Meet the nsp Staff
DEVAN ZGLESZEWSKI, Ed.D.
Director of New Student Programs
She/Her/Hers
dzgleszewski@wcupa.edu
BIO
Dr. Devan K. Zgleszewski has been with the Office of New Student Programs since 2018. She is a first-generation college student and a triple alumni of West Chester University holding a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, a Masters of Education in Higher Education Counseling, and a Doctorate of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration. Dr. Zgleszewski's doctoral research centers around the sense of belonging of lower-income, first-generation college students. As the Director of New Student Programs, she offers strategic vision and oversight of all operations and programs. Dr. Zgleszewski enjoys working alongside the New Student Programs team and Orientation Leaders to welcome and onboard new Golden Rams and their families!
JENNIFER RUGGIERO-PATEL, Ed.D.
Interim Director of New Student Programs
She/Her/Hers
jruggiero-patel@wcupa.edu
BIO
Jennifer has been serving in the role of Associate Director for New Student Programs since January 2022. In this role she plans logistics for new student orientation as well as supervises undergraduate and graduate staff. Prior to her employment at WCU, Jennifer worked in new student orientation & welcome week programming at La Salle University and Goldey-Beacom College. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Monmouth University and a master’s in education from Rutgers University.
JAMES M. WRIGHT JR., M.Ed.
Senior Associate Director of New Student Programs
He/Him/His
jwright2@wcupa.edu
BIO
James M. Wright Jr. is the Senior Associate Director of New Student Programs. He recently served as the Assistant Director, Parent & Family Engagement at the University of Delaware. As a NJ native, he holds an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Rowan University and a B.A. in Psychology from Stockton University. James has worked at various educational institutions throughout his professional career, with many of his previous work experiences in residence life and housing. James is passionate about helping students and families discover their purpose, which motivates and energizes him professionally. In his personal life, James enjoys expressing his artistry in various ways, such as cooking, professional photography, part-time podcasting, and traveling.
MARIA TURNER
Administrative Assistant
She/Her/Hers
mturner2@wcupa.edu
BIO
Maria has been working with New Student Programs since 2018. She currently serves in the role of Administrative Assistant. Maria has over 30 years of experience in administrative work and is studying to finish her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at WCU. Maria handles all inquiries that come into our office from students, families, staff, and faculty. She manages the budget, purchasing, payroll, and hiring processes for the New Student Programs orientation team. She assists with planning, logistics, orientation registration, reservations, and training of the orientation team and more. She loves animals, including her four cats and Golden Retriever puppy, Juno. Maria has been married for 24 years to her husband, Kevin, and they have two sons, Ethan, 21, and Ryan, 16. She is from West Chester, loves West Chester, and feels right at home working for WCU.
2025 Orientation team
Graduate Coordinators
Andrew Rubas
Hometown: Warrington, PA
Year: 2nd year Grad Student
Major: Higher Education Leadership
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Campus Activities Team and Graduate Education Team at Villanova
Advice for new Rams: Don't be scared to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
Jada Walker
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Year: 1st year Grad Student
Major: Communication Studies
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Barbie Talk Podcast Graduate Assistant, Office of Educational Accessibility Graduate
Assistant
Advice for new Rams: Always be yourself
Jewel Karaisz
Hometown: Kutztown, PA
Year: 1st year Grad Student
Major: Public Administration
Favorite place on campus: Hollinger Field House
On-Campus Involvement: Men's Basketball Manager, Athletic Mentoring Program Graduate Assistant, Abbe Society
Advice for new Rams: Take ownership of your college experience, try new things, get involved and make these
years memorable.
Jillian Vinciguerra
Hometown: Doylestown, PA
Year: 2nd year Grad Student
Major: Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs
Favorite place on campus: Phillips Autograph Library
On-Campus Involvement: Chi Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter President
Advice for new Rams: Never be afraid to advocate for yourself! Make this experience your own.
Undergraduate Coordinators
Caleb Winters
Hometown: Abington, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Political Science
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Theta Chi Fraternity, Student Government Association, Friar Society
Advice for new Rams: Stay calm
Danielle Ciliberto
Hometown: Ambler, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Accelerated B.A. in Political Science to Masters in Public Administration, Minors:
Italian, Creative Writing
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Softball Team, First Year Experience Peer Mentor 2023 & 2024, Pi Sigma Alpha Political
Science Honors Society
Advice for new Rams: Control what you can control, stay balanced, and take time for yourself.
