Title Body
Scholarship Grant for Wilson College Students

The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to fund scholarships for Wilson College students with financial need. The foundation has provided more than $5.2 million to the scholarship endowment since its inception in 2009. 

“Wilson College is grateful for the support of The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation,” says Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., President of Wilson College. “With this grant, motivated students continue their education, achieve academic success with less student debt, and give back to the community.”

Students are selected for scholarships based on financial need, academic achievement, and service to the community. All student recipients sign a pledge indicating that when they are able, they will make contributions to the endowment in an amount equal to what they received. The college provides annual reminders to the recipients about their debt of conscience with a report of their contributions and outstanding balance.

In the 2019-20 academic year, 100 Wilson College students received $330,000 in financial assistance from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation endowed scholarship fund. Sixty-one students were awarded Stabler scholarships in the fall 2020 semester, adding to the more than 430 scholarships awarded over the years.

Located in Harrisburg, The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by the Stablers in 1966 exclusively to support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational purposes. 
 

Wilson College student honored as Newman Civic Fellow

Odessa Kalathas recognized by national organization for her commitment to solving public problems

Chambersburg, Pa. – March 3, 2021 – Wilson College is proud to announce that one of our students, Odessa Kalathas, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow. 

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program for students from Campus Compact member institutions. The students selected for the fellowship are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has announced the 290 students who will make up the organization's 2021-2022 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Kalathas will join 212 students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to form the 2021 cohort.

Kalathas, a second-year student at Wilson College, is a student leader, active in the leadership of the student government association and the InterVarsity Christian organization. Over the past two years, her focus both inside and outside of the classroom has been on social justice through constructive dialogue. She served as a peer teacher in a first-year seminar centered on social justice issues and as a counselor at a Christian camp, Camp Joy El. She embodies the Wilson Honor Principle by "demonstrating personal integrity, respecting the dignity of all persons, respecting diversity in people, ideas, and opinions, and demonstrating concern for others, their feelings and their needs for conditions which support their work and development." She continually strives to listen to, and understand, others and by doing so, lead them in solving issues that challenge our world and ourselves.

"Kalathas is the first generation of her family to attend college," said President of Wilson College Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. "She believes herself a more open-minded individual because her Wilson experiences have stretched her perspective. She is a critical thinker who brings about the peaceful communication so needed on our college campuses and in our world to address our shared challenges."

The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman's leadership, Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors nominate student leaders from their campuses to be named Newman Civic Fellows.

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides Fellows with a variety of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Each year, fellows participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities to help provide them with the skills and connections they need to create large-scale positive change. The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Fellows, which offers intensive skill-building and networking over the course of two days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

"We are proud to recognize these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to engage with them," said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. "The experience of the last year has driven home to all of us that we need open-minded, innovative, public-spirited thinkers and doers. That is what Campus Compact is about, and the stories of our Newman Civic Fellows demonstrate it's who they are."

Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year's cohort at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship/2021-2022-newman-civic-fellows.

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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor's degrees in 29 majors and master's degrees in education, nursing, applied leadership, and the arts and humanities. With 99 percent of its students receiving financial aid or scholarships, Wilson is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education.
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college's 300-acre campus is nestled in the beautiful Cumberland Valley and is within an hour-and-a-half drive of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.

Contact:
Cassandra Latimer, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
cassandra.latimer@wilson.edu

Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. Campus Compact supports institutions in fulfilling their public purposes by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. As the largest national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, we provide professional development to administrators and faculty to enable them to engage effectively, facilitate national partnerships connecting campuses with key issues in their local communities, build pilot programs to test and refine promising models in engaged teaching and scholarship, celebrate and cultivate student civic leadership, and convene higher education institutions and partners beyond higher education to share knowledge and develop collective capacity. Visit www.compact.org.

Contact:
Molly Leiper, Communications Manager
mleiper@compact.org
 

Fall 2020 Dean's List

Wilson College
Office of the Registrar
Fall 2020 Dean’s List

Revised 3/1/2021

Tristen Marie Amsley
Brady Lee Andre
Hannah Anastasia Aument
Yolanda Lynn Bair
Taylor Paige Baker
Travis  Balint
Sara B. Ball
Jasmine A. Bankert
Delaney Elise Banzhof
Amber Lynn Beam
Cierra M. Beaver
Nicholas Jordan Beitzell
Marleigh Eloise Belk
Kaylee Alise Bill
Stori Anne Boggs
Connor Michael Bowers
Shane D. Bowie
Meghan A. Bradley
Haiden Lynn Brookens
Adrianna Sue Broome
Jacob G. Brouse
Katelyn E. Brown
Shelby A. Burkett
Reagan Faith Bush
Samantha Brooke Cantrell
Shae Daniel Cardenas
Kallie Helena Carter
Jenna N. Carty
Briar Dwight Castellow
Kathryn Mary Chenaille
Olivia C. Churchman
Kelby M. Cloose
Joseph Danley Cofer
Kara Nicole Collingsworth
Bethany Jordan Comp
Kelly C. Cormier
Corinne Mattia Corsaro
Natalie Anne Cowdrick
Madison Ann Coy
Geneva Luree Dardick
Raqayyah Fatimah Debeary
Elizabeth Rose Deboer
Cheyenne I. DeGraeve
Hannah Alysabeth Deline
Elissa Mae DeShong
Amanda L. Dietz
Rebekah Evelyn Dobard
Kaitlin Marie Duda
Dawn M. Eaton
Kevin J. Ehrman
Adriana S. Embly
Taylor Leigh Emlet
Kayla Nicole Enck
Olivia Kay Epstein
Marasol Marie Esquivia
Caeley Rae Etter
Anaida  Fahradyan
Shallyn Nicole Fanjoy
Robert Andrew Farrell
Cortney  Faustner
Kevin Richard Finn
Shannon L. Flaharty
Justin Michael Fleig
Madeline  Flores
Taylor L. Frohm
Emily N. Frye
Amelia Margarita Fuentes Walquer
Delaney Madison Fulfer
Mary J. Gantt
Jarrett H. Gelsinger
Efelomo Vanessa  George
Anna Elizabeth Gibaud
Kelly Elizabeth Gibson
Pheonix S. Gilbert
Luis M. Gonzalez Ayala
Lexie Saige Goshorn
Siara N. Gossert
Sierra Kay Green
Hunter Daniel Griebel
Madison Lynn Griffin
Elizabeth R. Grim
Janiece Faith Grove
Santina Allyn Gutshall
Samantha Paige Hall
Alecia Marie Hamilton
Tosha Danielle Harbaugh
Stacia L. Hare
Mia Deanne Harris
Cierra M. Hartman
Hannah Melissa Hartman
Joshua Dean Harvey
Danielle R. Harwood
Brittany Nicole Hocking
Megan Renee Hoffeditz
Kyle Joseph Hoffman
Shayna Mikayla Hoffman
Emma Lynne Holliday
Cassandra Elaine Holt
Eric Paul Holz
Shealyn Jean Holzinger
Joshua Evan Howells
Caitlin Nicole Hunsecker
Alyssa A. Ivey
Kanika Nicole James
Richeska  Jean Mary
Jaeseong  Jeong
Julia Melissa Johnson
Loraine Samantha Johnson
Taylor Brooke Johnson
Tia Renae Jones
Trista R. Kalathas
Simone Alaire Karustis
Alyssa M. Keefer
Ta'Niya Diamond Kees
Catarina M. Keifman
Mariah  Kiefer
Sherri Elizabeth Killian
Ashlee Nicole Kitner
Michelle  Knox
Madison Renee Koontz
Jessica Marie Kosheba
Nicholas P. Kowalski
Gracen Lorraine Kreider
Rachel Marie Laidlaw
