Academic Success Program

John Craig, Ed.D.
Director
jcraig@wcupa.edu
610-436-3133

Dr. John B. Craig is Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs and Director of the Academic Success Program/ACT 101. He holds a doctorate in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in education from Temple University.

Marie Bunner, Ed.D.
Associate Director
MBunner@wcupa.edu
610-436-3132

Dr. Marie Bunner is the Associate Director and Academic Advisor in the Academic Success Program (ASP) and the Department Chair for Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs in University College. Dr. Bunner holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and rhetoric and a master’s degree in administrative and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and Doctor of Education degree from Saint Joseph’s University. Her professional experience and research focus on academic support services include teaching and learning, academic advising, and special programs in higher education.

Paris McPherson, Ed.D.
Retention & Learning Support Specialist
pmcpherson@wcupa.edu
610-436-3127

Dr. McPherson serves as a Faculty Advisor and Retention Specialist for the Academic Success Program. She supports the retention of upper-level ASP students throughout their time at West Chester University. To support ASP students she provides personalized guidance, resources, and strategies to help students make the most of their time at WCU and to successfully complete their degree,. She is available to connect students with campus resources to meet their needs, explore major and career pathways, and explore co-curricular opportunities to enhance their college experience. With a focus on persistence, engagement, and personal development, Dr. McPherson is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and make the most of their college experience. Dr. McPherson is also the faculty advisor for ASP's national honor society, Chi Alpha Epsilon.

Jake Mann
Coordinator for Mentoring & Learning Support
jmann@wcupa.edu
610-436-3129

Jake Mann holds a bachelor’s degree in Geoscience from West Chester University and a master's degree in Sustainable Communities with a Graduate Certificate in Building Science from Northern Arizona University. In addition to his focus on providing mentoring and learning support to ASP students, he directly oversees the program’s Peer Assistants, co-supervises its Graduate Assistants, and leads the High-Impact Practices component, which includes Experiential Learning & Special Projects. His research interests include leveraging artificial intelligence for learning support, exploring the impact of "third spaces" on material comprehension, information retention, and sense of belonging, and examining the relationship between experiential learning participation and retention rates of students in the ASP.

Ally Drames
Office Assistant
ADrames@wcupa.edu
610-436-3128

Ally Drames attended WCU for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, in Early Grades Preparatory and Special Education and in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs. She has been a proud member of the WCU community since 2016.

Ameerah Ensley
Major: Social Work

Ronan McDermott
Major: English

Laura Stahlman
Major: PsyD

Cass Cooper
Major: Social Work with a focus in child welfare

Erin Butler
Major: Studio Arts with a concentration in printmaking

Aniya Fowler
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Social Work

Kelsie Searfass 
Major: Early Grades Preparatory