UW and the community

February 24, 2015

Jerry Baldasty named interim provost of the University of Washington

University of Washington Provost and Executive Vice President Ana Mari Cauce has selected Jerry Baldasty to serve as interim provost, effective March 3, when Cauce assumes the role of interim president. Baldasty has served as senior vice provost for academic and student affairs since 2012. “Jerry is a candid communicator who exemplifies transparency, mutual respect and honesty — all critical values of a leader in resource-limited times,” Cauce said. “In my years as provost, I have found that genuine concern…

February 18, 2015

University of Washington leads the nation in Peace Corps volunteers

The University of Washington produced the most Peace Corps volunteers for 2015, reclaiming the top spot with 72 alumni currently in service.

Arts Roundup: Drama, music – and ‘Music of Today’

This coming week, the School of Music leads the way with a variety of events to keep your calendar full. Highlights include the UW Chamber Orchestra performing two nights, a faculty recital with Jazz Studies Professor Marc Seales, and a Music of Today performance in collaboration with the Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media.

Fearless birds and shrinking salmon: Is urbanization pushing Earth’s evolution to a tipping point?

We’ve long known that humans and our cities affect the ecosystem and even drive some evolutionary change. What’s new is that these evolutionary changes are happening more quickly than previously thought, and have potential impacts not in the distant future — but now.

February 13, 2015

AAAS symposium looks at how to bring big-data skills to academia

A session Feb. 15 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting will explore how big data scientists can find careers at universities and within academic settings.

University of Washington named one of 12 ‘top producers’ of both Fulbright scholars and students

The University of Washington is one of 12 institutions to make the “top producers” list of both Fulbright scholars and students for 2014-15, according to lists released Thursday in the Chronicle of Higher Education. The Fulbright Program, operated by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Seven scholars and 13 students from the UW were awarded Fulbright grants for 2014-2015, with the university landing fourth on the…

AAAS talk: Some bilinguals use emoticons more when chatting in non-native language

A research team has found that one group of bilingual speakers used emoticons more often when typing in their second language in casual, online communication than they did when typing in their native tongue.

February 12, 2015

UW Regents name Provost and Executive Vice President Ana Mari Cauce interim president

University of Washington Provost and Executive Vice President Ana Mari Cauce was named interim president by the Board of Regents at their regular meeting on Thursday. Her appointment will be effective March 2, 2015. She succeeds President Michael K. Young, who is leaving the UW for Texas A&M University. “Dr. Cauce is an extraordinary leader of our University – a person who is known throughout our community for her straightforward and accessible leadership, extraordinary intellect, plain-spoken common sense, honesty, sense…

University of Washington releases design plans, names architect for former Spokane visitors center

SPOKANE, Washington — The University of Washington has released its architectural renderings for the redesign of the former Spokane Visitors Center, soon to be the UW Spokane Center. Located in the heart of Spokane’s University District, the UW Spokane Center will serve as a hub for Spokane-area alumni, students, prospective students, parents and supporters with space for meetings and special events. The UW has retained Spokane architectural firm Blue Room Architecture & Design, PS to lead the remodel of the…

February 11, 2015

Statewide home prices leveling off, but affordability woes linger

Home sale prices were down in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter but up compared with the previous year, and the rate of home sales also dropped, according to the UW’s Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies.

Arts Roundup: Music, lectures – and Urban Bush Women

This week, the UW World Series presents American dance ensemble Urban Bush Women, then quickly follows this with the Jerusalem Quartet.

February 4, 2015

UW Combined Fund Drive raises $2.2 million

The 2014 University of Washington Combined Fund Drive, part of the state’s workplace giving campaign, raised $2,199,793, making it the most successful campaign in the program’s 30-year history. The campaign ran from Oct. 16 to Dec. 5, 2014, with UW faculty, staff and retirees pledging to 1,819 nonprofit organizations. Employees contributed through ongoing payroll deduction or one-time gifts. “The UW community’s philanthropic spirit is inspirational,” said Kerri Everly, campaign manager for the UW Combined Fund Drive. “Our record-breaking campaign will…

Arts Roundup: Drama, exhibitions – and ‘The Way Black Machine’

Following up last week’s full schedule of arts events, this week is equally packed. The School of Drama’s production of “Twelfth Night” runs its final weekend, the Jacob Lawrence Gallery’s exhibit, “The Way Black Machine,” is now open and the School of Music presents a faculty recital with Douglas Cleveland on organ and David Gordon on trumpet.

