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A year in the spotlight: University of Delaware’s most notable media mentions of 2025
In 2025, the University of Delaware had many exceptional media mentions. Here are some of the most notable. Science coverage dominated Where will the next big hurricane hit? Ask the sharks. (The Washington Post) – Aaron Carlisle, a marine ecologist, was featured for his revolutionary work using sharks to predict major weather events. Scientists could soon lose a key tool for studying Antarctica's melting ice sheets as climate risks grow (NBC News) – Carlos Moffat, an associate professor and oceanographer, spoke about the national budget and how it's impacting climate research. These Katrina Survivors Feel Overlooked. Now, They’re Using TikTok to Tell Their Stories (Rolling Stone) – Jennifer Trivedi, a disaster researcher, spoke about why Hurricane Katrina was such a major story. Malala Yousafzai, Migration and Sustainability (Forbes) – Saleem Ali, a professor of energy and environment, contributed regularly to Forbes on environmental topics. Scientists went hunting for freshwater deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. What they found could have global implications (CNN) – Holly Michael, a professor of Earth sciences and civil and environmental engineering, spoke about the history of freshwater. Engineering Professor Answers Electric Car Questions (WIRED) – Willett Kempton, a professor of engineering, joined WIRED to answer the internet's most interesting questions about electric cars. Plastic shopping bag policies are actually working, a new study suggests (CNN) – Kimberly Oremus, associate professor of marine science and policy, was featured in several major outlets on the effectiveness of plastic bag bans. Insects are dying: here are 25 easy and effective ways you can help protect them (The Guardian) – Douglas Tallamy, an entomologist, was featured in dozens of outlets for his expertise. Political news coverage was front and center U.S. Chamber of Commerce sues Trump administration over $100,000 H-1B visa fees (NPR) – Daniel Kinderman, a political science professor, was interviewed for his expertise on a lawsuit involving changes in work visas. The government shutdown is over, but expect more fights and higher insurance prices to come (Delaware Public Media) – David Redlawsk, a political psychologist, discussed the recent government shutdown and what an end to it signals. Wrestling Over Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and the Divide in America (The New York Times) – Dannagal Young, a communications professor, commented on how media reacted to the death of Charlie Kirk. Consequences for colleges whose students carry mountains of debt? Republicans say yes (NPR) – Dominique Baker, associate professor of education, was quoted in multiple national outlets for her education expertise. General expertise came in clutch Why the U.S. struggles with passenger service despite having the most rail lines (NPR) – Allan Zarembski, a professor of railroad engineering, was featured in dozens of national publications for his expertise. From folklore to your front porch: The history of the jack-o'-lantern (NPR) – Cindy Ott, an associate professor of history, detailed the history of this autumn staple in multiple outlets. Nexstar Media Group buying Tegna in deal worth $6.2 billion (AP) – Danilo Yanich, professor of public policy, noted the ways the media giant duplicates work across networks. Warren Buffett hired Todd Combs to take over Berkshire's portfolio one day. Here's what close watchers say about his surprise exit. (Business Insider) – Lawrence Cunningham, director of UD's Weinberg Center, was featured throughout the year for his business and economic expertise. Enlighten Me: How to make your holidays truly happy (Delaware Public Media) – Amit Kumar, a professor of marketing, discussed strategies for finding happiness during the holidays throughout the winter season. Students and their stories shined throughout the year Networking: Is it what you know or who you know? (The Chronicle of Higher Education) – UD's career-development office, which assists students on their job journeys, was featured. U of Delaware Creates Yearlong Co-Ops for Business Students (Inside Higher Ed) – A new partnership with the state of Delaware connects business students to local employers, with the goal of reducing brain drain in the region was featured. Wilmington’s 'STEM Queen' earns national Obama–Chesky honor (The News Journal/Delaware Online) – Jacqueline Means, a management information systems major, was featured for earning a national recognition. Vita Nova Restaurant Gives Culinary Students Hands-on Training (Delaware Today) – The student-staffed restaurant, Vita Nova, was featured. Delaware professor transforms writing class by teaching students to use AI as the technology reshapes the workforce (WHYY) – Matt Kinservik, a professor of English, was featured for teaching students to use AI responsibly, exploring its capabilities and fact-checking tools. Pop culture experts weighed in 'Stranger Things' expert at UD chats about Netflix show's appeal (The News Journal/Delaware Online) – Siobhan Carroll, an associate English professor, sat down with a reporter to discuss the latest season and how the horror genre is often a mirror of our real world. “Horrendous And Insulting”: Backlash Erupts Over “Misrepresentation” In 2026 Wuthering Heights (Bored Panda) – Thomas Leitch, an English professor, said that “literal adaptations of classic novels are exceedingly rare, maybe impossible.” Major changes at UD highlighted University of Delaware appoints interim president to the permanent post (The Philadelphia Inquirer) – News of UD's new president, Laura A. Carlson, was covered throughout the region. Retiree learning center gets boost with $1M gift for downstate OLLI classes (Spotlight Delaware) – a large donation to the southern Delaware chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, was featured. To speak with any of these experts in 2026 on these stories or others, please reach out to MediaRelations@udel.edu. Happy holidays and cheers for a bright and healthy new year!
