Welcome back to The Power of PennWest – we are excited to begin the fourth season of the podcast.

This year, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference will celebrate its 75th anniversary, highlighting the conference’s proud history. The conference will honor 300 influential contributors who shaped the legacy of athletics in Pennsylvania.

Among them are standout PennWest student athlete alumni whose achievements, leadership and impact across generations continue to elevate the conference’s reputation. Their inclusion highlights PennWest’s enduring tradition of excellence within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Today's guests include:

Trevor Harris, a 4-time All-PSAC Edinboro quarterback, has built an impressive professional career in the Canadian Football League, becoming one of its most consistent and respected passers. Known for his leadership, accuracy, and longevity, Harris continues to elevate every team he joins. His journey reflects Edinboro’s tradition of developing disciplined, high-achieving student‑athletes who excel beyond campus.

Divonne Franklin is a decorated alumna of our California campus and one of Division II’s most accomplished sprinters. A two‑time NCAA national champion and Division II record‑holder in the 100m, she earned numerous All‑America and PSAC honors before joining Haverford College as an assistant coach. Franklin brings elite competitive experience, academic excellence and a passion for mentorship to the track.

Wade Schalles, one of wrestling’s most inventive and accomplished competitors, carved his legendary career at Clarion, where he captured multiple NCAA titles and redefined the art of the pin. A record‑setting athlete, coach, clinician, and Hall of Famer, Wade’s unmatched influence and relentless creativity continue to shape the sport and inspire generations of wrestlers.

In today's episode, we sit down with PennWest’s new Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management to explore how enrollment is evolving – and why it’s about so much more than numbers. Two members of PennWest’s administration also join to discuss how enrollment management impacts the entire college experience.

We’ll dive into what enrollment really means today – access, equity, student success and completion – and how expanding pathways through dual enrollment, transfer partnerships and pipelines in nursing and education have led and will lead to outstanding outcomes.

Today’s guests include:

Darren Wagner joins PennWest as Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, bringing 20+ years of experience in higher education and the private sector. At Rowan University, he drove record enrollment and global partnerships through bold, data-driven strategies.

Dr. Jim Fisher serves as PennWest’s Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. With over 20 years as a professor of politics and legal studies at Edinboro, he’s held leadership roles including department chair, associate provost, and interim dean.

Dr. Susanne Fenske serves as PennWest’s Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Affairs. She leads efforts in assessment, accreditation, compliance, and retention while fostering exceptional student experiences. As chief student affairs officer, she oversees housing, wellness, career services, and campus life.

Today’s conversation is one I’ve been looking forward to all semester. Commencement is such a special time – it’s a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the incredible journeys our students have taken to reach this milestone.

In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with the three commencement speakers from each of our campuses. These individuals represent the very best of PennWest.

Today's guests include:

Alexis Steenburg graduates with a Criminal Justice degree and an associate in engineering technology. A Coal Township native, she’s been a dynamic leader at PennWest California – serving in student government, Greek life and honors programs. Her involvement spans leadership academies, national conferences and campus initiatives.

Zachary Troese, a Psychology major and lifelong Clarion resident, has been a campus leader through the University Activities Board, serving as President and PR Chair. Zach also sang in the choir and served on Homecoming Court. His next chapter: pursuing a master’s in School Counseling to guide future generations.

Bob Moats, a Health and Physical Education major from Cambridge Springs, found his passion through campus recreation. From working at the rock wall to leading intramurals, Bob became a cornerstone of student life, even serving as Student Government Secretary. A Dean’s List scholar, Bob’s story reflects dedication, adaptability and a love for fostering community wellness.

What does it take to turn a college experience into a career launchpad? In today’s episode, we follow the journeys of students who are doing just that – through internships, mentorships and career development opportunities that are shaping their futures. And from our career center’s executive director who discovered his passion while attending a PennWest campus.

