Noteworthy

A collection of more than 3,000 pieces of political memorabilia belonging to Professor Stephen Kauffman was on display at Wolfgram Memorial Library through the 2024-2025 academic year. The video interview featuring key pieces from the collection and Kauffman discussing the collection and its significance is available to view online. 

The display also served as a center point for an event in Fall 2024 featuring Kauffman discussing his collection as well as James Vike, professor and associate dean of social science, sharing research findings on political polarization. A full recording of the event “From George to Joe: The Legacy of Voting for Our Presidents” is also available online. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-memberss-political-memorabilia-display-lives-wolfgram-memorial-library
 

Erika Dawkins, assistant professor in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named the 2025 Early Career Psychologist of the Year by the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Presented by the Early Career Psychologists Committee, this prestigious award recognizes the impact made by an early-career psychologist. As a clinician, educator, and researcher, Dawkins has made meaningful contributions to the psychology field. In addition to her role at Widener, Dawkins is also the owner of Revolutionary Perspectives, LLC, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to one's emotional well-being. 

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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

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Robert Mishur has been awarded the Cynthia H. Sarnoski Endowed Science Faculty Fellowship to support developing protocols to detect and identify metabolites, and then using those methods to investigate mechanisms of aging. The award is a two-year term, running through 2027. 

“With an aging population, it’s important that we have the tools to help people age healthily,” said Mishur. “By understanding the pathways that underly the aging process we can help people live longer and make sure they’re living life healthy for longer.”

These methods can be applied to a variety of organisms, including fruit flies and nematodes, or microscopic thread-like worms, offering broad opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Mishur also intends to apply this technology to assess the impact of different drugs on cancer cells. 

“It feels great [to receive this award]!” Mishur shared. In addition to using a portion of the funding on research materials, he is most looking forward to how the award can benefit the students working with him on this topic. It will allow him to provide compensation for their research assistance, and have them accompany him to academic conferences.

The Cynthia H. Sarnoski Faculty Fellowship award supports science faculty through a generous gift made by Cynthia H. Sarnoski, who serves as vice chair of the Widener Board of Trustees. Sarnoski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Widener in 1974. She is a retired senior vice president for Global Compliance and Quality Systems for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chemistry-faculty-awarded-cynthia-h-sarnoski-faculty-fellowship-continue-research-cancer-and-aging
 

Matthew Clarke, executive chef at Widener, won first place at the Aramark Culinary Excellence, or ACE, competition for the mid-Atlantic region of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. Chef Matt competed at West Chester University against talented chefs from across the region to showcase their culinary excellence. His win earned him a spot to represent Widener and the region at the National ACE competition in Napa Valley this summer.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/executive-chef-places-1st-regional-cooking-competition

Audrey Snyder has been named the next dean of the School of Nursing. Snyder will assume the role on July 1, 2025.

A celebrated educator, passionate healthcare advocate, and accomplished scholar, Snyder brings more than 40 years of experience to this role. She comes to Widener from the University of North Carolina Greensboro where she currently serves as professor and associate dean for Community Engagement and Academic Partnerships. Throughout her career, Snyder has focused on promoting access to care for rural and under-resourced populations. While at UNC Greensboro, Snyder was instrumental in securing federal funding to promote telehealth education for rural environments and launching the nursing program’s mobile clinic, known as Minerva’s Mobile Health, to increase healthcare access in rural and under-resourced communities in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

Snyder is a leading expert and scholar in disaster preparation and response. Her primary research focuses on improving the lives of individuals at risk for disasters through disaster resilience. Her research is informed by her diverse disaster response experiences across the United States, most notably following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and refugee response at the United States-Mexico border. Snyder has also participated in international responses such as the earthquake response in El Salvador and Haiti.

“I am delighted to welcome Audrey Snyder to the Widener community,” said Provost Andrew Workman. “Audrey’s proven dedication to nursing education and meaningful student experiences will be a tremendous asset to Widener’s nursing program. In addition to being an exceptional nursing scholar, Audrey brings a deep passion for engaging with the communities around her to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Her demonstrated commitment to service and care at the local, national, and international levels will help to advance Widener’s mission and values.”  

“I am truly honored to join the pride at Widener University,” said Audrey Snyder. “The School of Nursing has a strong history of promoting nursing excellence in practice, leadership, research, and service to nursing and the community. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to continue this legacy.”

Snyder’s career is marked with accolades and achievements from many distinguished institutions. She received the 2023 Lillian Wald Humanitarian Award by the National League for Nursing and was honored as a North Carolina Great 100 Nurse for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Snyder has secured more than $12 million in funding from federal, foundation, and intramural grants, including the Emergency Nurses Association. 

