Wilson College has named Andrea Hoover-Erbig as its new director of athletics. Hoover-Erbig brings more than 20 years of experience in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics to the position and will succeed Tina L. Hill, who will retire in June.
Hoover-Erbig currently serves as executive director of intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Wesleyan University, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to her appointment as athletics director, she spent 15 highly successful years as VWU’s head women’s volleyball coach. Her administrative leadership roles at Virginia Wesleyan have included senior woman administrator and academic integration coordinator.
In her current role, Hoover-Erbig oversees a comprehensive athletics program of 25 varsity sports and more than 450 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Under her leadership, the athletic department has introduced three new programs: men’s volleyball, cheer, and women’s flag football. The department also experienced significant growth in fundraising and facilities. Several athletic venues have undergone major enhancements, and the Marlin Athletic Fund has reached record-setting levels.
“As Wilson looks to the future of its athletics program, Andrea’s depth of experience and proven leadership made her the clear choice,” said Katherine Buck, vice president for student development. “She understands how athletics can strengthen the student experience, build community, and align closely with an institution’s academic mission. We are confident she will lead Wilson Athletics with integrity, vision, and a strong commitment to student success.”
As head volleyball coach, Hoover-Erbig compiled a program-best 293–166 record, highlighted by six 20-win seasons, two ODAC Coach of the Year honors, and leading the Marlins to their first ODAC championship in 2019. A former four-year volleyball student-athlete at Slippery Rock University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in education from Marietta College.
At Wilson, the director of athletics provides vision and leadership for the College’s athletics program, ensuring effectiveness, continuous improvement, accountability, and compliance while supporting the overall mission and goals of Wilson College and conference and national associations. In her new position, Hoover-Erbig will provide leadership and strategic direction for Wilson’s 11 NCAA Division III sports and two Intercollegiate Horse Show Association teams in Hunt Seat and Western, as well as overseeing compliance, fiscal oversight, communications, sports medicine, and the use and maintenance of on- and off-campus athletic facilities.
Ken Ohashi, brand chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers and Nautica, will deliver the commencement address to the Wilson College Class of 2026 during the College’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Ohashi is a widely respected global executive with more than 30 years of experience in fashion, consumer products, retail and business development. He currently serves as brand chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers, the iconic 208‑year‑old company with more than $1 billion in global sales and a presence in more than 600 retail locations worldwide. Ohashi led the highly publicized acquisition of Brooks Brothers and guided the brand’s transformation, returning it to profitability in less than two years. In January 2026, he was also named brand chief executive officer of Nautica, where he is leading efforts to reinvigorate the global lifestyle brand founded in 1983.
“Ken Ohashi exemplifies innovative leadership, resilience, and purpose,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “His career reflects the power of adaptability, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to people, making his message especially meaningful for our graduates as they prepare to lead lives of impact.”
Prior to joining Brooks Brothers, Ohashi served as president of international and global retail for Authentic Brands Group, overseeing brand management, business development, and marketing for a $4 billion global portfolio outside the United States. He also helped form SPARC Group, a joint venture with Simon Property Group that supports more than 4,000 worldwide retail locations and an e-commerce platform.
Ohashi previously held senior leadership roles at Aéropostale, where he drove international expansion into 17 countries, and earlier served as vice president of investor and media relations, playing a key role in the company’s public offerings. He began his career at Arthur Andersen LLP and is a certified public accountant.
A passionate advocate for equity and access to education, Ohashi has led partnerships supporting first‑generation and underrepresented students and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. His work has earned recognition from Institutional Investor, Bloomberg, Gold House and the Asian American Business Development Center.
On this day in 1869, Wilson College received its official charter thanks to the vision of Rev. Tryon Edwards and Rev. James W. Wightman, and the generosity of Miss Sarah Wilson, whose belief in education helped found an institution that continues to grow and evolve today.
The legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted the charter on March 24 and Wilson College was announced through the press, through the churches, and through friends of the Trustees.
To celebrate Charter Day, our Hankey Center student research assistants—Vivian Huddleston (graduate assistant), Jeremiah Loyer ’27, and Aislynn Richards ’28—took a close look at the original founding document. Seeing the signatures and language that started it all is a powerful reminder of the legacy we carry forward.
