Noteworthy

Erika Evans-Weaver, Widener alum and adjunct faculty in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies, has been named Vice Chair for the State Board of Social Workers, Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists for Pennsylvania. 

Additionally, she has been elected as a board member for the Marriage and Family Therapists Regulatory Board, which creates and manages the licensure exam for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) across the United States and assists in MFT-related legislation.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/human-sexuality-faculty-named-state-and-national-leadership-boards

Janelle West, interim dean for Graduate and Continuing Studies, is featured in the Rutgers University visiting scholars report for her ongoing contributions to the program. To qualify, a visiting scholar must be interested in minority serving institutions (MSI)- related and/or higher education leadership and equity focused research. 

West is investigating “college choice and enrollment patterns at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), contemporary approaches to address challenges facing HBCU enrollment, and the experiences of Black women in higher education through critical qualitative inquiry. Most recently, Janelle served as Co-PI on a national study that focused on the experiences of Black students at HBCUs during the Black Lives Matter Movement.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-examines-hbcus-visiting-scholar

Rhonda Hazell, clinical associate professor in the Institute for Physician Assistant Education and coordinator of clinical anatomy, recently completed an international service trip to provide medical care and support to residents in Haiti. Hazell led a group of medical and non-medical professionals, as part of her affiliation with the non-profit group Lifting Hope, to a community in the Tabarre suburb of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. This trip was latest of a number of mission trips to Haiti led by Hazell. 

The 10-day onsite visit in December enabled Hazell and her team to give medical care to students and their families in the Saint John Baptist De La Salle School, a pre-K through ninth-grade primary school that was established by the Brothers of the Christian Schools following the devastating earthquake in 2010. In addition to patient care, Hazell’s trip also included delivering donated medical supplies to the school’s health clinic, evaluating academic scholarship opportunities for residents, and visiting the area’s orphanage. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/physician-assistant-professor-leads-service-trip-haiti

Widener’s men’s basketball team achieved a thrilling come-from-behind win Saturday, Feb. 25 over Alvernia 74-69 on the road in Reading to secure the MAC Commonwealth Championship title. Student Dominic Dunn was named the MAC Commonwealth Championship MVP and the team – coached by Chris Carideo ’96 –automatically qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division III tournament at Keene State College in New Hampshire. Carideo was named conference coach of the year.

In addition, the women’s indoor track and field team was also crowned MAC Commonwealth champions at a meet in Reading on Feb. 25. The Pride took first place for only the second time in program history, after 29 years. The team won 25 percent of the competition medals and Head Coach Logan Stroman was named coach of the year, Assistant Coach Chuck Butz was named assistant coach of the year and student athlete Jayla Gore was named rookie of the year. The team moved on to the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference (AARTFC) Championships in New York City.

Finally, Widener’s men’s ice hockey club team won the American Division Championship over Bucknell 4-2 on Feb. 26 at Ice Works Skating Complex in Aston, which is considered Widener’s home rink. This is the first championship in school history for the club, which Michael Kennedy Jr. began coaching this year. The team clinched a spot in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) College Hockey National Championship Tournament, being held for the first time this year. 
 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/29811/

Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Nursing Kathleen Sheikh published a paper in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners titled, “Rapid-cycle deliberate practice telehealth as an integrative learning strategy in nurse practitioner education.” The paper shares a cognitive technique called rapid-cycle deliberate practice that teaches learners skills through purposeful repetition and accumulation. Students were able to combine skills and previous knowledge from in-person simulation sessions and translate those experiences toward telehealth services. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-professor-publishes-promising-learning-strategy-integrating-telehealth-practices

The Institute for Physical Therapy’s  Ellen Erdman, clinical associate professor and director of clinical education, and Jill Black, associate dean in the College of Health & Human Services and associate professor, published findings from a case series in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education.

Titled, “Case Series Comparing Physical Therapy International Clinical Education Experiences in a Developed and Developing Country and Measuring Against Professional Standards and Guidelines,” Erdman and Black investigated physical therapy international clinical education experiences in both the developed and developing countries in comparison to the experiences to professional standards and guidelines. They examined nine students that were placed between Italy and Belize, and found that both experiences met the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and other professional standards and that the placements proved to be a broadening experience for the participants.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/physical-therapy-faculty-publish-study-international-clinical-education-experiences

Professor of Political Science Wes Leckrone has co-edited a newly released book, “Teaching Federalism: Multidimensional Approaches” which “presents innovative ideas for teaching a wide variety of key concepts of federalism and federal-country cases.”

The book is open access and free to read, download, and share. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/political-science-faculty-co-editor-new-open-access-book

Karol M. Wasylyshyn, former vice chair of the board of trustees who served as an adjunct faculty member in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named the winner of the 2022 Elliott Jaques Memorial Publication Award presented by the Consulting Psychology Journal editorial review board. The award recognizes published articles that put an emphasis on applying the discipline of psychology to solve significant issues faced by contemporary organizations. Wasylyshyn was recognized for her publication "The "Art" of Executive Coaching at the Top: Using Clients' Self-Imagery as a Tool for High Impact."

