November 29, 2018

For the second consecutive year, the beautiful Borough of West Chester tops the 2018 list of Best College Towns according to HighSpeedInternet.com (HSI).As befits the entity that compiled the list, internet connectivity is a prime factor they considered when they set their tool “The U.S. City You Should be Living In” to search for criteria that should be important to college students. They also evaluated low cost of living, walkability, low crime rate, and a predominantly single and educated population. The algorithm uses data from sites across the web, including Census.gov, Obrella.com, Safewise.com, C2ER, City-Data.com, Kelly Norton, and Walk Score. “We adapted this tool to find cities with an ideal environment for college students,” notes HSI staffer Rachel Oaks.

West Chester University Scott Heinerichs

West Chester University Names Scott Heinerichs as Dean of the College of Health Sciences

Following a national search, Scott Heinerichs has been named dean of the College of Health Sciences at West Chester University (WCU), the largest of the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the fourth largest university in the Philadelphia area. Heinerichs brings to the University more than 17 years of extensive leadership in the field of health sciences, in addition to vast experience in specialized and regional accreditation. His position as dean is effective immediately.

Known for his expertise in the areas of outcomes-based education and clinical reasoning, Heinerichs has served the University in a variety of leadership roles, including that of interim assistant vice president; faculty associate for teaching, learning, and assessment; interim chair of the Sports Medicine Department; and program director for the inaugural entry-level master’s degree in athletic training. He most recently served as the interim dean of the University’s College of Health Sciences, overseeing more than 150 faculty members across six academic departments.

“Dr. Heinerichs’ expertise is critical to the continued advancement of WCU’s College of Health Sciences, and his leadership is a tremendous asset to our students,” said Laurie Bernotsky, executive vice president and provost. “He and the faculty within the College are dedicated to preparing students to work in a variety of demanding health-related fields, and to expanding students’ many opportunities for rewarding careers in jobs not-yet identified.” 

Heinerichs holds a Doctor of Higher Education Academic Leadership from Widener University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from West Chester University.

Learn more about the College of Health Sciences