When we think about the organizations making a positive change in the world, nonprofits usually come to mind. But in the latest installment of Expert Chats, Batten's Christine Mahoney argued that if we consider the private sector as well, we can address today’s global problems much more creatively.

According to a large‐scale correspondence study conducted by Batten's John Holbein and colleagues, anti-Muslim bias still operates widely nineteen years after the 9/11 attacks. 

Many Americans take the stability of their food supply for granted, but the pandemic has revealed domestic and global weaknesses in our food systems, one Batten professor argues.

The foundation, which Batten Alum Brogdon announced Tuesday, was created to “positively impact the lives of children, families and communities globally through strategic investments in clean water infrastructure, education, and advocacy for the civil and human rights of all,” according to the Brogdon Family Foundation website.

Local leaders like Batten's Brooke Ray say the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a sharp increase in unemployment claims across the commonwealth and the country, is exacerbating existing problems like food insecurity, especially where systemic issues already existed.

Kimberly Jenkins Robinson is a professor of law, education and public policy at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Robinson is a national expert who speaks domestically and internationally about educational equity, equal educational opportunity, civil rights and the federal role in education. Her work proposes innovative legal and policy solutions to ensure that all children receive equal access to an excellent education.

Members of the University community, including Batten's Tim Davis, emphasize student resiliency and kindness in response to pandemic preparations.

Through their organization, Black Student Leaders in Policy, James Banks (BA ’20) and Sela Carrington (BA ’21) are working to give black Batten students a sense of ownership.

Batten alum Kathryn Babineau (MPP ’13) is a Ph.D. student in the University of Virginia's sociology department, where she studies globalization, labor rights, and public and private regulation. Previously, she worked as a human rights investigator for the Fair Food Standards Council and as a research coordinator at National Defense University.

The inaugural Research Achievement Awards featured University leaders handing out 13 honors to UVA’s most outstanding researchers, including Batten's Daphna Bassok and Brian Williams.