Provost's Post

Celebrating 50+ Years of Healing on October 25

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

West Chester University’s Nursing Programs are celebrating 50+ years of healing, producing thousands of nurses who are addressing the nation’s critical healthcare workforce shortage. The University’s Nursing Programs have spent more than half a century preparing nurses for evolving healthcare challenges — from the era of paper charts to today’s AI-assisted diagnostics — and maintain a 95% pass rate on the national licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX) while continuing to exceed state and national averages. WCU’s Nursing Programs invite visitors to celebrate their golden anniversary on October 25, from 4-7p.m., in the SECC Ballroom and Immersive Learning Center, 155 University Avenue, West Chester.

During the celebration, guests will tour the University’s technologically-advanced Duey Immersive Learning Center, where high-fidelity patient manikins simulate real-life scenarios found in hospital emergency rooms; see a retrospective display of historical nursing artifacts from across the years; engage in meaningful connections with current nursing students; and hear about the dramatic transformation of the nursing practice from alumni and faculty. Providing opening remarks will be West Chester University President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Scott Heinerichs, and Chair of the Nursing Department Dr. Nancy Barker. A special announcement will also be made at 5 p.m.

Today, the need for nurses could not be greater. As our U.S. population lives longer, the need for acute care has risen exponentially. Coupled with the retirement waves that numerous health systems have faced, the stakes are even higher for patient outcomes as overstretched teams struggle to deliver the same quality of care with fewer experienced providers.

“Our nursing students are needed in the Commonwealth and when they graduate, they are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to hit the ground running,” says Barker. “From day one, students engage in diverse, hands-on clinical experiences across leading hospitals, community agencies, and specialty care settings. Small faculty-to-student ratios ensure personalized coaching, reflective learning, and real-world skill development that prepares graduates to think critically and provide compassionate, evidence-based care.”

“In addition to our students’ consistent high-level of preparation, there’s another reason for us to celebrate this important milestone,” Barker adds. “Employers actively seek out WCU nurses for their competence and readiness for practice. We have nursing graduates in all of the health systems within the Commonwealth of PA, including Penn Medicine, Main Line Health, Christiana Care, and Tower Health. We are very proud of the achievements of our alumni.”

Typical employment settings for WCU nursing graduates include hospitals (medical-surgical units, telemetry, step-down, etc.), rehabilitation centers or long-term care facilities, community health agencies or public health settings, and physicians’ offices or outpatient care clinics. Many Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates also go on to graduate study (i.e., Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or other advanced studies) after gaining some clinical experience. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) graduates work in advanced practice roles focusing on a specialty (i.e., adult-gerontology) with emphasis on evidence-based practice, patient populations, or care systems. WCU’s Nurse Educator graduates work in various teaching roles --- either in academic settings preparing future nurses, or within hospitals offering education/continuing education programs to clinical staff. In addition, many of the University’s DNP graduates go into high-level advanced practice or leadership roles.

“Spanning more than 50 years, the history and vast work of WCU’s Nursing Programs is not only impressive, but inspiring,” says Heinerichs. “Our nursing faculty members are committed to cultivating students so that they can become exceptional health professionals, while making a significant difference in the Commonwealth. At this urgent moment when our nation’s healthcare systems need even more qualified professionals, the University’s Nursing Programs are to be applauded and celebrated not only by the College of Health Sciences and the West Chester University community, but by the numerous citizens who live in the areas that we proudly serve.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT OFFICE

West Chester University a Trusted Resource for Budding Engineers in first® LEGO® league competition

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

West Chester University (WCU) has opened its doors, and its Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, to a wave of middle school students this fall as more than 20 FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge teams prepare for this year’s international robotics competition. This year’s competition theme is “Unearthed” and focuses on archaeology. Students in grades 5-8 are being asked to design robotic solutions to real-world problems archaeologists face.  “We never expected the museum to become a go-to resource for robotics teams, but that’s exactly what happened,” said Michael A. Di Giovine, WCU professor and director of WCU’s museum. “Because of this year’s theme, the museum has been getting lots of inquiries from LEGO® teams to meet our archaeologists and archaeology students.” 

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), founded in 1989, is a global nonprofit that uses robotics to promote STEM learning. Its LEGO® League Challenge introduces students to coding, engineering, and design thinking through team-based competition. 

