CAHSS

News and Updates about UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Del. John A. Olszewski Jr., Public Policy PhD Student, Running for Maryland Senate

UMBC public policy PhD student Del. John A. Olszewski Jr. has announced that he is running for Maryland Senate in what the Baltimore Sun calls “a generational shift in Baltimore County politics.” The Dundalk-area seat he will seek is currently held by Sen. Norman R. Stone Jr., who, at the age of 77, will retire after almost 50 years in office. Olszewski said, “I’m running so I can be an even more aggressive advocate for the residents of District 6.” He noted, “My experience is that people are looking for common sense solutions to everyday problems. I’m not opposed to… Continue Reading Del. John A. Olszewski Jr., Public Policy PhD Student, Running for Maryland Senate

UMBC makes The Princeton Review’s 2013 list of green colleges

From innovative student ideas to campus programs and campaigns, UMBC is going green—and getting noticed. The Princeton Review has recognized UMBC as a college raising the bar on sustainability in its 2013 Guide to 322 Green Colleges. The annual guide profiles higher education institutions in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. To determine which schools qualify, colleges and universities are rated based on institutional data such as the school’s energy consumption, green transportation programs, and the level of dedication for sustainability in and out of… Continue Reading UMBC makes The Princeton Review’s 2013 list of green colleges

Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun

Del. Heather Mizeur plans to announce her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor this week, joining Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown as an official candidate in the June 2014 primary. If elected, Mizeur would become the first woman to serve as Maryland governor as well as the first openly gay governor in the nation, but Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, told The Baltimore Sun that Mizeur faces “formidable odds” in trying to jump from the Maryland General Assembly to the governor’s office. “She’s not known at all outside her district. She’s going to have… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun

Project of Visual Arts Faculty, Lynn Cazabon, Neal McDonald, in Leonardo

The artist statement for Lynn Cazabon, visual arts, and Neal McDonald’s, visual arts, multimedia project, Junkspace, 2012, will appear in the Vol 46. No 5 issue of Leonardo — Transactions. Leonardo is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the MIT Press covering the application of contemporary science and technology to the arts and music. http://www.leonardo.info/transactions.html Junkspace “is a time and location sensitive video installation and corresponding iOS App that superimposes two forms of waste, one earth—bound (electronic waste) and the other celestial (orbital debris).” Learn more, or download the app at the installation’s website.

Dr. Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, on the Marc Steiner Show

Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman, Kimberly Moffitt, assistant professor in the Department of American Studies, and other guests discuss what this decision means, specifically with regard to race and the justice system. “Even in our text we talk about how the black body is revered and reviled, simultaneously – and this is even more poignant when you think about the black male body as being that space where we place upon it something we love,” Moffitt said. “When we think about sports, immediately we think about black men and their athletic ability to perform at sports—and we love that… Continue Reading Dr. Kimberly Moffitt, American Studies, on the Marc Steiner Show

Robert Deluty, Graduate School, Interviewed for Boloji.com

In an interview with Boloji.com, one of India’s most popular e-magazines, UMBC’s Robert Deluty revealed the origins of his transformation into a poet and shared a few select pieces spanning more than 20 years. According to Dr. Deluty, associate dean of the graduate school, he did not discover his talent for writing poetry until he was in his late 30’s when he adapted a “long-winded, self-righteous, and boring” essay into his first published poem expressing his views on entitlement. It was published in The Baltimore Evening Sun newspaper. Surprisingly, however, it was his 30-plus years as a psychology professor and practicing… Continue Reading Robert Deluty, Graduate School, Interviewed for Boloji.com

Laura Hussey, Political Science, in Southern Maryland News

“An important part of one’s success as a [gubernatorial] nominee is getting the mentions and being perceived as a credible candidate,” Laura Hussey told Southern Maryland News, responding to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown for governor. Hussey, an assistant professor of political science at UMBC, notes that Brown is a front-runner in the election and endorsements like Rawlings-Blake’s can deter potential rivals, but Brown will face challengers. Attorney General Doug Gansler has already raised millions for a gubernatorial bid, and U.S. Rep. “Dutch” Ruppersberger and Del. Heather Mizeur are widely considered to be possible contenders. Hussey says… Continue Reading Laura Hussey, Political Science, in Southern Maryland News

UMBC’s Kevin Maxwell chosen to lead Prince George’s schools

Kevin Maxwell ’02, has been appointed chief executive officer of Prince George’s public schools. As CEO, Maxwell will be tasked with turning around the struggling school system and closing the achievement gap so it is more aligned with surrounding county systems. Maxwell has a long history in public education, having spent more than 20 years as a teacher, principal and chief educational administrator of Prince George’s County. Most recently, he was superintendent of Anne Arundel County. Maxwell received his Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You can read more on Kevin Maxwell’s appointment… Continue Reading UMBC’s Kevin Maxwell chosen to lead Prince George’s schools

Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the New Republic and Baltimore Sun

It’s been a busy few weeks in the news for UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller. In addition to his regular Baltimore Sun op-eds — most recently on immigration reform and the GOP’s demographic future — Schaller was quoted in The New Republic article “He’s Handsome, He’s Progressive, He’s a Rocker…” on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s presidential prospects. There, Schaller argues that it’s hard do build a national campaign on being a competent manager, without having a clear, coherent political identity. Additionally, Schaller commented in the Baltimore Sun on Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown as governor,… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the New Republic and Baltimore Sun

New campus smoking policy covered by Fox News

On Monday, July 8, Fox News visited the UMBC campus as part of a story on the new USM requirements that all state institutions become smoke free by July 1. Students interviewed for the story shared their thoughts on past rules for smoking and how the new policy will impact life on campus. “On one side you kind of want to have personal freedoms, but at the same time we’re at a public university that’s getting public money,” said a UMBC student. Read the full article »

UMBC Alumni named to Daily Record’s ‘VIP’ and ’20 in Their Twenties’ lists

Erin O’Keefe ’08, MPP, has been named to the Daily Record’s VIP list, which honors leaders under 40 for their professional accomplishments and commitment to inspiring change in their communities. Erin is the director of the York Road Initiative at Loyola University. Greg Sileo ’11, MPP, was named to the Daily Record’s 20 Under Twenty list, which honors Maryland up-and-comers who are in their 20s. Greg is the Director of the Office of Home Energy Programs at the Maryland Department of Human Resources, and was formerly the Director of Community Outreach for the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services. Chosen by… Continue Reading UMBC Alumni named to Daily Record’s ‘VIP’ and ’20 in Their Twenties’ lists

Bob Provine, Psychology, sheds light on yawning, hiccups and other curious behaviors

In a recent Chicago Tribune article, UMBC’s Bob Provine explained the origin and meaning behind some of our most curious behaviors. From the contagious yawn to the annoying hiccup, Provine unravels the mysteries of these often embarrassing, uncontrollable instincts in hopes of shedding new light on our evolution as a social animal. “It’s your body, and you like to think you’ve got it under control,” says Provine. “But underneath the calm exterior lurk unruly instincts and urges that are struggling to escape, putting you at risk of embarrassment or ridicule.” You can also hear Provine discuss his research in a… Continue Reading Bob Provine, Psychology, sheds light on yawning, hiccups and other curious behaviors

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