Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
February 20, 2024 | View in web browser

USD News Connect: Connecting Expert Voices to the Stories Impacting Our Community

February 20, 2024

Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego media relations team offers expert voices to speak on stories impacting our community. If you're interested in the stories below, or need experts for any other topic you might be working on, don't hesitate to reach out to us at press@sandiego.edu.*

Outlook for Electric Vehicles Amid Sales Slump

Recent reports show EV sales in California dropped significantly in the late 2023 -- the first time that's happened in more than a decade. That's raised some concerns about whether the state can hit its EV goals en route to its ban of non-electric vehicle sales in 2035. Jae Kim, associate professor and chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at USD, can talk about some of the factors -- ranging from technical questions about chargers to confusion about costs and incentives -- that are driving this trend. He can talk about the short-term impact, and the long-term outlook for EVs in California.

USD Baseball Returns

After beginning its 2024 schedule on the road against No. 16 Texas, San Diego baseball is set to return this weekend for its home opener, hosting the University of Arizona for a three-game series at Fowler Park. First pitch on Friday, February 23 is set for 6:05 p.m., with Opening Night ceremonies scheduled to get underway at 5:45 p.m. The series will continue with another 6:05 p.m. start on Saturday, followed by a 1:05 p.m. finale on Sunday afternoon. San Diego returns 21 letterwinners from its 2023 squad that won 24 games and finished tied for second in the West Coast Conference's regular season standings. 15 newcomers have been added to the USD roster for the 2024 season, including nine freshmen and six transfers.

The San Diego Public Library and USD’s Copley Library Host Black History Month Author Talk

The San Diego Public Library and USD’s Copley Library are hosting their annual Black History Month Author Talk with author Sabrina Strings as she discusses her book, Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia, at Copley Library on February 26 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.

USD Spotlight

"At the Edge of it All" Podcast: USD President James T. Harris III on Leading a University in 2024

James T. Harris III, DEd, president of the University of San Diego, joined “At the Edge of it All” to discuss his journey as an educator and give a glimpse into his role as a university leader helping to shape future generations. Harris talked about what drives him and what he believes is the reason for an increase in enrollment at faith-based institutions. He also shared personal anecdotes that have shaped the man he is today, including a small but memorable piece of advice from his grandmother — “remember what it feels like to be invisible.” You can listen to the podcast episode here.