From Saint to Superstar: The Remarkable History of Santa — and His Many Global Identities
Santa Claus may look familiar — red suit, white beard, infectious laugh — but behind the modern icon is a centuries-long story shaped by religion, folklore, migration, marketing, and local tradition. Far from being a single character, “Santa” is a global collection of gift-givers, each reflecting the culture that shaped them. The Historical Roots: A Saint Becomes a Symbol The story of Santa Claus begins with St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for generosity, compassion, and secret gift-giving. Stories of Nicholas helping the poor — often anonymously — spread across Europe, establishing a lasting connection between generosity and winter celebrations. Over time, St. Nicholas evolved from a religious figure into a folkloric one as traditions blended with local customs, seasonal festivals, and storytelling. The idea of a benevolent winter gift-giver became firmly embedded in European culture long before Santa ever boarded a sleigh. Santa in North America: Reinvention and Red Suits In North America, Santa Claus emerged as a cultural hybrid: Dutch settlers brought traditions of Sinterklaas 19th-century poems and illustrations reshaped Santa into a jovial, approachable figure 20th-century popular culture and advertising standardized the modern image: red suit, round belly, flying reindeer, North Pole address What began as a saintly figure became a universal symbol of generosity, childhood wonder, and seasonal joy — largely detached from religious roots but deeply tied to cultural celebration. Santa Around the World: Same Spirit, Different Stories Santa’s core traits — kindness, generosity, winter magic — remain consistent, but his appearance and habits vary widely: Europe Sinterklaas (Netherlands & Belgium): Arrives by boat, wears bishop’s robes, celebrated earlier in December Father Christmas (UK): Rooted in feasting and goodwill, later merged with Santa traditions Père Noël (France): Delivers gifts with a quiet, gentle presence La Befana (Italy): A broom-riding grandmother figure tied to Epiphany traditions Nordic Countries Joulupukki (Finland): Lives in Lapland, wears practical winter clothing, and feels distinctly grounded in nature Julenisse (Norway & Denmark): A blend of Santa and household folklore spirits Asia Hoteiosho (Japan): A cheerful monk associated with happiness and abundance Christmas gift-givers in many Asian countries are largely secular, tied to pop culture rather than religion Latin America Papá Noel: Often coexists with religious gift-bringers tied to Epiphany Emphasis may be placed more on community and family than individual gift-giving Why Santa Still Matters Santa’s endurance lies in his adaptability. He absorbs cultural values — generosity, kindness, joy — and reflects them back in familiar, comforting ways. Whether religious, secular, or purely symbolic, Santa represents shared traditions that bring people together during the darkest days of the year. Story Angles for Journalists How St. Nicholas became a global icon The commercialization of Santa — myth vs. modern marketing Cultural identity through holiday folklore Why children worldwide believe in gift-givers How immigrant communities blend Santa traditions Santa as a mirror of societal values across cultures Why This Matters Today In an increasingly globalized world, Santa Claus is a rare figure who crosses borders with ease — adapting, evolving, and uniting cultures through shared storytelling. His many forms remind us that traditions aren’t static; they grow with the people who keep them alive. Journalists covering culture, history, religion, folklore, or holiday traditions can connect with historians, anthropologists, religious scholars, and cultural experts through ExpertFile to explore how Santa continues to shape — and reflect — societies around the world. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com
