University Advancement and External Affairs

Meet The Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs

Message from the Vice President

University Advancement & External Affairs (UAEA) collaborates with internal and external constituents to advance institutional and student success. UAEA is comprised of three main departments: the Twardowski Career Development Center, the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI), and the Office of External Relations. These offices provide lifelong career development services, community-engaged learning and volunteer opportunities, and cultivate intentional partnerships with local and regional municipalities and elected officials. UAEA also serves as the university’s liaison to the West Chester University Foundation and Alumni Engagement Office, focusing collaboratively on philanthropic opportunities and enhancing alumni engagement.

As the vice president of UAEA, I invite you to connect with our division through the many engagement and experiential learning opportunities created to support and prepare our students to succeed throughout college and beyond.

Sincerely,
Dr. Zebulun Davenport

Learn more about the Vice President

UAEA Events and Highlights

WCU Receives a $60k Hunger-Free Campus Grant

UAEA is excited to announce that West Chester University has been awarded a $60,000 Hunger-Free Campus Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This funding will enhance our efforts to combat food insecurity on campus, ensuring that every student has access to the nutritious food and resources they need to succeed.

This grant will help us expand critical programs that support student well-being and foster a more inclusive, supportive community. We’re grateful to the PA Department of Education for their recognition and support of our commitment to a hunger-free campus.

Thank you to the CCESI Team who made this grant possible.
Most Engaged Campus Voting 2024

West Chester University is proud to join 471 campuses in being named a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. Great work to CCESI and campus partners for their effort in 2024 to institutionalize nonpartisan democratic engagement to increase student voter turnout.
Congratulations, Dr. Davenport

Congratulations to Zeb Davenport, VP for UAEA, on your appointment as the new Chester County Community Foundation Chair. Zeb has been a CCCF Board member since 2022. He stepped into the new role as chair in June 2024.
Spotlight on Faculty Research

Congratulations to Yessica Gutierrez, Assistant Director, for having the Internship Prep Program for First Generation Students of Color, a partnership with the Dowdy Multicultural Center, celebrated during Spotlight on Faculty Research.
NASPA2 Regional Conference Closing Panel

Vice President, Dr. Davenport joined the NASPA Region 2 Conference Closing Panel entitled, Exploring Basic Needs: Advocacy and Action on College Campuses. Panelists from R to L included, Dr. Zeb Davenport, Vice President for UAEA; Dr. Anne Lundquist, Executive Director of the Hope Center, Temple University; Alex Kennedy, Community Partner Coordinator, Food Bank of NYC; Amber Danku, Assistant Director for Student Basic Needs, Rutgers University; and Dr. Felipe Henau (Moderator), Dean of Students, New York Institute of Technology.