When the honor society for sociology majors inducts its newest members this month, it won’t just be an event for students. Alpha Kappa Delta is using the event to bring a speaker to Washington College’s campus with a message for anyone interested in a more diverse and inclusive society, whether they are students, faculty, staff or community members.

David Smith, associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, will speak on “Leveraging the Power of Allyship” at 6:30 p.m. on April 27. Smith has co-written two books on gender in the workplace and inclusive mentoring, and his talk will address how men, and specifically white men, can be better allies for women and other marginalized populations, according to AKD advisor Erin Anderson, associate professor of sociology at Washington College.

“I thought that topic was particularly valuable right now as we’ve been undergoing the process to develop a diversity strategic plan,” Anderson said. “We’ve had a lot of attention especially with recruitment and diversifying our student body, faculty and staff. We haven’t had as much attention on the people who are already here. We can do a fantastic job of recruiting, but if we can’t create an environment that is supporting and affirming and that helps to promote the success of diverse populations, we’re not going to retain those people.”

David Smith, associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

An alumnus of the United States Naval Academy, Smith led diverse organizations of women and men, including command of a squadron in combat. He flew more than 3,000 hours over 30 years as a Navy pilot and did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After earning his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park, Smith returned to the Naval Academy as a faculty member, going on to teach at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island before moving to Johns Hopkins in 2021.

Together with fellow Naval Academy and Johns Hopkins faculty member W. Brad Johnson, Smith wrote Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace and Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women. Under the brand Workplace Allies, the two speak and hold workshops for businesses and colleges and universities.

The talk at Washington College will be held in Hynson Lounge and is co-sponsored by Alpha Kappa Delta, the Department of Sociology, the Department of Business Management, the Gibson-Wagner Fund Psychology Department Fund, the William James Forum, the C.V. Starr Center for the American Experience, and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

Washington College has received a grant of $126,000 from The Teagle Foundation to help fund its Visions of Freedom in America program for area high-school students. The three-year grant supports weeks-long seminars on campus, with a special focus on enrolling students from under-resourced communities and will enable participants to visit key historical and cultural sites throughout three states and the District of Columbia. With this grant support, the Visions of Freedom in America program at Washington College becomes part of The Teagle Foundation’s Knowledge for Freedom network, which includes programs at Boston College, Columbia University, Dickinson College, Fordham University, Stony Brook University, Ursinus College, Villanova University, and Yale University.

Visions of Freedom in America: A Knowledge for Freedom Program is an educational and mentoring program for high-school students, primarily in Dorchester County, with historically limited opportunities to attend college. The program, co-directed by Joseph Prud’homme, director of the Institute for the Study of Religion, Politics, and Culture (IRPC) at Washington College, and Charles Lamont Pinkett, pupil personnel specialist at Dorchester County Public Schools—a leader in the county branch of the NAACP’s Maryland conference, and recipient of the Martin Luther King Image Award—explores the writings and personal leadership of seminal champions of human liberty while mentoring students for future collegiate success and opening doors to internships.

“We are grateful to The Teagle Foundation for this exciting opportunity,” said Washington College President Michael J. Sosulski. “The Visions of Freedom in America: A Knowledge for Freedom Program introduces students to great written works that have expanded freedoms and transformed our world. This experience can empower young people to assume positions of civic and community leadership.”

Anticipated to expand across the region, Visions of Freedom showcases the contributions of leading women and men in the building of a free and just society. Seizing on its notable location at the heart of the Underground Railroad on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, as well as its proximity to the cradle of American constitutionalism in Philadelphia, the seat of federal government in Washington, D.C., and the diverse communities of Baltimore, the program offers participants opportunities to connect with leaders in government, think tanks, museums, community organizations, and places of worship. They also learn from scholars at Washington College and from universities and colleges across the nation who come to campus to assist with instruction.

Last summer, Visions of Freedom students participated in a college-level seminar to discuss excerpts from Plato’s “Republic,” the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, the collected speeches of Abraham Lincoln, and the writings of Martin Luther King Jr. Guest speakers included Jahkari Taylor, African American scholar and educational reform leader; Washington College Provost Michael Harvey, an expert on leadership studies; and the head of the Kent County Maryland NAACP, the Rev. Charles Tilghman. While on campus, the students also received extensive guidance and mentoring from officers of the College’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Visions of Freedom participants continue to gather for enrichment activities after they complete the summer program. The group reassembled on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January for an instructional tour of the Maryland and Delaware segments of the Underground Railroad and other historic centers of African American culture on the Delmarva Peninsula, including the Harriett Tubman National Park and Museum and the birthplace of Frederick Douglass. They took a field trip to Washington, D.C., the following day.

“As each new group starts the program, were main in close contact with the students in previous groups as they enter the colleges of their choice,” said Prud’homme.“The overarching goal of our programming is to craft a deep and meaningful engagement with these young people, to forge a long-term mentoring relationship driven by a sincere desire to stay in touch with participants for the rest of their lives, which we strongly believe is critical to achieving the most impactful educational results.”

