Stacey Robertson, PhD
- President of Widener University
Education
- PhD, History (1994)
University of California, Santa Barbara (CA) - BA, History (1987)
Whittier College (CA)
About Me
Stacey M. Robertson is the 11th president of Widener University, a position she assumed in July 2022.
An accomplished leader with impressive experience in strategic planning, workplace practices that support and promote people from under-represented groups, and developing curriculum that prepares students for success in the global workspace, Robertson came to Widener from SUNY Geneseo, where she was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and a professor of history.
Prior to her time at SUNY Geneseo, President Robertson served as dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, and as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Bradley University. She was also the Oglesby Professor of American Heritage at Bradley, where her career included serving as chair of the History Department and as director of the Women’s Studies program.
A distinguished author of four books on women abolitionists and equality, she also co-edited the book series Perspectives on Early America with a London-based publisher, and has co-directed the national nonprofit Historians Against Slavery, a nonprofit focused on bringing historical context to the anti-human trafficking movement. She has lectured and spoken widely on topics including equity-centered universities, student retention, women’s rights in history and racial and social justice.
She earned a PhD in history with an emphasis in women’s studies, from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a bachelor of arts degree in social history and social movements from Whittier College in Whittier, California.
President Robertson is passionate about inspiring a culture of belonging at Widener, where students, faculty and staff thrive in an atmosphere of caring and mutual respect. She sets the tone by living into this mission with relentless positivity.
News
In the Media
- Delaware County Daily Times
- The Chester Spirit
- Philadelphia Business Journal
- Marching Arts Educaiton
- Delco Today
Noteworthy
- U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon Joins President Stacey Robertson for Women’s History Month Event.
Widener welcomed U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to campus for a women’s history month talk and fireside chat with President Stacey Roberton. The event was sponsored by the gender, women, and sexuality studies department and Project Pericles.
Scanlon spoke to students, faculty, and staff about her work and the issues that are important to her when representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, including women’s rights, healthcare and wage gaps. She also emphasized the importance of empowering women and other members of traditionally marginalized communities to become involved in the community and in politics as a way to enact change.
Afterward, Scanlon and Robertson sat together and discussed women’s central – and often unrecognized – role in history and as historical leaders, and how society can use history to navigate the future. From the women’s suffrage movement, to civil rights, to the current day, they discussed the power of open communication and accurate information within communities. They also spoke about inspiring courage for those who wish to stand up for their beliefs and taking time to do so safely and peacefully.
Both women touched on the importance of finding a community, role models, and using voting as a vital tool to share thoughts and opinions. The event was followed by questions from attendees and a brief reception.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/us-rep-mary-gay-scanlon-joins-president-stacey-robertson-womens-history-month-event - President’s Message: Welcome to Spring Semester – January 2025
Happy New Year and welcome to the beginning of the spring semester! Whether you are a returning student in Chester, Harrisburg or Delaware, or new to Widener, I am so excited you are here.
A new calendar year gives us the chance for a fresh start. I absolutely love to use January as an opportunity to set goals. It turns out, change is easier when starting a new chapter! This year, I’m working to increase my daily meditation. I know that integrating new habits into an established routine is helpful, so I now meditate immediately following my daily stretching. I’ve also started tracking my meditation because creating a long streak is so motivating! I’m even giving myself rewards along the way, like more lunch desserts! I’ve already decided to allow room for small failures, so that obstacles won’t be an excuse for me to give up.
I invite you to reflect on your goals for 2025. Whether it’s taking a daily nature walk, joining one new organization, or creating and sticking to a study schedule, please know that the Widener community is here to cheer for you every step of the way. You are right where you belong. And know that if you have a stumble, or had some stumbles last semester, it’s OK and this is the start of a new opportunity. We are a community that supports each other.
As we move forward, let's embrace this opportunity to begin again with a renewed sense of community and collaboration. Remember, every small step forward brings us closer to success, and together we can achieve great things. Let's celebrate our victories, support each other, and make this semester truly remarkable. Here's to fresh starts and a successful year ahead!
With Warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/32260/
- Widener President Named a ‘Most Admired CEO’
The Philadelphia Business Journal has named Widener President Stacey Robertson to its list of 2024 Most Admired CEOs.
Recipients are chosen based on the work they have undertaken in their current role in the context of their careers, how they give back to the community, and other ways they positively impact greater Philadelphia. Robertson is widely admired at Widener for her dedication to the university’s commitment to belonging, and to providing a welcoming place for all. She lives into that promise each day with her warm, engaging manner and her relentless commitment to the ethos of “We’re All Widener.” Under her leadership, the university has welcomed back-to-back, record-setting first-year undergraduate classes.
Robertson was among 25 honorees in the highly competitive program that recognizes executives in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She and the other winners were recognized this week at a dinner at Vie in Philadelphia.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/32231
- Widener Hosts Author Mary Beth Norton for Third Annual Revolutionary Reads Event
Widener welcomed Mary Beth Norton for an author talk about her award-winning book “1774: The Long Year of Revolution” as part of America250PADelco’s Revolutionary Reads Community Read.
President Stacey Robertson accompanied Norton on stage to discuss the book, which examines the critical role that 1774 played in leading up to the American Revolution. Norton is a past president of the American Historical Society, as well as a Pulitzer Prize finalist. She is currently the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita of American History at Cornell University.
Each year through 2026, the Revolutionary Reads committee will select a title examining the lead up to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. The Revolutionary Reads Community Read is presented by Widener University, Delaware County Libraries, and Radnor Historical Society in partnership with America250PADelco.
- Widener President Named a 'Most Admired CEO'
The Philadelphia Business Journal has named Widener President Stacey Robertson to its list of Most Admired CEOs.
Recipients are chosen based on the work they’ve undertaken in their current role in the context of their careers, how they give back to the community and other ways they’ve positively impacted greater Philadelphia. Robertson is widely admired at Widener for her dedication to the university’s commitment to belonging, and to being a welcoming place for all. She lives into that promise each day with her warm, engaging manner and her relentless commitment to the ethos of “We’re All Widener.”
Robertson and the rest of the winners will be honored at a December event in Philadelphia.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/31945/