Noteworthy

Carly Kearney, a PhD candidate in the School of Nursing, was named a 2022-23 Jonas Scholar by National League for Nursing (NLN). The highly competitive scholarship provides direct funding for Kearney in her final year of doctoral study, leading to completion of her dissertation projects, as well as support for travel expenses to attend conference. Launched in 2010, the Jonas Scholars Program has been generously funded by Jonas Philanthropies, a New York-based foundation that promotes excellence in nursing, to advance the science of nursing education. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-phd-student-named-jonas-scholar-national-league-nursing

A research team consisting of faculty, students, and an alumni in the School of Nursing published a study examining nurse faculty administrators’ experiences of rapid transition and disruption in nursing education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published in the journal Nursing Education Perspectives, co-authors Anne Krouse, dean of nursing, Kristen McLaughlin, nursing graduate, Rose Rossi, associate dean of undergraduate nursing, Wendy Black-Dorn, nursing PhD candidate, Bette Mariani, nursing graduate, and Barbara Patterson, director of the nursing science doctoral program, implemented a descriptive survey methodology to understand the experiences of academic nurse administrators during the pandemic. The survey utilized the Four Cs of Disaster Partnering conceptual framework which encompasses communication, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration and the interrelatedness of those activities in partnering relationships. The authors' findings showed that key elements of the Four Cs framework played a role in the successful adaptation to new learning environment realities.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-study-examines-faculty-administrators-experiences-amid-covid-disruptions

Amanda Baker, a graduate of the Center for Human Sexuality Studies, published an article that investigated the association between sexting and satisfaction within a relationship. The research, which published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, explored the positive impact sexting can have on important relationship constructs and provides clinicians and educators with reliable data that can assist them with informing adult clients on ways they can utilize sexting in a meaningful and positive way.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/human-sexuality-graduate-publishes-academic-journal

The School of Nursing has been chosen to participate in a national initiative led by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) designed to foster inclusive learning environments and build a more diverse nursing workforce. Widener's nursing program is one of 50 schools of nursing selected nationwide to participate in AACN's pilot project titled "Building a Culture of Belonging in Academic Nursing."

With funding from Johnson & Johnson, the program aims to help schools of nursing create environments where students, faculty, and staff possess a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to thrive. Specifically, the program will utilize a survey instrument developed by AACN to collect data and provide institution-level assessments and action reports to participating schools related to developing inclusive academic environments.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-program-chosen-join-national-program-build-inclusive-learning-culture

The Providence Garden Club of Pennsylvania has presented Widener’s Taylor Arboretum with a donation of $3,900 to be used to pay for new informational signage on the property. Members of the garden club were recently on hand for a check presentation.

Six signs were recently installed on the arboretum’s grounds listing prohibited actives. The signage is intended to ensure the safety and welfare of visitors and the property.

Located just minutes from campus, the 30-acre preserve of plantings and natural lands is open to the public to walk the trails, explore the flora and fauna, and enjoy the property’s natural beauty. Acquired by the university in 2016, the arboretum is also used by students and faculty members for research, hands-on learning opportunities, and other activities.

Share Link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/taylor-arboretum-receives-donation-new-signage

Assistant Professor Hongwei Yang, along with collaborators John Mason ’21 and Joanna Weyrich ’23 have had an article, “Mechanic Study of Porosity Formation in Liquid-Assisted Mechanochemical Synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework Cu3(BTC)2  for adsorption-Based Applications,” published in Sustainability, a journal distributed by MDPI. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-and-students-published-sustainability-journal

Sarah W. Williamson, assistant dean of students, published a chapter in the book "Theory of College Student Development: Integration of Knowledge, Skills and Application." The text focuses on providing readers with new theoretical knowledge or a reminder of the foundational and evolving theories that professionals can utilize for understanding and making sense of students’ behavior. Williamson co-authored Chapter 11 entitled "Faith and Spiritually Development" where she discusses the role that faith and spirituality play in the development of college students. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/assistant-dean-student-publishes-chapter-textbook-college-student-development-theory

Widener University will host the first in a series of book talks as part of “Read the Revolution,” a multi-year initiative happening as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The 2022 book is The Boston Massacre: A Family History written by Serena Zabin. Zabin will be on campus in November for a discussion about the book.  

