Villanova History Professor Uncovers Stories of Families Separated by Slavery in New BookFor decades after the abolition of slavery, thousands of formerly enslaved people placed ads in newspapers, eager to reconnect with loved ones. These deeply moving stories of family, loss and resilience are at the heart of "Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families," a new book by Judith Giesberg, PhD, professor of History in Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Villanova Theology Professor Reimagines Future of Catholic Higher Education in New Book As Catholic higher education institutions navigate an era of rapid change, Massimo Faggioli, PhD, professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University, offers a timely and insightful exploration of challenges and opportunities in his new book, "Theology and Catholic Higher Education: Beyond Our Identity Crisis" (Orbis Books, 2024).
Stephen Sexton Named 2025 Charles A. Heimbold Jr. Chair of Irish Studies at Villanova UniversityVillanova University selected Stephen Sexton, an award-winning Northern Irish poet and lecturer, as the 2025 Charles A. Heimbold Jr. Chair of Irish Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The visiting writer-in-residence program offers Irish Studies students the opportunity to participate in a close classroom experience with one of Ireland’s finest authors.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Launches The Villanova One Sky Center for AstrophysicsVillanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences launches its 12th Center of Excellence, The Villanova One Sky Center for Astrophysics. The Center is dedicated to advancing innovation and excellence in astrophysics by prioritizing inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Villanova English Professor Confronts Environmental Change Through Poetry in New BookIn her new book Flood Plain, poet and English Professor Lisa Sewell, PhD, engages with the pressing realities of environmental change through creative writing. The poetry collection investigates wild lands, coastal regions, wetlands and dam-ruined rivers—landscapes that have been altered by human activity.
Two Villanova Student-Produced Social Justice Documentaries Premiere This MayVillanova University’s Social Justice Documentary Filmmaking course is renowned for producing impactful films that illuminate vital narratives and many of the films garner both local and national recognition. In spring 2025, student production team Pinctada Pearl Productions will debut two new documentaries, each capturing compelling stories of cultural preservation, community, education, and empowerment.
New Book by English Professor Tsering Wangmo Reexamines Tibetan Exile and National Identity Associate Professor Tsering Wangmo, PhD, a scholar of English and Tibetan diasporic studies, has published a new book, The Politics of Sorrow. Focusing on the early years of Tibetan exile life in India and Nepal, this book marks a significant change in the fields of nationalism studies, refugee identity and Tibetan historiography.
