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
Breaking from the Script: A Community-Driven Approach to Theatre at MBU
The Mary Baldwin Undergraduate Theatre Department has deployed a new approach to selecting its production season in recent years. Students have embraced the approach, meaning more community, more collaboration, and more excitement to put on plays.
Groundbreaking Education with Rural Healthcare at its Heart
Murphy Deming’s Nurse Anesthesiologist program is graduating its first students this spring — and they’re primed to address a critical shortage for their expertise in rural hospitals.
Investing in the Future: Caroline Motley’s Nontraditional Path to Success
Caroline Motley didn’t take the traditional route to Mary Baldwin University — and that’s exactly what makes her story remarkable. After gap years and career twists, the political science major and standout cross country runner has found her stride both in and out of the classroom. With accolades like USA South Rookie of the Year, a passion for policy sparked by inspiring faculty, and plans for law school on the horizon, Motley is proof that the winding path can be the most rewarding.
The Road to the Neighborhood
At the start of the Fall Semester of 2025, incoming students will meet a brand-new undergraduate experience at MBU. This transformation into a more career-minded, collaborative campus community has been in the works for some time, but how did we get here?
This article has the inside scoop on the neighborhoods, including:
- Interviews with students who have piloted a test drive
- A peek at the challenges and victories design teams encountered along the way
- An insider explanation of the future of education at MBU.
Connecting, Optimizing, and Advancing: Listen to the Interview with President Jeff Stein
President Jeff Stein has been busy through his first 18 months at the helm; the president has been spearheading initiatives, building out the executive staff, and offering everyone in the community his ear.
Now, as he approaches his third year at MBU, Dr. Stein is here to talk about the Elevate MBU strategic plan, the launch of academic neighborhoods and the Mary Baldwin Signature, and the big impact recent staff additions will have on campus.
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?
Listen to this season of Bluestocking Stories for exclusive audio interviews with President Jeff Stein, Anatomy Professor Dr. David McLeod, McCree Interim Director Suzie Dull, and men’s basketball players Jaden Ignacio ’24 and Quentin Hart ’24.
Bluestocking Stories are perfect for your daily commute, your time at the gym, or whenever you’re missing your home on the hill.
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.
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.
Magazine Archive
Looking to revisit past issues of the Mary Baldwin Magazine? Explore our magazine archive for a curated collection of stories, milestones, and memories that reflect the heart of the MBU community.