“Read the Revolution” is led by America250PADelco, in partnership with Widener faculty with other local organizations including The Delaware County Library System. This year’s book explores the stories of British troops as they were dispatched from Ireland to Boston in 1768.

More details to follow about the November event. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-host-read-revolution-2022-book-discussion

Monique Chabot, associate professor of occupational therapy, competed in the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Inventors Showcase, an event is designed to host inventors from across the nation to showcase their ingenuity as they share their products and services. Chabot's submission featured an assistive device known as a telescoping electronic reacher which she invented as part of her doctoral studies. The device was chosen for the Audience Choice award.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/occupational-therapy-professor-wins-award-assistive-device

Widener University congratulates Anthony Pluretti, executive director of campus safety, on being named Campus Safety director of the year.

The award program administered by Campus Safety magazine recognizes the best and brightest executives in hospital, university and school security, law enforcement and emergency management. Pluretti received the award for the university category at the Campus Safety Conference in Bethesda, Maryland this month. 

“I feel incredibly fortunate to lead Widener’s talented and dedicated Campus Safety team, and I am gratified and humbled by this award,” Pluretti said. 

Pluretti joined Widener University in February 2020, and instituted a customer-centric approach to the position. He leads a department of 75 and has encouraged Widener officers to approach their work with students, employees and visitors by making it the best possible experience for all involved. He has built trust across Widener’s three campuses as he has emphasized engagement between Campus Safety and the constituencies it serves.

He has also strengthened department morale, building pride with new uniforms, name patches, and regular social media introductions of staff. He seeks staff input on new initiatives and uses a motivational leadership model that encourages officers in the department to assess their personal goals and career trajectories. 

Pluretti has also positively impacted relations between the university and local law enforcement, and relationships between the university and people in neighborhoods surrounding Widener’s main campus in Chester, Pa., which are populated with students and local residents. His work also includes management of Widener’s campuses in Wilmington, Delaware and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/25976

Janet Long, executive director of Career Design & Development, has been named to a two-year term as co-chair of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Liberal Arts Affinity Group.

NACE is the leading professional association for more than 13,000 higher education career services and industry recruiting partners. With more than 300 members nationwide, the Liberal Arts Affinity Group coordinates programming that showcases best practices in career readiness and employment market awareness for liberal arts students.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/career-design-development-executive-director-earns-nace-appointment

Associate Dean Alicia Kelly has been named interim dean of Delaware Law School. The temporary appointment begins July 1. 

Kelly will fill the vacancy created by the departure of Dean Rodney A. Smolla, while the university searches for a permanent successor. She is currently associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law, and has previously served as associate dean for faculty development and strategic initiatives. Kelly also serves as a co-director of the school’s Family Health Law & Policy Institute, which is dedicated to public education and service. She teaches and writes in the areas of family law, property law and elder law. Innovation in legal education is another area of her expertise, and she has co-authored two textbooks drawing on best practices in legal education. 

Kelly has served on the steering committee for Delaware ERA Now, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women’s status through education and anti-discrimination advocacy. She also co-directs Wills For Heroes, a volunteer organization that trains legal professionals and provides estate planning documents at no cost for police, firefighters and other first responders in Delaware. Kelly serves on the executive board of the Association of American Law Schools section on Family and Juvenile law as well as the Elder Law section, and is a past Family Law Section chair. She is also a part of the Delaware Family Court Enhancement Project team, working to improve the legal system to better serve survivors of domestic violence and their children. Prior to her work in academia, Kelly was in private practice concentrating on complex domestic relations and general civil litigation.

“Alicia’s many years of leadership at the law school make her ideal interim dean. She enjoys widespread confidence among the faculty and staff and is committed to student success,” Widener Provost Andrew A. Workman said, in announcing Kelly’s interim role. “I look forward to working with her and continuing to build on the law school’s momentum.”

