THE LAUNCH OF INNOVATIVE JOURNALISM INITIATIVES

From Two Award-Winning Journalists

e Pell Center for International Relations recently launched two exciting initiatives designed to inform and inspire audiences through focused journalism. Nationhood Lab, which launched its website and data journalism portal Feb. 14, is focused on counteracting the authoritarian threat to American democracy and the centrifugal forces threatening the country’s stability.

Leading the initiative is Colin Woodard, a New York Times bestselling historian, Polk Award-winning journalist and published author. His research on the 2022 midterm elections shows that the in uence of centuries-old colonization patterns often overwhelms state boundaries and urbanrural splits. Released on nationhoodlab.org, the research appears alongside previously published analyses of the regional geography of Covid-19 vaccination rates, a critical analysis of the alleged rural-urban divide in presidential elections and other topics.

“Our country’s democratic experiment and the union itself are endangered to a degree not seen since the Civil War,” Woodard said. “Understanding our underlying structural weaknesses is essential to mounting an e ective defense of both.” e articles are part of Nationhood Lab’s data journalism work, which uses Woodard’s American Nations model of North America’s regional cultures as an analytical framework for enhancing understanding of key electoral, legislative, social, cultural and economic phenomena, past and present. e model, based on the distinct characteristics and spread of the rival colonial projects across the continent, comes from his Wall Street Journal bestseller “American Nations.”

Nationhood Lab will develop and test strategic messaging around an accurate, compelling and reinvigorated version of America’s civic national story in support of civic education programs and public awareness campaigns in advance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

“ e choice we all face as Americans is one between a future that is singular and violent or plural and peaceful,” said Jim Ludes, executive director of the Pell Center. “Colin’s work aligns with the Pell Center’s legacy and the mission of Salve Regina University. It a rms the ideals of America’s founding and the essential value of republican government, and we’re thrilled to host this vital work at the Pell Center.”

A second Pell Center initiative, Ocean e establishment of Ocean State Stories comes against the national backdrop of increasingly endangered local reporting, a cornerstone of American democracy since before the founding of the republic. Layo s, closures and sales of once-independent local newspapers to out-of-town chains and hedge funds have led to a rising number of news deserts and a reduction in coverage of issues of vital importance to residents of many regions.

State Stories, is a new media outlet serving Rhode Island residents that will be devoted to long-form journalism about issues of importance to the many diverse communities within the state. Content—which is being published in English and Spanish—will also be published on the platform’s print newspaper partners, including the Warwick Beacon, the Cranston Herald, and the Johnston SunRise.

Ocean State Stories is led by G. Wayne Miller, director, a multimedia journalist who has been honored more than 50 times during his years reporting in Rhode Island. Over the last decade, he has helped build “Story in the Public Square,” a storytelling initiative of the Pell Center, into an award-winning, nationally broadcast program.

Serving as a mentor to a new generation of journalists, Miller will oversee recruitment of freelance reporters, who will be members of the communities they cover, writing about the important issues in those areas through a thoroughly local lens.

“I’m thrilled that this platform will allow for a deeper dive into issues I have explored as a journalist for four decades in Rhode Island,” said Miller, who will also write stories. “I’m really looking forward to showcasing the work of local freelance journalists as we expand this initiative in the weeks and months to come.”

Welcome To Salve

Dr. Tracey Cameron, a student life professional with more than 20 years of experience in higher education administration, joined the Salve Regina community as its new associate vice president and dean of students. Cameron comes from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where she has served as dean of students since 2020.

“I have a great appreciation for Salve Regina’s mission, rich history and tradition of service,” Cameron said. “I am excited about the intentional work being done and look forward to contributing to this e ort and others in my role as associate vice president/dean of students.” roughout Cameron’s career in higher education, which also includes 10 years in leadership positions at Wellesley College, she has emphasized cultivating healthy campus climates that foster a sense of belonging for all students. Focused on equity and inclusion, she designed new programs, services and co-curricular learning opportunities to promote retention, persistence and satisfaction of diverse learners.

“What I love most about working with college students is the opportunity to be a collaborative partner along their educational journey,” she said. “I feel extremely fortunate to be joining an institution like Salve Regina that is values- and mission-driven.”

E E E

Lynne Mello, a marketing and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience both in private industry and higher education, was appointed as the University’s chief marketing and communications o cer. Mello joins the senior leadership team and will collaborate with stakeholders across campus in advancing Salve Regina’s core values while also working to expand the institution’s national visibility.

“Salve is truly fortunate to welcome Lynne to our community as we work to elevate our institutional pro le,” said Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong, president. “She is a talented, collaborative leader known for building strong teams and relationships, and she has a deep appreciation for our special mercy mission.”

Mello has served as associate vice president of marketing and communications at Roger Williams University since 2017, where she helped lead the institution’s strategic direction, management and measurement of integrated marketing, branding and communications. Prior to that, she worked for 12 years at global toy manufacturer Tomy Company, Ltd., serving in multiple leadership positions, including as vice president of marketing and communications.

