Provost's Post

Celebrating Student Research at SURI Closing Ceremony

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

The closing ceremony for the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) took place on July 9, giving more than 30 students the opportunity to share what they discovered through their own research in the five-week program alongside each of their faculty mentors.

Senior Ethan Farkouh, a major in interdisciplinary studies with minors in nutrition and chemistry, reflected on his positive experience: “Everyone came in with different ideas and passions, and it made the whole experience way more meaningful. I learned a lot from the project, but the connections and conversations are what will stick with me the most.”

Farkouh investigated the additives in food and how well college students understand them through his SURI project. By doing so, he strives to clarify common misconceptions and misinformation surrounding food ingredients and labeling. Farkouh is being mentored by Dr. Amir Golmohamadi, nutrition professor, who believes that this research is important right now.

“This topic combines my interests in food science, public health, and consumer behavior,” Farkouh said. “I've always been interested in what goes into our food and how much the general public really knows about ingredients, particularly food additives. I thought it was critical to investigate how focused education could raise awareness and assist people in making better decisions in light of the growing popularity of clean label products and the abundance of contradicting information available online.”

Working under the guidance of Dr. Golmohamadi, Farkouh developed a study using a pre- and post-survey model. Participants first complete a short survey about their current knowledge of food additives. Then, they engage with an educational brochure and presentation created by Farkouh, and finally take a follow-up survey to see what they’ve learned.

For Farkouh, the SURI experience has also been a step forward in his academic journey. “SURI has been an excellent chance to start doing independent research while honing my abilities in data collecting, study design, and scientific communication,” he said. “I've gained experience that will help me achieve my objective of earning a master’s degree in food science. In addition to getting me ready for graduate-level research, finishing this project is strengthening my foundation in consumer-focused work and nutrition education, two areas I intend to continue pursuing in my future.”

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Main Hall Gets New Student-Designed Artwork Exploring Mental Health and the Arts

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

Main Hall’s newest banner installation is a powerful visual statement that explores the mutual  relationship between emotional well-being and creative expression. Designed by Kayla Lockburner, a rising junior graphic and interactive design student, the artwork supports the College of Arts and Humanities’  2025-26 theme, Mental Health Supports Humanity ↔ The Arts and Humanities Support Mental Health.  

The theme was selected with input from students, including a poll conducted in the college’s First-Year Experience class, and centers on the mutual relationship between creativity and emotional well-being. For Lockburner, the theme struck a personal chord. Her work reflects on how the arts, whether visual, musical, or written, can serve as a therapeutic outlet and a way to navigate emotional challenges. “I chose to interpret the theme as a reflection on how creative expression can serve as a powerful outlet for emotional struggles, and a way to begin the process of healing,” she says.  “I wanted to visually represent the transformative and therapeutic qualities of creativity. The arts don’t solve everything, but they offer a place to start, a form of connection and healing that can make a real difference.”

Her design spans three vertical panels, each illustrating a different form of creative expression: a figure playing a guitar, another typing on a computer, and a third painting. The mostly black-and-white design uses glowing gold accents that draw the eye to each instrument or tool. “Each creative tool, such as the guitar, keyboard, and paintbrush, is rendered in gold, with glowing lines emerging from them and wrapping gently around the figures,” she says. “These golden elements represent healing energy, growth and the positive  emotional impact of engaging with the arts.”

The theme holds special meaning for Lockburner, who often turns to creativity in her own life. “Every project I work on becomes an outlet,” she shares. “It helps me make sense of emotions that are often hard to explain. I hope viewers see themselves in this piece and feel reminded that they’re not alone.”

Dean Jen Bacon of the College of Arts and Humanities agrees. “Kayla’s work beautifully captures the spirit of this year’s theme,” Bacon says. “We believe the arts have the power to support mental health and create meaningful dialogue, and this banner exemplifies that connection.”

More than just a visual statement, Lockburner’s banner offers a message of hope. It invites everyone passing through Main Hall to pause, reflect and consider how the arts can support healing, growth  and connection.

For the Fourth Consecutive Year, WCU Recognized as One of the Philadelphia Region’s 50 Most Community-Minded Employers  

(Courtesy of WCU's Communications & Marketing Department)

West Chester University has been named a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia for the fourth consecutive year. The honor comes from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local partners. Modeled after Points of Light’s national program, the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia measures and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities, setting the standard for civic engagement in the region.