Taylor Lynn Lamparter
Aura Kathryn Langley
Bethany  Lavin
Kayleigh Nicole Layfield
Jennifer Elizabeth Lepouski
Rachael Elisabeth Leubecker
Max Allan Little
Benjamin James Looper
Marielis  Lopez
Emma G. Lowman
Margaret Mae Lutz
Kobe Scott Macpherson
Patricia  Mari-Marquez
Adriane Ann Markle
Carter Nathaniel Marsh
Nicholas Hunter Mattson
Colby  Maun
Alexis Martina Mayer
Jordan Faith McCoy
Olivia Joanna McDonald
Kayla Angelee McHugh
Andrew Stephen Melhorn
Emily Pearl Metcalfe
Aubree Elizabeth Miller
Michelle Alyce Miller
Julia Marie Mohler
Alyssa Mae Monn
Jacqueline Suzanne Morrison
Lauren Marie Moss
Camryn Anne Mountz
Samira Tatiana Murphy
Bethany Jayde Murray
Krista F. Nayadley
Ariel Kathleen Noel
Cameron Scott Nolet
Kylea Daun O'Donnell
Johnson Olatunde Ogunbisi
Serena Breanne Packwood
Lindsey Dawn Palmer
James Immanuel Pasaribu
Litzy Noreeily Perez
Blake E. Perry
Kellyn Allena Perry
Oliver  Perry
Alexis  Pflumm
Ethan Brady Phillips
Nathaniel  Pimentel
Tioleaoauli Christina Posiulai
Zachary M. Powell
Jacob E Pryor
Nicholas R Quinn
Kassie Sierra Reeves
Elizabeth Lan Yu Rentsch
Elizabeth Marion Rhyne
Jessica Lynne Rice
Katelyn Marie Ritenour
Madison Ann Ross
Katelyn E. Roth
Gabriella Maria Rueda
Rose K. Runyan
Eryka Nicole Sager
Ria Lynn Santiago
Kathleen Adelle Sarra
Toni Marie Senn
Kelly Mae Shank
Kenna R Shearer
McKenna Richelle Shields
Allyson Lynne Shindler
Olivia R. Shirk
Megan Nicole Simms
Mikaela Leanne Small
Tiffany-Jade Miracle Smallwood
Amanda P. Smida
Madison Nicole Smith
Stephanie A. Smith
Johnathan Douglas St. Clair
Rachel Elizabeth Staley
Destiny J. Stephenson
Drew Christine Stevens
Lydia Jane Story
Moriah Kathryn Story
Rae Ann Stup
Meghann T. Sullivan
Zachary William Sutherland
Ava M. Swartz
Madison Kinsey Sweitzer
Justina Lynn Swope
Lexie Mackenzie Tanger
Cole Nathaniel Taylor
Elizabeth Grace Theriault
Ivy Marie Torres
Patricia  Trucks
Claudia Jo Umbrell
Shaylene Alejandra Vargas
Mirka  Vasquez
Blanca  Villeda
Rebekka N. Visniesky
Melody Anne Vitek
Elizabeth Claire Vuxta
Madison Leigh Walker
Janae Leigh Watkins
Taylor Leeann Waugerman
Cheyanne Elizabeth Weaver
Melissa Sue Weaver
Rebecca L. Webb
Keeley Q. Whitney
Jacob Kenneth Whittington
Elizabeth Jade Wickard
Noah Mark Wickenheiser
Austin Tyler Wildasin
Emily Celine Williams
Christie M. Williamson
Abigail Marie Wilson
Amanda Marie Wilson
Danielle Marie Wilson
Matthew Aaron Wilson
Morgan Patricia Wineburg
Megan Anne Wingert
Juliann Nicole Winkler
Kayla Igrayne Winton
Calista L Wolfe
Olivia Marie Wolford
Alyssa Rose Wood
Hannah M. Woodward
Samuel  Worthen
Jordan Nicole Yeager
Dylan J. Youmans
Daniel M. Zakin
Angelina Marie Zolla
 