The IRPC at Washington College inspires young thinkers of all backgrounds to explore the first principles of a free society and the enduring value of core texts and concepts that have enriched the human experience. It is dedicated to the rigorous study of religion’s influence on American and world history and its contemporary importance for cultural and political life. The Institute also explores a range of pressing issues facing contemporary society and the enduring value of America’s founding principles.

Headquartered in New York City, The Teagle Foundation works to support and strengthen liberal arts education, which it sees as fundamental to meaningful work, effective citizenship, and a fulfilling life. The Foundation’s aim is to serve as a catalyst for the improvement of teaching and learning in the arts and sciences while addressing issues of financial sustainability and accountability in higher education.

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the nation’s first liberal arts institution and the tenth oldest college in the nation. Enrolling approximately 1,000 undergraduates from more than 35 states and a dozen nations, Washington is known for outstanding academics with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning across more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study. The College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, writing and American history. In addition to its main campus in Chestertown, Maryland, Washington College also features a riverfront campus and a 5,000-acre river and field campus that provides unique research opportunities for students and faculty.

Urban Grid, a utility scale renewable energy project developer, recently presented a check to sponsor Chestertown’s 2023 Earth Day Festival, a partnership between Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society and the Town of Chestertown. The town-wide festival planned for Earth Day—Saturday, April 22^nd—will feature live music along the waterfront, an electric boat race on the river, vendors throughout town, food trucks, children’s activities and more.

Urban Grid’s $12,500 sponsorship will fund the Electric Boat Race stage, a highlight of the festival organized by the College’s Center for Environment & Society, bringing free, live yacht rock music to the community as spectators experience Washington College’s inaugural Electric Boat Race on the Chester River. Additionally, a portion of the company’s sponsorship will fund local green initiatives planned through the Town of Chestertown’s Environmental Committee.

Hosting an electric boat race is a first for Washington College, but the school has been participating in such events since 2017. The College’s IDEAWORKS Innovation Center hosts the Electric Boat Race Team, which brought home a first-place trophy from the Promoting Electric Propulsion Race hosted by the American Society of Naval Engineers last May. Washington College’s team competed against Old Dominion University, Princeton University and University of Kentucky, among others.

Urban Grid Earth Day sponsorship presentation

“By bringing several teams together to exhibit and compete with their electric boats, we hope to demonstrate to the public that it’s possible to work and play on our waterways without contributing harmful emissions, chancing fuel spills, or pumping oily bilge water,” said Brian Palmer, Washington College electric boat team advisor. “Urban Grid’s dedication to supporting our Earth Day eRegatta greatly amplifies the impact of our efforts.”

The College’s student team is already hard at work redesigning their race boat, so they are in a good position to compete against other schools this April. Officially sanctioned by the American Society of Naval Engineers, Washington College’s race will feature a one-mile marked rectangular course on the Chester River, beginning in front of the Hodson Boathouse. Trophies will be awarded to teams in two different categories—the quarter-mile sprint and the five-mile endurance sprint.

“I think the community is going to have a blast at this event! It’s a real treat for our Center to be able to bring the popular Richmond-based yacht rock band, Three Sheets to the Wind, here to Chestertown,” Center for Environment & Society Event and Outreach Coordinator Carolyn Fuss Thompson commented.”It’s because of Urban Grid that we were able to make this happen, and we are grateful. We hope people will throw on their boat shoes and come out for a fun dance party, helping us kick off our inaugural electric boat race!”

Earth Day Coordinator and Chestertown Environmental Committee Member Andy Goddard explained how the Urban Grid funds will help the town as well.

“The funds will be directed towards two initiatives: mosquito prevention and household composting,” Goddard said. “Additionally, we will use funds to offset costs to recycle materials that are not currently accepted at county operated locations—primarily mercury bulbs, plastic caps, and household alkaline batteries.”

About Chestertown’s Earth Day Festival

Chestertown’s 2023 Earth Day Festival is a town-wide event in its 13^thyear. The 2023 festival is organized through a partnership between Washington College and the Town of Chestertown. It will feature a town-wide community trash and recycle walk, electric vehicle and bike displays, free paper shredding, free recycling of household alkaline batteries and fluorescent bulbs, food trucks, children’s activities, exhibitors from solar energy contractors, energy auditors, and conservation organizations, and more. To learn more about the festival, including the electric boat race, and stay up to date with the latest event information, visit the Washington College Center for Environment and Society News and Events Page at www.washcoll.edu/ces.

On Saturday, October 8, Washington College will inaugurate its 31st president, Michael J. Sosulski, Ph.D. Inauguration festivities will take place on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 and include a day-long academic symposium, activities at the waterfront campus, and the installation ceremony.