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/clinical-psychology-adjunct-honored-consulting-psychology-journal-editorial-review-board

A collaborative paper featuring Professor of Biology David Coughlin and student Emma Wilcock has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The paper features authors from across the globe, including Coughlin and Wilcock. 

The paper, “Metabolic reprogramming underlies cavefish muscular endurance despite loss of muscle mass and contractility,” discusses research done to analyze the skeletal muscle physiology of the Mexican cavefish. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/biology-faculty-and-student-featured-authors-published-paper

Affiliate librarian and assistant archivist Kayla Van Osten has published an article with the Pennsylvania Library Association’s College & Research Division. The article, “Librarian-Student Connections,” discusses student interactions in the library setting. Particularly, interactions between students and librarians during information literacy sessions and other library-hosted classes. She shares how reframing her thinking around a particular interaction with a student can improve the quality of future interactions for both students and library staff. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/library-faculty-writes-about-librarian-student-interactions-pa-library-association

Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health & Human Services and professor of physical therapy, was presented with the 2022 Stanford Award by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Education. The award was created by Katherine Shepard, PT, PhD, FAPTA, in honor of her former faculty colleagues at Stanford University, to recognize the author(s) of a manuscript containing the most influential educational ideas published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education for the calendar year. Dean Dole, who also serves as the chief delegate for APTA PA, is recognized for her contributions as an author on the paper "Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy: Developing a Framework for Education." 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/robin-dole-wins-stanford-award-apta-academy-education

Widener University has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction, a resource widely used by students and families when making their college decisions. Widener has been recognized nationally as a 2022-2023 College of Distinction, as well as at the state level as a Pennsylvania College of Distinction. 

In addition, 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 initiatives directed toward active-duty and veteran students

The Colleges of Distinction selection process is comprised of in-depth research and detailed interviews. Schools that demonstrate excellence in the areas of student engagement, teaching, proving successful outcomes, and having a vibrant community are given the title of College of Distinction.

“We are proud to have received this honor and the accolades that accompany it,” said Andy Workman, provost of Widener University. “We are committed to giving our students the best experience possible to prepare them for the future. Having achieved this recognition is further proof of our commitment to past, present, and future generations of Widener students.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-university-named-2022-2023-college-distinction

Professor Yvonne Antonucci recently attended the Hawai’i International Conference on System Sciences to present research that she has conducted in collaboration with Salisbury University. 

Antonucci represented her collaborators at the conference, presenting their work entitled “Engaging Business Students with ‘Low-Code’ Model Driven Development: Self-Efficacy Beliefs in an Introductory MID Course.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-faculty-presents-collaborative-research-international-conference

By: Riya Sembhi '25 secondary education, English

Chemical engineering student Brian Hoffman ‘23 recently presented his research at the Middle States Commission on Higher Education 2022 Annual Conference in Philadelphia where higher education faculty, administrators, and educators observed a wide array of student research projects.

Conducting this research as part of Widener’s Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, his work entitled, “Porous Carbon from Non-Recyclable Plastic Wastes,” aims to reduce Styrofoam waste through burning and converting Styrofoam into carbon-based materials that can then be repurposed for water and air filters, catalysts, and more. Brian appreciated the chance to share his research with a receptive audience that had a diverse range of occupational backgrounds. 

Having been engaged in this research since Junior year, Brian aims to continue this work as his Senior project. Now in the 4+1 Program at Widener, he hopes to maintain the research with similar projects. He thanks Dr. Dipendu Saha for his guidance and mentorship, for the opportunity to be involved with the research, and his continuous support today. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chemical-engineering-student-presents-his-research-middle-states-annual-conference

The Chester Community Clinic received $115,000 in congressionally directed federal funds to support its delivery of pro bono services for uninsured and underinsured residents. The student-run clinic is a critical community resource and a unique place for our graduate health science students in the College of Health & Human Services to lead, learn, collaborate, and grow through hands-on service experiences. Secured by U.S. Senator Bob Casey as part of the FY23 federal spending bill, the funding will support upgrades for equipment to advance the clinic, which has provided more than 14,000 client visits since 2009 and has saved community members more than $1 million in healthcare costs. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chester-community-clinic-receives-115000-support-pro-bono-services

Dear Pride Community,
 
Understanding our history is critical for understanding ourselves. In coming together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remind ourselves of the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for our own opportunities. We also recognize the work yet to be done.
 
Dr. King was an exceptional leader whose faith in nonviolence and love guided his work as a civil rights activist. He modeled this philosophy through his own willingness to risk assault, arrest, abuse, humiliation, and even death.
 