“At West Chester University, we don’t just reside in the community — we’re part of its fabric,” said President Laurie Bernotsky. “As a public university, we embrace our role as a steward of place: a trusted partner, a dependable neighbor, and a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change. Our commitment to those who live, work, and grow alongside us is not an initiative — it’s a responsibility we proudly carry forward every day.”

 “Civic engagement is at the heart of West Chester University’s mission as a public institution committed to the common good,” noted Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president for communication, operations, and strategy in the WCU Provost’s Office. “We believe that by partnering with our communities — through service, research, workforce development, and inclusive dialogue — we not only enrich student learning but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. Being recognized in the Greater Philadelphia Civic 50 affirms our dedication to fostering civic responsibility, regional impact, and meaningful collaboration.”

This year’s honorees represent private and public companies, nonprofits, agencies, and institutions operating in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region. They have been selected based on four dimensions of their community engagement program:

• Investment of resources;
• Integration across business functions;
• Institutionalization through policies and systems; and
• Impact measurement

Since 2011, the national Civic 50 has provided a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and has showcased how companies drive social impact in their business and within the community. “The Chamber is proud to recognize West Chester University as a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia,” said Chellie Cameron, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber. “Each of this year’s honorees … exemplifies what it means to be a positive corporate citizen and demonstrating the power of service.”

WCU engages communities on the local, state, national, and global levels. Service learning is an integral component of many courses at West Chester and the keystone of the Honors College. As a public institution, WCU’s primary community-engagement efforts focus on addressing community-identified needs throughout the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, encompassing Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties.

The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Self-Assessment is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value, and consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process.

Study aims to forecast & solve industry’s future STEM needs 

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

As technology accelerates and industries rapidly transform, an alignment needs to occur between the skills today’s students are acquiring and the competencies tomorrow’s employers will be demanding. Today, West Chester University’s (WCU) Center for STEM Inclusion launched a sector analysis survey designed to gather real-time intelligence from industry leaders about the specific workforce needs that will prepare the next generation of employees and leaders in southeastern Pennsylvania. The comprehensive survey, which is being distributed to STEM employers throughout this area, represents an effort to align current educational programming with emerging industry needs across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
 
The online survey is currently making its way to STEM employers across such key sectors as engineering, healthcare, biotechnology/pharmaceutical, energy/utilities, manufacturing, and other emerging technologies. Once completed, a study will produce actionable insights that will directly benefit local organizations as well as prepare the STEM workforce of the future.
 
“We are at a critical juncture where the STEM jobs of 2030 will most likely look entirely different than those of today,” said Dr. Brandon J. Mitchell, the professor of physics and engineering who helped establish and currently leads the University’s Center for STEM Inclusion. “To prepare students for that future, especially those from low-income backgrounds, our Center partners with more than 40 schools and nonprofit organizations across southeastern Pennsylvania to deliver workforce education and training to middle and high school students. This sector analysis survey is a key step—it will give us the data we need to align our programming with emerging STEM careers and ensure that students graduate equipped with the skills, knowledge, and creativity to fuel economic growth and technological innovation across southeastern PA.”
 
For organizations, participation in the survey represents an opportunity to provide sector specific input on their needs in future STEM careers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTER FOR STEM INCLUSION

CRITERIONS Jazz Ensemble Alumni Return to WCU for Moving Tribute Concert Honoring H. Lee Southall

As another semester comes to an end, the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact (CCESI) needs your assistance in completing our semiannual survey.  The survey is a way to share your Community Engagement achievements from Winter 2024 and/or Spring 2025.

What to report:

• Academic Community-Engaged Learning course: Community-engaged learning is a form of experiential education that combines community service with academic learning. Faculty guide students to think critically and reflect, making connections between the service activities and academic learning.
• Community-based research: Community-based research is a collaborative and participatory approach to research in which community organizations partner with academic researchers to produce knowledge that solves real world problems.
• Community service projects NOT related to a course: Community service projects are defined as assistance to a nonprofit or governmental agency. The projects are not curricular based.

How to Report:  Please access the Community Engagement Survey here or use this link: https://forms.gle/JyrbrNdisJkRiNut8.

Responses are greatly appreciated by Friday, May 16th. 

