New Student Orientation

Dr. Devan K. Zgleszewski has been with the Office of New Student Programs since 2018. Prior to joining the New Student Programs team, she worked at The College of New Jersey in roles supporting student engagement, student organizations, fraternity and sorority life (where she is a sister of Alpha Chi Omega), transfer orientation, and welcome week. She is a first-generation college student and a triple alumni of West Chester University holding a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, a Masters of Education in Higher Education Counseling, and a Doctorate of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration. Dr. Zgleszewski's doctoral research centers around the sense of belonging of lower-income, first-generation college students. As the Director of New Student Programs, she offers strategic vision and oversight of all operations and programs. Dr. Zgleszewski enjoys working alongside the New Student Programs team and Orientation Leaders to welcome and onboard new Golden Rams and their families!

Jennifer has been serving in the role of Associate Director for New Student Programs since January 2022. In this role she plans logistics for new student orientation as well as supervises undergraduate and graduate staff. Prior to her employment at WCU, Jennifer worked in new student orientation & welcome week programming at La Salle University and Goldey-Beacom College. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Monmouth University and a master’s in education from Rutgers University.

James M. Wright Jr. is the Senior Associate Director of New Student Programs. He recently served as the Assistant Director, Parent & Family Engagement at the University of Delaware. As a NJ native, he holds an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Rowan University and a B.A. in Psychology from Stockton University. James has worked at various educational institutions throughout his professional career, with many of his previous work experiences in residence life and housing. James is passionate about helping students and families discover their purpose, which motivates and energizes him professionally. In his personal life, James enjoys expressing his artistry in various ways, such as cooking, professional photography, part-time podcasting, and traveling.

Maria has been working with New Student Programs since 2018. She currently serves in the role of Administrative Assistant. Maria has over 30 years of experience in administrative work and is studying to finish her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at WCU. Maria handles all inquiries that come into our office from students, families, staff, and faculty. She manages the budget, purchasing, payroll, and hiring processes for the New Student Programs orientation team. She assists with planning, logistics, orientation registration, reservations, and training of the orientation team and more. She loves animals, including her four cats and Golden Retriever puppy, Juno. Maria has been married for 24 years to her husband, Kevin, and they have two sons, Ethan, 21, and Ryan, 16. She is from West Chester, loves West Chester, and feels right at home working for WCU.