At Texas Christian University, Dr. Andrew Ledbetter, Chair of the Communication Studies Department, is turning his scholarly attention to one of pop culture’s biggest phenomena: Taylor Swift. His research uses data-driven analysis to reveal how Swift’s albums and songs build an interconnected narrative universe — what he calls her “Taylorverse.” Ledbetter ran lyrics across ten albums through semantic-network software to show how certain songs act as linchpins connecting themes of fame, womanhood, love and storytelling. “I was interested in interconnections among the song lyrics,” says Ledbetter. “The songs that are most central have a lot of overlap with other songs, might tend to be songs that are the most popular.” November 03 0 NBC News The work stands out not just for its pop-culture relevance, but for its academic innovation: combining computational text-analysis with narrative theory to unlock why certain tracks resonate more deeply than others. For journalists, cultural commentators or anyone covering the evolving intersection of music, identity and media, Dr. Ledbetter is a go-to expert. He can speak to how storytelling in music shapes audience engagement, how media fandom becomes scholarship, and why Swift’s songwriting continues to spark new research just as much as chart-topping hits. Andrew Ledbetter is available for interviews - Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Isn’t a Finish Line - It’s a Reality Check
Australia’s move to restrict social media accounts for kids under 16 has become a global lightning rod - and it’s forcing the right conversation: what do we do when a technology is too powerful for a developing brain? But here’s what I think journalists should focus on next: “A ban is a speed bump, not a seatbelt. It might slow kids down - but it won’t teach them how to drive their attention.” That’s the part that gets lost in the headlines. Because even if you can reduce access, you still have to deal with the why behind the behavior: boredom, social pressure, loneliness, stress, sleep debt. “The headlines make it sound like the problem is solved. But the real question is: what happens in the living room on day three?” Offline.now’s early data shows something important: most people genuinely want to change their screen habits, but many feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. That’s why we begin with a quick self-assessment and map people into four Types - Overwhelmed, Ready, Stuck, Unconcerned - so the advice matches the person. “We keep treating social media like a self-control test. It’s not. It’s a confidence problem - people don’t know where to start, so they start with shame.” What I’d tell policymakers considering similar bans 1. Pair friction with skills. “If the only plan is ‘block the app,’ you’re betting against the internet. Workarounds aren’t a bug - they’re the default.” 2. Don’t outsource responsibility entirely to families. “If policy turns parents into full-time bouncers and kids into part-time hackers, we’ve built a system that’s guaranteed to fail.” 3. Ask what gets protected, not just what gets restricted. “The real target isn’t ‘screen time.’ It’s the moments screens replace.” What parents need to know that headlines aren't telling them This is a process, not a switch. The best “first phone / first social” plans are adjustable. Modeling beats monitoring. The rules collapse if adults don’t follow them too. Have a handoff plan. If a child’s mood, sleep, school performance, or withdrawal is deteriorating, it may be bigger than habits. Why this is a late December / January story “The holidays are the perfect storm: more free time, more family friction, more devices, less sleep. January is when the bill comes due.” Journalist angles Bans vs. behavior change: what policy can’t solve The workarounds economy: age gates, bypass culture, privacy tension The four Types: why one-size fits all screen-time advice fails families New Year resets for families: simple, shame-free agreements that stick Available for interviews Eli Singer - CEO of Offline.now; author of Offline.now: A Practical Guide to Healthy Digital Balance. I speak about practical behavior change, non-judgmental family agreements, and confidence-based starting points - and I can direct people to licensed professionals via the Offline.now Directory when needs go beyond coaching.