Haley Maher
Hometown: Garnet Valley, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Math Secondary Education
Favorite place on campus: SECC
On-Campus Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Abbe Society, Students Promoting Excellence in Math Education,
Kappa Delta Pi
Advice for new Rams: Get involved and talk to new people!
Nicole Anandan
Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
Year: 4th year
Major: Public Health, Minor: Civic and Professional Leadership
Favorite place on campus: Academic Quad
On-Campus Involvement: Honors College, Public Health Club, Abbe Society, Phi Epsilon Kappa Health Sciences
Society, Health and Wellness Expo Assistant
Advice for new Rams: Take time for yourself and take everything day by day.
Orientation Logistics Coordinator
Sarah Zeuke
Hometown: Morrisville, PA
Year: 5th year
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite place on campus: Asplundh Concert Hall and Philips Autograph Library
On-Campus Involvement: Sociology Club, The Abbe Society, Student Government Association
Advice for new Rams: College goes by quick so try new things, don't make afraid to be yourself, and make
every second count
Returning Orientation Leaders
Abigail Hart
Hometown: Palmyra, PA
Year: 5th year
Major: Secondary Education- Biology Concentration
Favorite place on campus: SECC Learning Stairs
On-Campus Involvement: Abbe Society, Wellness Promotion Peer Educator, Head Resident Assistant of Tyson Hall,
Student Government Association
Advice for new Rams: Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
Grace Bruckhart
Hometown: Lewisburg, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Exercise Science Pre-Physical Therapy, Minor: Biology
Favorite place on campus: Recreation Center
On-Campus Involvement: Colleges Against Cancer, Joyful Journal, Group Fitness, Abbe Society, Exercise is
Medicine (On-Campus)
Advice for new Rams: Get involved in experiences you are passionate about! Choosing
your involvements carefully will help you find friends who share your interests and
values!
Irene Okonkwo
Hometown: Coatesville, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Nutrition- Dietetics Concentration
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: African Student Association, Leadership Consultant, Resident Assistant, Orientation
Leader
Advice for new Rams: Save your money!
Jaiona Johnson
Hometown: Conshohocken, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Middle Grades Preparation, Minor: Mathematics
Favorite place on campus: Fourth floor of Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Abbe Society, Wellness Promotion Coordinator
Advice for new Rams: Come in and be who you are, don't let college change you.
Shakyra Ford
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Microbiology
Favorite place on campus: SECC Learning Stairs
On-Campus Involvement: Biology Club, STEMbassador, Undergraduate Research
Advice for new Rams: Show up with your best attitude
Michael Stefanowicz
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Business Analytics, Minor: Civic and Professional Leadership
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Leader, Astronomy Club, Honors Student Association
Advice for new Rams: Find a balance between academics and fun, and it's okay to take a little time to find
your footing.
Natalie Raynor
Hometown: Quakertown, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Early Grades Preparation
Favorite place on campus: Academic Quad
On-Campus Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Returning Orientation Leader, Sykes Union and Student Activities
Advice for new Rams: Have fun and be yourself!
Seung Mee Baak
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Music Therapy
Favorite place on campus: Practice Room 300J in Swope
On-Campus Involvement: Music Therapy Club
Advice for new Rams: Finding your place at WCU is easier than you think
Sofia Gonzalez
Hometown: Allentown, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Psychology
Favorite place on campus: Third floor SECC
On-Campus Involvement: Psychology Club, Women in Science, Phi Sigma Pi, Admissions
Ambassador
Advice for new Rams: Don’t be scared to talk to new people
Orientation Leaders
Anna Tran
Hometown: King of Prussia, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: International Business
Favorite place on campus: Business and Public Management Center
On-Campus Involvement: Asian Student Association
Advice for new Rams: Go to your classes
Beauty Crawford
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Nutrition- Dietetics Concentration, Minor: Public Health
Favorite place on campus: Dowdy Multicultural Center
On-Campus Involvement: Ram Chef, Student Dietetics Association, African Student Association, Orientation
Leader
Advice for new Rams: Make college what you want to remember and find a balance!
Blair Flamer
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Year: 3rd year
Major: Theatre, Minor: Psychology
Favorite place on campus: Recreation Center
On-Campus Involvement: Asian Student Association
Advice for new Rams: Utilize the resources that you have.
Brooke Pierce
Hometown: Dover, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Biology
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Forensics (Speech and Debate Team)- Join the debate team!
Advice for new Rams: Use office hours!
Calvin Sewell
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
Year: 4th year
Major: Geoscience
Favorite place on campus: Gordon Natural Area
On-Campus Involvement: Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity, Student Government Association, Club Swim, Chess Club
Advice for new Rams: Put yourself out there and be bold.