February 3, 2015

UW President Michael K. Young named sole finalist for president at Texas A&M University

University of Washington President Michael K. Young on Tuesday was named as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University by its Board of Regents. Young became President of the UW in July 2011. Young is expected to assume his duties at Texas A&M in the spring. Statement from UW President Michael K. Young “Deciding to be a candidate for the presidency of Texas A&M University was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I was…

February 2, 2015

Documents that Changed the World: ‘Rosie the Riveter’ poster, 1943

The famous World War II-era poster of Rosie the Riveter is less a document that changed the world than the other way around — an image the world adopted and filled with meaning. But such turnabout is fair play in the ongoing Documents that Changed the World podcast series by UW Information School Professor Joe Janes.

January 28, 2015

Arts Roundup: Music, lectures – and ‘Twelfth Night’

As we approach the end of January, enjoy a show or two. The School of Drama’s production of “Twelfth Night” sets Shakespeare in The Roaring Twenties, the School of Music offers a variety of performances including the Modern Music Ensemble and a Student Chamber Concert, and the UW World Series presents Ukranian pianist Vadym Kholodenko.

Some potentially habitable planets began as gaseous, Neptune-like worlds

Strong irradiation from the host star can cause planets known as mini-Neptunes in the habitable zone to shed their gaseous envelopes and become potentially habitable worlds.

Two phenomena known to inhibit the potential habitability of planets — tidal forces and vigorous stellar activity — might instead help chances for life on certain planets orbiting low-mass stars, University of Washington astronomers have found.

January 21, 2015

Arts Roundup: Music, drama – and the Dance Faculty Concert

It’s an exciting week in the arts as various units ramp up their winter events. For drama fans, there’s the Undergraduate Theater Society’s production of “Yellow Face” and the School of Drama’s take on “Twelfth Night.” For music lovers, don’t miss the rich sounds of the Nile Project at Meany Hall or the UW Symphony at Benaroya Hall.

January 19, 2015

Boeing, UW open research lab on Seattle campus

Gov. Jay Inslee learns about riveting from Boeing engineer Riley Hanson Smith, left, and Sai Krovvidi, a UW doctoral student in mechanical engineering, at the opening of the Boeing Advanced Research Center on campus.

The Boeing Advanced Research Center, located in the Department of Mechanical Engineering on the UW campus, will let students and faculty members work collaboratively with Boeing engineers on aircraft and spacecraft assembly and manufacturing. Four initial projects are underway at the UW, led by Boeing-employed affiliate instructors and UW engineering professors.

January 14, 2015

Arts Roundup: Exhibitions, Artbreak — and a contemporary art lecture series

This week marks the first lecture in the School of Art + Art History + Design’s annual public lecture series, this year focusing on critical issues in contemporary art.

January 9, 2015

Gould Pavilion: New look, educational space, exhibition gallery

The UW College of Built Environments has rebooted the east end of its Gould Hall home, creating an expanded area for collaboration and a new gallery to exhibit work from national and international sources as well as the college’s student, faculty and alumni.

January 8, 2015

Study: University of Washington generates $12.5 billion, nearly 80,000 jobs for the state

The University of Washington generates $12.5 billion a year in economic activity and supports 79,331 direct and indirect jobs in the state of Washington, according to a new economic impact report released Thursday by an independent research firm. The UW employs 34,668 people and, following Boeing and Microsoft, is the third-largest nonfederal employer in the state, with more than half of those jobs related to UW Medicine. “The University of Washington continues to be a major force in the Washington…

January 7, 2015

Arts Roundup: Lectures, ArtBreak – and the Takács Quartet

Welcome back to a new year and new quarter! Henry Art Gallery kicks off the first Arts Roundup of the year with an assortment of events related to the exhibit “Ann Hamilton: the common S E N S E,” including a lecture presented by Seattle Arts and Lectures and an unusual exhibition tour with ArtVenture.

January 6, 2015

New David Shields book a collaboration, an argument — and a movie, too

Two men, four days, one cabin and an epic discussion of life and art, while James Franco makes a movie of it all. That’s the setup for the latest book by UW English Professor David Shields, working this time with former student Caleb Powell.

Mark Pagano selected as chancellor of UW Tacoma

University of Washington President Michael K. Young and Provost Ana Mari Cauce announced today the selection of Mark Pagano, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Montana State University Billings, as the next chancellor of the University of Washington Tacoma, effective March 16. The appointment is subject to approval by the UW Board of Regents. “President Young and I are delighted to have Dr. Mark Pagano join the vibrant UW Tacoma community. Chancellor Pagano brings his expertise in leading…

December 29, 2014

William P. Gerberding, 27th president of the University of Washington, dies at 85

William P. Gerberding, the 27th and longest-serving president of the University of Washington, died Saturday. He was 85. Gerberding, who assumed the presidency in 1979 and retired in 1995, is credited for boosting the university into national prominence, navigating it through potentially devastating budget crises and significantly increasing private financial support. “We are all deeply saddened by this news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Ruth and the rest of the Gerberding family,” UW President Michael K. Young said. “Bill left…

December 19, 2014

UW architecture students to design, build public pavilion on Seattle’s waterfront

A drawing of the proposed Hotspot Pavilion on Seattle's waterfront, to be designed and built by UW architecture students. THe south end, to the right, will have a performance stage.

