The Power of PennWest

Each year, millions of individuals around the globe collaborate to inspire generosity, practice empathy and garner support to transform their communities. Modern philanthropy involves individuals and organizations donating their time, money and resources to support charitable causes and improve the well-being of others.  Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a global mov...

The student experience is essentially to any successful institution. Outside of the classroom, students desire exciting entertainment, through-provoking speakers, and engaging opportunities to connect with their peers. Our guests today on “The Power of PennWest” podcast are deeply involved in the activities, entertainment and programming decisions at the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses....

We see it on the news, and we hear about it in discussion about technology – Artificial Intelligence. What is this phenomenon and how has it taken the education sector by storm? How do professionals use AI to analyze data, understand language, recognize patterns and solve problems? Just this month, PennWest launched the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. The center will...

Higher education remains one of the most evident drivers of social mobility that exists in the United States. People who graduate from college often earn higher salaries and have lower unemployment. Additionally, college offers young adults the opportunity to be part of a community and experience personal growth and development. So, in 2024, where does higher education stand in our society? What a...

So far on The Power of PennWest, we have introduced our audiences to the people who embody the campuses of California, Clarion and Edinboro. The students, the faculty, the administrator – everyone who has a direct impact on the success of PennWest. Today on the podcast, we’ll meet three faculty members who serve on the university’s legislative body that oversees curriculum, policies and procedures...

Keeping with the theme that the Power of PennWest is in its people, we’re proud to welcome representatives from three distinct demographics from the institution – a student, an employee and an alumna. This trio of outstanding individuals will discuss the life of an educator – what it’s like training to become a teacher, how to work with college students who are preparing to become teachers, and ho...

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...

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 Vet...

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, w...

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...

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 i...

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...

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 go...