A'dorian Murray-Thomas
Mar 27, 2025

A’dorian Murray-Thomas: Turning Personal Trauma into Public Service

Nonprofit founder and history-making elected official A’dorian Murray-Thomas shared her experience, strength, and hope from the perspective of a young leader with students during Monday’s Batten Hour. Her talk was equal parts inspiring and inquisitive, exploring the power of youth storytelling, service, and transforming trauma into fuel for social change.

Martin Luther King, III
Mar 19, 2025

Reflections on Legacy: Martin Luther King III at Garrett Hall

In a very special event at Garrett Hall this week, Martin Luther King, III told stories of his childhood and shared his lifelong vision of building a stronger, more connected and caring community, which is the theme of his new book. The event was sponsored by the UVA Center for Politics, where King is a professor of practice, and hosted by the UVA Batten School.

 

Dr. Maya Haasz
Mar 4, 2025

Gun Safety is Everyone’s Concern

Dr. Maya Haasz, a pediatric emergency room physician and an associate professor at the University of Colorado, is an expert in firearm injuries among youth — the leading cause of death of people under 20 in the United States. At this week's Batten Hour, she discussed the importance of changing cultural norms in order to address the epidemic. 

Alec Scicchitano
Feb 27, 2025

Alec Scicchitano: Working a Transatlantic Gig

After a stint as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House of Reprsenatives, Alec Scicchitano (BA ’21) recently started a new job as the head of politics, press, and public affairs at the British Consulate General in Boston, where he works to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and United States across New England. 

Ben Converse
Feb 20, 2025

Finding a Seat at the Interdisciplinary Research Table

UVA Batten hosted the “Annual Behavioral Science Across Grounds Conference” earlier this month, bringing some of the brightest minds of UVA’s research community to Garrett Hall to exchange ideas, interests, and insights. Associate professor Ben Converse gave the keynote. 

Deborah Stroman at UVA Batten Hour
Feb 18, 2025

Stroman’s Batten Hour a Slam Dunk for Students

At this week's Batten Hour, professor, entrepreneur, and former star athlete Deborah Stroman unpacked the history and policy implications of the "seismic shifts" in college athletics in recent years, including Name, Image, and Likeness rights and the NCAA transfer portal. 

Jimmy Flood
Feb 14, 2025

Pivoting in a Tough Job Market

The path to a new job for new graduates and alumni comes with twists and turns, and plenty of stress. A key skill that we impart here at UVA Batten is the ability to remain flexible and open to unexpected opportunity, pivoting as needed. Meet Jimmy Flood (BA ’23), who has successfully shifted his plans.