The Hankey Center for the History of Women’s Education preserves the history of Wilson College through the collection of materials and artifacts contained in the C. Elizabeth Boyd ’33 Archives. The Hankey Center also provides support for academic programs by making staff and resources available to the Wilson community, as well as to scholars, independent researchers and educators beyond campus.
From our 19th‑century beginnings to our vibrant community today, Happy Charter Day, Wilson College!
Wilson College will host ArtsFest 2026 from April 6–10, a weeklong celebration showcasing talents of Wilson artists, nationally recognized visiting professionals, and creative programming for the campus and surrounding community. Now in its fourth year, ArtsFest has become a signature Franklin County event that highlights the role of the arts in fostering connection, collaboration, and community dialogue.
The theme for the 2026 festival is “Art Is… Experimentation.” ArtsFest is supported in part by The Palmer Family Foundation, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. This support enables Wilson to welcome four visiting artists whose work reflects innovation across disciplines: Broadway producer Sue Gilad; multidisciplinary visual artist Jada Patterson; letterpress printer and educator Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.; and dance theater collective Project ChArma.
Featured Events and Exhibitions
A Conversation with Sue Gilad
Broadway producer Sue Gilad will lead an insider’s discussion on the business of bringing shows from page to stage. She will share behind-the-scenes insights into the creative and logistical forces that shape awardwinning productions. The conversation will also highlight the West End hit “Burlesque the Musical,” co-produced by Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate and Gilad, offering a dual perspective on the collaborative process behind a major international production.
“A Seed’s A Star” Exhibition and Talk with Jada Patterson
This exhibition features work by multidisciplinary artist Jada Patterson, whose practice explores identity, adornment, material culture, and Black traditions of hair and body ornamentation, particularly as they relate to girlhood. Patterson’s art merges traditional craft with contemporary perspectives, illuminating the complexities and beauty of human experience. Patterson will discuss their influences and artistic journey in a public talk.
“Consider Everything an Experiment” Exhibition and Talk with Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.
This exhibition showcases the expressive, socially engaged letterpress prints of Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. His bold, layered print work blends cultural wisdom, civil rights history, and graphic power, transforming traditional printing into a tool for community engagement and social justice. Kennedy will participate in a public conversation about his process, purpose, and the evolving role of art in social change.
Spirit-led Dance in the New America with Ama Law of Project ChArma
Project ChArma's movement style has always been shaped by a blend of influences: Hip-Hop culture, West African polyrhythms, and post-modern dance flow. In this dance workshop, they will explore solidarity through these forms. They will start with line dances—literally “jumping in” to learn sequences, embodying the Africanist principle of “each one teach one.” They will review popular line dances, invite participants to share new ones they bring, and close by creating a unique group sequence that marks our coming together in this new space and time. They will discuss the historical significance of these dances in African American resistance, survival, and progress.
The Arts at Wilson created ArtsFest to showcase the remarkable art, artists, and artistic opportunities at the College. The festival seeks to engage the Wilson College campus and regional community in creative experiences to open dialogue and build connections that inspire positive change in the world.
ArtsFest is free and open to the public, although some events are limited to the Wilson College community or require reservations. A detailed schedule and event descriptions are available at www.wilson.edu/artsfest.
Wilson College hosted an engaging panel discussion on modern hiring practices as part of its Health Sciences and Business Programs Strategic Seminar Series on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Professionals from healthcare, human resources, education, business consulting, and recreation management came together to offer candid advice on how to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
The conversation centered on what employers need to see beyond what appears on a résumé. While technical skills matter, panelists emphasized that the interview process is where they could see a candidate’s ability to collaborate with peers or adapt to different daily situations. “A résumé does not tell me how they’re going to do working with colleagues, students, community members, and parents,” said Tina Clever, human resources director for the Chambersburg Area School District.
Panelists encouraged those looking for work to practice telling their stories, whether through mock interviews, peer feedback, or even AI tools that help generate interview questions. The interview is where hiring managers make sure the individual is authentic and willing to make an investment in the company or position. They cautioned against relying on AI to write résumés or cover letters, urging applicants to personalize everything they submit.