With archaeology in mind, more than 20 teams from across the region (Downingtown, Chester Springs, Unionville, Chadds Ford, even New Jersey and California) have found their way to WCU’s anthropology museum, either in person or via Zoom. The University’s students and faculty have offered interactive exhibits, artifact-handling sessions, and insights into how real archaeologists conduct field and lab work.  “We take them on a tour of the museum to talk about artifacts, then go to the lab where our students give a kid-friendly presentation on what archaeology is,” Di Giovine said. “There’s usually a pretty involved Q&A session before we do a hands-on activity with 5,000-year-old artifacts.” 

Barbara Silber, WCU adjunct professor and a professional archaeologist with 40 years of experience, said the robotics questions have been unexpectedly eye-opening.  “The students ask a lot of questions about what challenges we face and how robots might help,” she said. “It’s something I haven’t thought about too much before. It’s made me think: What actual tasks could you get a robot to do without losing that hands-on feeling that’s vital to the archaeology process?” 

WCU senior Peyton Miller, an anthropology major from Downingtown, has been instrumental in delivering the museum’s outreach. She created a presentation that walks students through the stages of archaeological research, from excavation to preservation. “It seems to be a pretty helpful resource for them. I’ve had several groups ask me to send it to them,” she said. “My favorite groups have been the larger ones. Once we had six teams in one room. Everyone was going in a different direction with their questions. It was super interesting to see.”

Learn More

Moon Shot for Equity to Host Dr. Anne Lundquist - November 5

Moon Shot for Equity at WCU is pleased to host an evening with Dr. Anne Lundquist, Director of the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs on Wednesday November 5th at 4 PM in Main Hall Auditorium, Room 168.  Dr. Lundquist will discuss how we can leverage our understanding of WCU students' basic needs to support their success.

At the Hope Center, Dr. Lundquist has the privilege of working alongside researchers, scholars, advocates, policy advisors, and storytellers who envision a world where basic needs insecurity is no longer a barrier to pursuing and completing college. In partnership with hundreds of colleges, agencies, and social change agents, the Hope Center takes a systems-change approach to co-creating a higher ed landscape where educational opportunity is universal and equitable.

Applications for 1871 Award Now Open

Applications for the 1871 Award opened this past Friday, September 26, and will close on Monday, November 3 at noon. The 1871 Award is the university's most prestigious leadership award given to a select group of juniors and seniors. If you're not familiar with the award, or need a refresher, you can read all about it here.  Please consider posting this flyer in your facilities and sharing with qualified students in your network.

WCU’s Baker Gallery Presents Blinkers October 22 – December 11

(Courtesy of WCU's Communications & Marketing Department)

From October 22 through December 11, 2025, the Department of Art +  Design at West Chester University will present Blinkers, a group exhibition that brings together eight artists whose practices explore transformation, materiality, and the dynamic process of making. The exhibition is FREE and open to the public in Baker Gallery. Gallery hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Baker Gallery is located in the E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 East Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA 19383. For more information, contact the Department of Art + Design at 610.436.2872 or email artinfo@wcupa.edu.

An artist talk and opening reception will take place on Wednesday, October 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Baker Gallery. Participating artists include Cat Balco, Natalie Beall, Brian Michael Dunn, Franklin Evans, Anthony Iacono, Alex Jackson, Libby Rosa, and Carrie R.

Blinkers centers on the concepts of change and transformation—both visual and conceptual. Through painting, collage, and mixed media, the artists highlight time, process, and the layered complexity of perception. Process becomes presence, material carries metaphor, and identity emerges through both the visible and hidden textures of making.

Like a blinking turn signal, the exhibition calls attention to a heightened sense of looking. What first appears as relationships of shape and color expands into complex networks of personal symbols, imaginative forms, and material gestures.

The exhibition has been co-organized by Kris Benedict and Lauren Pakradooni of West Chester University’s Department of Art + Design.

WCU’s Knauer Gallery Presents John Day: Confronting Wilderness October 20 – December 12

(Courtesy of WCU Department of Communication & Marketing)

From October 20 through December 12, 2025, WCU’s Dept. of Art + Design will present John  Day: Confronting Wilderness, a solo exhibition featuring mixed-media works that explore humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world. The exhibition is FREE and open to the public in Knauer Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Knauer Gallery is located in the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester, PA. For more information contact the Department of Art + Design at 610.436.2872 or email artinfo@wcupa.edu.

