Inside UVA

Dr. Bill Petri came to UVA for Medical School and never left! In his over 30 years here, he's authored over 400 publications and worked with dozens of undergraduate and medical students in his research lab. In the past couple years, he's also been a resource to the community, communicating important information and research related to COVID-19. In this episode he talks about why he loves working with student researchers and some of his favorite running spots in the Charlottesville area.

It might be the height of basketball season but the varsity athletes aren't the only ones practicing, working out and competing. UVA has over 60 club sports and intramural competitions, not to mention group fitness classes and four gyms open to students, faculty, staff and community members. It's all run by the department of IM-Rec. This week we talk to the Director of IM-Rec Sports, Erica Perkins about all the health and wellness opportunities available to the UVA community.  Learn More: https://recsports.virginia.edu/index

Dr. Craig Kent was never supposed to go into medicine. He grew up helping his dad run a ranch in Nevada that had been in his family since the 1880s. Eventually, he got his family’s blessing to become a vascular surgeon and he’s spent his career dividing his time between patient care, research, and hospital administration. He currently serves as the CEO of UVA Health.

Lauren Kim (COL '22) has a lot of responsibility for an undergraduate student. She runs The University Judiciary Committee or "UJC" in UVA speak. The UJC is an entirely student-run judiciary body which is responsible for upholding the University’s Standards of Conduct. In this episode, she talks about how the UJC operates, how it differs from the Honor Committee, and how she choose her unusual double major combination of Global Security and Justice and Medieval Studies. You can also follow her mac-and cheese review account on instagram @leakednoods.

Dr. Rita Dove is one of the most acclaimed contemporary American poets. But every week a few dozen UVA students get to sit down in the classroom with her to read, write and discuss poetry. Charlottesville and UVA are honored to host Professor Dove and in this episode she discusses her early literary influences, from MAD Magazine to Shakespeare, the assignment her students live in fear of, and her experience serving as Poet Laureate of the United States from 1993 to 1995. Her latest book of poetry is Playlist for the Apocalypse.

Professor Ken Elzinga has perhaps taught more UVA students than any other faculty member. Every fall he teaches Econ 201 to nearly a thousand students, making his class the largest one at the university. He is known by his students not only for his engaging lectures but also for his commitment to their personal and intellectual development. In this conversation he talks about participating in Supreme Court cases, his faith, and some of his favorite vintage cars.

Colette Sheehy started as a Budget Analyst at UVA in 1982. These days she has a large portfolio of responsibilities that range from parking to working with the Virginia General Assembly. President Ryan asks her about her long career at the university and what it takes to manage the operations of a university during a period of immense growth.

Natalia Wilson’s (COL ’02) father told her she was his immigration lawyer at age three. It took her a few more years to get officially licensed, but these days she’s a Principal at at a family law firm in Washington, DC. President Ryan sat down with Natalia Wilson to get her perspective as an alumna on the University and the impact it’s has on her life and career.

The Honor Committee is one of UVA's most cherished and controversial institutions. The current Honor Committee Chair, Andy Chambers, says he knew he wanted to be a part of it from the first time he visited UVA. In this episode of Inside UVA, Andy Chambers and President Ryan talk about changes to the Honor System, student self-governance and what it means to live, work, and study in a community of trust. You might even learn a little bit about building your own guitar...

Even if you don't know what the Chief Operating Officer does, if you live, work or study at UVA, you've almost certainly gotten an email from Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis. She's the one who lets us know when there's a snow day or a test to the emergency system, and this past year she's sent us a lot of updates about COVID-19. Tune in to hear about how UVA upended its operations to ensure safety during COVID-19 and get to know the person behind the emails.