VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY NEWS

The Philadelphia Inquirer
Aaron Bauer, ‘the Lizard King,’ retires after 38 years teaching at Villanova

July 12, 2026 - At this week’s national herpetology conference in New Orleans, a special session called “Bauer-fest” will celebrate Aaron Bauer's career. “He’s always continued to be a really strong advocate for all of his students,” said Daniel Paluh, an assistant professor at the University of Dayton in Ohio, and one of the former students organizing the event.

Newsweek
Housing Bill Reaches Crucial Deadline. How Will It Change the US Market?

July 8, 2026 - Jeanna Kenney, a professor of economics and real estate at Villanova School of Business, told Newsweek that the legislation is “a meaningful attempt for the federal government to play a larger role in the affordability debate, which has largely been left up to local governments to address.”

The Conversation
'For the 1 in 4 Teens With ‘Problematic Smartphone Use,’ Pennsylvania’s Proposed Bell‑to‑Bell Cellphone Ban Might not be a Simple Solution

July 6, 2026 - "As a forensic nurse, I study internet safety, cyber aggression and technology-related risks among children. Following these new rules will likely be challenging for all students. For some, the effort will pay off with improved health, safety and development. But those who are dependent on their cellphone may have trouble adapting." Elizabeth Dowdell is a professor of Nursing at Villanova University.

CNN
On the Eve of America's Birthday, the First American Pope Takes Center Stage

July 3, 2026 - On Friday, Pope Leo formally accepted the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center, a non-partisan non-profit located across from Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed ... “I think [the Pope] has been a conciliatory figure,” said Michael Moreland, professor of Law and Religion at Villanova University. “...He can be a source of unity and pride certainly for American Catholics especially, but [also] for Americans generally at a time of sometimes national division.”

Philadelphia Inquirer
The Hot Nights Are Getting More Dangerous as Philly's Rowhouses Become 'Brick Ovens'

July 3, 2026 - Amid the heat wave, Sunny G. Hallowell, associate professor of nursing at Villanova University, recommends cool showers and tepid baths. Also, especially with storms threatened, be prepared for power outages. She suggested storing damp towels in the refrigerator or freezer as a quick cool-down resource should the A/C go off.

NPR
Americans Are Showing Up for the World Cup in Record-Breaking Numbers

July 1, 2026 - The World Cup began dogged by criticism over sky-high ticket prices and concerns that the U.S. was a problematic host. None of those issues have been resolved. But Americans are showing up anyway for the world's most beloved sport and in record-breaking numbers. "Soccer has won," said Bret Myers, who teaches sports analytics at Villanova University's School of Business. " In the sense of, it has kind of drowned out any potential issues or any of the controversies that were bubbling before the tournament."