Today's guests include:

Lauren Bryant is a senior at PennWest California from Beaver Falls, PA. She’s completed internships at WTAE-TV Pittsburgh, FOX Weather in New York, and is currently interning at WTOV-TV in Steubenville. Lauren has also job-shadowed at KDKA-TV and the National Weather Service.

Lanie Franklin, a dual animation and illustration major at PennWest Edinboro, gained hands-on experience through a summer internship with ARTS Oil City. She contributed to signage design and launched the Artist Spotlight series, deepening her connection to the local arts scene.

Kyle Bennett is an international student from Trinidad and Tobago studying Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering at PennWest California, with minors in Marketing and Graphic Design. A black belt in Karate, he founded and leads the PennWest Martial Arts Club.

Josh Domitrovich, a Western PA native and six-year USAF Pennsylvania Air National Guard veteran, holds degrees in HR management and an MBA from Clarion, plus a Doctor of Education from IUP focused on gamification and engagement. A NACE-certified career coach, he’s presented nationally and published with NACE.

In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on the trailblazers – our first-generation college students. These are the pioneers who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree, navigating higher education with courage, resilience and determination.

Join us as we hear their voices, celebrate their victories, and explore how PennWest supports and empowers first-gen students every step of the way.

Today's guests include:

Avryn Jackson-Bonus is a corporate accountant at ACV Auctions and a proud alum of our Edinboro campus. A former quantitative tutor and undergraduate researcher, he explored climate change’s impact on aviation and contributed to grant-funded labor studies.

Donna Jean “DJ” Thomas is a first-generation college student-athlete from Smithfield, Pennsylvania. A standout in volleyball and track at Albert Gallatin High School, she now competes in track and field at PennWest while majoring in Early Childhood Education PreK–4 with a minor in Special Education.

Renee Turner, a proud first-generation college graduate from Brownsville, PA, earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from PennWest. Inspired by her sister and supported by the TRIO Upward Bound program, Renee turned determination into achievement.

Eron McMillen is an Instructor and Advisor with TRIO Student Support Services/Act 101 at PennWest California, dedicated to empowering first-generation and low-income students to achieve academic success. With over eight years in Student Services and a passion for student development, Eron brings experience from TRIO Upward Bound, guiding students across Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Today’s episode is a special tribute in honor of Veterans Day. Across our campuses, military service and academic excellence walk hand in hand. In this episode, we’re proud to spotlight three extraordinary members of the PennWest family whose journeys reflect the deep connection between service and scholarship.

Their stories are powerful reminders that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it continues in classrooms, communities, and careers.

Let’s meet our guests!

Dr. Mary Kreis, a Sport Management and Exercise Science professor at PennWest for 21 years, served in the U.S. Army, earning Airborne Parachutist and Air Assault badges. A Master Fitness Trainer School graduate, she competed internationally on the U.S. Armed Forces Military Pentathlon Team. Her final assignment was as a Medical Service Corps training officer in a Combat Support Hospital in Coraopolis, PA.

Timothy John is a Biology Pre-med student at PennWest Clarion, serving as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He completed boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes and corpsman training at Fort Sam Houston. A certified phlebotomist and Basic Life Support provider, he’s also PennWest Clarion’s student trustee and an undergraduate researcher, balancing military service with academic excellence and leadership.

Jake Stahl, a senior at PennWest Edinboro, majors in Business Administration with minors in Communications and Adaptive Leadership. A dedicated cadet in the Edinboro Army ROTC since freshman year, Jake exemplifies resilience and discipline. He proudly completed the grueling 26.2-mile challenge of the 36th Bataan Memorial Death March, honoring fallen heroes and demonstrating his commitment to service and leadership.

Today, we’re donning our academic robes and wizard hats to explore the spooky season from a scholarly perspective.

What makes monsters so memorable? Why do ghost stories linger in our cultural consciousness? And how does Harry Potter cast such a long shadow over both pop culture and pedagogy?

From Frankenstein to folklore, from haunted houses to Hogwarts, we’re unpacking the academic angles of Halloween — and having a little fun along the way.