Panelists urged students to pursue internships early—and more than one if possible—using those experiences to build skills, confidence, and professional connections. Internships, they said, are often extended job interviews. “When you complete an internship or externship program, employers really get to know you and connect with you,” said Lindsey Kearns, nurse manager for WellSpan Chambersburg. “And I would much rather hire someone who I know is a good fit for the unit, somebody who's willing to learn, who's ready to dive in.”
Networking, both in professional spaces and among peers, was another recurring theme. Students were encouraged to join LinkedIn, attend local events, and get comfortable with uncomfortable situations. “You never know who's watching, who you might have an impact on, and when that's going to come back around,” said Heather Hockenberry, executive coach and business consultant with Hockenberry Management Consulting.
The discussion closed with panelists reminding students that job searching is a two-way process. Candidates should evaluate organizations just as thoughtfully as organizations evaluate them. Above all, they encouraged students to stay curious, stay open, and keep stretching themselves toward their goals.
Panelists participating in this event included a diverse group of professionals with expertise across healthcare, human resources, executive coaching, business management, and organizational leadership:
This event was the third in the Wilson College Strategic Seminar Series. The sessions are held once per semester with the next event being planned for fall 2026.
Wilson College will host the next event in its Health Sciences and Business Programs Strategic Seminar Series on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with a session titled “Hiring Practices and Workforce Planning.” The seminar will explore how modern organizations recruit, hire, develop, and retain employees, including how artificial intelligence is influencing those processes.
The event will begin with networking from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Auditorium.
Hosted by Wilson’s Health Sciences and Business Programs, the panel discussion will examine how workplaces evaluate candidates and employees, what skills and personal attributes hiring managers value most, and how organizations make informed decisions about workforce needs. Whether attendees are entering the job market, re-entering after time away, or seeking advancement, the seminar offers an invaluable look at modern hiring and promotion practices.
Wilson College welcomes a diverse group of professionals with expertise across healthcare, human resources, executive coaching, business management, and organizational leadership:
The event is free and open to the public, and participants may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. Please register at https://www.wilson.edu/leadership-seminar.
Equine Student Gains National Experience Through American Horse Council Internship
By Faith Crawford ’26
An internship is an important part of any student’s transition from education to a successful future. At Wilson College, students have access to supportive career services that provide unique connections and hands-on opportunities, helping them translate academics into action. During the Fall 2025 semester, Wilson College senior Kendi Long completed her internship with the American Horse Council, gaining national-level experience in the equine field and new insight into the industry.
This competitive internship offered Long the opportunity to combine her knowledge of the equine field with her academic experience in communications and outreach work. Wilson’s liberal arts education prepares students to apply a wide range of skills to any new opportunity. Students graduate with an understanding not only of their field but also with exceptional communication and critical thinking skills, which are necessary in any industry.
Long is currently majoring in equine studies with a concentration in equine management, and she also has interests in environmental studies and entrepreneurship. Throughout her internship, Long was able to apply what she learned in her classes to her work with the American Horse Council.
The American Horse Council is a national organization that represents and advocates for the equine industry across the United States. Its work focuses not only on the welfare of horses but also on advocating for the equine industry in legislative, economic, and social capacities. An internship at the council is an exceptional opportunity for any equine student hoping to make national connections and participate in meaningful work in the industry.
Throughout the internship, Long was responsible for a recruitment campaign to generate new members for the council through online communications. Although Long completed the internship remotely, it still allowed her to explore social media management, graphic design, and data entry. According to Long, raising awareness and building social outreach in the equine industry allowed her to gain experience in a different side of the industry. She noted that “seeing how it works behind the scenes” helped her to grow both as a student and an equine professional.
Long felt the internship prepared her for life after graduation, especially as she becomes more interested in the business side of the equine world and begins exploring the legislative aspects of the industry. The foundation of her education and the Wilson community in the Equine Studies Program played an important role. Long said, “The instruction at Wilson in both my majors and minors prepared me to work professionally in the equine industry with confidence and showed me different options for my future.”
