From the OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMEMORATION WEEK KEYNOTE TONIGHT
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Reception at 5:30 p.m.; Keynote at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Oppenheimer Gallery (Reception) and Soza Ballroom, Upchurch University Center
Join us for the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Week Keynote, “Is King Still Relevant?”, featuring Robert Dortch, Principal of Jordan/Sydnor Innovation Group LLC. Mr. Dortch brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, primarily in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, where he has stewarded over $100 million in support of domestic nonprofit and philanthropic initiatives. His governance experience includes serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Philanthropy Southeast, one of the largest philanthropic-serving organizations in the United States. He is the author of Adventures in Leadership: A 30-Day Quest to Elevate Your Leadership & Life and the newly published Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey. As a philanthropist, he co-founded the Ujima Legacy Fund in 2013 and recently launched the Jordan Sydnor Genesis Fund.
His keynote, “Is King Still Relevant?”, explores Dr. King’s visionary leadership and its significance for today. Attendees can expect:
- An inspiring message highlighting five leadership lessons drawn from Dr. King’s life and work
- Clear connections between Dr. King’s leadership approach and contemporary leadership challenges
- A strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, courage, and purpose-driven leadership
MEDITATION
Dates: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 11:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: Zoom https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/j/95744314696
Mindfulness meditation can significantly improve your mental well-being by helping you manage stress, enhance focus and concentration, and better understand your emotions, all potentially leading to a calmer and more centered life. Current research also indicates potential benefits for physical health, like lowered blood pressure and improved sleep quality. Join Renee Gutiérrez to create a pause in your day. All are welcome for a brief, guided meditation; no previous experience is required.
FOCUSED PRODUCTIVITY SESSIONS
Join CAFE for Pomodoro sessions again this semester. All faculty and staff are welcome. The sessions use a focused cycle: set a goal, work towards it for 25 minutes, and then take a five-minute break. You will repeat the cycle three times. Choose the session that fits your needs:
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Pomodoro Work Session– Naomi Johnson |
Thursdays 9:00-10:30 https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/my/drnaomi
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Graduate Faculty Pomodoro Work Session with Carl Harvey |
Mondays 9:30- 11:00 https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/j/95717333901
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Wonderful Women @ Work (for women in leadership positions) with Pam Tracy and Sarah Tanner-Anderson--your ACE VA Women’s Network institutional representatives |
Mondays 9-10:30 @ https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/my/tannerandersonsl
Tuesdays 8:30-10:00 am @ https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/my/tracypj |
From the AI ADVISORY TEAM
AI CONVERSATIONS (Spring 2026)
This spring, join us for AI Conversations, a four-part workshop series designed to help faculty explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in teaching, research, and academic life. From AI-powered library tools to writing support, innovative platforms like NotebookLM, and insights from Longwood’s academic leaders, these sessions offer practical strategies, critical approaches, and thought-provoking discussions on opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into higher education.
All workshops will be held on Wednesdays in Library 209 at 4:00 pm.
January 28
AI + Library Resources: Librarians will demonstrate AI tools embedded in JSTOR, EBSCO, and other library resources, as well as AI-powered research tools, Consensus and SciteAI.
Presenters:
- Jennifer Beach, Associate Dean and Research & Instructional Services Librarian
- Sarah Reynolds, Research Services & Assessment Librarian
- Natalie Browning, Research Services & Engagement Librarian
- Jamie Krogh, Archives & Special Collections Librarian
February 25
AI + Writing: Explore both the challenges and opportunities of using AI in college writing through insights from faculty and Academic Success.
Presenters:
- Dianna Baldwin, Director of Academic Success
- David Magill, Professor of English and Chair, Department of English & Modern Languages
- Paul Hunter, Assistant Professor of Professional Writing
March 25
AI Tool Spotlight: Notebook LM: An interactive workshop exploring the pros and cons of how NotebookLM can transform research and learning by organizing sources, generating insights, and streamlining academic workflows for faculty and staff.
Presenter: Jacob Dolence, Director, Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
April 15
AI with the Deans: How AI is being used in Longwood Colleges: This dynamic panel of Longwood University college deans will discuss how AI is being applied across disciplines and supporting the work of their colleges.
Panelists:
- Roger Byrne, Dean, Cook-Cole College of Arts & Sciences
- Chris Kukk, Dean, Cormier Honors College
- Khawaja Mamun, Dean, College of Business & Economics
- Angela McDonald, Dean, College of Education, Health, and Human Services
- Jeannine Perry, Dean, College of Graduate & Professional Studies
SYNC YOUR CALENDARS: 2025-2026 CAFE SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Faculty Well-Being Week March 30-April 3, 2026
2026 Teaching and Learning Institute May 12, 2026