Mary Baldwin University

05/21/2026

What does hands-on learning look like at MBU? On cool Saturday mornings, it looks like a group of students fanning out across wooded sites near campus, lifting boards, collecting data, and watching salamanders glow under UV light.

Through SPARCNet — a national research initiative funded by the National Science Foundation — MBU students have been working alongside researcher Shelby Shartzer to study Eastern Redback Salamander populations in the Shenandoah Valley. Along the way, they've documented biofluorescence patterns in colors that hadn't been recorded before.

For biology major Micah Joyner '26, the experience reshaped her entire thesis and solidified her plans for graduate school. "This helped me see what that kind of work actually looks like," she said.
The research continues — and so do the opportunities for students to get involved.

Read the full story → https://marybaldwin.edu/news/2026/05/21/students-and-researchers-explore-salamanders-in-the-shenandoah-valley/

05/18/2026

Congratulations to all the students recognized on the Dean's and Honors lists!

Congratulations to all the students recognized on these two distinguished lists!

05/15/2026

Sometimes the best academic opportunities aren't on the course catalog.

When Leo Myers '27 — an English major with minors in criminal justice and sexuality and gender studies — needed an additional SGS course to stay on track for early graduation, none were available. So faculty members Dr. Abby Wightman and Dr. Paige Reed proposed something better: a direct inquiry course built around Leo's own research questions.

The project that grew from that conversation explored what it means to be transgender in higher education — how visibility, risk, and self-disclosure intersect for both students and faculty. Leo and Dr. Reed presented their findings together at the Keystone Conference in Harrisburg, PA.

"I learned a lot about self-confidence, since this was a difficult topic for both of us," Leo said. "But it was really nice to connect with someone while we worked on it."

That connection — between a curious student and a faculty mentor willing to go beyond the syllabus — is exactly what a Mary Baldwin education is built on.

Read the whole story here: https://marybaldwin.edu/news/2026/05/15/how-leo-myers-27-turned-an-independent-study-into-something-bigger/

05/06/2026

For her senior thesis, Amiyah Anglin ’26 brought together biology, art, and the MBU community to create Collections of Curiosities—a one-of-a-kind Hunt Gallery exhibition exploring the stories behind what we keep. Featuring everything from taxidermy to vinyl records to personal mementos, the exhibit challenges what “counts” as art and invites us to see creativity in everyday life. Read more: https://marybaldwin.edu/news/2026/04/30/dead-rats-and-pokemon-cards-how-one-student-united-the-mbu-community-with-her-senior-thesis/

05/06/2026

< MBU professors 💛🐿️

04/30/2026

Social media intern strikes fear into the heart of biology professor.

04/27/2026

👏 Celebrating a year of hard work, leadership, and achievement!

At Mary Baldwin’s 2026 Honors Convocation, we recognized students, faculty, and staff who have gone above and beyond in the classroom, in their programs, and in our community.

From academic excellence to leadership and service, these awards highlight what makes MBU such a special place — and the incredible things our students are accomplishing every day.

💛 See the full list of award recipients:

Recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and service across the Mary Baldwin community Mary Baldwin University recognized the exceptional achievements of its students, faculty…

01/30/2026

Leadership at the national level starts on campus.

Caleb Smith ’27 is making history as Mary Baldwin University’s first student representative on the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, bringing the voice of DIII student-athletes to the national conversation.

Learn how Caleb is combining athletics, academics, and service to leave MBU better than he found it.

🔗 Read more:

Caleb Smith ’27 is MBU’s first-ever representative with the NCAA DIII Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and he’s committed to using his platform for student-athlete success. For Caleb Smith ‘27…