A seasoned leader in academic and student affairs, financial stewardship, and change management, Sosulski took office on September 1, 2021, after serving as provost at Wofford College in South Carolina for five years. In his first year as Washington College president, he moved quickly to invest $20 million in campus renovations, secured a new dining services partner for the campus, created the new position of associate provost of diversity and inclusion—since filled by Alisha Knight, Ph.D.—approved the addition of men’s and women’s golf to the athletics program, and has reshaped the senior leadership to ensure synergy in moving the College into the next decade and beyond.

Early in the Fall 2022 semester Sosulski announced the start of the strategic planning process for the College with the expectation of finalizing a five-year plan for launch in January 2023. The process includes a number of opportunities for Washington community members to provide input in shaping the strategic direction of the institution.

President Michael J. Sosulski, President of Washington College

“The installation of a college president is a time of promise, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to formally celebrate Dr. Sosulski with a traditional ceremony that honors the rich history of this institution,” said Stephen Golding ’72, chair, Board of Visitors and Governors. “Mike’s contributions in his first year alone have re-energized this community, and we are confident that his leadership and enthusiasm for the liberal arts experience will carry us forward as we work to realize a bold vision for the future of the institution.”

In addition to his role as Wofford College provost, Sosulski also served as a professor of German. Prior to that, he was with Kalamazoo College from 2004 to 2016, serving first as an assistant professor of German and eventually earning the roles of associate professor, department chair in German studies and associate provost. Sosulski earned his bachelor’s in German from Georgetown University and went on to receive a master’s and Ph.D. in Germanic studies from The University of Chicago.

On Friday, October 7, Washington College will host a full-day inaugural symposium. The program—“Literacy and Transformative Learning Experiences in Local and Global Contexts”—is grounded in Washington College’s powerful liberal arts education and the centrality of writing and reading in experiencing new perspectives. Faculty, students, and community members will join keynote speaker—Emory University Professor of German Hiram Maxim, Ph.D.—for an interdisciplinary exploration of the transformative potential of literacy and language learning. The symposium’s keynote address will begin at 4:20 p.m. followed by a reception and an exhibition tour in the Kohl Gallery.

Saturday will include a celebration at the College’s waterfront campus between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Activities will include a Chester River Challenge regatta, electric boat demonstration, live music, kayaking and paddleboarding. The installation ceremony will take place on the Washington College Campus Green at 3 p.m. followed by a reception on the Miller Library terrace.

All events listed are open to the public, though RSVP’s are strongly encouraged at this link: Washcoll.edu/inauguration. The full listing of inaugural events is located here.

About Washington College

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the tenth oldest college in the nation and the first chartered under the new Republic. It enrolls approximately 1,100 undergraduates from more than 35 states and a dozen nations. With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning in the arts and sciences, and more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study, the College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing. Learn more at washcoll.edu.

Brian Speer

Washington College has named Brian Speer to the newly created position of Vice President for Marketing and Communication. Speer, a seasoned marketing and communications leader, brings deep experience in developing and implementing strategic communications programs and marketing initiatives that build compelling brand stories and support institutional goals.

In this critical role, Speer will have the opportunity to shape and lead the newly established Office of Marketing and Communications, with a focus on increasing the College’s brand awareness. As a member of the Cabinet, he will report directly to President Mike Sosulski.

“I’m excited to welcome Brian Speer to the senior leadership team at Washington College. His deep experience and proven results speak for themselves, and align extremely well with the College’s own immediate needs and strategic goals,” said Sosulski. “What really set him apart were his obvious passion for the liberal arts experience, his thoughtful approach to the challenge at hand, and his ability to innovate and evolve. He is exactly the right person to lead our marketing and communications as we look ahead to the next decade and beyond.”

Speer has extensive higher education experience, including serving as Vice President for Communications for Muhlenberg College, Vice President for Marketing and Communications for Wilson College and Director of Integrated Marketing for Colby College.

Just as he is tasked with in this new position, Speer successfully transitioned a small, public-relations focused office to a strategic, full-service, centralized communications team at Muhlenberg, his most recent higher education post. While there, he implemented a new brand narrative for prospective students, launched a fresh website design and moved the institution towards a unified brand voice. Prior to that role, he was entrusted with a similar department build-out at Wilson College, where he also implemented a digital marketing program, redesigned the website and established a social media strategy that supported enrollment, retention, advancement and alumni program goals.

“This is a great time to join Washington College and build on the strong foundation of the College,” said Speer. “I’m excited to work with President Sosulski and the campus community to more clearly define the Washington College experience for students and their families. Through all of my conversations on campus I have felt a real sense of energy and enthusiasm about the opportunities at the College and look forward to working with the communications staff and campus partners to increase the institution’s reputation and express its brand story.”

Speer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University. Working in communications and design for more than 25 years, his work has received numerous awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the University and College Designers Association (UCDA), and the Society of Publication Designers (SPD) among others.

Speer’s start date with Washington College is August 1.

https://www.washcoll.edu/live/news/brian-speer-named-vp-marketing.php