Day’s work draws inspiration from his travels through forest preserves across the northeastern United States. His art reflects an intimate engagement with wilderness and examines how we experience and interpret nature in an era of environmental change. The exhibition includes assemblages, constructions, and drawings that combine digital photographs of forest details, branches, paint, fabric, and written text describing the artist’s encounters with the natural world.

Several pieces address themes of deforestation and the climate crisis. In one such work, Suspension, Day integrates digital imagery of forests, industrial landscapes, and portraits of people to evoke a sense of balance—and imbalance—between nature and human existence.

Day has exhibited in galleries, nature preserves, and museums throughout the New York City area, Hartford, Connecticut, and the Mid-Atlantic region. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University.

The artist will attend an opening reception on Thursday, November 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Knauer Gallery.

University Libraries Special Collections to Celebrate the Papers of Former State Senator Andrew E. Dinniman

WCU’s University Libraries Special Collections will celebrate the acquisition of the papers of Dr. Andrew Dinniman, former WCU faculty member, Chester County Commissioner, and Pennsylvania State Senator, on October 7, from 3-4:30 p.m., at WCU’s Francis Harvey Green Library (Room 613), located at 25 West Rosedale Avenue in West Chester. To highlight former Senator Dinniman’s impactful and long-lasting work in the community, University Libraries Special Collections will feature a special panel discussion about the issues of food insecurity and homelessness, which Senator Dinniman devoted much time to during his career. The discussion will center on the successful model of leveraging partnerships to address important societal issues. The event, which is made possible by a generous gift from the Hankin Group, is open to the public free of charge.

Moderated by Special Collections Librarian Ron McColl, the panel will explore past hunger and homelessness initiatives, as well as the work being done currently.  The following panelists will be featured:

Andrew Dinniman, Former State Senator, Former County Commissioner, and WCU Professor Emeritus
Nick Imbesi, Director of Community Relations, Chester County Food Bank
Tori Nuccio, Deputy Director, Financial Aid, West Chester University
Rita Patel Eng, Senior Director, Center for Community Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI), West Chester University
The discussion will be followed by a reception to provide an opportunity to meet and learn from others working on similar issues, while affording a space to plan for future collaboration.

Among those working on the Dr. Andrew Dinniman Archive Collection are West Chester University students Lilli Benson, Richie Bruce, and Alex Friedberg.

Fostering Success for Students with Autism Virtual Session - November 18

Join us on Tuesday, November 18th from 3:00-4:30 pm for “Fostering Success for Students with Autism”, a virtual session with D-CAP.  D-CAP is a program that provides support to degree-seeking West Chester University students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This session will be discussing how to create a supportive and inclusive campus community for our degree-seeking autistic students at WCU!

Register using the link below.

REGISTER HERE

The Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance Announces Formation of the WCU Disability University Caucus

The Disability University Caucus at West Chester University cultivates a community of support for disabled employees and allies and advances disability inclusion at WCU. We advocate for inclusion and accessibility by endorsing inclusive policies, driving accessible recruitment and retention efforts, and creating spaces for active, meaningful social and educational engagement for our campus.

Save the Date for Our Upcoming Meetings:

• Thursday, November 19, 2025  at 10 am (Location: TBD)
• Friday, December 12 at 3 pm (Zoom)

If you’re interested in joining the Disability Caucus, please click the button below to fill out a short contact form. For more information about the group, please see our website.

JOIN DISABILITY CAUCUS HERE

Getting Around: Transportation Update

In addition to the Matlack Court shuttle, there are two new off-campus shuttle routes and additional enhancements to several routes. Campus shuttle buses are free to WCU students, faculty, and staff and while the Matlack and West Goshen routes are intended for students, these shuttles are available for employees as well. Plus, new shuttle shelters are being installed at the Q-Lot and R-Lot bus stops to enhance the campus shuttle experience. They’ll be completed early this semester.

New this year is a shuttle serving apartments where many of our students live. The West Goshen Loop operates M-F 6:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Stops include Aldi, West Goshen Shopping Center (beginning at 11 a.m. for these first two), Goshen Manor, Goshen Terrace, Golf Club Apartments, The Willows, RamsGate Court, The Edge, Wayne Hall. As a one-year pilot program, the free West Goshen Loop will be evaluated, and feedback will be sought from riders at the end of the fall 2025 semester.

A new Late Night Loop operates Thursdays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Check the schedules, routes, and adjustments for holidays and access the live shuttle tracker by clicking the buttons below.  

A collaboration between WCU and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) gives WCU students and employees the opportunity to purchase discounted monthly commuter passes.

As of August 25, 2025, all SEPTA routes to the West Chester campus — including the Paoli-Thorndale Regional Rail Line and the Route 104, 92, and 135 buses — continue in operation, although during off-peak hours there will be approximately 20% fewer vehicles on the 104 bus route and on the Paoli-Thorndale line.

If you rely on public transit, we encourage you to review your usual travel plans and watch for updates from SEPTA and the University. SEPTA’s Trip Planner is useful for understanding your options. In addition, WCU’s Transportation and Commuter Options website provides information on other public transit services, carpool, WCU shuttle, bicycling, and other commuter choices.  

WCU’s Bicycle Lending Library offers members of the WCU community the opportunity to borrow a bike for a two-week period or for the entire semester. Cyclists who own bikes can check out tune-up tool kits from the library help desk or attend any of the weekly bike maintenance workshops.

SHUTTLE INFORMATION

LIVE SHUTTLE TRACKER

Dr. Jennifer Chandler Is One of 34 Education Leaders Chosen for AASCU’s Department Chair Leadership Institute

(Courtesy of WCU Communication & Marketing)

This summer, Dr. Jennifer Chandler, associate professor and chair of biology, was selected to attend the Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI) hosted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

She was one of 34 higher education leaders from across the country to participate in a program of skill building and intensive professional development in Washington, D.C. DCLI participants engage in discussions that address the common challenges department chairs face. Topics include strategic communications, navigating difficult conversations, centering the academic mission and student success, situational leadership, and wellness for leaders. The program also emphasizes building a strong and supportive network of colleagues through peer leadership exercises.

“Participating in AASCU’s Department Chair Leadership Institute was a truly transformative experience,” Dr. Chandler reported. “I was able to connect with chairs from across the country; learn from expert coaches dedicated to building strong, independent leaders; and share in the experiences of others who understand the challenges of this role. I’m proud to bring back the knowledge I’ve gained to strengthen my department and contribute to the broader community at WCU.”

Launched in 2024, the program is designed to address the unique needs of department chairs and help these front-line campus leaders develop the skills they need to succeed in advancing their institution’s mission and ensuring student success.

Dr. Chandler joins other West Chester University faculty who participated in previous DCLI cohorts: Dr. Cristobal Cardemil-Krause, chair of languages and cultures (cohort #1 of 2024); Dr. Ginneh Akbar, chair of graduate social work, and David Jones, chair of art + design (both cohort #1 of 2025).

Based in Washington, D.C., AASCU is a higher education association that represents the sector of more than 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. DCLI is made possible with support from Academic Search. Richard Helldobler, president of William Paterson University (NJ), is the institute’s executive sponsor and lead faculty member.

Provost Research Grant Proposal Due November 21st

In recognition of the importance of faculty-directed research and creative activities, Dr. Josh R. Auld, Acting Provost, has committed funds to support the Provost’s Research Grant (PRG). In keeping with the university’s mission to develop graduates who will “succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good,” the PRG encourages faculty applicants to include a model for student/faculty collaboration in their proposals. Faculty who can draw connections to making our campus student-ready, accessible, and affordable are strongly encouraged to apply.

Grants ranging between $2,000 - $10,000 will be awarded (including winter or summer salary)

The purpose of the PRG is to support faculty research, creative activity, and the production of scholarly outputs, leading to external funding opportunities; all of which should demonstrate student impact. Interdisciplinary collaborative projects are encouraged.

Eligibility:

All tenured and tenure-track faculty are eligible for awards on a competitive basis. Continuing non-tenure-track faculty members are encouraged to apply with a tenured or tenure-track faculty member serving as the Primary Investigator (PI). Temporary faculty must indicate that they expect to be employed at WCU during the grant period. If awarded, it is expected that you will serve as a reviewer the year following the completion of your PRG.

Scope: 

It is expected that all Research and Creative Activities projects will enhance the professional development of the faculty members involved and demonstrate student impact. Please see the RFP attachment for additional information. 

Proposals are due by 5pm on November 21st, 2025. 

PRG Application

Applications for the Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women are Now Open!

The Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women is a catalyst for women pursuing their undergraduate degree while working full-time at Chamber member companies. Since 2000, 248 scholarships totaling 982,000 have been awarded to working women pursuing their undergraduate degrees.

