Dec. 19-Jan. 7

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 Associate Professor of Public Health Asal Mohamadi Johnson, PhD, was quoted in the Daytona Beach News- Journal article, " records 3rd-highest increase in COVID-19 cases, 2nd-highest for Volusia, Flagler," on Jan. 7. Johnson discussed the recent statewide surge in coronavirus cases: "The surge after the Thanksgiving holiday has not subsided, because many continued their social interactions," Johnson said. "Shops and stores are usually most crowded between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The nature of these three holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year — and the timing between them seems to have resulted in a prolonged surge."  Johnson was also quoted in the News-Journal articles, "Florida adds nearly 12,000 new coronavirus infections, 72 deaths including 2 in Volusia" (Dec. 19) and "State announces 95 new coronavirus-related deaths including 2 in Volusia County" (Dec. 20).  Associate Professor of Counselor Education Judith Burnett, PhD, was quoted in the Daytona Beach News-Journal article, "Foreclosures, marriages, divorces all down in Volusia, Flagler in 2020," on Dec. 30. Burnett discussed the role that COVID-19 has had on marriage and divorce. "Typically COVID (like any major stressor) wouldn’t cause divorce," said Burnett. "It would exacerbate already existing issues which may lead to increased discontent eventually leading to dissolution of the relationship."  Roland and Sarah George Professor of Finance and Chair of Finance Stuart Michelson, PhD, was quoted in the U.S. News & World Report article, "7 of the Best Fidelity Bond Funds," on Jan. 5. "The outlook for bonds going forward into 2021 appears to be increasing yields and coupons for newly issued bonds and decreasing pricing on outstanding bonds," Michelson said.  William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of History, Eric Kurlander, PhD, and Professor of Digital Arts and Music Technology, Nathan Wolek, PhD, were featured in the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) November Newsletter. Professors Kurlander and Wolek were each honored with their second respective Fulbright award.  Associate Professor and Jessie Ball duPont Endowed Chair of Social Justice Education Rajni Shankar-Brown, PhD, was featured in a Dec. 26 13 segment on programs for the homeless population.  Assistant Professor of Political Science Steven Smallpage, PhD, was featured on FOX 35 (an Orlando-based ) on Jan. 6. Smallpage commented on the recent riots at the U.S .Capitol and the ramifications on American democracy.  Professor of Psychology Christopher Ferguson, PhD, was cited in a Dec. 29 Medium article, entitled "Desperate Delusion of Bombers and Murderers Seeking Fame." The author notes that Ferguson's 2015 study into the relationship between video games and violence "found no conclusive evidence that violent video games led to mental health issues, increased anxiety or depression, or any other tendencies that could lead to violent behavior."  Ferguson was quoted in the Big Think article, "Study: pornography does not cause sexual violence, despite what many believe," on Dec. 29. Additionally, Ferguson co-published an article in the Communications of the ACM titled, "Excessive Use of Technology: Can Tech Providers be the Culprits?" The article appeared in the Communications of the ACM’s Jan. 2021 issue.  Professor of History Paul Croce, PhD, was quoted in the Dec. 21 Lifewire article, "Native Americans Want Their Place Names on Digital Maps." Croce discusses the movement to add Native American areas to digital maps and records.  Associate Professor of Mathematics Hari Pulapaka, PhD, was featured in the Dec. 30 Daytona Beach News-Journal article, "Award-winning chef and Stetson University professor Hari Pulapaka releases new cookbook."  Pulapaka was also featured in a segment from the Orlando-based NPR affiliate 90.7 WMFE titled, "When Plant- Based Food Takes Center Stage For The Holidays," on Dec. 24.

Other News:

 Associate Professor of Accounting Valrie Chambers, PhD, was quoted in the MSN article, "Medical expense deduction: How to claim medical expenses on your taxes," on Dec. 20.  Chambers edited the Jan. 1 article, "Claiming the recovery rebate credit on 2020 individual returns," on The Tax Adviser.  Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Jeff Ulmer announced his retirement, effective January 8, as reported by Hometown News Volusia.  Stetson was mentioned in the Dec. 16 Daytona Beach News-Journal article, "Volusia tourism bed-tax collections down about 5% in October, despite Biketoberfest boost," for booking approximately 200 rooms at four Volusia County hotels in order to socially distance students.  Stetson graduated over 1,000 students during the weekend of Dec. 12, as reported by the West Volusia Beacon in the Dec. 25 article, "Class Notes: Stetson University graduated 1,022 students the weekend of Dec. 12." Alumni News:

 Alumnus Lee Michael Morrison was quoted in the Dec. 31 MSN article, "COVID death toll in Volusia and Flagler includes local leaders and beloved family members." Morrison reminisced about the impact that his former band teacher, the late Sal Ronci, had on his life: "He was truly the best school teacher I ever had. He saw the potential in me, and he saw it in many others, too."  Alumnus Tom Rebman was featured with his wife in the Dec. 31 article, "'Beanies for the Homeless' continues in Palm Bay," in the Hometown News Brevard. The couple organized a "Beanies for the Homeless" giveaway for the seventh consecutive year this winter.  Alumna Rachel Cosker was featured in the Dec. 27 Speed on the Water piece, "Inside SOTW—The Mystic Family Leans In." Dec. 11-18

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 President Christopher Roellke, PhD, was quoted in an article Dec. 11, "Stetson plans COVID-safe commencement this weekend for 1,034 students," in the Daytona Beach News-Journal. The article also quoted Director of University Events Julie Hunter and graduate Tara Tovkach ’20, one of the student speakers for December Commencement.  Law Professor Royal Gardner was quoted in a Bloomberg article called, "The Real Trees Delivering Fake Corporate Climate Progress." The article also appeared in The Washington Post and Yahoo Finance.  College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre participated in The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg's (FHSP) Pinellas Race Leadership Council's inaugural meeting on Dec. 1, according to a Dec. 10 article in The Weekly Challenger. The goal is to encourage multi-sector leaders to advance Pinellas to the most anti-racist county in the .  The Hometown News Volusia wrote a short article, "Stetson holds commencement exercises Dec. 12-13 on DeLand campus," which also mentioned Commencement for the College of Law.  The Hometown News Volusia wrote an article Dec. 11 entitled, "Stetson professor receives engineering educator award," about Professor of Computer Science Hala ElAarag, PhD, receiving the Outstanding Engineering Educator Award from the Florida Council Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.  Law Professor Robyn Powell was featured on Good Day Orlando for another segment discussing whether schools and employers can require a COVID-19 vaccine.  Jeff Ulmer, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement, who is retiring next month, was mentioned in the Chronicle of Philanthropy on Dec. 11 in the article, "Mark Malloch-Brown Tapped as President of Open Society Foundations." The article also said Amy Gipson, associate vice president for Development Strategy and Communications, will replace him on an interim basis.  Law Professor Louis J. Virelli III was interviewed on for a segment about the lawsuit filed by the Texas attorney general aimed at overturning the election.

Other News:

 Law Professor Peter F. Lake was quoted in a Real Clear Investigations article called, "Biden's Pushing Ahead to the Obama Past on Campus Rape. He'll Need Good Luck With That."  Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy was featured with a panel of experts on The Source for a segment called, "What Is Presidential Pardon Power And Are There Limits To Its Use?"  Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy was quoted in the Tampa Bay Times in an article called, "Florida to U.S. Supreme Court: Hear Texas lawsuit to overturn Biden win." The article was also featured in many other news outlets, including the Miami Herald, Bradenton Herald, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Yahoo News and more.  Law Professor Ellen Podgor’s American University Law Review article, "The Dichotomy Between Overcriminalization and Underregulation," was mentioned on the CrimProf Blog.  Law Professor Rebecca C. Morgan wrote the following blogs for the Elder Law Prof Blog: Dec. 7, "Is It Bad Money Management or is it Dementia?;" Dec. 14, "Register Now for This Webinar;" and Dec. 14, "COVID and Financial Harm."  Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy wrote an analysis for the Brennan Center for Justice called, "20 Things We Learned About Money in Politics in 2020." It was also mentioned on the Election Law Blog.  Law Professor Andrew Appleby’s article with Walter Hellerstein called, "State Estate Taxes and the Due Process Clause," published in Tax Notes State was mentioned on the TaxProf Blog. Alumni News:

