Gov. Bob McDonnell discusses his education initiatives for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Topics include his K-12 and higher education agenda for the Commonwealth and the new education laws for public charter schools, virtual schools, and college partnership laboratory schools.

Dr. Joyce Bruhn de Garavito, a respected expert on bilingualism and language acquisition with publications in English and Spanish, discusses how learning a second language allows us to see the world differently. She proposes that the benefits include greater understanding of different cultures, better job possibilities and greater mental flexibility. Dr. de Garavito is the chair of the Hispanic studies program and modern languages and literatures at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Bill Bass will be giving a FREE public lecture about his research, books, and the UT Body Farm. Tickets are required and may be picked up at the D.P. Culp University Center beginning November 29th through December 2nd, Booth #1, 2nd Floor, D. P. Culp University Center. Dr. Bass will be selling and signing books directly following teh lecture - Cash or Check only, Please!

For over two centuries, the mysterious people known as Melungeons have been a part of Appalachian folklore. They’ve also presented a puzzle for researchers and families with connections to the group. “Claiming Kin: Mapping Melungeons and Related Groups” is the theme of the 14th annual gathering of the Melungeon Heritage Association. MHA, researchers, and interested individuals will meet on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee and in Vardy, Tennessee on June 23 through 26.