Christene'a Archer
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Social Work
Favorite place on campus: Recreation Center
On-Campus Involvement: COMPASS Program, Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Always ask for help, it's very important.
Elizabeth Hensel
Hometown: Mount Pocono, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Computer Science
Favorite place on campus: Academic Quad
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Leader, If You're Reading This Club
Advice for new Rams: Pay attention in class
Joseph Panunto
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Early Grades Preparation
Favorite place on campus: Recreation Center
On-Campus Involvement: The Hidden Opponent, Intramural Basketball and Volleyball, Kickboxing Club, Psychology
Club
Advice for new Rams: If you want something just go out and go for it, the results will eventually come
Logan Yates
Hometown: Norristown, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Computer Science
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Dowdy Multicultural Center Peer Mentor, WCU Gospel Ministries, Computer Science Club
Advice for new Rams: Take advantage of everything you have been given
Lukas Williamson
Hometown: Huntington Valley, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Political Science- U.S. government concentration
Favorite place on campus: Academic Quad
On-Campus Involvement: Honors Student Association, Student Government Association, Orientation, German Club,
Model Congress Club
Advice for new Rams: Introduce yourself to your professors early! It's a whole lot easier
Madison McGowan
Hometown: Sharron Hill, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Psychology
Favorite place on campus: Anderson Hall
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Take your first year seriously, it really helps in the long run!
Michael Wishingrad
Hometown: Quakertown, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Business Analytics
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity
Advice for new Rams: Go to class
Monica Rojas
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: History with concentration in social studies education
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Colleges Against Cancer, Honors Student Association, Banned and Challenged Books club
Advice for new Rams: Try new things out of your comfort zone! Take advantage of new opportunities.
Paige Stewart
Hometown: Biglerville, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Urban & Environmental Planning
Favorite place on campus: Willow tree by the Recreation Center
On-Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Don't change yourself for others!
Peyton Schrader
Hometown: Lititz, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Music Therapy
Favorite place on campus: Gordon Natural Area
On-Campus Involvement: Music Therapy Club
Advice for new Rams: Branch out and try new things because you never know what will happen.
Raegan Parke
Hometown: Schwenksville, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Communications Studies
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Student Activities Council Intern, Outdoor Adventure Pursuits (OAP)
Advice for new Rams: You're not on a timeline! You're on your own timeline!
Rhian Kinard
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Get yourself out there, join clubs, meet new people, and get your work done.
Sophia DiBenedetto
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Year: 3rd year
Major: Marketing, Minor: Business Law
Favorite place on campus: University Hall
On-Campus Involvement: Delta Phi Epsilon, Spanish Club, Public Relations Student Society of America
Advice for new Rams: Go to everything and spend as little time in your dorm as possible
Stephen Beatty
Hometown: West Chester, PA
Year: 3rd year
Major: Supply Chain Management
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Leader, Spanish Club, Public Relations Student Society of America
Advice for new Rams: Get out there and don’t be afraid
Taleah Capers
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Psychology
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Planned Parenthood Generation Action, NAMI on campus, WCU It's On Us, Community Assistant
for USH, Team Engagement Member for Sykes Student Union, Orientation leader, Marketing
Coordinator for Student Activities Council
Advice for new Rams: Go to the involvement fair! Make friends- friends will make or break your experience
here
Qadasha Montford
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Year: 4th year
Major: Early Education
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: NAACP, Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Take advantage of all the resources, like PLEASE
Walid Daoury
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Exercise Science Pre-Physical Therapy
Favorite place on campus: Commuter Lounge in Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Collaborations Coordinator for First Gen Rams, Public Safety Officer, Boxing Club,
Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Get as involved as possible, make sure you make connections and network.
Zionna Stansbury
Hometown: Chester, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Psychology
Favorite place on campus: Academic Quad
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Leader
Advice for new Rams: Don't be afraid to ask for help because most likely everyone else needs help too
Spanish Interpreters
Alexandra Segura-Nuñez
Hometown: Avondale, PA
Year: 2nd year
Major: Biology- Cell and Molecular Concentration
Favorite place on campus: Sykes Student Union
On-Campus Involvement: Pre-Dental Society, Pre-Medical Student Association, Minorities in Medicine Club
Advice for new Rams: Take one day at a time
Franchelys Hernandéz
Hometown: Dominican Republic
Year: 3rd year
Major: Psychology, Minor: Gender Studies
Favorite place on campus: Francis Harvey Green Library
On-Campus Involvement: Psychology Club, Biology Club, Gender Studies Club
Advice for new Rams: Make friends