 GrayRobinson, P.A., welcomed five new associates to its Florida offices, including Stetson Law alumnae Kelly Jackson and Maria White, according to a Dec. 10 announcement from the firm.  Law alumna Lori Baggett was named to the Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2021 Executive Committee at the organization's annual meeting on Dec. 10, according to an announcement from her law firm, Carlton Fields.  Law alumnus Dr. Ernesto 'Nené' Löffler is a new judge of the Tierra del Fuego Superior Court of Justice, according to Radio Fueguina.  Law alumnus Christopher E. Dougherty, is transitioning to Chairman Emeritus at Marshall Dennehey, after nearly 30 Years with the firm, according to an announcement. Dec. 4-10

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 Professor of Psychology Christopher Ferguson, PhD, published the article, "Resisting the Mourner’s Veto," on Dec. 3 at Quilette. "We must work to restore clearer norms for civil debate, and diminish the power of emotional arguments," he wrote. "Emotions almost invariably lead to bad decisions."  "Stetson University holds graduation ceremonies this weekend" appeared Dec. 7 on WESH-TV Channel 2 and WKCF-TV. The Hometown News Volusia ran a similar story.  Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy was quoted in the Dec. 9 article, "Florida urges U.S. Supreme Court to hear Texas' suit to overturn Biden’s election win," in the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times.  Rajni Shankar-Brown, PhD, Jessie Ball duPont Endowed Chair of Social Justice Education, was interviewed by Motherhood Moment for the Dec. 7 article, "The COVID-19 Eviction Crisis," about a report that estimated 30-40 million people in America are at risk. "All families deserve to have safe shelter and food, especially in a country that has more than enough," she said.  Professor of Computer Science Hala ElAarag, PhD, was featured in East Coast Current magazine for the article, "Stetson University Professor Receives Outstanding Engineering Educator Award." The Hometown News Volusia ran a similar story.  School of Music Dean Timothy Peter, D.M.A., sophomore Alexis Reese and senior Adam Benton were quoted in the West Volusia Beacon on Dec. 7 in the article, "Christmas Candlelight Virtual Concert will debut Dec. 11."  Stetson students Daliany Gerena and Alex Moker were mentioned in the West Volusia Beacon Class Notes for receiving highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarships.  "Nearly 300 New Graduates Recognized During December 2020 Commencement Ceremonies" appeared on Patch.com on Dec. 10 about the College of Law Commencement ceremonies.

Alumni News:

 Alumna Blair Parke published the article "20 Contemporary Christmas Songs to Play This Season" on Dec. 8 at Crosswalk.com. Nov. 26-Dec. 3

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 Professor of Computer Science Hala ElAarag, PhD, received the Outstanding Engineering Educator Award from the Florida Council Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, as reported by Engineered Systems in the Dec. 1 article, "Stetson University Professor Receives Outstanding Engineering Educator Award."  Maureen Breakiron-Evans '76, Chair of the Stetson Board of Trustees and Cubic Corporation Independent Director, was named a recipient of the 2020 Director of the Year award for Corporate Governance by Corporate Directors Forum, according to Business Wire.  Law Professor Royal Gardner received the Society of Wetland Scientists' 40th Anniversary Award on Dec. 1 for exemplary work in wetland science and continued contributions to SWS.  Associate Professor of Counselor Education Judith A. Burnett, PhD, and alumna Joey Lynn Jachec were featured in the Daytona Beach News-Journal article, "Stetson professor, student work with Kenyan orphans affected by AIDS," on Nov. 30. Burnett was also featured in a Dec. 1 segment on her work with Kenyan orphans.  Associate Professor of Accounting Valrie Chambers, PhD, was mentioned in the Accounting Today article, "People & firms on the move: RubinBrown adds tax partner," on Nov. 25 for being appointed to the Diversity + Inclusion Advisory Task Force of the Florida Institute of CPAs. Chambers was also quoted in the article, "Stetson University professor Valrie Chambers appointed to FICPA Diversity + Inclusion Advisory Task Force," on Nov. 26.  Associate Professor of Mathematics Hari Pulapaka, PhD, was featured in Scott Joseph's Orlando Restaurant Guide on Nov. 27. The article, titled, "Pulapaka releases new book dedicated to vegetarian cuisine," highlights Pulapaka's most recent cookbook, memoir and philosophical guide-in-one: "Dreaming In Spice: A Sinfully Vegetarian Odyssey".  Eric Kurlander, PhD , the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of History, was quoted in the Nov. 26 Mysterious Universe article, "The Bonkers Astrology Battle of World War II."  The Hometown News mentioned Stetson in the Dec. 3 article, "Surge in new cases continues in Volusia," which noted Stetson had 18 cases at the time.  Professor Emeritus of Political Science T. Wayne Bailey, PhD, co-authored a Guest Commentary titled, "8 reasons to celebrate the county charter," on Dec. 1 for the West Volusia Beacon.  Rajni Shankar-Brown, PhD, Jessie Ball duPont Endowed Chair of Social Justice Education, was quoted in the TV news segment, "Families make up 40% of homeless population," on WMAR-TV, an ABC affiliate in Maryland. The segment also mentioned the Hatters University Scholars.  Assistant Professor of Education Melissa Parks, PhD, was quoted Nov. 23 in the National Geographic article, "Science experiments that will feed your kids' brains."  Stetson was mentioned in an article in the Pensacola News Journal, entitled "Let Florida colleges, universities decide how to keep students safe from coronavirus." The story noted Stetson's commitment to student safety.