UW architecture students will design and build a new temporary event pavilion and Internet hub for the Seattle waterfront.

December 10, 2014

Arts Roundup: Exhibitions, drama — and ‘An Appalachian Christmas’

As autumn quarter comes to a close, Arts Roundup begins a holiday hiatus. But first we offer some final suggestions of campus art activities, including Mark O’Connor and his band performing ”An Appalachian Christmas.”

December 3, 2014

Music meets history in three-concert series on World War I

The creative spirit “does not hunker down or hide” in difficult times, Robin McCabe, UW professor of piano, was reminded as she researched the three-concert series she organized, “Music from the War to End All Wars.” The School of Music presents this series starting Dec. 7 and continuing March 8 and May 3, 2015.

Arts Roundup: Lectures, music — and UW Symphony and Opera Theater

This week there are lots of events to keep students, staff and faculty busy before finals. Don’t miss “Idleness,” the second Factory Showroom exhibit at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, or the UW Symphony and UW Opera Theater performing a version of Puccini’s opera “Gianni Schicci.”

December 2, 2014

‘Mirage Earth’ exoplanets may have burned away chances for life

Illustration of a low-mass, M dwarf star, seen from an orbiting rocky planet.

Planets orbiting close to low-mass stars are prime targets in the search for life. But new research led by an astronomy graduate student at the UW indicates some such planets may have long since lost their chance at hosting life because of intense heat during their formative years.

November 26, 2014

Arts Roundup: Exhibitions, music — and ArtBreak with Barbara Ciega

The holiday season is officially upon us and the arts host a lineup of events to get you in the festive spirit. The School of Music paves the way with performances ranging from the Percussion Ensemble to CarolFest. If you’re looking for an exhibition to explore, the Burke Museum’s recently opened “Here & Now: Native Artists Inspired” will be the perfect option after the Thanksgiving bustle.

November 25, 2014

‘Subirdia’ author urges appreciation of birds that co-exist where we work, live, play

Drawing of back of bird as it looks over buildings

Surprisingly, the diversity of birds in suburban areas can be greater than in forested areas, according to John Marzluff’s new book “Welcome to Subirdia.”

November 24, 2014

Last chance to donate: UW Combined Fund Drive ends Dec. 5

UW faculty and staff have until Dec. 5 to contribute to this year’s UW Combined Fund Drive, part of Washington state’s workplace giving campaign. Donors can choose from more than 4,000 nonprofits operating locally and globally. You can give a one-time donation or give all year through payroll deduction. Donations are tax-deductible. The UWCFD has raised $1,885,617 so far, and organizers hope to surpass $2.2 million in pledges this year. From local food banks to environmental causes to UW departments…

Black prison activism, organizing explored in new book ‘Captive Nation’

Dan Berger, assistant professor in the UW Bothell School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, discusses his new book, “Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era.”

November 19, 2014

Arts Roundup: Drama, dance — and ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’

Have you ever considered the implications of privacy around art and cultural institutions? Then don’t miss the three-day symposium “Surveillance and Privacy: Art, Law and Social Practice” hosted by the Henry Art Gallery and the Center for Digital Art and Experimental Media (DXARTS).

November 17, 2014

‘Probiotics’ for plants boost detox abilities; untreated plants overdose and die

Scientists using a microbe that occurs naturally in eastern cottonwood trees have boosted the ability of willow and lawn grass to withstand the withering effects of the nasty industrial pollutant phenanthrene.

November 14, 2014

Portable planetarium takes astronomy to school

The UW Astronomy Department’s Mobile Planetarium visits Sammamish High School in Bellevue, where students give their own planetarium presentations.

Home prices up, sales down in third quarter of 2014

In the third quarter of 2014, home sale prices increased, but sales themselves were fewer in Washington state. The statewide median sales price for a single family home stood at $277,100 according to the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies in the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments. This is an increase of 2.3 percent from the second quarter and a 5.2 percent increase over the $263,400 median resale price recorded in the third quarter of 2013. Conversely, while the seasonally…

November 12, 2014

Arts Roundup: Music, film — and ‘Meet the Mammals’

It’s a packed week in the arts, with a diverse array of options to suit any fancy. The UW World Series has a music-themed weekend with Jon Kimura Parker on Friday night and Touré-Raichel Collective the next. Also, don’t miss the last film in the Climate Change and Nuclear Risks: A Speaker & Film Series presented by the Burke.