This data is essential to documenting the incredible amount of community-engaged learning, research, and service we do across the university, earning WCU national recognition by various organizations and awards such as the Philadelphia Foundation’s Civic 50. Last semester’s data was extremely useful as WCU reapplied for continued designation as a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged Campus.  Thank you!  This archived documentation also positions CCESI and other offices on campus to apply for resources to expand this work.  

Any questions can be directed to Associate Director Katie Clay at kclay@wcupa.edu.

PRIZE Signing Day: High School Seniors Sign Pledge to Become Teachers 

On June 26, Marissa Herring (pictured, left, Kennett High School) and Faith Bullen (right, Avon Grove High School) signed commitment declarations to pursue academic journeys that will lead to careers as future teachers in the region. These students are on their way to becoming excellent educators through West Chester University’s Partnering in Raising Inclusive, Zealous Educators Program, or PRIZE Program.

WCU’s College of Education & Social Work developed the PRIZE Program to address the national teacher pipeline shortage by collaborating with school districts to cultivate exceptional educators who, following their graduation from WCU, have agreed to return to PRIZE school districts to teach.

This fall, Herring will begin her journey as an early grades/special education major and Bullen will pursue music education. Two other students who have committed to becoming teachers through the PRIZE Program were unable to attend the ceremony: Imanni Barrett (Kennett High School) and Faith Constein (Antietam High School).

In keeping with this “grow-our-own” concept, 18 rising high school seniors attended the event. They are participating in WCU’s PRIZE Summer Teacher Academy, a one-week on-campus experience for high school students interested in the teaching profession and taking a one-credit education technology course. Academy students plan to pursue teacher preparation at WCU one day and eventually become educators in their own school districts much like the peers they watched during the signing ceremony. Current WCU education majors mentor the high school students.

Since its inception, there have been 69 PRIZE high school dual-enrollment participants. Additional PRIZE students are being admitted to the program on a rolling basis for the 2025-2026 academic year. To date, the following school districts have partnered with the PRIZE Program:

The PRIZE Program is supported by such generous sponsors as the Chester Community Charter School, Justamere Foundation, Rob Dash, Esq. and Debbie Dash, as well as others.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRIZE

Camp Abilities PA for Athletes with Vision Loss Celebrates 20th Anniversary at WCU

“Invigorating” and “barrier-busting” is how Dr. Elizabeth Foster ’06 describes the spirit of Camp Abilities PA, a residential educational sports camp for youth with vision loss or blindness that returned to West Chester University for its 20th anniversary this Memorial Day weekend.

An associate professor in adapted physical activity/education (APA/E) and director of Camp Abilities PA at WCU, Dr. Foster lights up and overflows with passion when she talks about this special camp for youth ages 7 to 18 who are blind or have low vision. She has witnessed firsthand the special, redefining moments for the young athletes who personify the camp’s mottos: “Believe you can achieve” and “Loss of sight, not a loss of vision.”

“One of my biggest goals always is to see the progress that our athletes make within just that short amount of time… but to also just slow down and to observe and watch those changes happening,” Foster noted in relation to the goals of this year’s camp. “For many of our athletes, when they go back to their communities and schools, they’re just that one student with blindness or vision loss. When they’re at camp, they’re surrounded by friends and so many others who have the same difficulties or challenges that they might experience. It’s rewarding just watching that family mentality develop to where I can make sure to push those athletes to find people who support them.”

Camp Abilities PA combined 25 one-on-one performance coaches, 20 head coaches who have prior experience with the camp, and the student administration team comprising WCU majors in special education, sports medicine, health and physical education, and adapted physical education minors. Athletes participated in a variety of sports, including five-a-side soccer, cross-country running, field events, tandem biking, and swimming. Additionally, Camp Abilities offers sports such as goalball, tennis, gymnastics, water polo, and beep baseball. Camp traditionally concludes with a triathlon.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP ABILITIES PA

Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim Keynotes WCU’s Sixth Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium

(Courtesy of WCU Communication & Marketing)

In April, Professor and Korean author Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim gave the keynote lecture at West Chester University's Sixth Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium on “Earthbound: Theology at the Intersections of Climate and Justice.”  The colloquium was centered around  democracy, sustainability, and spirituality, aligning with Dr. Kim’s expertise, as part of WCU's Earth Week celebrations.

