In The News Archive - EMU News

EMU alumni named to leadership roles in Harrisonburg schools

Ryan Cornell — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:35:09 +0000

Harrisonburg City Public Schools recently announced three alumni among its new leaders for the 2026-27 school year: Phillip Mark Mace ’90, athletic director at Rocktown High School; Isaiah Dottin-Carter MA ’22, dean of students at Skyline Middle School; and Sharon Salinas GC ’26, assistant director of human resources for Harrisonburg City Public Schools.

Alumnus joins App State as associate AD

Ryan Cornell — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Dr. Parker Leap ’15 has been hired as associate athletics director for sport psychology and mental wellness at Appalachian State University. A former Royals soccer forward, Leap earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from EMU.

Former basketball coach in new role with ESPN+

Ryan Cornell — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Kirby Dean ’92, head coach of the EMU men’s basketball team from 2003-18, is an analyst on broadcasts of JMU men’s basketball games for ESPN+.

EMU partners with Eunoia Theatre for Shakespeare discussion group

Ryan Cornell — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:50:00 +0000

The free “Wit & Wisdom” program, designed for adults age 50 and older, invites community members of all experience levels to explore the works and worlds of William Shakespeare. The weekly sessions are held Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. at Old Common Grounds (University Commons 177) at EMU.

Forbes mentions EMU in ‘Best Places to Retire’ list

Ryan Cornell — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Forbes included Harrisonburg on its list of the top 25 places to retire in 2026, describing it as a “charming Shenandoah Valley college town” home to EMU and James Madison University.

Nursing alumna honored with DAISY Award from UVA Health

Ryan Cornell — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:00:18 +0000

Brittany Scott ’19, an EMU nursing alumna at UVA Health Cancer Care Augusta, has been honored with a DAISY Award. The award recognizes the “extraordinary nursing care” she provided to a patient at the infusion center and her “true advocacy, critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the whole person, not just the symptoms,” a nomination says.

“Brittany Scott’s actions changed the trajectory of this patient’s life and exemplify the very heart of the DAISY Award,” it adds.

DMin student’s adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence

Ryan Cornell — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:34:30 +0000

The Rev. Angelo Mante, a graduate student in Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, serves as co-founder and executive director of . The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based organization cultivates a community of nonviolence through relationships and education and was recently featured on 89.1 WBOI, a National Public Radio member station.

‘The Winter’s Tale: A Musical Adaptation’ now playing

Ryan Cornell — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:28:58 +0000

EMU Theatre’s production of “The Winter’s Tale: A Musical Adaptation” opened at the Lee Eshleman Studio Theater on Thursday and runs through Sunday, April 12. Get your tickets at before they’re gone!

WATCH NOW: Become a part of LovEMU Giving Day history!

Ryan Cornell — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:06:02 +0000

LovEMU Giving Day is Wednesday, April 1. Join us on campus and at to make this year’s giving day the best one yet for our staff, our faculty, our students, and…for the record!

Alum column: ‘Dignity is the only way’

Ryan Cornell — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Peter Sensenig ’05 writes in Anabaptist World about interfaith engagement against the backdrop of the war on Iran.

Mat Huff ’06 coaches Luray boys to state championship win

Ryan Cornell — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:11:31 +0000

Congratulations to Mat Huff ’06, head coach of the Luray High School boys basketball team, for leading the Bulldogs to their first state championship win since 1976. Huff was also an assistant coach for the EMU “Runnin’ Royals” men’s basketball team that advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

EMU leaders rally crowd at Women’s Day March

Ryan Cornell — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:59:18 +0000

EMU Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus and Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, director of alumni engagement and community connections at EMU, spoke at the Harrisonburg International Women’s Day March on Saturday, March 7.

Professor David Evans shares message of ‘beloved community’ with Chicago-area church

Ryan Cornell — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Dr. David Evans, professor of history and intercultural studies and associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, delivered a guest sermon on radical solidarity on Sunday, Feb. 8, at First United Methodist Church of Evanston, Illinois.

EMU’s Deanna Reed named to Top 50 Women Leaders of Virginia for 2026

Ryan Cornell — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, director of alumni engagement and community connections at EMU, was named among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Virginia for 2026. “This year’s honorees…(guide) organizations that keep essential functions running and build the businesses and institutions shaping Virginia’s communities,” the online list of leaders says.

Students planning Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship conference at EMU

Ryan Cornell — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:26:10 +0000

Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship will host its annual conference March 13-15 at EMU with the theme “Solidarity, Community and Resistance in this Political Moment.”