Noteworthy

Teresa Shellenbarger '95 and Brenda Elliott '12, graduates of the nursing science doctoral program in the Jack and Nancy Dwyer School of Nursing, have been inducted into the American Academy of Nursing's prestigious fellowship program. 

The American Academy of Nursing is an honorific society and a policy organization comprised of more than 3,000 fellows who represent nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia. Fellows are selected annually through a highly competitive nomination and review process. This distinguished honor, celebrates nurses for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. Those inducted into the program earn the Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, or FAAN, credential, the most prestigious recognition in nursing.

Shellenbarger and Elliott's inductions bring the total number of Widener nursing members with FAAN credentials to 12—nine alumni and two faculty.

Shellenbarger is the executive director for the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation where she leads nursing education program accreditation initiatives. She is a distinguished university professor emeritus and was founding director of the PhD in nursing program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her significant, substantial, and longstanding national and international contributions focus on leading quality workforce development initiatives and developing and supporting clinical nursing education competency development.

Elliott is an associate professor and director of the graduate program in nursing at Messiah University. Elliott’s primary research addresses the professional development needs of nurses and nurse educators to teach nurses and nursing students respectively about the healthcare needs of members of the military, veterans, and their families. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/two-nursing-alumni-named-american-academy-nursing-fellows

Audrey Snyder, dean of nursing, in her capacity as a member of the North Carolina-Republic of Moldova Nursing Collaborative, received the prestigious Virginia Henderson Award from the Nursing Association of the Republic of Moldova. This honor, presented during the international nursing conference in Chisinau, recognized Snyder's leadership in the NC-Moldova Nursing Collaborative and her role in advancing nursing education and practice as part of a three-year Rotary International grant. The award symbolizes gratitude for promoting empathy, professionalism, and modern nursing values across borders, reflecting Snyder’s commitment to global collaboration and the spirit of humanity in healthcare. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-dean-receives-virginia-henderson-award-international-nursing-efforts

Widener University's Jack & Nancy Dwyer School of Nursing has been named a best school for men in nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing, or AAMN. This is the first time Widener nursing has earned the one-year designation and we are one of only 16 schools nationally to get it.

The prestigious accolade recognizes the Dwyer School of Nursing for its work to recruit and retain men in nursing, provide male students with a supportive educational environment, and educate faculty, students and the community about the contributions that men make to the nursing profession. Since chartering its AAMN chapter in 2012, nursing has made strides to bolster the male representation across its programs, including a steady year-over-year increase in male faculty members. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/dwyer-school-nursing-named-best-school-men-nursing
 

Afrooz Moatari-Kazerouni, assistant professor of operations and supply chain management, and Jeff Lolli, associate dean for undergraduate programs and professor of sport and event management, received grant funding from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) to expose high school students to careers in supply chain management and business analytics with a particular focus on first-generation students and students of color. Moatari-Kazerouni and Lolli were one of only nine projects to be accepted and funded as part of the 2025 INFORMS Ambassadors program which aims to create long lasting pathways of inclusion in supply chain management and business analytics careers. 

Presently, representation of first-generation students and students of color is limited in these fields due to barriers in access to mentorship which can hinder a sense of belonging for students interested in these career fields. Moatari-Kazerouni and Lolli took nearly 40 area high school students for a behind-the-scenes tour of the NFI Distribution Center in Hillsboro, New Jersey, whose primary client is L’Oreal Groupe. Students experienced real-world supply chain management and business analytics applications and engaged with Widener faculty and industry professionals. The group took a tour of the facility, learned about industry safety protocols, attended a career insights panel, and more. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-faculty-named-informs-ambassadors-program-use-grant-funding-advance-diversity-supply-chain

Widener has renamed the lower-level University Center lounge in honor of Michelle Meekins-Davis, the university’s vice president of inclusion and belonging. The change was announced during Homecoming weekend, during a student block party held in the University Center, to Davis’ surprise.

Vice President of Student Engagement and Transformation Fred McCall announced the space will now be known as the Michelle M. Davis Belonging Lounge, in recognition of Davis’ role as a powerful advocate and steadfast pillar of care for Widener students for over 20 years. The lounge bears a plaque in dedication to her.

Davis was the founding director of the university’s Multicultural Student Affairs Office, known now as the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging, and was Widener’s first full-time chief diversity officer. She launched initiatives including the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program, the PRIDE Mentoring Program and her collaborative efforts with students created the We’re All Widener pluralism campaign, cementing her legacy as a leader for inclusion.