Though Dr. King’s leadership in the 1950s and 1960s was a highwater mark for racial justice, it is important for us to understand that he followed a long history of civil rights activism in the United States. Thousands of men and women, mostly Black, challenged the pervasive racism that ensured their second-class citizenship.
 
During his lifetime of activism, Dr. King spoke about the Beloved Community as a space in which everyone is cared for; a community of inclusion and affirmation where its members could come together to learn from each other, address concerns, and solve problems. The Beloved Community reflects personal authenticity, true respect, appreciation, and validation of others. The spirit of the Beloved Community can be found in Belonging.  We continue to enhance our community by advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). 
 
On this day of remembrance, we encourage our entire community to come together in a spirit of belonging, hope, love, and justice for all. Let us reflect upon the footpath of Dr. King as we take our next steps to a better Widener and a better world – because we are in it!
 
Small actions can have tremendous impact. There are so many options for becoming a change agent! Reach out to a fellow member of the Pride and offer support. Lean into your commitment to belonging by becoming an ally to others. Speak up with courage and compassion when you witness injustice. Offer your time or resources to causes that speak to your heart. Vote! Become involved in Chester through volunteerism. Educate yourself on the history of racism and civil rights. We recommend Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. Walk in a march for social justice and become a visible part of the civil rights movement. Help us work for an equitable, safe, and loving society for all, in the spirit of Dr. King. 
 
If you are in need of support, reach out to a member of our community. You are not alone.
 
With warmth and Widener Pride, 
 
Dr. Stacey Robertson, President
Ms. Micki Davis, Chief Diversity Officer
 

A collaborative research project between associate professor Babatunde Odusami and Omokolade Akinsomi from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa has been chosen to receive funding from The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program. This grant funds partnership projects between African-born scholars and higher education institutions in Africa. 

Odusami and Akinsomi’s project, entitled “Development of Pan African Real Estate Database and Co-Curriculum Development and Mentorship in Machine Learning Competencies for Real Estate Research,” will work to develop real estate knowledge and research capacities in Africa. 

Odusami will spend a month during the summer of 2023 in Africa working with Akinsomi and graduate students at the University of Witwatersrand. The two researchers will also be presenting another joint project at the American Real Estate Society Conference in March 2023. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-professor-receives-funding-collaboration-south-african-university

Widener University is proud to share outstanding news about the accomplishments of our May 2022 graduates in the six months since they earned their undergraduate degrees. Each year, the university surveys our graduates and reports the data to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The 2022 highlights include:

•    Graduates who achieved a positive career outcome, which includes direct employment, graduate education or military service, was 96 percent, up from 95 percent with May 2021 graduates.
•    Their mean starting salary was $70,987, up from $59,285 with May 2021 graduates.
•    Their median starting salary was $72,800, up from $60,320 with May 2021 graduates.

Widener students have moved on to exciting careers at a wide variety of workplaces, big and small. Some of the most recognizable employer names included Bristol Myers Squibb, the Department of Defense, Duke University Health System, Lockheed Martin, Merck, Mitsubishi, Vanguard and W.L. Gore & Associates.

Seventy graduates chose to stay with Widener and pursue a graduate degree from the university, while two dozen others have ventured to other institutions, including Boston College, George Washington University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, and more.
 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/28471/

Dear Widener Community,

Welcome back for the start of the spring semester!

January is a time of fresh starts, new hope, and endless possibilities. There is a singular energy that comes with new beginnings. My hope for this semester is that we all boldly pursue opportunities for academic and personal growth while further connecting with one another.

Being a member of the Widener community is such a privilege. There are countless opportunities for us to come together as we learn and grow. This week in Harrisburg, a three-part symposium examining veterans courts from a statewide and national perspective kicks off. Students will be welcome to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with practicing attorneys who visit the campus to attend this special event. In Delaware, students with the Widener Law Review will sponsor a symposium in March that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. And in Chester, the President’s Lecture Series begins this month, offering conversations on a myriad of topics. 

Even as we take advantage of the opportunities around us, it is important that we also remember to practice self-care. Prioritizing your well-being is essential to a successful and fulfilling Widener experience, and belonging to this community means help is available should you need it. Take time to enjoy the outdoors, as even a five-minute walk can lift our spirits and reenergize us. And let’s remember to offer steadfast support with open hearts to one another.

I hope to see you soon!

With Warmth and Widener Pride,

Stacey

By: Zora DeSeignora '23 Spanish and communications

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge has named Widener to its 2022 list of Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting. The list recognizes colleges and universities that are making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting. Universities must meet a set criterion such as submitting democratic action engagement plans. Widener was among 394 institutions nationally to achieve this recognition, and one of just 37 in Pennsylvania. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-named-list-most-engaged-campuses-college-student-voting