Today, we spotlight the newly launched PennWest CORE — the Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement. CORE leads initiatives that promote dignity, belonging, leadership development, and community engagement across our campuses.

We’re joined by two students and two faculty members who are helping bring CORE’s mission to life. They’ll share how this new office is shaping student success, strengthening connections, and building a more inclusive PennWest community.

Sade Taylor is a sophomore at PennWest Edinboro from Vandergrift, PA, majoring in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and adding a CSCD minor. Sade is known for her empathy, authenticity, and commitment to creating inclusive, uplifting spaces for every student she encounters.

Jordyn Reynolds, from Philadelphia, is a Middle Level Education major at our California campus, with minors in Special Education and Psychology. She serves as President of the Black Student Union. Jordyn is dedicated to creating inclusive, connected campus spaces.

Dr. Michelle Early Torregano is a PennWest professor of Education and director of the Frederick Douglass Institute. Dr. Torregano researches multicultural education, academic freedom, and policies impacting underrepresented students. A social justice advocate, she teaches in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and serves on key university committees. A New Orleans native, she loves cooking, jazz, and celebrating southern culture as a proud mother of two.

Dr. Joseph Croskey is a West Point graduate, Army veteran and former Ranger who served six years, including in Desert Storm. He earned his Ph.D. from IUP researching mindfulness and now directs the Act 101 Flourish Program at Clarion and Edinboro. A leadership and well‑being educator who teaches globally – including through the UN’s Peace on Purpose program – Dr. Croskey is a dedicated advocate for human flourishing.