The Power of PennWest

In this episode of the podcast, host Molly Jenkins explores how grant-funded initiatives are transforming lives, strengthening academic programs, and addressing critical workforce needs across Pennsylvania.

This episode spotlights PennWest’s Deaf Education Apprenticeship Program, an innovative initiative designed to prepare the next generation of teachers for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Through the perspectives of program leaders, educational partners, and a student apprentice, listeners will discover how external funding is helping remove barriers, create career pathways, and expand opportunities for both educators and learners.

Molly is joined by Dr. Karen Wise Lindeman, professor of education and director of the Deaf Education Apprenticeship Program; Christy Hiergeist, supervisor of Hearing and Language Programs for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit; and PennWest student Elizabeth Siwulec, who shares her firsthand experience preparing for a career in Deaf Education.

Learn how collaboration, innovation, and grant support are making a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities throughout the Commonwealth, and why investing in education today helps build a stronger future for tomorrow.

In Episode 9 of The Power of PennWest podcast, Dr. Kevin Courtright explores the people, programs and opportunities that have shaped PennWest’s longstanding excellence in criminal justice education.

Recorded during the celebration of the newly dedicated John R. Cencich Center for Investigative and Forensic Sciences at PennWest California, this episode features Professor Emeritus Dr. John Cencich, an international war crimes investigator and visionary educator whose contributions transformed criminal justice education and created hands-on investigative opportunities for students.

Joining the conversation is Dr. Laurel Harry, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and a PennWest alumna whose leadership journey reflects the impact of a PennWest education on public service and corrections. Listeners will also meet Brianna Garey, an Edinboro student-athlete and Criminal Justice major, as she shares how she balances academics, athletics and preparation for a future career in the field.

From forensic science innovation and faculty leadership to student achievement and alumni success, this episode highlights how PennWest continues to prepare the next generation of criminal justice professionals while building on a legacy of excellence that spans decades.

What does learning really look like beyond the syllabus? In this episode, we invite you to sit in on the PennWest experience as students and faculty explore the moments that make education meaningful.

Join guest host Dr. Lacey Fulton, Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence and professor in PennWest's Business, Economics, and Communication Department, for a conversation that brings the classroom experience to life.

This episode features Dr. Rebecca Wehler, an associate professor whose work focuses on inclusive physical activity, service learning, and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities; Dean Spade, a Fisheries and Wildlife Biology major and student leader whose involvement spans campus organizations, outdoor education, and community engagement; and Sequoya Brawner, a marketing major, campus leader, Community Assistant, and PennWest Clarion Homecoming Queen.

Together, they explore the experiences that define a PennWest education, from hands-on learning and memorable class projects to leadership opportunities, field experiences, and the moments when knowledge transforms into real-world impact. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about learning, leadership, and the power of meaningful connections.

How do some students manage to excel in athletics, academics, leadership, service, and campus involvement all at once? In this episode of The Power of PennWest, host Craig Butler sits down with three remarkable student-athletes who embody what it means to make the most of the college experience.

Meet Loreena Manser, a PennWest California track and field athlete, Health Science major, mentor, and campus leader; Taelyn Thomas, a PennWest Clarion multi-sport athlete balancing tennis, diving, computing, and extensive campus involvement; and Zoe Furman, a PennWest Edinboro women's wrestler who has embraced opportunities to lead, serve, and connect during her first year on campus.

Together, they share how they manage demanding schedules, stay motivated, build meaningful connections, and find success both in competition and beyond. From athletics and academics to service and student leadership, this conversation highlights the drive, determination, and community spirit that power PennWest students every day.

What does it mean to belong, connect and grow stronger together?

In this special Latinx Heritage Month episode of The Power of PennWest, guest host Dr. Stephanie Diez welcomes three distinguished members of the PennWest community for a heartfelt Café con Leche conversation inspired by this year's theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” (Together, We Are More).

Join Dr. Sheila Lorenzo de la Peña, Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján and Dr. Sandra Trejos as they share personal stories about culture, family, identity and the experiences that have shaped their journeys as educators, scholars and community leaders. Through reflections on heritage, belonging, mentorship and cross-cultural understanding, they explore how embracing diverse perspectives enriches our campuses and strengthens our communities.