The Light That Lasts: Exploring the Meaning and Magic of Hanukkah
Hanukkah may not be the biggest holiday in Judaism, but culturally it’s one of the most recognizable — a celebration of resilience, identity, family, and (let’s be honest) some of the world’s finest fried foods. Behind the candles and the dreidels is a deeper story that continues to resonate across generations, especially in a time when conversations about cultural identity, belonging, and freedom are front and centre. Where It All Begins: A Miracle of Light in a Time of Darkness Historically, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem around 164 BCE after the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, revolted against oppressive rule. When they reclaimed the Temple, tradition says only one day’s worth of purified oil remained — yet it burned for eight days. This “miracle of the oil” inspired the festival: eight nights of light triumphing over darkness, both literally and symbolically. Cultural Significance: A Celebration of Identity and Resilience Hanukkah stands as a powerful reminder of: Religious freedom — the right to practice one’s traditions openly Perseverance in the face of adversity The strength of cultural identity and community While it is not one of Judaism’s major holy days, its timing in the winter — often alongside Christmas — has made it a cornerstone of Jewish visibility in North America and worldwide. For many families, the holiday carries a warm mix of pride, heritage, and continuity: a chance to tell stories, honour ancestors, and reinforce cultural roots in a rapidly changing world. The Festive Side: Food, Family, Flame… and Spinning Tops Hanukkah traditions vary around the globe, but common themes include: Lighting the Menorah Each night, families add one more candle, filling homes with increasing brightness — a powerful metaphor for hope and persistence. Fried Foods Potato latkes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), fritters — all fried to commemorate the oil of the miracle. Dieticians everywhere look the other way. Dreidel Games The spinning top (nun, gimel, hey, shin) is tied to historical stories of Jewish children studying Torah in secret. Today it’s mostly about bragging rights and chocolate coins. Gifts and Gatherings Gift-giving is a more modern tradition in some regions, influenced by cultural exchange with North American holiday norms. Looking for an angle or Story? Hanukkah in a multicultural society — how Jewish visibility shapes community identity The Maccabees and modern conversations about resistance and resilience Evolving Hanukkah traditions across the global Jewish diaspora Food as cultural storytelling — the symbolism of oil in holiday cuisine The rise of public menorah lightings and interfaith holiday events How Hanukkah has been portrayed in pop culture — and why representation matters Why Hanukkah Still Resonates Today Hanukkah is more than a ritual of candles — it’s a celebration of survival, spirit, and cultural pride. In a world where communities continue to navigate questions of identity, inclusion, and tradition, the Festival of Lights offers a meaningful lens on perseverance and the enduring human drive toward hope. Connect with an expert today! Journalists exploring religion, culture, family traditions, or seasonal celebrations can connect with Hanukkah scholars, Jewish studies experts, cultural historians, and community leaders on ExpertFile for interviews and deeper insights. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com
The Meaning Behind Hanukkah Meals
As families around the world prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, University of Rochester professor Nora Rubel can expound on the deeper stories behind the holiday’s foods, rituals, and evolving traditions. Rubel, a scholar of Jewish studies and chair of the Department of Religion and Classics, specializes in how Jewish identity is expressed through everyday practices and food. For instance, her work explores how dishes like latkes and sufganiyot (fried jelly donuts) carry meanings beyond the kitchen. “Food is one of the most powerful ways communities tell their stories,” Rubel says. “During Hanukkah, the foods we make and share help us remember the past, celebrate resilience, and connect with one another.” Hanukkah runs from Dec. 14 through Dec. 22 this year. Oil at the Heart of Hanukkah: Why Fried Foods Matter Many people recognize the holiday through its signature fried foods. But Rubel notes that these traditions developed over centuries and vary widely across cultures. • Ashkenazi Jews typically serve potato latkes. • Sephardic and Mizrahi communities prepare sufganiyot, bimuelos, zalabiya, and other fried sweets. • Some families incorporate dairy dishes, drawing on medieval interpretations of the Hanukkah story. What unites these foods, Rubel explains, is the symbolism of oil, which commemorates the miracle at the heart of the Hanukkah story. Many Ways to Celebrate Rubel emphasizes that Hanukkah is not a monolithic holiday. Its rituals, from lighting the menorah to singing blessings and exchanging gifts, vary across communities and generations. Some families add new traditions such as: • Hosting “latke tasting” gatherings • Experimenting with global Jewish recipes • Incorporating social justice themes into nightly candle-lighting • Sharing stories of family immigration and heritage “Hanukkah is a living tradition,” Rubel says. “It continues to evolve, and food is one of the ways people reinterpret what the holiday means for them today.” A Resource for Understanding Jewish Life Rubel’s broader scholarship focuses on American Jewish life, cultural memory, and how religious identities are shaped in the home as much as in the synagogue. She is a go-to resource for journalists covering holiday practices, regional Jewish cuisines, and the meaning behind rituals that shape the season, and is featured in “Family Recipe: Jewish American Style,” a new documentary now airing on PBS stations across the United States. Rubel is available for interviews throughout the Hanukkah period and beyond, and can speak to how traditions differ in Jewish communities around the world, the evolution of Hanukkah in American culture, and contemporary interpretations of rituals and identity. Click on Rubel's profile to connect with her.
