University News

UNIVERSITY NEWS

INAUGURAL FREDERICK DOUGLASS BIRTHDAY COMMUNITY EVENT

On February 12, The Society of WCU, in collaboration with the Frederick Douglass Institute and Francis Harvey Green Library, hosted a birthday celebration in honor of one of the 19th century’s most distinguished freedom advocates, Frederick Douglass.

Held in the library, the event featured art, writing, and discussion stations, along with an exhibit highlighting Douglass’ historical connection to WCU. It was open to both campus and community members.

Douglass was born February 14, 1818, and died on February 20, 1895, shortly after giving his final public lecture at our institution, then known as West Chester State Normal School.

“Frederick Douglass’ commitment to education as a path to liberation continues to inspire our work at West Chester University,” said Dr. Tiffany Jones, president of The Society and an associate professor with University College. “Gathering our WCU community to honor his legacy through art, dialogue, and service reminds us of our shared responsibility to advance social justice and inclusive excellence.”

In honor of Douglass’ lifelong dedication to literacy, The Society collected book donations for local elementary, middle, and high schools during the celebration.

The Society of WCU is a group of faculty, staff, and students who seek to elevate the social consciousness of the campus and community at large. Named in 1983 for the abolitionist, social justice educator, and civil rights leader who rose from being enslaved to become one of America’s most powerful voices for freedom, The Society facilitates work and service that promotes social justice, equity, the arts, and holistic education.

Students and guests at the Douglass celebration view archival materials in the library’s Special Collections.

Dr. Tammy James Recognized with PSAC’s L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award

Dr. Tammy James, professor of public health sciences and now also special assistant to the president for student engagement and retention, has been recognized with the inaugural Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award. The systemwide award recognizes the contributions of an individual or group on each member campus who, through intercollegiate athletics, epitomizes the promise of unity, equity, and access for all. Dr. James, who has championed the success of all students since joining the faculty in 1994, was recognized at a men’s home basketball game in February.

“Dr. James excels at making students realize their potential, so they can activate their success,” said Director of Athletics Terry Beattie. “She inspires students’ hopes and, as an advocate, is their strongest ally. … Every student should have a Dr. James in their corner.”

Among Dr. James’ many success-related duties, she represents the Division of Academic Affairs on the CARE team to ensure that concerns for students’ well-being are properly routed and addressed. Prior to her current role, she was faculty associate for student engagement and retention. She has overseen the development of the Athletic Mentoring Program, which provides personal and academic support for all WCU student-athletes. She applied this model to develop the thriving COMPASS program, which provides academic mentoring to all multicultural students, and which she continues to lead. Of those programs, she notes, “I feel honored that students have let me into their lives to see what their needs are, what the barriers are, and what will enable them to not only succeed at our University, but to thrive. I love applying what I have learned to all of our students.”

Dr. James was a finalist for PSAC’s 2018 Pariser Faculty Mentor Award, which honors a faculty member who has demonstrated dedication, support, and guidance to student-athletes and the institution's athletics program.

PSAC’s L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award is named after Leslie Pinckney Hill, the first president of Cheyney State Teacher’s College and a renowned educator, writer, poet, and community leader. From 1913 to 1950, he was the principal of the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia and oversaw its establishment as Cheyney State Teachers College. The Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard-educated son of a father who had once been enslaved, he taught at Tuskegee Institute.

(L-R) Kellianne Milliner, associate athletics director and senior woman administrator; Dr. Tammy James, PSAC honoree, Terry Beattie, director of athletics; and Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, WCU president.

Celebrating AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the University has convened a WCU250 Committee to ensure our students are engaged in this momentous celebration.

“WCU was invited to partner with Chester County’s 250 Commission to develop a model for universities to celebrate the semiquincentennial,” noted Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president for communications, operations, and strategy in WCU’s Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. Hammerschmidt co-chairs the WCU250 Committee with Dr. Julie Dietrich, executive director for external relations. The University is also an affiliate member of the Commonwealth’s America250PA commission.

Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 communications and media practicum cohorts have developed and are implementing a communications campaign to market and promote events during the academic year. Guided by WCU250 committee members including Dr. Ed Lordan, professor of communication and media, these students are expanding their skills in multimodal social media and web marketing, in-person presentation, and PR strategies.

The WCU Alumni Association (WCUAA) provided funding that included a student stipend. Summer 2025 intern Briana Conlan helped develop a logo alongside Stephanie Thompson, publications assistant and designer in WCU’s Office of Publications, Printing, and Editorial Services, and website under the guidance of the University’s web team. The fall class created a WCU250 Instagram account, which is one of the leading information sources for our students. This spring, intern Allie Thompson, who served as team leader in the fall, presented the class’ PR and marketing proposal to the WCUAA. She is also updating the WCU250 website.