She succeeds Anne Krouse, who has retired from Widener’s School of Nursing after 25 years of distinguished service, including seven as dean.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/audrey-snyder-named-dean-school-nursing

Dipendu Saha, associate professor and chair of chemical and materials engineering, was named the inaugural recipient of the Fred Akl Endowed Professorship in Engineering. Named in honor of former engineering dean and professor, the professorship was created to reward excellence and provide support to a talented Widener University faculty member in the School of Engineering who embodies the values of Widener as an outstanding academic citizen, teacher, and accomplished scholar. 

The endowed professor is selected based on a distinguished record of teaching, exemplary leadership and service to the school, the university, and the academic and professional communities, and scholarly accomplishment appropriate to their discipline and their primary responsibilities. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/dipendu-saha-receives-inaugural-fred-akl-endowed-professorship-engineering

Sara Kate Frye, assistant professor of occupational therapy, was elected chairperson of the Rehabilitation and Disability Special Interest Section within the American Occupational Therapy Association, or AOTA. Frye's clinical expertise includes in inpatient and home health rehabilitation with clinical specialties in spinal cord injury, brain injury, neurological disorders, oncology, and cardiopulmonary conditions. As an elected volunteer leader, Frye's extensive experience and passion will be instrumental in shaping the future of AOTA and advancing its mission.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/occupational-therapy-professor-elected-chair-aota-special-interest-section

Rosara Torrisi, assistant professor of human sexuality studies, has been recognized as the 2025 Best Sex Therapist on Long Island for her work and dedication to advancing the field of clinical sexology. Torrisi’s research and teaching focuses on accessibility and sex, as well as clinical recommendations for sex therapists. She strives to create innovative, experiential programs that train the next generation of sex therapists.

In addition to her work at Widener, Torrisi leads the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy which provides specialized patient care and training for clinicians. She also serves as co-host of the “Our Better Half” podcast. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/human-sexuality-faculty-member-recognized

Michelle Lyttle Storrod, assistant professor of criminal justice, has received over $54,000 from the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center for a two-year grant intended to study the role of women in community violence intervention. The unique comparative study will take place in Chester, Philadelphia, and Camden, New Jersey, and will include students working hands-on to collect and analyze data from social media, community focus groups, and more.

Lyttle Storrod has previously received additional funding from the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center for work in other areas of researching gun violence including a focus on measuring community attitudes towards gun violence in the Philadelphia region. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/criminal-justice-faculty-member-receives-funding-gun-violence-research
 

Widener University is pleased to announce Heather L. Meier, a Philadelphia-area financial professional and licensed certified public accountant with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, will join the university’s leadership team as vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer. Meier comes to Widener from Gwynedd Mercy University, where she has served in a similar financial leadership role since 2022. 

In her new position at Widener, Meier will oversee the finances, financial planning, budgeting, contracts, human resources and facilities for the university and its seven colleges and schools, located in Chester and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware. She will work to ensure financial sustainability, optimize the university’s resources and their allocation, and drive strategic financial initiatives that support Widener’s mission and long-term goals. She will be part of the core leadership team that reports to Widener President Stacey Robertson. 

“I am honored and thrilled to accept this position and join the Widener community,” Meier said.  "Widener University has a remarkable legacy in the Philadelphia region, with a distinguished history of evolving to meet the needs of generations of students. Its commitment to providing an exceptional education that prepares students for successful lives and careers is truly inspiring. I am privileged to contribute to the university’s continued success and be part of shaping its next chapter."

“We are so excited to welcome Heather Meier to Widener,” Robertson said. “Her impressive financial background – with so much of it steeped in higher education – coupled with her warm personality and keen support for our culture of belonging made her a fantastic choice for this critical position. Heather has a very collaborative spirit which makes her well-suited for the many partnerships she’ll be developing as her work touches every corner of Widener’s operations.”

Prior to her time at Gwynedd Mercy University, Meier served as controller and acting vice president for finance at Montgomery County Community College for more than six years. She also has held finance leadership roles at other local universities including La Salle, Jefferson and Villanova universities. She began her career in public accounting auditing for nonprofits and social service organizations. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University, two bachelors of arts degrees in business administration and economics, with a minor in accounting, from McDaniel College. 

She will begin her position at Widener on Jan. 14, 2025. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/32227
 

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.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-hosts-author-mary-beth-norton-third-annual-revolutionary-reads-event

Linda Knauss, professor emerita in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, has been chosen to receive the 2024 Lifetime Award for Accomplishments in Ethics Education from the American Psychology Association, or APA. The prestigious award is presented annually by the APA’s ethics committee to an APA member whose career accomplishments made an indelible impact on ethics education in psychology in the areas of clinical, organizational, school, and applied science. 

The award recognizes Knauss’ outstanding and innovative contributions to ethics education during her more than four decades of teaching, mentoring, training, research, and education. Knauss joined Widener’s clinical psychology faculty in 1998. Before retiring in 2024, Knauss taught a wide variety of courses including ethics and professional issues, assessment techniques and report writing, family therapy, and transitioning to the professional role. 