From treasured family traditions to meaningful moments of connection at PennWest, this conversation highlights the power of storytelling, the importance of representation and the value of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and welcomed.

Grab your favorite coffee, tea or café con leche and join us for an inspiring discussion about culture, community and why, together, we are more.

In this episode of The Power of PennWest, host Amanda Sissem, associate vice president for Alumni Engagement and campus administrator for PennWest Edinboro, explores the meaning of Homecoming and the lifelong connections that begin at PennWest.

Joining the conversation are Kylie Anicic Ries, a 2024 Edinboro graduate, former All-American student-athlete and registered nurse; Raechel Braun, a PennWest Clarion student-athlete and campus leader; and Davis Slagle, a California alumnus, former Homecoming King and business executive.

Together, they share how their experiences as students helped shape their personal and professional journeys, reflect on the traditions that bring generations of PennWest alumni back to campus, and discuss why the friendships, memories and sense of belonging created here endure long after graduation.

Whether you're a current student, alumnus or Homecoming enthusiast, this episode celebrates the lasting impact of the PennWest experience and the pride that unites the university community across generations.

In this episode of The Power of PennWest, student host and Student Trustee Aiden Dougan explores how higher education is evolving to meet the needs of today’s students. Joined by Jill Loop, Rachel Michaels and Dr. Leah Chambers, the conversation examines student success, wellness, retention and first-year support. From mental health and belonging to academic achievement and career readiness, discover how PennWest is creating innovative programs and personalized support to help students thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For this special 25th anniversary episode, we reflect on the lasting impact of September 11, 2001, through the perspectives of forensic science, journalism and collective memory.

Host Dr. Debbie Goh, associate professor of English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages at PennWest and a former journalist, is joined by Dr. Lenore Barbian, director of the PennWest Honors Program and nationally recognized forensic anthropologist. In the days following the attacks, Dr. Barbian was deployed to Somerset County to assist with the identification of victims from United Airlines Flight 93, giving her a firsthand look at the forensic response to one of the most significant events in American history.

Together, they explore the challenges of disaster victim identification, the human stories behind the forensic work, and how 9/11 changed journalism, public discourse and the way Americans understand and remember major events. This thoughtful conversation examines the intersection of science, media and memory, and the enduring legacy of a day that continues to shape our world 25 years later.

This episode explores learning beyond the classroom and how internships, student teaching, field experiences, research and other hands-on opportunities help PennWest students turn knowledge into real-world experience.

Host Dr. Josh Domitrovich, Executive Director of The Career Center and Clarion Campus Lead, sits down with four guests whose summer experiences highlight the impact of experiential learning. Hear from Natalie Battaglia, a PennWest Clarion Honors student who interned with the Oil City Main Street Program through support from the McElhattan Foundation; Zoe Barron, a PennWest Edinboro Digital Film and Photography student who gained professional experience creating photo and video content through her internship with The Beehive; Adam Augustine, a PennWest California Sport Management student balancing campus leadership with his role as a Stadium Events Assistant at Acrisure Stadium; and Peyton Hudson, a two-time Edinboro graduate and current Field Services Coordinator who helps future educators gain valuable classroom experience.

Together, they discuss building professional skills, making meaningful connections, navigating new challenges and discovering how experiential learning can shape career goals and future success. Whether you're preparing for your first internship, considering a career path or simply curious about the opportunities available at PennWest, this conversation offers valuable insights from students and professionals putting learning into action.

"The Power of PennWest" returns for Season 5 with a fresh format and new voices from across the university community. Hosted by a rotating group of PennWest faculty, staff and student leaders, this season highlights the people, experiences and opportunities that make PennWest a place where students can learn, lead, and belong.

In our season premiere, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and PennWest Clarion alumnus Dr. Shawn Hoke hosts a conversation centered on a question that shapes every college journey: Why do students choose PennWest, and what helps them feel at home once they arrive?

Representing PennWest's Edinboro, Clarion, and California campuses, students Alison Jones, Bella Troese, and Matthew Feenan share their personal stories about finding community, overcoming challenges, getting involved, and building meaningful connections. From leadership roles and campus organizations to friendships and support systems, this episode explores how students create a sense of belonging and make the most of their PennWest experience.