Recipients of this merit-based scholarship will receive $5,000 within a two-year period, which must be used for tuition and course-related expenses required for enrollment or course instruction.

Application Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY 

Quench Your Thirst for Knowledge with New Science on Tap Talks

Anyone with an appetite for scientific knowledge is sure to enjoy a new series of free monthly Science on Tap talks by WCU experts that will take place monthly at Barnaby’s Restaurant (15 South High Street, second floor). Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and research, new information, and discoveries. The program invites audience participation with opportunities to ask questions, spark discussion, and connect with fellow science enthusiasts. And of course, the audience can order from Barnaby’s food and beverage menus for a full dining and learning experience. 

Dr. Elliott Arnold, Earth and Space Sciences, opened the series with a discussion about “Disentangling the Subtleties of Climate Change through Observation and Inference: How can looking into the past help us salvage our future?” on September 16. The next Science on Tap program is on Tuesday, October 21, when Dr. Manuela Ramalho, Department of Biology will talk about “Ants Under the Influence ... of Evolution, not Beer!” see below and the website for the complete list of presentations. 

The University’s Science on Tap series is modeled after similar programs that pair scientific presentations with a restaurant atmosphere. WCU’s series aims to make scientific concepts accessible; connect the public with approachable, knowledgeable scientists; and overcome mistrust/misunderstanding of science. It is directed by Dr. Christopher Roemmele, associate professor and assistant chair of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences, who wants to “bring science out of the labs and the halls of academia and share it with the public in an informal setting. 

“My goal is to promote science and science literacy. My colleagues here at WCU do wonderful and thought-provoking science in their diverse respective fields. And I want the greater West Chester community to be made aware of that. We do a lot of teaching, but we also do great research here, and that should be communicated.” 

Parking is available directly across from Barnaby’s at the Bicentennial Parking Garage on High Street. 

For additional information, contact Dr. Roemmele. 

SCIENCE ON TAP FULL SCHEDULE HERE

How to Submit Your Event to Online Campus Calendar

The WCU Calendar is populated by events submitted in 25Live, WCU's room reservation and calendaring program. Faculty/Staff may submit events to the calendar by selecting "WCU Featured Events Calendar" in the "Resources" section of the 25Live Event Form.

WCU Event Calendar How to Submit your event to wcu calendar

TLC Teaching Tools, Tips and Resources for Fall 2025

The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) has published a blog with curated resources to support your teaching this fall—from student-friendly syllabus design and AI policy guidance to D2L templates, technology tools, and inclusive teaching strategies. For your convenience, this blog is also available in audio format if you prefer to listen while multitasking or commuting.

The Fall 2025 Technology Roundup showcases university-supported teaching technologies. We invite you to explore some new tools to enhance student learning.

Lastly, WCU now has a dedicated accessibility website for comprehensive resources to help faculty and staff create inclusive digital content. Whether you are creating documents, presentations, PDFs, videos, or websites, this resource hub breaks down accessibility into manageable, actionable steps.  

Teaching Tools and Tips Blog

Digital Accessibility Resources Hub

Professional Headshots Available via Iris Photo Booth at Twardowski Career Development Center

Students, Faculty, and Staff now have access to the Iris Booth, a free professional photo booth located in the

Career Development Center (Lawrence 225).

Students, Faculty, and Staff can stop by anytime Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4pm to get a photo taken, no appointment needed.

FAST Schedule & Offerings

Check out what IS&T has on tap for the semester! The Faculty and Staff Training (FAST) unit supports WCU faculty and staff in becoming proficient in various applications, in addition to providing best practices in trending platforms (e.g., OneDrive, D2L, RamCloud). Courses are designed to accommodate all levels of learning and allow users to build on acquired skills. Click below for the full schedule or take self-paced options.

FAST Schedule

Want to learn more about Navigate?

Visit our webpage. You’ll find an overview, information about Progress Reports, and our training site.

You can also check out the FAST training site and search “navigate” to final all of the Navigate-specific offerings. Here's a quick guide to the offerings.

Navigate Home page

FREE LinkedIn Learning Content Available to WCU Faculty, Staff and Students

LinkedIn Learning with Lynda.com content is an industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 180,000 videos, covering a wide range of technical, business, software, and creative topics. West Chester University faculty, staff and currently enrolled students have unlimited access.

Access LinkedIn Learning