University of Puget Sound professor turns an interdisciplinary lens on electoral redistricting

Prof. Courtney Thatcher stands at the chalkboard during a class

In 2019, as the federal government began preparations for the 2020 U.S. Census, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Courtney Thatcher was doing a lot of thinking about the problem of redistricting. Every 10 years, population data from the census is used by states to redraw election maps. In theory, this redistricting process ensures that there are the same number of people in each district, giving them equal representation in Congress. In practice, this process is often mired in partisan attempts to gerrymander districts to benefit one political party.

The Virtues of Envy

Envy Illustration for Arches, spring 2022, by Kristopher Nystrom

Envy is a powerful emotion, condemned across cultures and religions, and accused of rooting the most horrific crimes, from Cain’s fratricide against Abel to the Jewish genocide. Malicious envy motivates people to plot and scheme, to steal and sabotage. Despite envy’s dark and dangerous side, however, it can be an emotion whose power can be harnessed for self-improvement.

University of Puget Sound announces faculty appointments to endowed positions

Justin Tiehen and Ariela Tubert

The Office of the Provost has announced appointments of four endowed professorships starting in fall 2022. The multiyear positions represent some of University of Puget Sound’s 10 endowed professorships, which support outstanding teaching and scholarship with the goal of enriching the campus’s academic life. Candidates were selected by committee before being recommended to President Isiaah Crawford for confirmation.

Creating Transformative Experiences

Person walking along a path on a foggy day

Nick Kontogeorgopoulos likes to stay busy. When he isn’t researching the complexities of ethical international tourism, teaching courses in international political economy, or serving as the director of the Asian Studies and Global Development Studies programs, he’s traveling to Thailand to study sustainable tourism practices. This summer, the distinguished professor of international political economy is taking on a new role as associate dean of experiential learning.

Where Is Tacoma's 'Chinatown'?

Illustration: Thure De Thulstrup—Library of Congress
Tacoma had fewer than 1,000 residents in 1876, when Tak Nam and Lum May opened their mercantile shop, Sam Hing Co., on what is now Commerce Street at 9th Avenue.

The business thrived selling medicines, teas, rice, and other goods, and the shopkeepers had a good relationship with Tacoma’s city leaders.