“I want to continue to serve a University that is helping students make a positive impact on the world,” Mello said. “I am impressed with Salve Regina’s mission of mercy and focus on tradition, and I see great potential for the Salve Regina brand. I am excited about the opportunity to work directly with President Armstrong and senior leadership to evolve and amplify Salve in this highly competitive market.” e University’s strategic direction is based on foundational values that emphasize a mercy-driven education, compassionate service and solidarity with those in need. Like Catherine McAuley and the rst Sisters of Mercy, the University community is encouraged to identify and respond to such needs through various initiatives such as the service advocate program coordinated by the Center for Community Engagement and Service. Long-term placements with community partners enable service advocates to connect meaningfully with local organizations, and play an important role in the community by giving back to others.

This Is The Place For Me

Morgan Dubay ’24 is a psychology and dance double major with a minor in appliedbehavioral analytics. After seeing Extensions Dance Company perform when she was only 8 years old, she decided that Salve was the school for her.

“We saw the show and we left, and I looked at my mom and I said, ‘I really want to go to Salve, this is the place for me,’ and ever since, it was the only place ever on my radar,” said Dubay. “Once they had the dance major, that’s when I really decided that Salve was a no-brainer.”

Due to her dedication to bettering her community, Dubay decided to become a service advocate as a first-year student. To date, she has completed close to 300 hours of community service.

“It’s just something that’s a part of who I am, something I’ve always done because we don’t know how helping somebody can change the trajectory of their whole day or their life,” said Dubay.

An advocate for Hasbro Children’s Hospital, the pediatric division of Rhode Island Hospital, Dubay helps any way she can, whether the task is big or small. Even something as simple as cleaning the toys for the children is a huge help as the sta is then able to direct their attention to the patients.

She also spends time with patients, whether by coloring with them or regularly and can see the growth or the change within them. It helps me stay optimistic and help grasp that maybe I am helping them and I am changing their day.” participating in child life therapy, where she listens to how they feel and discusses where they are emotionally. e children at the hospital have serious illnesses and it can be hard for Dubay to stay positive in such a di cult environment.

In addition to her service advocacy, Dubay stays active on campus and is the internal chair for Salvethon, the co-cap tain of the dance club, a member of Sigma Phi Sigma, and a part of the Extensions Dance Company. She started dancing at only 18-months-old and in the future hopes to combine her love of service and dance.

“Working at Hasbro and working with psychiatric patients, I feel that I have a better understanding of what they need and hope to be a dance movement therapist with psychiatric patients when I’m older,” said Dubay.

“ ere’s de nitely road bumps with patients,” said Dubay. “You’re trying to help them look on the bright side, and you’re trying to be a positive light for them even when it’s hard to pull that out of yourself.”

Despite the challenges, Dubay is committed to service and stays motivated by the idea that she could make someone’s day a little brighter.

“My motivation is de nitely the kids,” she continued. “I see some of the patients

“Morgan has been volunteering for the Child Life Department for the past several months and has been observed to have a natural comfortability with patients of all ages as well as their families,” said Rona Principle, child life specialist at Hasbro. “Morgan has served to be a comforting presence, engaging patients in play and lending a listening ear to patients and families who need to talk. We are happy to have her as part of our volunteer program.”

Building Connections

Aryanna Clasby ’26 is a criminal justice and criminology major who hopes to have a career where she is able to help others.

“I want to investigate and be rsthand to not only help people but bring them closure and justice to situations and problems they might have run into,” said Clasby.

Service has always been an important part of Clasby’s life. In high school she was a member of three honor societies and completed almost 1000 hours of community service. is passion for helping others motivated her to apply for Salve Regina’s service plunge, which led to her becoming a service advocate on campus.

“A lot of people don’t continue community service transitioning out of high school or into college or out of college into life. I think it’s super important to continue giving back so with that, I knew I wanted to be a service advocate,” said Clasby.

Currently, she is a service advocate for Conexion Latina Newport, an organization that helps the Hispanic/Latino community build connections and gain access to important resources such as medical care and housing. Clasby discovered the organization when her First-Year Transitions class volunteered with the organization.

Clasby knows a little Spanish, which helps her to bridge the language barrier and help people within the Newport community. During her rst days at college, she helped prepare school supplies for the younger children, so they were prepared for the school year. is small gesture made such a di erence for the students, and she heard rsthand how much of an impact service has on others.

“It was her rst day of rst or second grade and she didn’t speak any English,” said Clasby, referring to one of the young children she met. “She loved it, she had such a great rst day, but it puts into perspective that they have to learn a completely new language, completely adapt to a brand-new culture, and really only have the people that they came here with. It takes a while to build connections and Conexion Latina is a really good resource, o ering so much support and help.”

In addition to being a service advocate, Clasby is a member of the swim team and the Campus Activities Board. She wants to continue her service advocacy on campus and commit to service as a way of life. It is something that is important to her, and she hopes to help many more people while at Salve Regina and after as well.

-Amanda Graves ’23