A member of the Delaware Law faculty since 2001, Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University, and her juris doctor and LL.M. in legal education from Temple’s James E. Beasley School of Law, where she was the Abraham L. Freedman Fellow.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/alicia-kelly-named-interim-dean-delaware-law-school

A team of biomedical engineering students participated in the Undergraduate Design Competition hosted by 2022 SB3C: Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference. The purpose of the competition is to showcase the undergraduates' design work, give students an opportunity to describe their work, and provide a chance to meet professionals in the bioengineering field. The Widener team, led by faculty advisor Ria Mazumder, assistant teaching professor, was one of six finalists chosen from the pool of applicants to present their work during a special podium presentation at the conference.

(L-R): Amelia Wellmon, Mason Klaus, Sean Blade, and Jessica Guarino.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/biomedical-engineering-students-present-undergraduate-design-competition

Faculty members from the School of Business Administration have had an article published in the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants’ Journal of Accountancy.

Professor Joseph Hargadon, associate professor Irfan Safdar, instructor Stephanie Wendling, and assistant professor Katie Whang co-authored an article titled “Tax Advice for Clients who Day-Trade Stocks.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/sba-faculty-publish-journal-article

Widener students and faculty visited Stetser Elementary School to participate in their annual end-of-the-year garden harvest. The gardening program, developed by professor Bruce Grant, is a place-based program which aims to improve the academic performance of Stetser students in science and promote social engagement in their school community.

The program has engaged Widener students as part of Grant’s academic service learning enhanced courses with the goal of providing students with meaningful work and sustainable community development opportunities.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-faculty-and-students-join-stetser-elementary-garden-harvest 

Jeff Lolli, professor in the School of Business Administration, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Faculty Collegiality Award from the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE).

This award is presented to one faculty ICHRIE member who has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to fostering collegiality among their peers through a high level of team building and collaborative and constructive support of peers in their teaching, scholarship, and service both on and off campus.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-professor-wins-faculty-collegiality-award

Assistant Teaching Professor Catherine Safran was invited to present a workshop at the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society’s Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Safran presented her experience working with Peer-Learning Assistants at Widener in anatomy and physiology lectures and labs.

This annual conference is attended by anatomy and physiology instructors from around the world.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-presents-workshop-peer-learning-annual-conference

Widener University President Julie E. Wollman presented the William David Eckard Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Denise DeRosa, Circulation/reserves assistant at Wolfgram Memorial Library, and Fred Dohrmann, director of physical education and Widener women’s softball coach.

Denise DeRosa has been a dedicated member of the library staff for 12 years and plays an integral role in ensuring that everyone at Widener has a positive learning experience.

Fred Dohrmann is known for his involvement well beyond the classroom and the playing field and will always step in to help wherever he can with campus activities.

The annual William David Eckard Jr. Award recognized two longstanding employees for their above and beyond commitment and outstanding service to the Widener community. The award was established by former president William David Eckard III to honor his father.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/two-employees-honored-annual-eckard-award-distinguished-service

The Widener Community Nursing Clinic earned a Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program. This is the third consecutive year that the clinic has received this national recognition for its continued delivery of high-quality and reliable pro bono health care. 

Congratulations to Ellen Boyda, clinic director, and the nursing student and alumni volunteers whose commitment to providing essential services help to maintain both individual and community health.  

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-community-nursing-clinic-earns-gold-rating-quality-care

Members of the Widener community participated in this year's Next Step: From Freedom to Equity Walk-A-Thon and Health Fair hosted by the Black Doctors Consortium and the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. The event drew supporters to the two-mile march up Broad Street in North Philadelphia to bring awareness to local racial health disparities. Rhonda Hazell, associate professor and coordinator of clinical anatomy, organized the Widener team and was joined by Katie Hershede, vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff, Anali Falcon '23, Lori Felker, director of the Institute for Physician Assistant Education, Ijjae Hill '25, Jill Black, associate dean of College of Health & Human Services and director of Institute for Physical Therapy, and Colleen Chancler, assistant professor. 

(Photo left to right: Katie Hershede, Anali Falcon, Rhonda Hazell, Lori Felker, Ijjae Hill, Jill Black, and Colleen Chancler.)

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-shows-support-black-doctors-consortium-walk-thon