WCU Spring 2025 Magazine

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

As the spring issue of The WCU Magazine was going to press on March 28, President Bernotsky was taking the oath of office as West Chester University’s 16th president. President Bernotsky wished to let all know how much the moment meant to her and how deeply grateful she remains to everyone in our community of learners, educators, and friends.

As I stand before you today, honored and humbled to serve as the president of West Chester University, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped make this achievement possible.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my family. While my parents and older sister are no longer with us, I carry their love, wisdom, and support in my heart every single day. They were my greatest source of strength, and their belief in me has shaped who I am today. Their love and guidance continue to inspire me, and I hope to honor their memory through my work and leadership.

To my younger sister, you have been a constant source of joy, love, and strength. Your support and the bond we share mean more to me than words can express. I am so proud of the person you are, and I am grateful to have you by my side. Thank you for always being there for me, through every challenge and every triumph.

And to my husband, your love, patience, and unwavering belief in me have been my greatest anchor. I am beyond grateful for your sacrifices, your partnership, and your commitment to this path we’ve walked together. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine, and I could not do this without you by my side.

I also want to extend a special thank you to my amazing friends, some of whom have traveled from other states and even the UK to be here today. Your support means the world to me, and your willingness to make such a long journey to share this moment speaks volumes about the strength of our friendship. Thank you for always lifting me up, no matter the distance, and for believing in me from the very beginning.

I am excited to work alongside you, as we continue to build an environment where we can all thrive and learn from one another.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE AND COLLABORATION

To my best friend and colleague, you have been my biggest supporter throughout this entire process. Your encouragement, friendship, and belief in me have been invaluable. You have been there for me not just as a colleague but as a true friend, cheering me on when I needed it the most and offering unwavering support every step of the way.

To my colleagues, thank you for your encouragement, guidance, and collaboration. Each of you has played an important role in helping me get to where I am today. Your dedication, hard work, and willingness to share your knowledge and experiences have shaped me into a better leader. I have learned so much from working alongside you, and I truly look forward to continuing our work together. I could not have done this without your support, and I am truly grateful for each of you.

To the faculty and staff of this University, thank you for your tireless efforts in shaping the minds and futures of our students. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for education are the foundation of our institution. Every day, you inspire, challenge, and support the next generation of leaders. I look forward to collaborating with you as we continue to foster an environment that nurtures growth, innovation, and success.

To my mentors and advisors, thank you for your wisdom, guidance, and invaluable advice. You’ve shown me the importance of leadership, integrity, and service, and your example continues to inspire me every day. I will strive to honor the lessons you have imparted to me as I serve in this role.

To our students, thank you for entrusting us with your education. Your curiosity, passion, and perspectives are what drive us to continually grow and improve. We are not only here to teach you but to learn from you as well. You inspire me to think critically, challenge norms, and innovate. I am excited to work alongside you, as we continue to build an environment where we can all thrive and learn from one another.

To our alumni, thank you for maintaining a deep connection to our University, for being ambassadors of our values, and for continuing to support us in countless ways. Your success is a testament to the transformative power of the education you received here, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. I am grateful for the ongoing relationship we share, and I look forward to continuing to support you as you make an impact in your communities and careers.

To our donors, your generosity has made it possible for us to enhance the educational experience for all students. Thank you for investing in our future and providing the resources that allow us to grow, innovate, and reach new heights. Your support is critical to ensuring that our University remains a place of opportunity and excellence. I am deeply grateful for your continued commitment to our mission.

EVERY DAY, YOU INSPIRE, CHALLENGE AND SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

 

YOUR SUPPORT IS CRITICAL TO ENSURING THAT OUR UNIVERSITY REMAINS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE

To our community partners, thank you for your collaboration and support. Together, we work to enrich the lives of those we serve, and your partnership plays a vital role in our University’s success. The impact we make is far greater because of the relationships we’ve built with you, and I look forward to strengthening those connections in the years to come.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the amazing team at PennWest who worked alongside me as interim president. The experience I gained there was invaluable, and I learned so much from each of you, particularly the shared governance faculty leaders. I carry those lessons forward with me as I serve in this role, and I will always cherish the experiences and the bonds we formed during that time.

I PROMISE TO WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE THIS INSTITUTION A PLACE WHERE ALL OF US CAN THRIVE

I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the PASSHE Board of Governors and the WCU Council of Trustees for granting me the opportunity to serve as the president of this incredible institution. Your confidence in me means more than words can express. I am deeply committed to rising to the challenge of this role and ensuring that I meet your expectations, as well as the expectations of our entire University community. I am determined to contribute meaningfully to the continued success of our University and all of our students.

Finally, I would like to thank every single person who has believed in me and stood by my side. This role is not just mine — it’s a responsibility to all of us, and I am committed to serving you with integrity, passion, and determination. Your confidence in my vision for our University motivates me to work even harder to ensure that we grow, evolve, and create a community where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

I am inspired by the limitless potential we have as a University community. Together, we will achieve great things, and I promise to work tirelessly to make this institution a place where all of us can thrive.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I am truly grateful, and I am excited for what the future holds!

Yours,

VIEW PRESIDENT BERNOTSKY'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS