekend of sharing and celebrating research and creative projects. The community is welcome to attend all the sessions.
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Thursday, Oct. 15-Saturday, Oct. 17
Homecoming
Festivities will include favorites like the Alumni Makers Market, A Night on Campus Drive and the Sip & Stroll history tour, plus new experiences like a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts and a discussion with alumni healthcare professionals. Classes ending in 1 or 6 will celebrate five-year milestone reunions. Click here for a schedule of events.
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Monday, Oct. 19
Hipp Lecture Series on International Affairs and National Security: Sammy Davis
6 p.m., Leonard Auditorium, Main Building
Sammy Davis, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who inspired parts of the 1994 movie "Forrest Gump," will speak about duty, honor and country. There will be a Q&A with the audience following Davis' talk, and attendees are invited to a reception immediately following the event.
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Tuesday, Oct. 20
Artist Talk: Abigail Henthorn
11 a.m., Room 126, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
Abigail Henthorn is a master's student in art history at The Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. Henthorn focuses on women artists from the Italian Renaissance to 20th-century America and is currently researching lesser-known women artists working in New York City during the 1930s and 40s.
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Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 18
Live Drawing Sessions
6-9 p.m., Room 105A, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
Join the Department of Art History and Studio Art for an evening of observational drawing with a live model.
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Monday, Oct. 26
"This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America's Revolutionary War in the South"
6 p.m., Leonard Auditorium, Main Building
Alan Pell Crawford discusses his book and reveals the misperceptions and contradictions of our accepted understanding of how the United States came to be. "This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America's Revolutionary War in the South" explores how battles fought in the South ultimately led to the victory at Yorktown. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signature.
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Monday, Nov. 2
All Saints Tolling of the Bell
12:30 p.m., Seal of Main Building
Names of students, staff, faculty, friends and alumni of the college who have died during the past year are read aloud as the college bell is tolled during this annual tradition. The ceremony includes a special musical performance from Wofford Singers. All are invited to attend.
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Thursday, Nov. 5- Saturday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Nov. 14
"The Moors" by Jen Silverman
7 p.m., Jerome Johnson Richardson Theatre, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
Wofford Theatre presents "The Moors" by Jen Silverman, directed by Conner Vetter '14. This darkly comic Gothic play explores themes of love, power, isolation and longing on the windswept English moors. Join us for an unforgettable evening of suspense, humor and theatrical intrigue.
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Thursday, Nov. 5
"Blanket Town"
6:30 p.m., Goodall Environmental Studies Center
This screening of the documentary film "Blanket Town" will include a discussion with filmmaker Rebecca Williams.
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Monday, Nov. 9
"Living and Sustaining a Creative Life"
6-7:30 p.m., Leonard Auditorium, Main Building
Sharon Louden, artist, educator and founder and director of the Institute for Sustained Creativity, will lead a panel on her book, "Last Artist Standing: Living and Sustaining a Creative Life Over 50."
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Thursday, Nov. 12
Reading and Discussion with Author David Joy
6 p.m., 101 Franklin W. Olin Building
In this Wofford Writers Series event, North Carolina novelist David Joy will read from and discuss his award-winning 2023 novel, "Those We Thought We Knew," which Vanity Fair described as "both a murder mystery and a deeply intimate story of generational relationships and loss."
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Gallery and museum exhibitions
Visit Wofford.edu/artsfor gallery hours and a full listing as details become available.
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Sept. 3-Dec. 11.
"Loose Change: Works by Artists from the Goodyear Arts Collective"
Richardson Family Art Museum, lower level, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
"Loose Change" is about change and explores biological and geological transformations, dislocations and evolutions.
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Sept. 7-Dec. 4
"Borrowed by the South: A Comparison of Cultural Creativity and Contemporary Southern Style"
Mungo Student Center lobby
This student art exhibition by Langley Parker '27 examines the adaptation and playful translation of global influences, highlighting how they inform contemporary Southern aesthetics.
Reception and artist talk: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m., Mungo Student Center
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Sept. 3-Dec. 11
"A Soldier's View," presented by the Johnson Collection
Richardson Family Art Museum, upper level, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
This exhibition adopts a soldier's perspective to look at works from The Johnson Collection, investigating how war demands not only physical sacrifice but also the surrender and transformation of one's personhood. This show considers how art can shape and preserve the individual and create a new national identity.
"Things We Carry: A Veteran's Reflection on a Soldier's View" by Alexis Hunter, founder and CEO of Healistry: Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m., Richardson Family Art Museum, upper level, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
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Sept. 3-Dec.11
"Reject the Null"
Richardson Family Art Gallery, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
"Reject the Null" employs experimentation as a tool for examining humanity's relationship to material and natural systems. Participating artists include Scott Carter, Annie Heisel '24, Jason Lord and Kate Timbes '23.
