NACU Campus Highlights: July 13, 2026
Periodically we highlight how colleges and universities across the NACU network are advancing student success, faculty research, global learning, community engagement, and institutional innovation.
In the News
Chatham Professor Explores Emoji Etiquette Across Generations on WBUR
How do emojis mean different things to different generations? WBUR’s Here & Now recently featured Monica Riordan, a psychology professor at Chatham University whose research focuses on digital emotional expression. Riordan discussed how age influences the way people interpret and use emojis in everyday communication.
Academic Excellence
Florida Southern Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Teacher Preparation
Florida Southern College received an A rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for preparing future elementary educators in the science of reading, highlighting the strength of its undergraduate teacher education program.
Health & Community Well-Being
Florida Southern Launches Healthy Campus Coalition
Florida Southern has established a multidisciplinary Healthy Campus Coalition that brings together faculty, staff, students, and administrators to advance health and well-being through evidence-based practices aligned with the American College Health Association’s Healthy Campus Framework.
Hood College Launches Health Hubs to Expand Community Health Education
Hood College and the Frederick County Health Department are partnering to establish Hood Health Hubs in local public libraries. Supported by a five-year Maryland Higher Education Commission grant, the initiative will connect nursing faculty and students with community members to promote prevention, early intervention, and improved population health.
Leadership Transitions
Florida Southern Appoints Michael Brossart Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
Florida Southern has named Michael Brossart Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration. Bringing more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, he will join the College on October 1.
Nazareth University’s New President Makes National History
Regional media highlighted Maureen Finney’s first day as Nazareth University’s 11th president. Formerly the university’s provost, Finney is the first physician assistant in the United States to lead a college or university.
Faculty & Student Scholarship
Ohio Northern Faculty Member Publishes New Book on Character Development
Ohio Northern University faculty member Robert Hartman has published Improving Character: Moral Virtues, Strategies, and Questions, a new volume featuring essays from 45 leading scholars exploring how character development contributes to a flourishing life.
York College Graduate Publishes Cybersecurity Research
York College graduate Nevin Ferry ’25 recently published undergraduate research in Homeland Security Today, examining how online gaming environments have evolved and the cybersecurity risks they can pose to younger users.
The New American Colleges & Universities