Today's guests include:

Dr. William Hunter is Chair of the English, Philosophy, and Modern Language Department at PennWest and a scholar of magic in literature – especially the Harry Potter series. His research explores transformation, identity and narrative power across genres.

Dr. Mark Aune is a professor of English at PennWest California whose research spans Shakespeare, British literature, film and cultural studies. A lifelong horror film fanatic, he has brought monsters to life in his monster movies course for the Honors program.

Kaylee Kennedy is a sophomore at PennWest Edinboro majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. She’s passionate about campus engagement – recently planning Halloween enrichment activities to bring students together through fun and learning.

Sometimes the most powerful decision you make in college isn’t about choosing a major – it’s choosing to change direction entirely. In this episode of Power of PennWest, we dive into the transformative journeys of PennWest students who transferred in search of something better: a stronger sense of purpose, a deeper connection to their community and a clearer vision for their future.

Today’s guests include:

Curtis Spurling transferred to PennWest after eight years of part-time study at the Community College of Allegheny County, where he earned an Associate of Science in General Studies and certificates in Drug & Alcohol and Ethnic & Diversity Studies. Now pursuing a degree in Sociology/Social Deviance, Curtis is passionate about creating meaningful change.

Alison Jones is a junior at PennWest Edinboro majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Event Planning and Management. Deeply engaged in campus life, she’s active in Greek Life, Cheerleading, and the PennWest Leadership Academy.

Anthony Guercio, a redshirt senior quarterback from North Olmsted, Ohio, transferred from Fairmont State to Clarion, where he quickly became a standout for the Golden Eagles. In 2024, he earned CSC Academic All-District honors and led Clarion with 2,001 passing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Delainey Barr is a sophomore at PennWest Clarion from the small town of Brookville, Pennsylvania, studying speech-language pathology. Passionate about helping others communicate, she’s actively involved in campus life.

What drives someone to dedicate their life to understanding the human mind – or helping others heal and grow? In this episode of Power of PennWest, we explore the powerful intersection of science and compassion through the stories of students and faculty in psychology and neuroscience.

You’ll hear why they chose these fields, what fuels their curiosity about thought, emotion and behavior and how they’re preparing to support future generations through research, therapy, advocacy and education. From classroom insights to real-world impact, this episode reveals how the study of human experience is both deeply personal and profoundly important.

Today's guests include:

Amber McKay is a senior psychology major at PennWest Edinboro, where she leads as President of the Psychology Club, contributes to research, and works through the campus work-study program.

Brock Young is a junior psychology major at PennWest California from Marianna, PA. On campus, he leads as President of the Psychology Club, serves on the Psychology Student Advisory Board, mentors peers, and guides tours as an admissions ambassador.

Joshua Rathburn is a freshman psychology major at PennWest California, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with plans to become a counselor or therapist.

Dr. Peter McLaughlin. Dr. Peter McLaughlin is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at PennWest, where he leads undergraduate research in behavioral pharmacology – the study of how brain chemicals influence thought, emotion and behavior.

Today we’re bringing our alumni back to the place that helped shape them.

This October, we celebrate Homecoming across the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses by sharing the stories of students, faculty and alumni whose lives were transformed by their time at PennWest.

In today’s episode, we’ll hear how college life sparked lifelong friendships, launched careers and created memories that still bring people back year after year.

Let’s meet today’s guests:

Ewing Moussa, Director of Development at Washington Latin Schools in D.C., blends his love for education, athletics and community. A proud 2017 graduate of Clarion, he played and coached men’s basketball, shaping his leadership journey.

Rachel Saul Rearick is a creative powerhouse whose journey blends artistic mastery with visionary leadership. After earning her BFA in Printmaking and Art History from Edinboro, Rachel went on to shape the arts landscape across Pennsylvania – from a printmaking residency at Wilson College to leading Contemporary Craft as Executive Director.

Robert Powell, who graduated with a Master of Education from the California campus in 2015, is an experienced Administrator with a demonstrated history of improving culture in the education industry. He currently serves as principal of Propel Northside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.