Dear West Chester University Community,

It is wonderful to be on campus! I’d like to thank you for all the kind notes, emails, and texts that I have received. I am both honored and humbled to be named the 16th president of West Chester University (WCU). With the summer season full of preparation for the upcoming academic year, I am excited to reconnect with many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and University friends.

There is always something inspirational about the start of anything new. This is particularly so for me as I begin my service as your president. Throughout my more than 25 years at this very special University, I have found our campus to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all people. I take seriously the responsibility for us to work together to strengthen the University’s promise of student success and our commitment to do whatever we can to help our students flourish during their time here, as well as in their lives following graduation.

All of us share a deep passion for West Chester University and this passion continues to grow exponentially with each graduating class. I fell in love with WCU when I first came to this campus many years ago and I want every student to fall in love with WCU, too. I want them to feel when they step onto this campus that they belong here, they’re happy that they came here, and this is where they want to be.

As important members of our community of educators, your hopes and dreams are central to our mission and our collective work. In anticipation of the exciting journey ahead, I look forward to working with all of you as we chart this University’s next steps, dream big, and move forward boldly.

Yours,

R. Lorraine Bernotsky, D. Phil.
President
West Chester University