“She leads with wisdom, with her faith and with integrity,” McCall said. 

President Stacey Robertson also spoke.

“There are few women in my life who have had more influence than Micki Davis and I'm not unusual on this campus. There are literally thousands and thousands of faculty, staff and, most importantly, students, who have had their lives transformed because of Micki's love, her faith, her wisdom and her grace. We are all so grateful to her. This dedication is the least we can do,” she said.

Davis expressed her surprise and gratitude with emotion. She began her work as a part-time employee at Widener more than 30 years ago. It was supposed to be for one year.

“I thank God for all of you. I cannot even say the words. I am overwhelmed by the dedication of this very special place,” Davis said. “Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart.”

See photos from the dedication event

Note: Visit this giving site to celebrate Davis and provide additional resources to the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging, in support of their work to ensure all students at Widener feel welcome and seen.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/student-lounge-named-beloved-administrator

Nicole Stokes, Esq. ’21 has been named President-Elect of The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia—an organization that has advanced advocacy, professional development, and community service since 1950. Her election reflects the strength of Delaware Law School’s alumni community and her commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and excellence within the legal profession. We proudly celebrate Nicole’s leadership and impact across Philadelphia’s legal landscape.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nicole-stokes-21-named-president-elect-barristers-association-philadelphia

Widener’s Summer Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) program offers undergraduate students hands-on, faculty-mentored research experience over the summer. The work culminates in the annual SURCA Symposium where students present their work and are scored by a panel of faculty and staff judges. 

The 2025 SURCA Symposium winners are:

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biomedical Engineering A
"The Influence of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cell Number on MC F10A Cell
Proliferation"
Luke Bordarrampe (Advisor: Dr. Michael Toneff)

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biomedical Engineering B
"Sustainable Biomaterials from Food Waste"
Jacob Grossman and Matthew D'Angelo (Advisor: Dr. LiKang Chin)

Biology/Environmental Science A
"Mapping scent chemotypes of floral mimic Symplocarpus foetidus using GCMS and
PRIMER-e"
Jaheara Brown (Advisor: Dr. Kate Goodrich)

Biology/Environmental Science B
"Ecological consequences of post-tornado salvage logging in Ridley Creek State Park:
Invasive species outcompete native recovery"
Tyler Harper (Advisor: Dr. Bruce Grant)

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
"Recovery of Electrochemical-Grade Graphite from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries"
David Young (Advisor: Dr. Dipendu Saha)

Humanities/Business
"Understanding Motivation in Creative Writing"
Jada Allen (Advisor: Prof. Jayne Thompson)

Engineering A
"In Situ Fused Deposition Model (FDM) Electroplating: An Expansion of 4D Printing"
Boston Blake (Advisor: Dr. Babak Eslami)

Engineering B
"Integrating Autonomous Driving Technology into Electric-Powered Wheelchairs for
Enhanced Mobility"
Makia Salient Fausta (Advisor: Dr. Xiaomu Song)

Math/Physics/Computer Science
"Exploring Glassy Relaxation with the Random Energy Model"
Amine Lotfi (Advisor: Dr. Xin Du)

Sociology/Social Science A
"The Power of Language and Influence Within U.S Politics: A Look into The Trump
Administration"
Jasmine Ayadi (Advisor: Dr. J. Wesley Leckrone)

Sociology/Social Science B
"Revisiting Trauma: COVID-19's Impact on LGBTQ+ Older Adults Who Survived the AIDS Epidemic"
Ryan Holland (Advisor: Dr. Robin Goldberg-Glen)

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/2025-surca-symposium-winners

Widener welcomed Philadelphia-based National Public Radio affiliate WHYY to campus for a Bridging Blocks program in the University Center. WHYY Community Convener Brisa Castro facilitated the discussion attended by about 50 students, which considered the practice of book banning. Students, who attended through their roles as Maguire Scholars, Pride Service Site Leaders, or Bonner Scholars, watched a video, shared reactions to the topic and debated the subject in small group discussions.

Bridging Blocks is a partnership between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia that fosters civil dialogue and understanding among diverse participants.
 
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/whyy-brings-bridging-blocks-chester-campus

Faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences have received a mini-grant totaling $11,500 from the Swarthmore Humanities Leadership Program and the Mellon Foundation which will be used to fund faculty development opportunities. 