Reception and panel discussion: Thursday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m., in the cafe space of the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts
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Sept. 1-Dec. 17
"Women at Wofford: The First 25 Years of Residential Coeducation, 1976-2000"
Sandor Teszler Library
Fifty years ago this fall, the first group of women resident students moved onto campus and quickly began leading in academics, Greek life, athletics and student government. This exhibit from the college archives features photographs and newspaper clippings showing how women influenced the college in the first 25 years following full residential coeducation.
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Original text here: https://www.wofford.edu/about/news/news-archives/2026/october-november-events
UMass Cancer Walk Raises More Than $500,000 for Cancer Research
WORCESTER, Massachusetts, Oct. 2 -- The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School issued the following news:
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UMass Cancer Walk raises more than $500,000 for cancer research
28th annual event supports cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan
By Hayley Mignacca
October 01, 2026
At a glance
* The 28th annual UMass Cancer Walk raised more than $500,000.
* More than 150 clinical trials are underway at UMass Chan, providing patients with access to potentially lifesaving therapies while helping researchers develop new treatments.
* Fundraising for the 2026 UMass Cancer Walk
... Show Full Article
WORCESTER, Massachusetts, Oct. 2 -- The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School issued the following news:
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UMass Cancer Walk raises more than $500,000 for cancer research
28th annual event supports cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan
By Hayley Mignacca
October 01, 2026
At a glance
* The 28th annual UMass Cancer Walk raised more than $500,000.
* More than 150 clinical trials are underway at UMass Chan, providing patients with access to potentially lifesaving therapies while helping researchers develop new treatments.
* Fundraising for the 2026 UMass Cancer Walkremains open through December.
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The 28th annual UMass Cancer Walk raised more than $500,000 to support cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan Medical School, despite the cancellation of the event due to the nor'easter which brought heavy rain and strong winds.
UMass Chan made the difficult decision to cancel the event, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, after careful consideration and consultation with Worcester public safety officials. The UMass Cancer Walk will not be rescheduled due to the scale and logistics of the event. UMass Chan will explore other ways to recognize the sponsors, cancer survivors, walk teams and volunteers who helped make this year's event a fundraising success.
Since its inception in 1999, the UMass Cancer Walk has raised more than $18 million to support cancer research at UMass Chan. Every dollar raised through the event supports cancer research and clinical trials, helping researchers advance new approaches to cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment.
More than 150 clinical trials are underway at UMass Chan, providing patients with access to potentially lifesaving therapies while helping researchers develop new treatments and improve outcomes.
For Shrewsbury resident Debra Paciello, a two-time breast cancer survivor and longtime UMass Cancer Walk supporter, the event is deeply personal. Paciello was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2010 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. In 2023, she was diagnosed with a second primary cancer in her other breast and underwent another round of intensive treatment.
Paciello, who leads the UMass Cancer Walk team at Central One Federal Credit Union, had planned to lead this year's survivor lap.
"It's so important that the funds we raise stay here in the community," Paciello said. "You can donate to national cancer organizations that are doing great work, but that money does not stay in Central Massachusetts."
Paciello said her experiences with cancer have deepened her appreciation for the connection between scientific discovery at UMass Chan and patient care at UMass Memorial Health.
"The local medical community has done amazing things for me and my family," she said. "And I know that it's connected to the research happening at UMass Chan, which is essential to developing more effective treatments."
Sutton resident Phil Berube also knows firsthand the impact of cancer research. Nearly four years ago, Berube, 75, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer that had spread to the bones in his spine and neck. He enrolled in a clinical trial at UMass Chan and received leading-edge treatment. Recent scans have shown no detectable cancer.
"We're fortunate to have this level of research and care right here in our backyard," Berube said. "The work being done at UMass Chan gives people hope. That's why supporting cancer research is so important."
Berube continues to perform as a bassist and vocalist with Beatle Memories, the Beatles tribute band he co-founded. The band had been scheduled to perform at this year's UMass Cancer Walk.
"Research is important because it gives people hope and gives doctors more ways to help patients," Berube said.
Longtime supporters like Grafton resident Elaine Urban also have personal reasons for participating. Her team, Smile ... There's Hope!, has raised more than $80,000 for research efforts at UMass Chan since 2009. Urban's team was first inspired to walk by her sister-in-law's diagnosis of aggressive Burkitt lymphoma during pregnancy. Her sister-in-law is now a cancer survivor.
