In today's issue, we look at the value of gratitude as a management tool.
We also look at
✨ How Oklahoma colleges are meeting workforce needs
✨ Why schools should think about food allergies
✨ Penn State's new sustainability project

The University of Pennsylvania is facing a request from the Trump administration to disclose names and contact information of Jewish students and employees as part of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation into antisemitism. Penn has refused to provide this information, citing privacy concerns and potential danger to the Jewish community, and has received support from various groups, including Penn Hillel, the American Council on Education and the Anti-Defamation League.

Colleges and universities in Tulsa, Okla., are launching new degree programs and expanding existing ones to better align with workforce demands. Langston University is enhancing its disability studies program, the College of the Muskogee Nation is introducing degrees in gaming and hospitality, and Rogers State University is expanding its artificial intelligence and cybersecurity programs.

It may feel trite to say it, but gratitude is an effective yet underused performance enhancer in the workplace, writes Scott Hutcheson, who cites research showing that while 80% of employees would work harder for appreciative managers, only 15% regularly receive thanks. Consistent, meaningful expressions of gratitude can generate stronger trust, collaboration and morale within teams. Hutcheson suggests embedding gratitude into daily routines -- such as opening meetings with appreciation or pairing feedback with thanks.

Glass packaging manufacturer Verallia has partnered with Penn State University to develop LionGlass, a low-carbon glass that melts at temperatures 400 degrees Celsius lower than conventional glass. The partnership is in its early stages, and a prototype is expected within two years.

Western Michigan University has received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Education to launch a program in early childhood special education. Project SHINE, a collaboration between the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Arts and Sciences, is set to fund 10 students pursuing master's degrees in behavioral analysis and special education.

Harvard University has experienced a cybersecurity breach after a phone-based phishing attack accessed its Alumni Affairs and Development information system. The database contained contact information for alumni, donors, students and faculty, but not Social Security numbers or financial data. This incident follows recent attacks on Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania, which also targeted donor and alumni information.