Other News:

 Sophomore Emily Derrenbacker wrote a guest column for TCPalm.com, entitled "Florida's politicians need to address the threat of rising seas."  Stetson Law 3L George Thurlow wrote a Nov. 29 column for the Palm Beach Post called, "Point of View: Socialism is not the answer, or the future for Democrats."  Visiting Law Professor Robyn Powell was interviewed on Good Day Orlando on Dec. 1 to discuss the possibility of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools and businesses.  Law Professor Elizabeth Berenguer was interviewed for the Ipse Dixit podcast on Nov. 27 to discuss Critical Legal Rhetoric.  Law Professor Andrew Appleby's article, "Designing The Tax Supermajority Requirement," in the Syracuse Law Review was mentioned by the TaxProf Blog.  Law Professor Peter F. Lake was quoted in the Columbia Daily Spectator in a Dec. 4 article called, "How could higher education change under the Biden Administration?"  Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy was quoted in a Dec. 4 NBCLX article called, "Trump's Four Seasons Total Landscaping Bill: On the House."  Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy was quoted in a Nov. 26 article for Elite Daily called, "Donald Trump's Thanksgiving 2020 Tweet Celebrated A Controversial Supreme Court Ruling."  Law Professor Andrew Appleby’s article with Walter Hellerstein called, "State Estate Taxes and the Due Process Clause" was published in the Nov. 23 edition of Tax Notes State from Tax Analyst.  Law Professor Elizabeth Berenguer’s article, "Gut Renovations: Using Critical and Comparative Rhetoric to Remodel How the Law Addresses Privilege and Power" with Lucy Jewel and Terri A. McMurtry-Chubb, was published in the Harvard Latinx Law Review.  Law Professor Rebecca C. Morgan wrote the following blogs for the Elder Law Prof Blog: Nov. 25, "Medicare's Care Compare;" Nov. 27, "Health & Income Security Gaps For Older Americans of Color;" Nov. 30, "Taking Grandma Home; But What Happens When Grandma Goes Back to the SNF?;" Dec. 2, "Register Now-SNT Webinar January 6, 2021;" Dec. 2, "How SSA Hold Harmless Works;" Dec. 3, "The Business Side of SNFs;" and Dec. 4, "The COVID Crisis in One Florida LTC Facility."  Stetson Law was mentioned on NonProfitPRO for a Nov. 27 article called, "Stories of How Nonprofits Are Engaging With Donors and Volunteers."  The article, "Stetson Athletics End of the Year Awards," appeared Nov. 29 in the Sanford Herald.  Former Stetson Law faculty member John B. "Jack" Roe, 78, of Holmes Beach and Grand Detour, Illinois, died Nov. 27 from a rare untreatable form of cancer known as myelofibrosis, according to The Islander newspaper.

Alumni News:  Alumna Blair Parke published the article, "Why Do Some People Claim That Christmas Is a Pagan Holiday?," at Crosswalk.com on Dec. 2.  The Florida Bar board certified Jacksonville Assistant General Counsel Sonya Harrell in city, county and local government law, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record. A 1994 graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Harrell practices in the tort litigation department.  Alumnus Dean Trantalis was re-elected mayor of Fort Lauderdale, according to the Sun-Sentinel.