"I continue to fundraise so that researchers at UMass Chan can pursue better cancer treatments and help more patients become cancer-free," Urban said.
To learn more about the UMass Cancer Walk or support cancer research at UMass Chan, visit umasscancerwalk.org. Fundraising remains open through December.
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Original text here: https://www.umassmed.edu/news/articles/2026/10/umass-cancer-walk-raises-more-than-$500000-for-cancer-research/
UGA Gains Two National Academy of Public Administration Fellows
ATHENS, Georgia, Oct. 2 -- The University of Georgia issued the following news:
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UGA gains two National Academy of Public Administration Fellows
Oct 1, 2026
Rob Gordon and Eric Zeemering recognized for excellence in public service
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The National Academy of Public Administration has named two University of Georgia faculty to its 2026 class of Academy Fellows. NAPA is one of the nation's most prestigious organizations dedicated to advancing excellence in public service.
Rob Gordon and Eric Zeemering are among 64 highly accomplished public servants in the 2026 class of Fellows, which includes
... Show Full Article
ATHENS, Georgia, Oct. 2 -- The University of Georgia issued the following news:
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UGA gains two National Academy of Public Administration Fellows
Oct 1, 2026
Rob Gordon and Eric Zeemering recognized for excellence in public service
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The National Academy of Public Administration has named two University of Georgia faculty to its 2026 class of Academy Fellows. NAPA is one of the nation's most prestigious organizations dedicated to advancing excellence in public service.
Rob Gordon and Eric Zeemering are among 64 highly accomplished public servants in the 2026 class of Fellows, which includesartificial intelligence pioneers, statisticians, historians, educators and public service practitioners from the local, state and federal levels.
"I congratulate Rob Gordon and Eric Zeemering on their election to the National Academy of Public Administration," said President Jere W. Morehead. "This distinguished honor reflects their outstanding leadership and commitment to public service, as well as the far-reaching impact of their work to advance effective government and strengthen communities in Georgia and across the nation."
They join more than 1,000 current Fellows, including former cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, mayors and state legislators, as well as prominent scholars, executives, nonprofit leaders and more. With Gordon and Zeemering's election, UGA now counts 10 NAPA Fellows among its emeritus and current faculty, including School of Public and International Affairs Dean Matthew Auer in 2023.
According to NAPA, Fellows are chosen through a rigorous review process that recognizes significant contributions to the fields of public administration and public policy and their commitment to improving government effectiveness and public service.
"Gordon and Zeemering's election to the National Academy of Public Administration is a significant honor and recognition of their outstanding leadership at the University of Georgia," said Ron R. Walcott, interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. "We are proud of the positive impact of their work on local, state and federal governance."
Rob Gordon
Gordon serves as director of the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach. With more than 20 years of public service experience, he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of public administration, governance and public finance, demonstrating sustained leadership and measurable impact on local, state and federal government effectiveness.
As director of the Institute of Government, Gordon leads one of the nation's oldest, largest and most comprehensive university-based public service organizations, which delivers applied research, technical assistance and training to government officials that directly inform policy decisions and strengthen capacity across all levels of government.
Under Gordon's leadership, the Institute of Government has launched or expanded numerous programs designed to serve the state of Georgia and its communities, including the Georgia Workforce and Economic Resilience Center, the Georgia Data Innovation Hub and the Defense Community Resilience Program, which works directly with Georgia's military installations and their surrounding communities to sustain military readiness and enhance community resilience. In addition, the nationally recognized PROPEL program offers an experiential learning opportunity for undergraduate students to actively work with rural communities to create economic development strategies.
"I am honored to be elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its important work," Gordon said. "This recognition is a reflection of the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff and students at the Institute of Government, and I look forward to bringing Georgia's experiences to the Academy and new ideas and perspectives back to our state."
Eric Zeemering
Zeemering serves as professor and head of the UGA School of Public and International Affairs' department of public administration and policy.
His research focuses on local governance and intergovernmental relations, including how governments collaborate to deliver public services and address complex policy challenges. He is a leading scholar of state and local government, co-editor of State and Local Government Review and has held leadership roles in both academia and public service. Before becoming department head, Zeemering directed SPIA's top-ranked Master of Public Administration program for eight years, including a period of record enrollment, while expanding career services and professional mentoring opportunities for students.
"I am honored by this recognition," Zeemering said. "Public administration is a rewarding field of research because we have so many opportunities to collaborate with government professionals for the improvement of public services. I look forward to contributing to the Academy's work to advance effective, efficient, transparent and accountable government."
Founded in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides expert advice to government leaders and works to advance effective, efficient, transparent and accountable governance. The 2026 Fellows will be formally inducted during the Academy's National Conference in Washington, D.C., in November.
