The Power of PennWest

October is Cybersecurity Month, and we’re diving deep into the world of digital defense. In a world where every click counts, who’s keeping our digital lives safe? In today’s episode, we go beyond the firewalls and into the lives of the people who protect them. You’ll hear from PennWest students, faculty and alumni who share what drew them to the field of cybersecurity – from early sparks of curio...

Today’s episode dives into a powerful opportunity that’s helping high school students get a head start on college: dual enrollment. It’s more than just earning college credits early. It’s about gaining real experience, building confidence and discovering passions before even stepping onto campus full-time. We’re joined by faculty who teach in dual enrollment programs and students who’ve taken adva...

We shine a light on the students who are turning their academic interests into real-world experiences – through clubs that align with their majors. These clubs are more than extracurriculars, they’re also launchpads for growth, collaboration and confidence. You’ll hear firsthand stories from students and faculty advisors across PennWest’s campuses who share how these organizations help build commu...

This summer marked a transformative milestone for PennWest with the launch of three new academic schools: the School of Education, School of Business and School of Nursing. These schools are more than just a reorganization – they reflect a strategic commitment to preparing students for the evolving demands of today’s world and tomorrow’s workforce. In Part One, we hear from: Dr. Mary Jo Melvin – l...

Today’s episode is all about energy, excellence and the electric atmosphere that comes with the return of athletics to our campuses. Whether you're cheering from the stands or competing on the field, athletics are a cornerstone of the PennWest experience. They build community, inspire pride and showcase the incredible talent and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. Today's guest...

We’re kicking off Season 3 with a special episode that brings you face-to-face with the student government leaders from each PennWest campus. These passionate individuals are more than just representatives – they’re changemakers, advocates and the heartbeat of student life. Guests: Sydney Cochran, a Legal Studies grad student from Pittsburgh, PA, is in her second term as SGA President at the Calif...

It’s time to meet our May 2025 Commencement Speakers. Being a leader means inspiring and guiding others towards achieving their goals, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. As commencement speakers, these individuals motivate graduates to embrace their potential, encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. First, we’ll chat with Cassidy McCormick, an Ear...

At PennWest, we believe in walking the walk, not just talking the talk. We’re exploring the transformative journey of college life through the lens of experiential learning and internships. Our students and faculty members don't just sit in classrooms; they actively engage in real-world experiences that shape their futures. Today, our guests talk about their experiences outside the classroom and h...

Today we’re exploring the support systems, resources and essential services that make a significant impact on student success and well-being. Our five guests take us inside campus accessibility, academic support, art therapy and mindfulness – so we’ll have something for everyone on the podcast. First, we have two assistant professors in our Psychology, Counseling and Art Therapy Department. Dr. Mi...

We’re getting the team back together on “The Power of PennWest” podcast, as we welcome back three outstanding student-athlete alumni who have forged their own successful careers beyond the California, Clarion and Edinboro. College athletics often involves overcoming challenges, dealing with setbacks and pushing through difficult times. These experiences build resilience and perseverance, qualities...

In the month of April, we celebrate Earth Day. And on the “Power of PennWest” podcast, we're diving into the wonders of our planet by exploring the great outdoors through the lenses of geology, science, and parks and recreation. We’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind the rocks beneath our feet, the science that helps us understand our environment, and the parks that offer us a chance to conn...

Lights. Camera. Action! Today, we dive into the vibrant world of music and theatre. We’ll explore the creative journeys of our talented students, faculty and alumni, who bring the campus to life with their performances and productions. From captivating musicals and thought-provoking plays to innovative music technology, we celebrate the arts in all their forms. Our three guests today will show how...

Buckle up, because we are hitting the road for this episode of “The Power of PennWest” podcast. We are taking a trip with PennWest students and faculty as we explore the unique opportunities of studying abroad. Traveling abroad and learning about other cultures allows PennWest students and faculty to gain a global perspective, enhance their academic experience and develop cultural awareness and ad...

Today is all about STEM, as we dig into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM encompasses a range of academic disciplines and careers focused on understanding the natural world, developing new technologies and solving complex problems. Our guests are part of the exciting field that fosters critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, essential for address...

Today, we're embarking on a journey of discovery at PennWest. College is more than just attending classes and earning a degree. It's also about discovering who you are and what you're passionate about. And finding a career path that aligns with your personality and strengths. Sometimes, this requires a bit of exploration, and today’s guests share their experience navigating their journeys. We have...

Today, we’re diving into the dynamic experiences that make our university life unforgettable. In today's episode, we're exploring the adventurous world of campus recreation. Imagine soaring through the sky with skydiving, gliding gracefully on ice skates, or trekking through scenic hiking trails. These activities are more than just fun—they're opportunities for students to embrace new...

Love is in the air, as we explore the magic of college romance, and the lasting bonds formed at PennWest. Today we have two heartwarming stories from our alumni who found love during their high school and college years together – and one story about a married couple that serves as athletic coaches. We’ll dive into the unique journeys of couples whose relationships blossomed amidst the vibrant camp...

This month, we're honoring Black History Month with a special episode that explores the personal and professional journeys of three remarkable individuals at PennWest. We’ll dig into the meaning of Black History Month through the lenses of our Frederick Douglass Institute director, one of our basketball coaches and a current graduate student – each of whom will examine their inspiring stories, cha...

PennWest students and faculty make significant impact in their communities through dedicated service initiatives. Through their commitment to service, they address pressing social issues, provide valuable support to those in need, and also foster a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement among participants. Today on the podcast, we have three individuals who oversee and participate...

PennWest faculty members are renowned for fostering a culture of exploration and engagement on our campuses, which significantly contributes to student success both during and after college. They actively encourage students to participate in diverse academic and extracurricular activities, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.   Today on the podcast, we have three PennWest faculty membe...

Today we have two individuals who have crafted their own personal narratives and identities through participation in clubs and organizations while in college. Lindsey Tolbert, who graduated from the California campus in 2016, works for an entertainment company as an event coordinator and talent agent. Where did she get her start? Collaborating with the company as a member of the Student Activities...

Dr. Jonathan Anderson was inaugurated as the second president of Pennsylvania Western University on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Steele Hall on the PennWest California campus. The investiture marks a pivotal moment for PennWest as it continues to build upon its mission of providing a life-changing educational experience for students on its campuses at California, Clarion, Edinboro and online and servi...

The Power of PennWest is in its people, and through the first 15 episodes of this podcast, we’ve met faculty, staff, students and community members who epitomize the spirit of this institution and work tirelessly towards the collective success of our campuses. Over the past semester, we have achieved major gains in recruiting online and graduate students, established a center for Artificial Intell...

Commencement is an exciting time for the entire PennWest community – as it marks one of the final stages in a student’s academic journey and also the beginning of the future. On Dec. 14, we will celebrate the Class of 2024 with celebrations at each of our campuses of California, Clarion and Edinboro. The power of PennWest is in its people and the three guests on the show today have epitomized the...

Whether you want to stargaze, journey to distant galaxies or explore the solar system, you’ll find the PennWest planetariums to be the gateway to the universe. The Edinboro Planetarium and the Pierce Planetarium at the Clarion campus offer dynamic, hands-on educational experiences where students and stargazers can learn about stars, planets and constellations. Two professors who serve as directors...