The annual Creative Writing Colloquium at Wilson College welcomes the community to a day of inspiring presentations, discussion, and insight into the creative writing process. Writers of all levels are welcome, ages 14 and up. The event will take place Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology at Wilson College. The event is free and includes lunch in the College dining hall. Those interested are required to register by March 7 at https://www.wilson.edu/CWC-registration
At this year’s colloquium, the keynote will be a reading by The Quill and Ink Society, a local group of writers representing all stages of the writing craft. The Society holds monthly meetings at the Grove Family Library and discusses creative writing and critique.
Workshops will focus on different topics in both fiction and poetry writing, including:
The day will conclude with an open discussion for attendees to ask questions and share thoughts. Authors will be there to answer questions and give insight into the writing and publishing processes.
The Wilson College Creative Writing Colloquium receives support from the Arts for All grant opportunity of the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
For more information, visit https://www.wilson.edu/CWC.
Wilson College celebrated the grand opening of its new campus in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. The new site marks a major milestone in the College’s expansion into accelerated, hybrid graduate healthcare education designed to meet urgent national workforce needs.
Representatives from Wilson College celebrated the grand opening of the new Wilson campus in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. From left to right: Olga Meyerovich, current OTD student and the first student to register for the OTD program, Michael Gerg, DOT, MS, OTR/L, CHT, associate professor and OTD program director, Jennifer Nickle Banzhof ’94, chair of the Board of Trustees, Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., president, Elissa Heil, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, Diana Julbe-Delgado, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, associate professor and MS-SLP program director, and Tony Varela, DPT, Ph.D., OCS, professor and DPT program director.
The campus will serve as the home for Wilson’s new suite of graduate healthcare programs, including the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Master of Speech‑Language Pathology (MS-SLP). These programs are built on a flexible hybrid model that combines online coursework with periodic in‑person laboratory intensives at the King of Prussia location. This hybrid curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students nationwide, and the campus location was selected with that in mind as it is easily accessible by students from across the country.
The King of Prussia campus was intentionally designed to support student success and hands‑on learning. The facility features a welcoming student lounge and pantry/kitchen area, an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) suite to support real‑world clinical simulation, dedicated faculty offices, and flexible instructional spaces that can transition seamlessly from lecture-based learning to hands‑on clinical skills practice.
“Today is a momentous and proud moment in the life of the College as Wilson spreads her Phoenix wings even wider with the opening of this new campus and the launching of these new programs. This project is a strategic investment in our current and our future students, and it is a thoughtful evolution of the Wilson curriculum,” said Jennifer Nickle Banzhof ’94, chair of the Wilson College Board of Trustees.
Saturday’s ribbon‑cutting was attended by the College’s program directors for the three new programs, faculty members, the inaugural OTD cohort of students, current and former Trustees of the College, alumni and additional institutional partners, including Evidence in Motion (EIM). Wilson has partnered with EIM, the nation’s leading provider of hybrid healthcare education solutions, to design and deliver these innovative graduate programs.
Michael Gerg, DOT, MS, OTR/L, CHT, associate professor and program director of the Wilson College Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, said, “Today marks both a beginning and a commitment: a commitment to high-quality education, to meaningful partnerships, and to preparing healthcare professionals who are ready to lead, adapt, and make a difference.”
The first cohort in the OTD program began coursework in January and are currently on site to complete their first in‑person labs at the new campus. Pending accreditor approval, the DPT and MSLP programs are scheduled to begin in August 2027.
Wilson College collaborated with Fifteen Architecture and Design, Total Construction, Tactix Real Estate Advisors, and BPG 360 property management to bring the new King of Prussia campus to life.
Hunter Zittle '28 came to Wilson College for veterinary nursing and found a campus full of opportunities.
"I was initially interested in Wilson because of their veterinary nursing program, but anyone who does a little research will find that we have so much more to offer," Zittle said.
Majoring in veterinary nursing, Zittle is also minoring in biology, chemistry, and business — a strong foundation for any future career paths.
Zittle serves as the Wilson College Government Association's Officer of Justice and is active in several clubs, developing leadership and time management skills along the way.
"The opportunities provided here are endless," Zittle added. "It allows everyone to find their place."