Knauss will be honored at the ethics committee’s year-end virtual meeting in December.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/linda-knauss-honored-lifetime-achievement-award

Widener honored eight faculty members for their high distinction in areas of civic engagement, institutional leadership, research, as well as innovative and distinguished teaching at the university's annual faculty awards ceremony. The 2024 award winners are:

• The Distinguished University Professor Award honors faculty members of high distinction at the university who also demonstrate the institution is committed to recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service throughout faculty members’ careers. This year's recipients were School of Nursing Professor Donna Callaghan; College of Arts and Sciences Professor Katherine Goodrich; and School of Business Administration Professor Brian Larson. Larson is also interim associate dean for graduate business programs.
• College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Michael Cocchiarale was awarded with the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. This award is given to a faculty member who has exemplified a history of teaching at the highest level of distinction. It is endowed by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, a Philadelphia-based foundation that provides grants to institutions of higher education for the promotion of excellence in teaching.
• The Faculty Award for Civic Engagement serves to recognize the outstanding contributions that faculty members have made in accordance with Widener’s civic engagement mission, as well as solidifying Widener students’ understanding of their social responsibilities, and the impact of their disciplinary learning. This year's recipient was Karen May, associate professor in the School of Nursing.
• Paul T. Baker, assistant professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the Outstanding Researcher Award. This award gives recognition to a faculty member who has participated in research and scholarship nationally or internationally, and made a significant contribution through their research, while advancing their profession or discipline as well as the university’s mission and vision.
• The Fitz Dixon Innovation in Teaching Award highlights an individual who has designed, implemented, and assessed an innovative or experimental teaching and learning project. This award was presented to School of Engineering Associate Teaching Professor Ria Mazumder. Mazumder's innovative approach integrates collaborative project-based service-learning, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in sustainable engineering, bioinstrumentation, and community engagement, thereby addressing both educational and societal challenges
• The Faculty Institutional Leadership Award recognizes a record of leading initiatives that further the university’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives. This year’s award recipient was Lori Simons, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-celebrates-2024-faculty-award-winners
 

Marina Barnett, assistant provost for civic engagement and associate professor of social work, is the recipient of the Program Leadership award from the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) Higher Education Coalition for her outstanding commitment and engagement since joining the coalition.

Barnett is recognized for her commitment to designing and implementing meaningful civic engagement services for students at Widener, and implementation of programs which aim to help both students, and the community, to thrive. The award was announced at the coalition’s 2024 summit and was presented by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.

The NPSS Higher Education Coalition is a group of colleges and universities working to support their communities by placing more college students in high-impact jobs or volunteer positions. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-recognized-npss-outstanding-program-leadership
 

Kay Chronister, adjunct faculty member of English, has published a new fantasy novel titled “The Bog Wife.”

Described as a “propulsive read for fans of Shirley Jackson, Karen Russell, and Matt Bell that speaks to what is knowable and unknowable within a family history and how to know when it is time to move forward,” the book is one of several novels published by Chronister. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/adjunct-faculty-member-publishes-new-fantasy-novel
 

A new article authored by Katia Ciampa, associate professor and director of reading programs, Zora Wolfe, associate professor and associate dean of the College of Health & Human Services, and Jessica Storey, director of teaching and learning with technology, has been published in the Journal of Research on Technology in Education.

The article, titled “Faculty perceptions of the impact of professional development on online teaching practices,” examines the success of the trio’s one-year cohort in the Online Teaching Fellows Program at Widener.

The 14-week program included graduate and undergraduate faculty from across the university for professional development activities and discussions focused on creating authentic and equitable learning opportunities for students.  

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/article-faculty-and-staff-published-journal-research-technology-education

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/

Andrew Bobal, instructional designer and adjunct professor in the School of Nursing, published a textbook that illustrates the importance of integrating technology into the nursing classroom. 

"Teaching Tomorrow’s Nurses: A Technology-Enhanced Approach," which Bobal co-authored, is a resource for nurse educators to understand the diverse learning technology options designed to obtain targeted learning outcomes. Packed with expert perspectives from across the nursing education spectrum, this comprehensive toolkit walks through the why and how of using technology to engage and evaluate learners and empowers readers to make confident, informed choices.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-faculty-co-authors-text-technology-classroom

Dennis Whitaker, adjunct professor of law at Commonwealth Law School, has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's (PBA) Amicus Curiae Brief Committee. Committee membership is by special invitation only extended by the sitting PBA President. Whitaker was appointed by current PBA President Nancy Conrad. The committee is a specialized committee charged with identifying legal issues that have relevance to the bar in general and that are appropriate subjects for amicus curiae briefs. Committee members prepare and argue the positions advanced on behalf of the Association in those briefs.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/commonwealth-law-professor-appointed-pennsylvania-bar-association-special-committee