Faculty/Staff Accomplishments and News Briefs 2/19/25

In this issue, we celebrate the accomplishments of faculty and staff in art, music, and psychology. We also share information about Meredith College Theatre’s production of Much Ado About Nothing and a reminder about the February 27 Faculty Distinguished Lecture.

Professor of Art Shannon Johnstone presented at the University of South Africa’s “Humans and Other Animals” conference in December 2024, and her presentation “Roadside Zoo: Captive Glow” won one of the Best Presentation Awards. She was also featured on The Deal With Animals podcast discussing Bansky’s summer 2024 art in London featuring zoo animals. Listen to the episode “A Very Banksy Roundtable with Claudia Hirtenfelder and Shannon Johnstone” at iheart.com.  Johnstone also co-authored (with Jane Casteline) an article titled “Picturing Pigs: A New Aesthetic” which was published in the most recent issue of Journal of Animal Ethics. 

Joseph Mazzola, Associate Professor of Psychology, recently had a paper, “The Impact of Healthy Choices at Work: Daily Barriers, Facilitators, and Their Effects on Stress and Performance” accepted for publication in Occupational Health Science.

Director of Instrumental Activities Jim Waddelow conducted the Onslow County Senior High Honors Orchestra in Jacksonville, N.C., on February 1. He was recently elected secretary of the National Board of Directors of the College Orchestra Director Association(CODA) at the 2025 national CODA convention in Omaha, Nebraska. 

News Briefs
Much Ado About Nothing Opens February 19
Meredith College Theatre presents Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, running February 19-23, in Jones Auditorium.  Come see Shakespeare’s enemies-to-lovers comedy romp. Reservations are encouraged but not required, and can be made at this link.

Reminder: Faculty Distinguished Lecture to be Held February 27
Professor of Music Kent Lyman will deliver Meredith College’s Faculty Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7 p.m., in Jones Auditorium.  The presentation will be an exploration of music’s ability to connect people in powerful ways. And there may be a surprising twist along the way! During the lecture-recital, the audience will get a glimpse of the passion and creative energy of Beethoven, the meticulous attention to detail in the piano teaching of Chopin, and the tragic story of Lili Boulanger, who was destined to become one of the great composers of the 20th century before her untimely death at age 24. This event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in Johnson Hall Rotunda. Read more about the Faculty Distinguished Lecture