A Message from the Office of the Provost...
Dear Colleagues and Friends of West Chester University,
As West Chester University moves forward under the leadership of our 16th president,
Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, we are committed to working together to support and uphold our
mission of preparing graduates personally and professionally to excel while contributing
to the common good.
We are proud to be part of an inclusive institution renowned for its commitment to
academic excellence, student success, and equal access to opportunity. None of this
would be possible without our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and supporters.
Your contributions are the cornerstone of our university’s success, shaping the minds
and futures of our students. Your devotion to the University’s mission is nothing
short of inspirational.
As we navigate the upcoming academic year, our focus remains steadfast on academic
excellence, student success, and inclusivity. We remain dedicated to our Moon Shot
Mission of eliminating equity gaps in student achievement. We are excited to share
with you several key initiatives and priorities that will guide us:
- Innovating Teaching and Learning: Embracing innovative pedagogical approaches and integrating advanced technologies
into our classrooms will keep our educational practices at the forefront of academic
excellence. The Teaching and Learning Center runs numerous initiatives that aim to
support faculty in and out of the classroom in their role as educators. Our Information
Systems and Technology department is preparing the university to meet the current
and future challenges of AI and its impacts on teaching and learning.
- Excelling at Research: By continuing to build on our momentum as an R2 institution, we will increase access
to the transformational experience that research and creative expression bring to
university life. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs recently onboarded
a Post-Award Grant Specialist to support those who have been awarded grant dollars
with managing their grant administration so they can focus on the research.
- Promoting Student Support Services: We are committed to ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities to succeed
academically and personally. The Moon Shot Mission, the University College with its
new Academic Success and Advocacy Center (ASA), and the current strategic plan’s emphasis
on high impact practices are leading these efforts to ensure we implement data-informed
best practices to support our students’ success.
- Fostering Inclusive Excellence: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our mission. We will continue to
implement and support initiatives that promote a welcoming campus environment where
we eliminate equity gaps and ensure that we create opportunities instead of barriers.
- Strengthening Community Partnerships: We must continue to build robust partnerships locally, nationally, and globally
to enrich our educational environment and provide our students with real-world experiences
and opportunities.
Thank you for your continued dedication, passion, and support. We look forward to
continuing this important work together.
Best Regards,
Jeffery L. Osgood, Jr., PhD, MPA
Executive Vice President and Provost (Interim)
Professor of Public Policy and Administration
Josh R. Auld, PhD
Senior Associate Vice President and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Professor of Biology
Tabetha Adkins, PhD
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean, University College
Professor of English