UGA NAPA Fellows include:
* Hal Rainey (2003; emeritus)
* Laurence J. O'Toole (2006; emeritus)
* Katherine Willoughby (2013)
* Andrew B. Whitford (2014)
* Bradley Wright (2015)
* Edward Kellough (2016)
* Gene Brewer (2020)
* Matthew Auer (2023)
* Rob Gordon (2026)
* Eric Zeemering (2026)
"The Academy helps leaders achieve a more effective, efficient, transparent and accountable government. This group of incoming Fellows represent excellence in public service from around the country and will help us achieve our mission," said James-Christian Blockwood, president and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration.
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Original text here: https://news.uga.edu/uga-gains-two-national-academy-of-public-administration-fellows/?_gl=1*173oh4e*_ga*NDYwMzI4OTUxLjE3NjE3MjkzODM.*_ga_6H213MG7X1*czE3OTA5Mjg2NjUkbzE2NiRnMSR0MTc5MDkyODcwMyRqMjIkbDAkaDA.
UC Davis Law: AP Quotes Professor Johnson About California Law Banning Electric Shock Gloves
DAVIS, California, Oct. 2 -- The University of California Davis School of Law issued the following news:
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AP Quotes Professor Johnson About California Law Banning Electric Shock Gloves
October 01, 2026
Professor Emeritus Kevin R. Johnson spoke to the Associated Press for a Sept. 29 story, "New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks."
The AP reports that the new legislation bans local, state and federal law enforcement officers from using electric shock gloves to subdue combative individuals. It will take effect next year and remain in place until
... Show Full Article
DAVIS, California, Oct. 2 -- The University of California Davis School of Law issued the following news:
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AP Quotes Professor Johnson About California Law Banning Electric Shock Gloves
October 01, 2026
Professor Emeritus Kevin R. Johnson spoke to the Associated Press for a Sept. 29 story, "New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks."
The AP reports that the new legislation bans local, state and federal law enforcement officers from using electric shock gloves to subdue combative individuals. It will take effect next year and remain in place until2030. The gloves are primarily intended for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to use.
Johnson told the AP that this law, and a California law barring ICE agents from using face masks, is "well-intentioned" but likely conflicts with the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
"The state has very limited, if any, powers in dictating to the federal government how its officers are armed," he said.
Read the story (https://apnews.com/article/california-gloves-shock-law-newsom-bill-91b68ae4fbd44065256fb5e6b06891ad).
Kevin R. Johnson is a distinguished professor of law, Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law. Johnson is the director of the Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies and also has an appointment as professor of Chicana/o studies at UC Davis. He served as dean of UC Davis Law from 2008 to 2024. Johnson is an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of immigration law and policy, refugee law and civil rights.
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Original text here: https://law.ucdavis.edu/news/ap-quotes-professor-johnson-about-california-law-bans-officers-use-electric-shock-gloves
Missouri S&T Researcher Receives Joint Appointment With Savannah River National Laboratory
ROLLA, Missouri, Oct. 2 -- Missouri University of Science and Technology issued the following news:
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Missouri S&T researcher receives joint appointment with Savannah River National Laboratory
Author By Edwards, Greg October 1, 2026
Dr. Michael S. Moats, a professor of materials science and engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, has been granted a joint appointment with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).
"Savannah River National Laboratory has assembled an exceptional team of researchers advancing critical minerals and materials technologies that are vital
... Show Full Article
ROLLA, Missouri, Oct. 2 -- Missouri University of Science and Technology issued the following news:
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Missouri S&T researcher receives joint appointment with Savannah River National Laboratory
Author By Edwards, Greg October 1, 2026
Dr. Michael S. Moats, a professor of materials science and engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, has been granted a joint appointment with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).
"Savannah River National Laboratory has assembled an exceptional team of researchers advancing critical minerals and materials technologies that are vitalto our nation's energy security and economic competitiveness," Moats says. "I'm proud to formalize my collaboration with SRNL through this joint appointment and look forward to working even more closely with my colleagues to advance our shared research goals and create new opportunities for Missouri S&T students and researchers."
SRNL's Joint Appointment Program is designed to strengthen collaboration between the national laboratory and universities by connecting faculty, researchers and students on research that supports the U.S. Department of Energy's mission.
Moats, a Fellow of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, is an expert in extractive metallurgy with research focused on the hydrometallurgy and electrometallurgy for producing and recovering critical minerals and other resources.
He is the enhancing and diversifying supply area lead for the U.S. Department of Energy's Critical Materials Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory.
He also serves as test-bed project lead for Missouri S&T's Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub, which was recently awarded $38 million by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to establish an 18,000-square-foot pilot-scale facility for developing, testing and commercializing critical minerals processing and recycling technologies.
Moats served as chair of Missouri S&T's materials science and engineering department from 2021 to 2025 and has been a member of the university's faculty since 2012.
Before joining Missouri S&T, he held academic positions at the University of Utah and worked in industry positions at ARMCO Grinding Systems in Kansas City, Missouri, and ELTECH Systems Corp. in Ohio.
A two-time alumnus of Missouri S&T, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in metallurgical engineering in Rolla before completing a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at the University of Arizona.
For more information about Missouri S&T's materials science and engineering programs, visit mse.mst.edu.
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About Missouri S&T
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation's top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.
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Original text here: https://news.mst.edu/featured/missouri-st-researcher-receives-joint-appointment-with-savannah-river-national-laboratory/
Lee University: Maupin Named Vice President for Athletics and Student Life
CLEVELAND, Tennessee, Oct. 2 -- Lee University issued the following news:
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Maupin Named Vice President for Athletics and Student Life
October 1, 2026
Lee University has named John Maupin vice president for Athletics and Student Life, effective Oct. 1. Maupin, who currently serves as the university's athletic director, will succeed Dr. Suzanne Holt, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the university.
"John has spent nearly two decades serving Lee and investing in the success of our students," said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. "His experience as a coach and athletic
... Show Full Article
CLEVELAND, Tennessee, Oct. 2 -- Lee University issued the following news:
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Maupin Named Vice President for Athletics and Student Life
October 1, 2026
Lee University has named John Maupin vice president for Athletics and Student Life, effective Oct. 1. Maupin, who currently serves as the university's athletic director, will succeed Dr. Suzanne Holt, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the university.
"John has spent nearly two decades serving Lee and investing in the success of our students," said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. "His experience as a coach and athleticdirector, along with his understanding of our campus community, will serve him well in this expanded role. We are grateful for Dr. Holt's more than three decades of service to Lee and the many ways she has invested in our students and university."
In his new role, Maupin will oversee Lee's Athletics Department as well as Student Conduct, Residential Life and Housing, Racial and Ethnic Relations, Student Engagement and Clubs, Campus Recreation, the Counseling Center, the Health Clinic, and Summer Honors.
"I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve Lee University in this new role," said Maupin. "Lee has been such an important part of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our students, coaches, faculty, and staff in this capacity. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the history of Student Life at Lee and all of the people who have poured their hearts and time into our students. I look forward to working with our campus community as we continue to support the growth and success of our students both in and out of the classroom."
Maupin came to Lee in 2008 to coach golf following a playing career at Berry College, where he earned multiple All-Conference and All-Region honors and helped lead the Vikings to three national tournament appearances.
As a coach, Maupin led the Flames and Lady Flames to sustained success over 15 years, including conference titles and national tournament appearances in both NAIA and NCAA competition. Since Maupin became athletic director, Lee Athletics has continued its national success, winning the GSC All-Sports Trophy for six consecutive years. Fifteen Lee sports have advanced to NCAA national championships over the past three years, and the department has ranked among the top 30 NCAA Division II programs in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings in each of Maupin's three years as athletic director. Last season, the Flames finished No. 15 among all NCAA Division II programs.
Maupin earned a Master of Business Administration from Lee and a Bachelor of Science from Berry College. He and his wife Jayne have three children: Addie, Jackson, and Annie.
Holt has served as Lee's vice president for Student Life since fall 2022, following more than three decades of service to the university in a variety of faculty and administrative roles. She began her career at Lee in 1987 as a resident director and went on to serve in leadership roles spanning both the academic and student life areas.
"I am incredibly grateful for my many years at Lee and for the opportunity to serve our students and this university in so many different ways," said Holt. "I will always be thankful for the people, relationships, and experiences that have made my time at Lee so special. I am confident in John's leadership and look forward to watching Lee continue to grow and serve its students well."
During her tenure at Lee, Holt founded several offices and programs, including the Office of Student Engagement, First Year Programs, and Global Perspectives. She also served as the founding director of Lee's Learn Engage Achieve Program (LEAP), which provides comprehensive support to qualifying students to help them persist and graduate. Before becoming vice president, Holt served as a faculty member in educational leadership and adult learning.
Holt earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, her Master of Science from the University of Edinburgh, her Master of Arts from the Church of God Theological Seminary, and her Bachelor of Arts from Lee University. In addition to more than 35 years of experience in higher education, Holt is an ordained minister.
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Original text here: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/news/maupin-named-vice-president-for-athletics-and-student-life/