Assistant Professors Thomas Wilk and Sara Berkowitz attended the Humanities Faculty Leadership Program at Swarthmore College over the summer and, along with Assistant Professor Jessica Guzman, have been selected as grant recipients. This funding will support a series of forums for humanities and humanistic social science faculty members over the course of the 2025-2026 academic year which aim to strengthen humanistic leadership at Widener and create a framework for broader implementation. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/humanities-faculty-receive-grant-fund-faculty-development-workshop
 

Widener University's Eta Beta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing has been honored with the 2023-2025 Chapter Key Award, the organization’s highest recognition for its chapters. This marks the 11th time the Eta Beta Chapter at Widener has received this honor.

Out of more than 650 chapters worldwide, only a select group achieves this distinction, which celebrates excellence in advancing Sigma’s mission of global nursing leadership and scholarship. This award recognizes chapters that demonstrate exceptional achievement in membership engagement, service and community impact, education, and leadership development.

This honor is a testament to the Eta Beta Chapter at Widener's commitment to advancing nursing through leadership, scholarship, and service and strengthening the profession and the communities they serve. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/eta-beta-chapter-sigma-nursing-honored-key-award

Atlantic City has formally recognized the Young Lawyers Division, or YLD, of the Atlantic County Bar Association with an official resolution from the city for its outstanding contributions to public service and civic engagement. The resolution, which was adopted in August 2025, commends the YLD’s ongoing efforts in community outreach, legal education, and service initiatives that have made a meaningful impact across Atlantic County.

The resolution highlights the leadership and dedication of current YLD Board Members, including three Delaware Law School alumni from the class of 2022: Dennis M. Tuohy Jr., Emanuel Sanfilippo III, and Rachel Koutishian. For Delaware Law School, the recognition is a proud moment that underscores the values instilled in its graduates.

Beyond its commitment to nurturing the next generation of attorneys, the YLD plays an active role in public service. Its members lead and participate in community outreach initiatives across Atlantic County, New Jersey—bringing legal resources, education, and support to residents in need. Through this dual mission of mentorship and civic engagement, the YLD continues to strengthen both the legal community and the broader public it serves.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/atlantic-city-honors-young-lawyers-division-delaware-law-alums-community-impact

Chris Cabott ‘05L, a Delaware Law School graduate and CEO of Equity Sports, has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter's Top Sports Lawyers of 2025—a prestigious recognition that cements his status as a powerhouse in the world of sports law. This honor highlights Cabott’s exceptional track record of negotiating more than $1 billion in contracts, including landmark deals for NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Jerry Jeudy.

The accolade is part of The Hollywood Reporter’s  inaugural Sports Power Lawyers list, which celebrates attorneys who are driving billion-dollar deals, shaping athlete branding, and influencing the future of sports business. Cabott stood out for his ability to secure not only massive player contracts but also strategic endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Amazon, Netflix, and Visa. His work has also helped clients gain ownership stakes in major sports leagues, including MLB, MLS, and the NWSL.

Cabott’s recognition by The Hollywood Reporter affirms his role as a leading force in sports law—driving high-value deals, empowering athletes, and shaping the future of the industry. 

Read more about Chris’s story here.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chris-cabott-05l-named-hollywood-reporters-top-sports-lawyers-2025

Lee A. Solomon '78L, a retired New Jersey Supreme Court Justice, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. The recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the justice system and the legal profession in New Jersey. Justice Solomon, who was the first Delaware Law School alumnus to serve on a state Supreme Court, is a celebrated member of the legal community whose decades-long career is marked by integrity, public service, and judicial excellence across all three branches of government.

Justice Solomon’s impact spans from his early days as a trial attorney and legislator to his leadership roles as Camden County Prosecutor, Deputy U.S. Attorney, and ultimately Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Beyond his rulings, he made lasting contributions by championing mental wellness in the legal community, spearheading efforts through the Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law to nurture a healthier, more compassionate profession.

Now with Archer & Greiner, P.C., Justice Solomon continues to shape the legal landscape with the same dedication that earned him this distinguished accolade. His Medal of Honor reflects a career devoted to justice, compassion, and the betterment of society.

Read more about Justice Solomon’s story here.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/delaware-law-alumnus-honored-new-jersey-state-bar-foundations-2025-medal-honor

Lt. Col. William Atwell has joined Widener University as the professor of military science and head of the military science department for the ROTC Dauntless Battalion at Widener.

Prior to Atwell's arrival, he was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he served as an advisor/consultant for senior-level organizations in the U.S. Army.

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Atwell graduated from Samford University with a bachelor of arts in political science. He earned his master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

Atwell was commissioned as a military intelligence officer and branch detailed to field artillery, serving his first few years in the Army as an artilleryman.

