Social and Civic Issues

Earth Day is April 22, and this week we reflect on human stewardship of Earth’s precious resources. H.H. “Hank” Shugart shares a look at global ecology with scientific and philosophical perspectives. Mr. Shugart is the W.W. Corcoran Professor of Natural History in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia.   Lifetime Learning […]

In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, we highlight Scott Doney‘s research on coastal nutrient pollution and its impact on the marine ecosystem. Mr. Doney is the Joe D. and Helen J. Kington Professor in Environmental Change, Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia. We welcome your thoughts on human impacts on […]

Herbert “Tico” Braun, an associate professor in the Corcoran Department of History, teaches an Engagements course on the individual and society in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences’ New Curriculum at the University of Virginia. In Fall 2019 he will serve as the director of Valencia First, UVA’s new study abroad immersion […]

Playwright, poet and author Ntozake Shange, whose acclaimed 1975 theater piece, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, died on October 28th. Deborah McDowell takes a look at Shange’s influence on the arts and on black women seeking strength and affirmation. Ms. McDowell is the Alice Griffin Professor of English and […]

In honor of International Day of the Girl (October 11), Abby Palko shares reflections on ways that authors explore the complexities of girlhood. Ms. Palko is Director of the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center at the University of Virginia. This article, reprinted with permission, is from the blog PALKO POV: Fictional Friends Who Embolden Us […]

Written by Andrea Trimble, UVA Sustainability Director In pursuit of an ambitious UVA Sustainability Plan to reduce the University’s environmental footprint and to provide associated educational opportunities, UVA is advancing the evaluation and installation of renewable energy both on and off Grounds.  UVA’s five-year Sustainability Plan compiles new ideas, as well as feedback generated over […]

We at the University of Virginia’s Alumni & Parent Engagement grieve with you as we remember the Civil Rights Legend, Julian Bond, in light of his passing on August 15, 2015. We remember Julian Bond as a passionate teacher and leader here at the University of Virginia, always willing to give back by sharing his […]

(Reprinted with permission by Maurie McInnis) In 1822, white residents burned the predecessor to today’s church, fearing an insurrection by the city’s black majority. By Maurie McInnis, U.Va Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Professor of Art History and author of Slaves Waiting for Sale: Abolitionist Art and the American Slave Trade. In the dark of night, […]

By: Corinne Field, Lecturer, Corcoran Department of History and Women, Gender & Sexuality Program For historians who focus on the lives of African American women, late winter is a busy time.  First come invitations to celebrate Black History Month in February, then requests to honor Women’s History Month in March. As this year’s celebrations wind […]

By: Kirt von Daacke, Associate Professor of History and Assistant Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences and Co-Chair, President’s Commission on Slavery and the University As the spring 2015 semester begins at the University of Virginia, we are now only two years away from the beginnings of what will surely be several years of bicentennial […]

by Charlotte Chapman, Director of Counseling at the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center at U.Va. We have just acknowledged Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October and in November we have Elimination of Violence Against Women Day. These events, along with awareness and prevention activities, always bring up questions for me. As Director of Counseling at the […]

by Alberta Phillips Posted in the Austin-American Statesman Wednesday, May 21, 2014 Over the years, I’ve studied the civil rights movement, reading such books as Taylor Branch’s “Parting the Waters” and watching documentaries such as “Eyes on the Prize.” And last month, I was fortunate to hear from some of the heroes of the movement […]