Magazine
The Mary Baldwin Magazine has gone digital! And there is more digital content to explore than the magazine itself. Don’t miss out on the Bluestocking Stories podcast interviews with some of the magazine’s subjects, the videos and clips to get you caught up on the action you might’ve missed, and so much more!
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Issue Features
Strengthening the Liberal Arts for Tomorrow’s World
Mary Baldwin is undertaking its first major academic redesign in decades, and the efforts of faculty, staff, students, and alumni are starting to bear fruit for a new, bold, and inventive structure of education at MBU.
Listen Intently and Ask Good Questions: The Steins’ First Months in Staunton
Jeff and Chrissy Stein arrived in Staunton on July 1, 2023, and they haven’t stopped discovering, improving, and engaging with the community since. These first months have been full of cross-country travel, meeting new people, and making it clear that they are “all in” for MBU.
From Atlanta to Queens
Two Mary Baldwin freshmen, one from Atlanta and the other from Queens, arrived with little interest in performing arts.
Within a few months, community and creativity united and these students found themselves on the stage. Across their first year at MBU, these students found ways to express themselves across a range of performances.
Anne Holland Makes “Mary Baldwin Magic”
Anne Holland ’88 graduated from Mary Baldwin and took some time away from Staunton. But since she returned to work at MBU, she hasn’t looked back.
Now, in a new role with the Office of University Advancement, Holland has found success and even more opportunity to give back to her alma mater.
Dr. Peter Kirwan (and His Bardathon) Come to Staunton
Dr. Peter Kirwan is the newest addition to the Shakespeare and Performance Program at MBU. In addition to a wealth of experience as an Early Modern theatre scholar and theatre reviewer, Kirwan brings with him from England a unique approach to teaching and engaging with students.
These Squirrels Can Fight! (And Dance! And Volunteer!)
The men’s basketball team achieved an incredible result in just their third season as a program: a conference championship win and placement in the NCAA DIII National Basketball Tournament.
Additionally, their volunteer efforts at local schools have been just as impressive as their on-court achievements.
Bluestocking Stories Podcast
Want to hear from some of the people you’re reading about?
Whether you’re interested in staying connected with the people making waves in the MBU community or you’re just looking to hear a unique perspective, Bluestocking Stories is here for you.
Listen to the first season of MBU’s Bluestocking Stories Podcast for interviews with the students, faculty, staff, community members, and alumni that make up the stories that make Mary Baldwin what it is.
Featuring: Stori Ayers ’08, TyRon Simmons ’27, Dr. Todd Telemeco, AVP Phoebe Schweizer-West, alumna Kate Simon, and Dr. Peter Kirwan.
News Highlights
MBU Hosts Internationally-Renowned Pianist
Mary Baldwin hosted Cyrus Chestnut, one of the most sought-after jazz pianists today, to open the 2023–24 Broman Concert Series. Chestnut, who has appeared on over 100 recordings including more than 30 solo albums, was joined by lauded jazz bassist Herman Burney Jr. and DC-based drummer Kelton Norris.
DNP Accreditation
Murphy Deming’s doctor of nursing practice programs received full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
With this development, the DNP program joins the previously accredited RN-to-BSN and master of science in nursing programs.
MBU Students “Rally in the Valley”
Mary Baldwin social work students took the road to participate in the annual “Rally in the Valley” in Richmond, VA.
There, they met with social workers and social work students from across the commonwealth to share stories and build a network for their upcoming careers.
The Intersection of AI and Higher Ed
President Jeff Stein added his name to the list of global education leaders supporting the statement on Higher Education and Artificial Intelligence from Elon University, which was adopted by the United Nations at the 18th annual UN Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan.
(The above image was generated with AI, using OpenAI’s DALL-E model.)
Shakespeare Students Receive a Masterclass from British Stage Legend
Sir Trevor Nunn, known for directing the greats of British theatre at the Royal Shakespeare Company along with the original London stagings of Les Miserables and Cats, visited Staunton for the 2023 Blackfriars Conference, co-hosted by MBU. Afterwards, he conducted an afternoon performance masterclass for Shakespeare and Performance students.
Environmental Scholar Brings Progressive Approach to MBU
Dr. Max Liboiron, associate professor of geography at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada, presented a series of lectures and workshops as the 2023–24 Doenges Scholar. Liboiron’s award-winning work combines environmentalism and indigenous research with a socially-conscious approach that has influenced Canadian national policy.