Atwell has served in Germany, Iraq (in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom), Afghanistan (in support of Operation Enduring Freedom), as well as in several locations stateside, including in California where he worked with federal law enforcement agencies in counter-narcotic, counter-transnational organized crime, and counter-drug trafficking organization efforts.

A highly decorated officer, Atwell’s awards and honors include: the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C Device, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, as well as multiple unit and service ribbons. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/new-head-widener-rotc-named

Vice President of Administration and Finance Heather Meier, who serves as the university’s chief financial officer, was recently named this year’s Tru Champion during the annual meeting of the National Association of College and University Business Officers in Washington, D.C.

The honor was given by Tru Consulting, a higher education advisory and solution implementation firm. It recognizes finance leaders driving innovation, sustainability and measurable impact across their institutions.

Meier joined the Widener administration in January. She oversees finances, financial planning, budgeting, contracts, human resources and facilities for the university and its seven colleges and schools.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/vice-president-heather-meier-honored-tru-champion
 

Julie Larson, a doctoral candidate in the School of Nursing, received the Eastern Nursing Research Society Doctoral Research Award by the National League for Nursing, or NLN. Larson, who earned her MSN at Widener in 2022 and is a nursing instructor at Thomas Jefferson University, was awarded $2,500 to conduct research titled "Nurse Educators’ Understanding of Social Justice as a Core Professional Value." Larson's project is one of nine grant-funded investigations partially funded by the NLN Foundation for Nursing Education to advance evidence-based, innovative scientific inquiry in pursuit of transformative excellence. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-phd-student-awarded-national-research-grant
 

Dear Widener Community,

There’s something truly special about the start of a new academic year! After a summer of renewal, our campuses are alive again with energy, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of anticipation. 

I am especially thrilled to expand our culture of belonging to so many new students, who join our returning students as part of the Widener community. You have all worked very hard to get here and you’re right where you belong. Our faculty and staff in Chester, Wilmington and Harrisburg are relentlessly committed to your success. This first week of classes in Chester we are continuing a tradition of providing student "help stations" on the academic quad, where volunteers serve as key resources, answer questions, and provide small treats to celebrate the new year. If you have a question or a concern, stop by so we can help. If you’re all good, just stop by and say hello!

We hope this visible sign of support, along with numerous welcoming events held at both of our law schools, reminds students how much we’re rooting for them and that they belong at Widener. As I told the incoming first-year students at convocation on Friday, there will be highs and lows throughout your year, but know this is a community that is loyal, committed and determined to see everyone succeed. We have your back!

I look forward to seeing you out there at upcoming athletic events, lectures, panel discussions, arts and musical events, symposia and more. Let’s make it a great year!

With warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey

Stacey Robertson, PhD
President

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/presidents-message-year-begins-widener

Both Delaware Law School and Commonwealth Law School have been included in the 2025 Princeton Review list of Best Law Schools.

Delaware Law also ranked third – up from a seventh-place ranking in 2023 and fourth place last year – on their list of the country’s 10 Best Law Schools for State and Local Clerkships. That recognition is based on the number of 2024 graduates who secured employment as judicial clerks. 

The law schools were among the 168 chosen for the unranked best law school list, out of more than 200 schools nationwide. Selections were made based on the results of law school student and administrator surveys and institutional data that included admissions statistics, career outcomes, academic rigor and more.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/princeton-review-recognizes-both-law-schools
 

Erika Huckestein, assistant teaching professor of history, has been selected as a winner of the 2025 European Studies First Article Prize in Humanities for her work "From Cradle to Grave: The Politics of Peace and Reproduction in the Anti-Fascist Campaigns of British Women’s Organisations."

This award, presented by the Council for European Studies, recognizes the writers of the best first articles on European studies published within a one-year period. Huckestein’s research area focuses on themes of political engagement, gender and social movements in Britan and Europe.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/history-faculty-recognized-council-european-studies
 

Widener University has been recognized for its commitment to helping students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique information platform for college-bound students. The university was named a 2025-26 College of Distinction and a Pennsylvania College of Distinction.

In addition to the state and national accolades, Widener has also received specialized endorsements and recognition in the following areas:

• Undergraduate business programs
• Undergraduate engineering programs
• Undergraduate education programs
• Undergraduate nursing programs
• Exceptional student support initiatives in career development
• Institutional commitment to equity and inclusion
• Exceptional support for veterans and active-duty students
• Exceptional support for the university’s international student community

Recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria known as the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

“Widener University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-named-college-distinction-25