Holiday Anxiety Is Real — Here’s How People Can Actually Stay Sane This Season
The holidays promise joy, warmth, and “quality time,” but for many people they also deliver a cocktail of stress, expectations, forced cheer, family politics, and receipts longer than a CVS bill. Between travel chaos, financial pressure, social burnout, and attempting to assemble toys designed by engineers who clearly hate humans, holiday anxiety is soaring. The good news: experts who study mental health, behaviour, and stress management say there are ways to keep your nerves intact — and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way. Why the Holidays Stress People Out (Science Says It’s Not Just You) Adults report higher levels of stress in November and December than almost any other time of year. Common triggers include: Financial expectations: gifts, gatherings, travel, meals, and the sudden belief that every present needs to be “meaningful.” Time pressure: too much to do, too few days on the calendar. Social overload: introverts, extroverts, and “I’m-just-here-for-the-food-verts” all feel it. Family dynamics: every family has at least one person who always “starts something.” Nostalgia vs. reality: the pressure to create a “perfect holiday,” despite the fact that perfect holidays only exist in movies and greeting cards. Experts note that people often skip their routines (sleep, exercise, healthy meals) and then wonder why their stress spikes. The season demands more of people while simultaneously removing their coping mechanisms. Practical Ways to Reduce Holiday Anxiety — Backed by Psychology (and Common Sense) 1. Lower the Bar: “Good Enough” Is a Holiday Gift to Yourself Researchers consistently find that perfectionism fuels anxiety. A store-bought pie, a slightly messy house, or wrapping gifts in whatever paper you can find at 11 p.m. will not derail the season. 2. Set Boundaries (Even With the Loud Relatives) Experts often emphasize that saying “no” is one of the most effective stress-management tools. Fewer events, fewer obligations, fewer emotional landmines. 3. Budget Before You Shop Financial therapists note that anxiety drops when people pre-set limits and stick to them. You don’t need a MasterCard bill that arrives in January carrying the emotional weight of a Greek tragedy. 4. Protect Your Recharge Time A short walk, fresh air, or 10 minutes of solitude is not selfish — it’s psychological maintenance. Mental-health researchers recommend intentionally scheduling downtime before the calendar fills itself. 5. Keep Expectations Realistic Not every moment will be magical. Not every conversation will be smooth. Not every plan will unfold as imagined. Experts say acceptance, not forced positivity, lowers stress significantly. 6. Focus on Meaning, Not Perfection Studies show that people feel calmer when they shift their focus toward connection, gratitude, and small moments rather than elaborate performances of holiday cheer. Holiday Angles for Journalists The psychology behind holiday anxiety — what triggers it and why it’s so universal How family systems and old patterns surface at holiday gatherings The economics of holiday stress — debt, spending pressure, and emotional spending How introverts (and extroverts) navigate holiday overload differently Why holiday nostalgia makes people emotionally sensitive Healthy boundary-setting during family events How immigrant, multicultural, and blended families are reshaping holiday expectations Let's get you connected to an expert. The holiday season is increasingly fast-paced, commercialized, and socially demanding. Many people feel pressure to present a perfect life at a time when burnout, financial strain, and mental-health challenges are higher than ever. Helping audiences understand holiday stress — and giving them practical, research-grounded strategies — can make a measurable difference in their emotional well-being. For journalists covering mental health, family dynamics, holiday culture, or stress-management trends, ExpertFile’s roster of psychologists, counsellors, behavioural scientists, and wellness experts can offer insights, interviews, and real-world advice to support your reporting. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com
#ExpertSpotlight: Why Do We Eat Turkey at Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is all about tradition — family gatherings, fall colours, and the annual moment where someone at the table says, “I swear the turkey was bigger last year.” But why this bird? Why not ham, roast beef, or something simpler that doesn't require hours of basting, brining, and YouTube tutorials from chefs with suspiciously perfect kitchens? It turns out, the turkey’s rise to holiday fame is a tale packed with practicality, politics, early marketing, and a few misconceptions that have stuck around longer than the leftovers. Turkey: The Accidental Icon While popular myth suggests the Pilgrims dined on turkey in 1621, historical accounts are vague. They definitely ate wild fowl — which could’ve been