As Dr. Jon Anderson celebrates his first 100 days as president of PennWest, we’re digging a little deeper into the administrative efforts behind the institution. PennWest’s cabinet members oversee the strategic directives of the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses – as well as the online community.

In today's episode, Susanne Fenske, vice president for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Affairs; Jim Geiger, vice president for Advancement; Sarah Freed, interim vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management; Fawn Petrosky, vice president for Finance; and Kelly Repinski, vice president for Communications and Marketing join the president to discuss their backgrounds and the work involved in helping PennWest continue to thrive.

As I’ve said before on this podcast – and will mention each time we discuss this institution – the power of PennWest is in its people. And our fundamental reason for existence is to serve students. In today’s episode of the Power of PennWest podcast, we’ll meet three individuals who oversee offices that are crucial in serving a medley of student populations.

Cory Shay oversees the Military and Veteran Success office, which serves active military personnel and their families. Linda Takash is the director of Global Education, which serves international student and students studying abroad. And Laura Giachetti, the force behind PennWest’s TRIO Student Support Services, which helps a diverse population of students in achieving their educational goals. The Power of PennWest is in its people, and these three individuals facilitate the success of hundreds of PennWest students.

The Deans at Pennsylvania Western University help shape the university's vision and provide strategic input into the connections between that vision and the allocation of university resources. Deans advocate for academic and educational quality and provide guidance regarding university wide decisions affecting enrollment, academic and co-curricular programs and accreditation. In today’s episode, we answer some questions regarding Academic Affairs. What is the role of a college dean? What sort of opportunities were created by integrating California, Clarion and Edinboro? What’s new and exciting within the Colleges of Education, Arts and Humanities; Health Sciences and Human Services; and Science, Technology and Business?

Today's guests:

Dr. Brenda Fredette, Dean of the College of Science, Technology & Business

Craig Coleman, Interim Dean of the College of Health

Homecoming is a celebration of the histories, cultures and people that make up the PennWest campuses of California, Clarion and Edinboro.

Students, employees, alumni and the communities come together to share stories and create new memories while participating in activities, watching the parade and – of course – attending athletics events.

Gary Dunn (California football), Jennifer Herron (Clarion volleyball) and Gary Kagiavas (Edinboro soccer) know what it’s like to represent each the Vulcans, Golden Eagles and Fighting Scots during Homecoming. In this episode, the trio will discuss what Homecoming means to campus and why it’s important to celebrate each year.

Two major political events will be occurring this fall, and this gives us a chance to learn about how PennWest faculty members are preparing students and teaching them the value of the civic process.

First is Constitution Day, which is Sept. 17. To revisit the history of this document and its place in the political realm, Dr. Laura Tuennerman leads the American Democracy Project – a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education's role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy.

Secondly is the 2024 Presidential Election. Dr. Kevan Yenerall not only studies as an expert in the presidency, but he is also leading trips to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions with PennWest students to learn about this important step in the election process.

PennWest’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion helps to support university-wide initiatives focused on ensuring that PennWest is inclusive and welcoming to all. Staff members and administrators collaborate with students and faculty to provide a variety of programs and services that promote diversity, student success, and leadership opportunities at each of our three campuses and within our online communities.

In today's episode, President Anderson speaks with Sheleta Camarda-Webb, chief diversity and inclusion officer at PennWest, to discuss this initiative and explore student-led organizations that build a sense of belonging within our diverse student population.

As President Jon Anderson has pronounced on multiple occasions, “The power of PennWest is in its people.” Sydney Cochran (California), Gage Gray (Clarion) and Garrett Hannah (Edinboro) are three of these people who represent the voice of the PennWest student body. But who are these individuals as people What drives them to succeed? What are their plans? Why did they choose PennWest to make that goal a reality?

In this first episode of The Power of PennWest, Dr. Anderson speaks with the presidents of Student Government Associations at California, Clarion and Edinboro to learn about PennWest’s student-leaders.