Spider Insider

News

Research & Innovation

International conference held in honor of Richmond professor

Bill Ross is celebrated for his contributions to the global mathematics community.

University of Richmond Commencement Speaker is Richmond Fed President and CEO Tom Barkin

University of Richmond Professor Julietta Singh’s ‘The Nest’ to Premiere at Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto

Updates

Update Regarding Bon Secours Healthcare and Cigna Contract Negotiations

April 1, 2025

We are writing to inform you that, as of this morning, April 1, 2025, it is our understanding that Bon Secours and Cigna have not yet reached an agreement on a provider network contract, but a 24-hour extension has been put in place. We are hopeful to hear good news today but if an agreement is not reached, Bon Secours will exit the Cigna network. We will continue to keep you informed throughout this process.

We recognize the challenges this situation presents, and we are here to support you during this uncertain time. The health and well-being of our employees remain a top priority, and we will continue to provide updates on any developments.

Sincerely,

Geraldine Sullivan
Chief Human Resources Officer

Laura Dietrick
Director, Benefits & Employee Well-Being

Present Diploma to Graduating Family Member

March 12, 2025

Employees who are parents of undergraduate arts and science, business, and leadership studies students may present their diplomas to them at the May commencement ceremony. Employee family members of students in other schools may also be able to present diplomas. To present a diploma, please complete this form by Friday, April 11.

Eco-Corridor construction begins Feb. 3

January 27, 2025

Beginning Monday, Feb. 3, infrastructure work will take place at the entrance of the Eco-Corridor. The project is expected to last 2–3 weeks. During this time, the Eco-Corridor will remain open, and the entrance will remain accessible with slight adjustments. Fencing and signage will guide pedestrians around the construction area. Do not cross construction barriers or fencing.

Upcoming events

Apr 03

Chef's Table
Apr 05

SPCS AI & Instruction Workshop
Apr 08

University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) Meeting
Apr 09

UR Here Giving Day 2025
Apr 11

Faculty Senate Meeting
Apr 15

Jepson Leadership Forum presents Natalie Wexler
Apr 18

A&S Student Symposium
Apr 24

A&S Books & Roses

Campus Highlights

Kudos

February 20, 2025

Earl Lewis

Congratulations to Earl Lewis for successfully completing the University of Richmond Data Analytics Class! Earl’s dedication and hard work in advancing his analytical skills demonstrate his commitment to professional growth and excellence. Data analytics is a crucial skill in today’s evolving workplace, and Earl’s achievement showcases his drive to leverage data-driven insights for better decision-making. His accomplishment will undoubtedly benefit our team and enhance our capabilities. Congratulations, Earl!
—Submitted by Mirinda McCants, User Services

January 14, 2025

Spider Exchange, Rethink Waste

Big shout out to David Donaldson, Jacob Saqueira, and the operations team that pulls the trash from the outdoor bins for going above and beyond. They manage to return sentimental items that students have accidentally binned, funnel useful discarded items back into the campus community (Brita water pitchers, stick vacuums, Halloween decor, and more), and provide a supportive and educational experience for student workers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—Submitted by Marya Kravets, Advancement Systems
November 20, 2024

Rick Glass, Events Team

Rick, I can’t thank you enough. I’m so glad we decided to have our event at the University of Richmond. Your staff and team, student, etc. were outstanding, and the setting, parking, etc. were the best! Hopefully, we host more events with you in the future! On behalf of the Richmond Pediatric Society, thank you and thank you.
—Submitted by Melissa Nelson, Summit Emotional Health

September 18, 2024

Michelle Williams

Shout out to Michelle for helping the clinic find a parent for a sick child. Michelle went above and beyond to help find the employee. Even after telling me that she did not see anyone with that name she never gave up. She called the clinic back and had found the employee. Thank you, Michelle, for your dedication!
—Submitted by Karen, Henrico County
September 11, 2024

Facilities Team

BIG shout out to Christopher Gee, Scott McIntosh, Kyle Donovan, Chris Harrison, Julian Cline, Manny Haines, Mazie Ellerbe, and all of our other friends in facilities who keep the systems running at Bostwick 3!
—Submitted by Marya Kravets, Advancement Systems

July 23, 2024

David Brandon, Earl Lewis

Shout out to the Help Desk, especially Earl and David. Earl created a USB drive that allowed David Brandon to fix my desktop quickly and efficiently. Just before this fix, David installed a printer in our Computer Science lab so fast we didn't notice it was done. It is reassuring to know that helpful resources are readily available to keep our department running smoothly.
—Submitted by Kathy Rothert, Computer Science

Did you know…

8:1

Undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio

Accomplishments

Delers and Hanaoka named ACS Mellon Academic Leadership Fellows
April 1, 2025
Olivier Delers, professor of French, and Mimi Hanaoka, associate professor of religious studies, have been named Associated Colleges of the South Mellon Academic Leadership Fellows for 2025–27.

Peters received NSF award for neuroscience research
March 21, 2025
John Peters, a biology professor at the University of Richmond, has received a $502,981 National Science Foundation award to support his neuroscience research on the mechanisms of learning and memory.

Wilkins publishes chapter on blood quantum
March 18, 2025
David Wilkins, professor of leadership studies, published the chapter "Moving Past the Flawed Equations of Blood and Property" in the edited volume "Beyond Blood Quantum: Refusal to Disappear" published by Fulcrum Publishing.
Conway recognized for receiving R.E.B. Award
March 17, 2025
Ryan Conway, adjunct instructor of education and director of the Center for Education and Human Development at Glen Allen High School, was among four awardees from various Richmond organizations recognized as rising stars by Richmond Magazine. Last year, Conway received a R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence from the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond to study teaching and learning in Asia.

Hunt receives JMU literacy leader award
March 13, 2025
Kendall Hunt, adjunct instructor of education and middle school literacy specialist for Henrico County Public Schools, received the 2025 Literacy Teacher of the Year Award from James Madison University’s College of Education at the JMU Literacy Leader Awards ceremony held earlier this year.

Hayter promoted to professor
March 12, 2025
Julian Hayter was promoted to professor of leadership studies. He is a historian whose research focuses on modern U.S. history, American political development, African-American history, and the American civil rights movement.
von Rueden promoted to professor
March 12, 2025
Christopher von Rueden was promoted to professor of leadership studies. An anthropologist with expertise in traditional human societies, his research focuses on how humans form status hierarchies, why we evolved to do so, and the demographic and ecological factors that cause our hierarchies to be more or less coercive.

Henley publishes book review
March 11, 2025
Lauren Henley, assistant professor of leadership studies, published “Review of 'Murder in a Mill Town: Sex, Faith, and the Crime That Captivated a Nation' by Bruce Dorsey” in The Journal of American History.

Bowie promoted to professor
March 10, 2025
Jennifer Bowie was promoted to professor of political science. Bowie specializes in judicial decision-making in federal, state, and comparative court, and is the former editor of the Law and Politics Book Review.