One of the more visible projects will be the America250-themed banners on Main Hall for the 2026-2027 academic year. The student-generated art is selected annually through a spring competition and painted during the summer.

The University’s Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology is mounting an America250-themed exhibit, “Becoming America in West Chester,” which opens April 24 and runs through August 2027.

The WCU250 Committee collaborates with campus and community partners to embrace the University’s history as educators; address the unfinished business of the “American Experiment”; and highlight the importance of sustaining and promoting civic engagement and community well-being.

Rammy signs a pledge stating he’s ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

WCU Professors Co-Executive Produce Documentary Exploring the Impact of Guaranteed Income for Educators

WCU Professor of English Dr. Laquana Cooke and Associate Professor of Digital and Global Media Dr. Jeremy C. McCool are co-executive producers of The Hands that Shape Tomorrow, a documentary offering a powerful and intimate look at how guaranteed income initiatives can transform the lives of early childhood educators.

The film debuted through a series of screenings held this spring, bringing together legislators, educators, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders for dialogue and reflection. Screenings took place in Downingtown, West Chester, and at the Philadelphia Film Center.

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kyra Knox (Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia, executive produced by Allen Iverson), the documentary follows early childhood educators participating in an 18-month guaranteed income program. Through candid interviews and personal stories, the film examines how financial stability affects those who nurture the youngest learners — both inside and outside the classroom — and reveals the ripple effects of economic security on their families, schools, and communities.

“This film allows audiences to witness the real-world consequences of financial insecurity among educators — and what becomes possible when that burden is lifted,” Dr. Cooke and Dr. McCool said.

“By centering the voices of early childhood educators, we hope to spark meaningful conversation about how investing in those who care for our youngest learners ultimately benefits us all.”

Dr. Cooke also serves as program director of WCU’s iCamp, a free, weeklong summer program for high school students from Philadelphia that provides immersive experiences in digital media while promoting self-expression and social justice. Dr. McCool is one of the program’s faculty experts.

This film allows audiences to witness the real-world consequences of financial insecurity among educators — and what becomes possible when that burden is lifted.

(L-R) Dr. Laquana Cooke and Dr. Jeremy C. McCool

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the DONALD JUSTICE POETRY PRIZE

The University’s Center for Creative Writing and Poetry (CCWP) gathered students, faculty, and literary supporters in the fall to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the prestigious Donald Justice Poetry Prize, a milestone that also honored the extraordinary generosity of benefactor Kean W. Spencer.

Established in 2005, the Spencer Poetry Awards were created by Spencer to honor his mother, the late Iris N. Spencer, and to recognize the outstanding poetic achievements of college students from across the United States. The awards support and celebrate unpublished, original poetry written in traditional forms such as meter, rhyme, and received structures. Each year, the competition offers a $1,500 first prize and a $500 runner-up award.

As part of the Spencer Poetry Awards, the Donald Justice Poetry Prize honors the distinguished American poet, teacher, and Pulitzer Prize winner whose legacy continues to shape the field of poetry. The prize recognizes an unpublished, original book-length manuscript that demonstrates attention to form. The winning poet receives $1,500 and publication, an opportunity that has launched and elevated emerging literary voices for two decades.

Spencer reflected on the deeply personal motivation behind the awards, saying, “My mother was a lifelong lover of poetry and literature. She always told me not to send her flowers when she was gone — she wanted them while she was living. I wanted to establish these awards during her lifetime so she could see their impact. She was able to do that for 14 years before she died, and today I continue to shape this gift into something that honors her and makes me proud.”

In a moving highlight of the evening, WCU President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky was presented with an engraved wooden box handcrafted by Thomas Haughey, professor of theatre and dance. The box contained all the manuscripts published through the Donald Justice Poetry Prize over the last 20 years. Each manuscript, signed by its author, documents the powerful legacy of the prize. The presentation was made by Kean Spencer, and the collection will be permanently housed in the Francis Harvey Green Library’s Special Collections, preserving this important literary history for future generations.

The CCWP continues to sponsor the Spencer Poetry Awards while also welcoming visiting poets and writers, supporting creative scholarship, and fostering community engagement. The CCWP’s mission remains focused on bringing poetry and creative writing to an ever-widening audience while nurturing the talents of students and writers within the University and beyond.

Kean W. Spencer

IMPACT AWARDS

In November, the West Chester University Foundation held its annual Gratitude Reception and Impact Awards ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations who inspire others through their philanthropy and volunteerism. The award honors recipients who demonstrate a passion for the University, its students, and the community. Pictured (L-R) are Deb Cornelius '91, WCU Foundation executive director; Robert G. Struble, Jr. (honoree); Marc Pelletier, senior vice president regional team leader, Commercial and Industrial Banking, Meridian Bank (honoree); Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, WCU president; and Dr. Zeb Davenport, vice president for University Advancement & External Affairs.

Pictured (L-R) are Deb Cornelius '91, WCU Foundation executive director; Robert G. Struble, Jr. (honoree); Marc Pelletier, senior vice president regional team leader, Commercial and Industrial Banking, Meridian Bank (honoree); Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, WCU president; and Dr. Zeb Davenport, vice president for University Advancement & External Affairs.

University Receives 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

The University has been selected to receive the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national designation that recognizes institutions for their commitment to community engagement and partnerships.

The 2026 classification was announced by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, which jointly administer the elective designation. In this cycle, 237 colleges and universities nationwide earned the classification following a comprehensive self-study and review process.

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is the nation’s leading framework for assessing and recognizing community engagement in higher education. Institutions must document how community engagement is embedded across teaching, research and service, and how those efforts are mutually beneficial to both the University and its community partners.

WCU’s application was submitted in April 2025 and represented more than a year of coordinated work across campus.

“This designation belongs to the entire West Chester University community,” said Dr. Rita Patel Eng, senior director of the Center for Community Engagement and Social Impact (CCESI). “I am incredibly thankful for the faculty, staff, and community partners who took the time to share their work, their data, and their stories. This application touched nearly every area of the University, and it would not have been possible without the collective commitment to community engagement that defines WCU.”

Dr. Patel Eng served as lead for the application and worked closely with a University committee that met regularly from November 2023 through April 2025 to collect, draft, and refine the submission materials. Other WCU committee members included:

Dr. Sara Hinkle, assistant vice president, Student Affairs
Dr. Julie Dietrich, executive director for external relations, Office of External Relations
Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president for communications, operations, and strategy, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
Dr. Elizabeth Munz, professor, Department of Communication and Media
Dr. Tina Chiarelli-Helminiak, professor, Graduate Social Work Department and faculty associate for CCESI

Since WCU’s previous reclassification process in 2019, the University has expanded its academic and curricular commitment to community engagement. Twenty-three academic departments have added Community Engaged Learning (CEL) courses to their catalogs, which increased the percentage of departments with CEL offerings by 44%.

The Carnegie Foundation noted that institutions receiving the 2026 classification exemplify higher education’s role in fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and creating real-world learning experiences for students.

Congratulations Swimming and Diving Program Conference Champions!

The WCU swimming and diving program capped another leading performance at the 2026 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) swimming championships, with both the men’s and women’s teams claiming conference titles inside the York YMCA Graham Pool in York, PA. Both teams led their respective leaderboards from start to finish over the four-day event. The Golden Rams men’s team won their fifth consecutive PSAC title and 27th straight championship in which they participated, claiming the program’s 38th overall conference title, which is the most of any school in PSAC history. The women’s team extended their own remarkable run, winning their fifth consecutive PSAC title and 19th straight championship in which they have competed, claiming the program’s 23rd title overall, second-most in conference history.

A group photo of men's and women's swimming all wearing purple wcu jerseys and holding signs that say champions

OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS Supports Mentored Student Research

The Student Undergraduate Research Foundations (SURF) opportunity, funded through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, allows students to experience firsthand what it’s like to work alongside a faculty member who is engaged in research and creative activities. This foundational knowledge prepares students to continue along an experiential pathway to engage in additional research opportunities during their time at WCU. This year, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs was able to award 45 — a record number — $500 SURF stipends for undergraduate students across all colleges and the School of Music.

$500
SURF STIPENDS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Among the SURF research being conducted by students this spring:

Under the tutelage of Dr. Susan Naylor in psychology, Sophia Kolivras is examining how different types of contact with nature within the classroom affect children’s sustained attention — especially important for children ages 8 to 11, since attention during this stage is closely tied to learning and academic success.

Dr. Muzammil Mumtaz is mentoring two biomedical engineering students in separate SURF projects as they research several aspects of spinal cord integrity and cervical stability following surgeries to repair degenerative discs or neck injuries. Mikaila Kornbau is comparing three different screw-based fixation techniques to repair injuries to the atlantoaxial joint at the base of the skull to identify which method provides greater load distribution and stability under physiologic conditions. Emma Lajeunesse is creating detailed models of the cervical spine to examine how different alignments influence biomechanics after total disc replacements. The research will support improved postoperative outcomes and rehabilitation strategies, reduced revision surgeries, and quality of life for patients.