turkey, duck, or goose. But practical realities sealed the deal later on: Turkeys were plentiful: In the 1800s, wild turkeys roamed North America in massive numbers. They were big, available, and cheaper to raise than cows or pigs. Big bird = big table: A turkey could feed a crowd without sacrificing dairy-producing animals. Practicality wins again. Seasonal timing: Turkeys matured in the fall, just in time for an annual feast. Nature set the menu before Pinterest ever could. Sarah Josepha Hale: The 19th-Century Queen of Thanksgiving One of the biggest reasons turkey ended up on the national table? A woman named Sarah Josepha Hale — journalist, author, and relentless advocate for making Thanksgiving a national holiday. Hale spent decades campaigning, writing hundreds of letters, and filling her magazine with Thanksgiving recipes (including turkey). When Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving in 1863, Hale’s influence helped cement turkey as the centrepiece. In other words: The “Mother of Thanksgiving” was also the Mother of Modern Turkey Marketing. The Power of Tradition (and Leftovers) By the 20th century, turkey was the default. Norman Rockwell painted it. Grocery stores promoted it. Manufacturers created special roasting pans for it. And millions of families quietly wondered whether it was worth the effort. Yet the turkey holds its place because: It symbolizes abundance It satisfies enough people to avoid mutiny Its leftovers power the real Thanksgiving tradition: sandwiches Great Story Angles for Journalists The forgotten role of Sarah Josepha Hale — the woman who shaped a national holiday How turkeys became big business — and how Thanksgiving drives Canada/U.S. poultry economics Turkey myths vs. facts — no, tryptophan alone doesn’t knock you out How immigrant communities reinterpret Thanksgiving menus What the “perfect” turkey says about North American food culture Why It Matters Today Thanksgiving remains a cultural anchor — a moment where millions gather over a shared meal whose main dish has become iconic, symbolic, and occasionally overcooked. Understanding how turkey became the star of the table opens conversations about food history, national identity, environmental sustainability, cultural adaptation, and of course… the annual debate over stuffing inside or outside the bird. For journalists exploring food history, cultural traditions, or holiday trends, culinary experts on ExpertFile can provide deeper context, historical insight, and delicious perspectives to bring your stories to life. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com
Worked Through Thanksgiving? That’s a Burnout Red Flag, Not a Badge of Honor
If your Thanksgiving weekend included answering work emails from a guest room, sneaking Slack replies between courses, or “just finishing one thing” while your family watched a movie, you’re not alone. But Craig Selinger, an executive function coach who works with high achievers, says it’s a warning sign, not proof of commitment. “More and more of my clients tell me they ‘took time off’ - but then admit they were checking in on everything from their phones,” Selinger says. “They come back to work exhausted, frustrated with their families, and confused about why they don’t feel refreshed.” He doesn’t see this as a time-management failure. He sees it as a boundary failure fueled by an always-on culture. “Old technology stayed in one place,” he explains. “A desktop in a home office was easy to walk away from. Now, work follows you onto the couch, into your in-laws’ living room, and onto the plane ride home. Unless you deliberately decide when you’re not available, the default is ‘always working, never actually off.’” After holidays like Thanksgiving, Selinger helps clients reflect on a few key questions: Did you actually have any fully work-free hours or days? Did your phone stay with you during meals and family time - and did you feel pulled to check it? Do you feel like you rested, or like you just changed locations while staying on call? “If the honest answers are uncomfortable, that’s valuable data,” he says. “It means your relationship with availability needs attention.” Instead of telling high performers to “just unplug,” Selinger works with them to redesign their availability ahead of the next holiday crunch: Setting clear out-of-office messages that specify when they’ll be offline and when they’ll check in. Agreeing with their team on what counts as a true emergency and which channel should be used for it. Creating short, non-negotiable deep-rest windows - for example, no work apps from 5-9 p.m. on certain days, or one weekend day that’s completely work-free. “When people see that they can set smart boundaries and still be respected and effective, that’s usually the turning point,” Selinger says. “They stop confusing constant responsiveness with real value.” With December’s year-end push approaching, he believes now is the time for high performers to recalibrate. “Treat this past Thanksgiving as a test run,” he suggests. “If you didn’t get the rest you needed, don’t just shrug it off. Use it as the moment you decide to draw a clearer line before the next holiday - for your performance and for the people who actually sat across the table from you.” About the Expert Craig Selinger is an executive function coach who works with founders, executives, families, and high-achieving students. He specializes in digital distraction, productivity, and helping people build realistic boundaries in an always-on work culture. Craig is part of the Executive Function Coaching Community at Offline.now
A new national Unity Poll from Vanderbilt University shows overwhelming agreement among Americans on one core belief: colleges should teach students how to think, not what to think. At a time when higher education is under intense political and cultural scrutiny, this finding reveals an unexpected area of unity. Amid debates over free speech, curriculum design, and the purpose of a degree, Americans are signaling a shared expectation for colleges to cultivate critical thinking and reasoning — not ideological conformity. For journalists, observers or anyone keeping a close eye on post-secondary education, this is a rare lens into what the public actually wants from higher education, and a timely point of entry into stories about academic freedom, the value of a college degree, political polarization, and workforce readiness. “Many observers think current debates about the nature of higher education are relatively new but they are not,” said John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Unity Poll and professor of political science. “The country, for example, was debating the purpose, value and direction of higher education in the 1940s when the federal government made major investments in research and teaching during and after World War II.” “People want colleges and professors to teach students how to think, not what to think,” added Vanderbilt Poll Co-Director Josh Clinton, who holds the Abby and Jon Winkelried Chair at Vanderbilt and is a professor of political science. “The public most highly values those parts of higher education that help students think critically, process information and contribute meaningfully to society. The closer you get to subjects and content that has associations with contemporary political divisions, the more you see public support fracture.” John Geer and Josh Clinton, Co-Directors of the Vanderbilt Unity Poll and Professors of Political Science, are among the nation’s leading experts on public opinion, political behavior and democratic attitudes. With decades of research experience and multiple national polls under their leadership, Geer and Clinton bring essential context to these findings. Their perspective helps media interpret not only the data itself, but the broader social forces shaping how Americans view higher education, institutional trust and the role of colleges in preparing the next generation. What the Data Reveals: 1. A Return to Fundamentals: The Public Wants Critical Thinking Above All Ninety percent of Americans say “the ability to think more logically” is extremely or very important for their children to gain from college. Factual knowledge matters too, but the public places higher value on reasoning, analysis and cognitive skill-building. Geer can help illuminate why this shift is resonating so strongly now — and what it suggests about the changing expectations placed on colleges and universities. 2. A Rare Point of Consensus in a Polarized Era The emphasis on teaching students how to think cuts across political, geographic and demographic lines. Geer notes that agreement of this magnitude is increasingly uncommon in today’s contentious climate. This story angle gives journalists a data-driven counterpoint to the typical “campus culture wars” narrative — showing where unity still exists and why. 3. Is College Worth It? Depends How You Ask When asked about long-term value, a majority of Americans say a college degree is worth the time because it opens better job prospects. But when the question focuses on financial cost, support drops significantly. Geer and Clinton can walk reporters through why perceptions differ depending on how “value” is framed — and how these attitudes influence choices about pursuing postsecondary education. 4. Americans Oppose Government Control of College Teaching Most respondents say the federal government should not direct how professors teach. This adds nuance to ongoing debates about curriculum oversight, classroom autonomy and political influence in higher education. Geer and Clinton’s expertise help explain how this preference aligns with longstanding public attitudes about institutional independence. 5. Curriculum Flashpoints Reveal Sharp Divides While many Americans agree on the need for core historical and civic content, support fragments around politically charged topics. Issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and certain cultural topics show much lower consensus. Read the full article and report here:
