University News

UNIVERSITY NEWS

WCU CELEBRATES 250th Signing of the Declaration of Independence with a Statewide Gathering of PA’s 10 Frederick Douglass Institutes

More than 200 students, faculty scholars, staff, members of the community, and guests from throughout Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and beyond gathered on WCU’s campus for two days this spring to participate in a series of enlightening discussions focusing on social justice. The University’s Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) led its nine sister institutes from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in an examination of social justice at the FDI Collaborative Conference and Debate Tournament.

Dr. Christian Awuyah, WCU professor of English and director of WCU’s Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI), said the purpose of the event was “to foster intellectual growth, collaborative learning, and meaningful discourse grounded in the enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass.” He organized the conference along with Dr. Francis Atuahene, professor and chair of public policy, and Dr. John Craig, director of WCU’s Academic Success Program/ACT 101 and professor of interdisciplinary studies and academic support programs.

Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., acclaimed New York Times bestselling author and James S. McDonnell Distinguished Professor at Princeton University, opened the thought-provoking event, discussing “America at 250: Truth, Justice, and the Reckoning We Owe.” A student debate tournament featuring 25 students from WCU, Commonwealth – Bloomsburg, Cheyney, East Stroudsburg, Lincoln, and Slippery Rock universities brought the gathering to a close.

Dr. Atuahene noted that the gathering “contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas and supported a shared commitment to academic excellence and civic engagement.”

As the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, West Chester University is proud of our unique link to our nation’s founding principles: Famed abolitionist, orator, and statesman Frederick Douglass, who once had been enslaved but continued to believe in the promise of independence and equality for all, delivered his last public lecture on the campus of West Chester State Teachers College (now WCU) on February 1, 1895, just days before his death.

Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr.

Doctoral Candidates Compete in WCU’S Inaugural Three-Minute Thesis Competition

WCU’s Graduate School has partnered with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for the inaugural Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, an international initiative hosted in the United States and Canada by the Council of Graduate Schools. As a pilot, this year’s spring competition was open only to WCU doctoral students, who presented their dissertation, thesis, or final project in three minutes in terms understandable by a non-specialist audience

Overall winner Dr. Janelle Harding D’26, a senior improvement advisor for Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, completed her WCU doctor of nursing practice in May. Her work involves advancing healthcare quality and partnering with healthcare leaders to improve healthcare processes and patient outcomes, which was the subject of her final project, “When Seconds Matter: Redesigning Sepsis Care.”

“I currently assist in improvement efforts within the sepsis program at my organization,” Harding explained after the competition, “and [Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health was] at a point to review our sepsis order sets that drive our sepsis care in a fast and efficient way. There was also a recent move for a CMS sepsis care measure to be included into one of their programs that now tied a financial risk to performance, so our sepsis group felt it even more essential to review and optimize our sepsis order sets to produce the highest rate of consistency of sepsis care. My final project was to evaluate the statistical and clinical significance of this optimization to share the imperative nature of the design of care processes to match clinical workflows.”

Harding entered the 3MT competition “for the enjoyment and fun nature it proposed,” she said. “I also felt it was important practice to deliver my ‘elevator speech’ of my project since oftentimes we have minimal time or opportunity to share our work. This was also a great event to be able to bring doctoral-level work to the community.”

Second place in WCU’s inaugural 3MT competition went to Grant Butler, a doctor of education candidate, for “The Role of Growth Mindset as a Mitigating Factor in Teacher Burnout in the Secondary Math Classroom.” Third place went to Becky Eckburg, a doctor of education candidate, for “Factors that Impact Teacher Self-Efficacy.”

Dr. Marci Major, professor and chair of the WCU music education and music therapy department and faculty associate to the graduate school dean, noted, “It was inspiring to see our graduate students step into this space with such confidence, creativity, and purpose. The energy around this first Three-Minute Thesis event was remarkable, and we’re already looking forward to growing it so that even more students can share their work and voices in the future.

“The Three-Minute Thesis reminded us what’s possible when graduate research is made visible, accessible, and engaging,” continued Dr. Major. “We’re eager to expand participation and continue creating spaces where more of our students can share the impact of their work."

3MT winner Dr. Janelle Harding D’26

REFRESHED STUDY COMMONS

West Chester University celebrated the unveiling of a refreshed study commons on the second floor of Francis Harvey Green Library, made possible by a generous gift from Frank and Meg Quinlisk. The transformation was inspired by their daughter Zoe, a 2024 WCU alumna who loved the library but saw room for improvement. The renovation added new seating, modern furniture, and a flexible, neurodivergent-friendly design shaped with input from library staff and the Dub-C Autism Program. Dean Dr. Jill Dixon and President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky joined the Quinlisks for the ribbon cutting, honoring a gift that empowers Golden Rams to study, connect, and succeed.

(L-R) Meg and Frank Quinlisk, Dr. Bernotsky, and Dr. Dixon.

WCU Earns Military Friendly School Gold Distinction for 2026-2027

The University has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly School designation, maintaining Gold status in recognition of leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs for members of the military and veterans enrolled here. WCU has also maintained status as a 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly School.

Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community. More than 3,200 schools sought Military Friendly designation by participating in this year’s proprietary survey. Institutions were also evaluated using public data sources. Gold award status is reserved for schools that scored within 10% of the 10thranking school in their category.

West Chester University strives to create an intentional culture of understanding, acceptance, and success for veterans, active military, National Guard service members, and those who support them. Services and resources for members of the military and veterans at WCU are centralized through the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center, thanks to the endeavors of WCU leadership, the WCU Foundation, and the WCU Veterans Center team: June Thompson, administrative assistant; Vince DeMarro, VA School Certifying Official; George Ohene, graduate assistant; and Lillian Morrison, Veterans Center Director and VA School Certifying Official.

The Veterans Center team has facilitated communication among campus offices so that student veterans and their families enjoy a coordinated system of service and a meaningful transition from the military to the University. The Weisenstein Endowment has been established to provide annual support in scholarships and programming for WCU student veterans. Staff includes a licensed professional counselor dedicated specifically to the specialized needs of WCU’s student veteran population. Expanded resources such as this have been made possible through the generosity of donors and alumni. In addition, faculty and staff across the University demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and engaging student veterans. The Veterans Center is part of WCU’s Division for Access, Compliance and Engagement.

The Veterans Center also offers student veterans spaces to meet formally, study, relax, recharge, and socialize, plus resources and events that connect veterans at WCU with those in the local community.

The University also offers a supportive environment for military spouses and dependents, who are encouraged to utilize the Veterans Center and its variety of resources and participate in its programming. Military spouses and dependents have served as members of the WCU Student Veterans Group and as staff of the Veterans Center.

The complete 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools list can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com.

Two Military Friendly Badges for the 26-27 School Year

PASSING OF LEGENDARY HEAD COACH AND PIONEER VONNIE GROS

The University’s former legendary field hockey and lacrosse head coach Vonnie Gros passed away February 28. She was 90 years old.

A pioneer for women’s athletics in two different sports long before Title IX attempted to equal the playing field for women, Gros left an indelible mark on the athletic world in both South Jersey and Chester County. A Palmyra High School three-sport star, Gros attended Ursinus College upon graduation, where she became an All-American in both field hockey and lacrosse. She eventually joined the U.S. national team in both sports, spending 13 years in the U.S. Field Hockey program and 10 in the U.S. Lacrosse program after graduating from Ursinus College.

Gros came to West Chester State Teachers College in 1964 to coach both the field hockey and lacrosse teams. She stayed through the 1976 season, winning two Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women national championships in field hockey with the Golden Rams in 1975 and 1976, and setting the foundation for two more to follow in 1977 and 1978. Her field hockey teams ran up an overall record of 100-7-16. From 1964 to 1973, she served as head coach of the lacrosse team as well carving out a career win-loss record of 37-5-4 in those 10 years.

WCU’s field hockey/women’s lacrosse stadium bears her name.

“Vonnie Gros was a transformational figure in the history of field hockey and lacrosse as well as intercollegiate athletics,” Terry Beattie, WCU director of athletics, said. “Her accomplishments, not just as head coach at West Chester University but as a player, mentor, and Olympian, set a standard of excellence that few ever reach. The impact as both a coach and an educator that she had on her sports and this institution spans generations of student-athletes and is immeasurable.”

After leaving West Chester to coach at Princeton University, Gros took over the reins of the U.S. Field Hockey program and won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles — the only medal a U.S. field hockey team has ever won at the Olympics. She is a member of multiple halls of fame, including both the field hockey and lacrosse halls of fame. Back in South Jersey, she was named one of Burlington County’s Top 100 Athletes of the Century in 2000.

Undergraduates Conduct Summer Research

This year’s cohort of Student Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) participants spent five weeks as full-time researchers with faculty mentors, presenting their projects at a concluding ceremony on July 13.

Students conducted research in forensic toxicology, photochemistry, psychology, political science, computer science, and more. Several investigated topics in music.

Overseen by the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, SURI was developed to:

INCREASE the interest in and opportunities for undergraduate research and creative activity across all disciplines.
ESTABLISH a community of undergraduate scholars, where students learn from one another and engage in connection events and workshops to develop basic skills in all aspects for conducting research and creative activity.
PROMOTE critical and analytical thinking skills that prepare undergraduate students for graduate-level studies and/or careers.

This year, 28 students participated, reported Dr. Cheryl Neale-McFall, associate provost for research and creative activity. Scholars receive a $2,500 stipend to conduct a research or creative activity project in collaboration with a faculty mentor over five weeks during the first summer session. They commit to working 37.5 hours each week. There are weekly connection events on campus that blend research-based workshops and social activities to build connection among SURI scholars.

During the kick-off event, when participants were asked to submit comments anonymously about SURI, noted Dr. Neale-McFall, faculty pointed out that it was rewarding to watch their students bring their ideas to life as they worked directly with them. Some of the students’ comments:

“I’m so deeply excited after seeing the other projects and getting to speak with other scholars and staff.”

“I’m excited to be able to do research that I am personally interested in with my professor! I am really passionate about research and I’m excited to see where this research goes.”

“Meeting others, learning about new research, and participating in the connection events is exciting.”

“I am most excited to perform my research with my mentor and learn how to present my research in professional settings.

WCU TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF JAZZ

From November 6 through 8, 2026, the University will celebrate 100 Years of Jazz, honoring a century-long tradition that has shaped generations of musicians and enriched the cultural life of the campus and community.

The celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the ensemble that would become the Criterions, one of the nation’s longest-running university jazz bands. Established during the 1926–1927 academic year as a student-led dance band, the ensemble evolved into the Criterions, earning a reputation for excellence in jazz performance and becoming a treasured part of WCU’s musical heritage. For decades, the group has brought together talented student musicians while fostering a lifelong connection among alumni who continue to return to campus to perform and celebrate their shared love of jazz.

The anniversary weekend will feature performances by the current Criterions, alumni ensembles representing multiple generations of musicians, and premieres of newly commissioned works by renowned jazz composers Bob Mintzer, Orrin Evans, and Bob Curnow ’63. The celebration will also include a special appearance by acclaimed vibraphonist Stefon Harris, one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz.

The event will not only honor the music itself but also the enduring community that has grown around it. For nearly four decades, Criterions alumni have returned to campus annually to perform together, continuing a tradition established by the late H. Lee Southall ’64, who served as the ensemble's first official faculty director and founded the Criterions Alumni Jazz Ensemble in 1986. His vision helped strengthen the bonds between generations of WCU musicians and ensured that the spirit of the ensemble would continue long after graduation. This year’s Criterions Alumni reunion concert was held July 16 in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall.

As WCU's jazz program enters its second century, the anniversary celebration will recognize a legacy of innovation, creativity, and excellence while looking ahead to the future of jazz education and performance at the University.

Additional event details will be announced in the coming months.

There’s a new indoor photo spot for all Golden Rams! Rammy on a bench was installed in Sykes Student Union lobby this spring as part of the Sykes 50th anniversary, celebrated during Alumni Weekend. Funded by the Union, it was created to serve as a lasting campus landmark and tradition for generations of Rams to visit and enjoy. Guests at the Golden Gala: Celebrating 50 Years of Sykes Student Union, which took place April 25, enjoyed taking photos there. More than 80 attended and helped honor Diane DeVestern, retired assistant vice president for student affairs, and Chris Brenner, assistant dean and director for student conduct, with Sykes Impact Awards for their contributions to and support of Sykes Student Union.