Dr. Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion in Indiana as well as an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) minister. She has authored or edited 24 monographs exploring intersectional themes of gender, religion, and politics. She writes for Baptist News Global, Sojourners, Faith and Leadership, and the Wabash Center with publications in TIME, The Huffington Post, Christian Century, US Catholic Magazine, and The Nation. Dr. Kim is also the host of the “Madang” podcast owned by the Christian Century, where she discusses Christianity, religion, and culture.

One of the volumes she co-edited is Planetary Solidarity: Global Women’s Voices on Christian Doctrine and Climate Justice, which brings together leading Latina, womanist, Asian American, Anglican American, South American, Asian, European, and African woman theologians on the issues of doctrine, women, and climate justice. Because women make up the majority of the world’s poor and tend to be more dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods and survival, the authors state, they are more vulnerable when it comes to climate-related changes and catastrophes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

University College Faculty Wins Fulbright Hays Scholarship

University College is very proud to announce that Dr. Casey Schmitt has been selected to participate in the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad in Tanzania with the School of International Training (SIT), Tuko Pamoja: Tanzanian Creativity and Perspectives in an Era of Climate Change. 

Dr. Schmitt was one of 12 scholars worldwide selected for this opportunity. As a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Schmitt joins a number of notable scholars across the world that include heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEOs, university presidents, journalists, artists, and especially professors and teachers who have influenced thousands of others.

WHYY Features Dr. Ellie Brown’s Research into the Importance of the Arts in Education

West Chester University's Research on Education and the Arts (REACH) Lab hosted the second edition of a biennial conference in April.  The REACH Lab’s team of researchers works to measure and analyze the impact of arts in early childhood education through partnerships with Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project, Settlement Music School’s Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program and Play On Philly.  Click button below for coverage.

WHYY Covers Ellie Brown and REACH Lab

WCU Anthropologist Studies Pope Francis' Relevance Across Generations

(Courtesy of WCU Communication & Marketing Department)

The recent death of Pope Francis has brought renewed attention to the people and ideas that defined his papacy – like the concept of the “everyday saint,” a term Pope Francis championed throughout his ministry. This idea of holiness rooted in ordinary life resonates powerfully in the stories of both Pope Francis and Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, a soon-to-be canonized saint who died in 2006, said Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine, professor of anthropology at West Chester University.

Their lives, Dr. Di Giovine said, suggest that sainthood is not about perfection, but about being available to others, grounded in compassion, and committed to something greater than oneself. Acutis’ canonization was expected to take place during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, but following Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, the process has been delayed, as Church leaders focus on the transition and upcoming conclave.

A socio-cultural anthropologist, Dr. Di Giovine has emerged as a key voice on modern sainthood, pilgrimage, and the Church’s efforts to stay relevant in a digital age. His recent work on Acutis, featured last year in The Conversation, explored how a teenager who played video games, wore Nikes, and coded websites became a global spiritual figure. Dr. Di Giovine also discussed Acutis and Pope Francis in a recent episode of Vox’s podcast Today, Explained and The Psychology of Pilgrimage podcast. The Vox segment was also featured on NPR.

Dr. Di Giovine’s academic interest in saints began with Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, one of the most recognized figures in 20th-century Catholicism. Dr. Di Giovine’s research into Pio’s life and legacy laid the groundwork for understanding how saints resonate across generations. But it’s Acutis, who has been called the “patron saint of the internet,” who captivated Dr. Di Giovine’s students and broader audiences alike. “You could put yourself in his Nikes, which my students do,” he said.

Each year, Dr. Di Giovine leads WCU students on a 5-week study abroad field school to Italy, visiting sites tied to both Acutis and St. Francis of Assisi. What begins as an academic excursion often becomes something more meaningful. Students, many who are not religious, find themselves unexpectedly moved by Acutis’ story and the environment around his tomb in Assisi.

“We were just walking around doing our typical tour,” Dr. Di Giovine said of his first encounter with Carlo Acutis years ago. “His picture was everywhere. The students asked, ‘Who is this kid?’ And we went on a kind of scavenger hunt to find his burial site.”  That fascination has only grown. Dr. Di Giovine teaches them how to conduct ethnographic research. In 2016, he even brought students to Rome during Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy, where they saw the Pope in person and visited Padre Pio’s body in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Back on campus, Dr. Di Giovine strives to ensure his classroom is a space that welcomes a range of thoughts. Whether sharing a relic of Padre Pio’s blood or giving a pasta-making lesson tied to saints’ lives, he encourages students to engage with religion as a cultural force.  

Dr. Di Giovine sees ambiguity as a success. To him, it means students are thinking critically and keeping their minds open. They’re learning how to think about belief, not what to believe.

“I try to bring these concepts into the classroom in a way that straddles both worlds of thought,” he said. “That I can model the idea that you can have your own individual relativistic approach to learning about saints, but still understanding that some people, maybe even myself, would believe in this.”

Teaching & Learning Center Reorganizes

Over the summer, the Teaching & Learning Center announced some organizational changes to better serve WCU’s community of educators. TLC has realigned its team into three areas of specialization, each led by an Assistant Director, to provide more focused and specialized support: 

• Digital Learning and Innovation – led by Marc Drumm  
• Inclusive Excellence and Accessibility – led by Amber Alvord  
• Reflective Practice and Scholarship – led by Tom Pantazes  

In addition to these leadership roles, the rest of the TLC team members have been strategically distributed across these units based on their areas of expertise and interest. This structure enables its team to focus on specialized initiatives while continuing to support the broader mission of the TLC. 

What This Means for You 

• Instructional Design Support: Everyone on the TLC team remains available to support your teaching goals. You may continue to schedule appointments through our TLC Bookings site, either with a specific team member or the first available designer based on your needs. 
• Specialized Programming: With this new structure, our team will be able to dive deeper into their areas of focus, stay current with emerging trends, and offer programming that is both timely and impactful. We invite you to visit the TLC website to explore our current programs, workshops, and resources. The site is regularly updated with new opportunities and information to support your teaching and learning goals. 

We look forward to continuing to partner with you to create meaningful learning experiences for all students. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how these changes may benefit your work, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at tlc@wcupa.edu

Employee Appreciation Days May 13-15

Take a break to connect with the campus community and celebrate our accomplishments as we kick off the summer! This year’s events will have you thinking of fun and sun, iconic beaches, golf courses, summer grilling and fresh produce from farmers' markets, and those hot dog days of summer.

Employee Appreciation Days Info and Registration

2025 Celebration of Teaching Events May 8

Incredible teaching happens every day across WCU! Join the Teaching and Learning Center on Thursday, May 8 for a series of four events to sample and discover new WCU teaching innovations, dialog with peers on teaching topics, and celebrate the teaching excellence that happens across WCU. 

The day's events will include mini-workshops, our 10th annual Teaching Excellence Showcase, a virtual keynote presentation from spring book club author Robert Talbert, and the TLC Teaching Awards Ceremony. Learn more on the TLC blog!

Registration for Celebration of Teaching Events

Call for Faculty Mentors

Are you looking for a university-level service opportunity? Do you want to make a significant difference in a colleague’s career development? Do you want to increase your own job satisfaction? Consider becoming a mentor with WCU’s Faculty Mentoring Program. The Faculty Mentoring Committee seeks faculty to serve as mentors for untenured faculty, faculty seeking promotion, and adjunct faculty. Learn more about qualifications and expectations, read about recent FMC events, or sign up to participate in mentor training.

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WCU's State of Career Readiness: Spring 2025 Update

If you missed the State of Career Readiness update this month, and want to see progress being made on campus to impact students' career readiness, check out the 12-minute recap by clicking the button below.

Career Readiness Update

JARIHE 2025 Call for Manuscripts

The Journal of Access, Retention and Inclusion in Higher Education (JARIHE) is welcoming manuscripts through April 15, 2025. A response from the editor regarding a decision will be prior to June 30, 2025. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025. Submissions will accepted at jarihe@wcupa.edu. Please direct all questions to John B. Craig, Ed.D., Editor at jcraig@wcupa.edu.

Advance Reservation is the process that Sykes Union and Student Activities implemented in 2022 to assist student organizations and university departments with reserving space within Sykes Student Union for future events. Sykes Student Union is pleased to begin the 2025-2026 Advance Reservation process. Please review some of the FAQs in the link below and note the tentative timeline.

New for this year, Sykes Student Union staff, is hosting an open house Reservations Showcase and will be available for consultations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 to walk through the Advance Reservation form and answer questions and/or support departments and student organizations in preparing their requests. Mark your calendars today!

Advance Registration

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

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