Wilson College Announces New Vice President to Lead Institutional Advancement

Wilson College has named Angela Zimmann, Ph.D., CFRE of Gettysburg, Pa., as the new vice president for institutional advancement. With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, leadership, and teaching in higher education, Zimmann will join the college March 15. She replaces Camilla Rawleigh, who retired from the institution in November 2020.

Zimmann currently serves as the vice president for institutional advancement at United Lutheran Seminary (formerly The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia). In this capacity, she leads the overall fundraising strategies for the institution, including the annual fund, major gifts, planned gifts, and various philanthropic campaigns. She also oversees all aspects of alumni relations and donor relations and is the president of the seminary’s endowment foundation. Prior to her current role, Zimmann served as interim president of the institution from Dec. 2019 to Aug. 2020 and advancement executive from 2014 to 2016.

With the assistance of Academic Search, a firm specializing in the recruitment of higher education leadership roles, Wilson conducted a national search for this important position. “It is a time of transformative change at the college. We have launched a new strategic action and planning process that will enable us to better respond to the needs and desires of today’s students and beyond,” Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., said. “We needed an advancement professional with the ability to tell the story of Wilson College and share the student experience. These skills are critical to securing needed resources and engaging all constituents in the work of the college. Angela’s leadership skills, ability to harness the power of data to influence key decisions, as well as her ability to inspire others with the Wilson story, make her a great addition to the team.”

Lynne DiStasio, president of the Alumnae Association of Wilson College, agrees. “During the interview process, it became clear Angela has a real passion for the mission of the college. Her desire to build meaningful connections with our alumni will go a long way in bringing forward much-needed resources for the college’s future programs.”  

Reporting to the president of the college, the vice president for institutional advancement is responsible for enhancing Wilson’s resources and relationships to respond to changing student and institutional needs and to create a vision for a sustainable future. The position works closely with the president, the executive team, academic deans and directors, faculty, staff, students, and the Board of Trustees to strengthen a collaborative college-wide effort, engaging alumni, corporations, foundations, and the community to support the college.

“I am excited to join the team at Wilson College and am very much looking forward to helping the college build upon its past successes,” Zimmann said. “Wilson is poised to thrive and flourish. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of its bright future.”
Zimmann holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from University of Toledo, a Master of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy in English, rhetoric, and writing from Bowling Green State University.

Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 33 majors and master’s degrees in education, nursing, applied leadership, and the arts and humanities. With 99 percent of its students receiving financial aid or scholarships, Wilson is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education.

Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college’s 300-acre campus is nestled in the beautiful Cumberland Valley and is within an hour-and-a-half drive of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
 

Hagerstown Community College Art Students to Exhibit Work at Wilson College

Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will host an exhibition of artwork by students of Hagerstown Community College’s Department of Visual Arts, beginning Feb. 12. The exhibition, presented by Wilson’s Division of Art & Letters, will continue through March 10 in the Bogigian Gallery, located on the second floor of Lortz Hall.

The exhibition features works of art from current visual arts students at Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and includes drawings, paintings, and photographs. HCC and Wilson are partnering to provide opportunities to students seeking growth in their disciplines and an exhibition venue outside Hagerstown. The exhibition also provides a professional experience for those students wishing to transfer to Wilson or other four-year institutions. Both programs offer degrees in visual art, graphic design, and web design. The partnership between the colleges works well for those students wishing to further their education and matriculate to Wilson College to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

HCC and Wilson College work with students to develop broad disciplinary skill sets, content knowledge, and critical and creative thinking skills to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the challenges of a complex world. The exhibition celebrates institutional collaboration, student scholarship, and artistic voice. 

The Bogigian Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. All visitors must comply with Wilson’s COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing a face mask covering the mouth and nose and maintaining safe social distances at all times on our campus. For additional information or an appointment, contact Professor of Fine Arts Philip Lindsey at 717-264-2783 or philip.lindsey@wilson.edu.
 

CSAC Update on Spring 2021 Sports

ROSEMONT, Pa.--The Board of Directors of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) affirmed their intent to move forward with a formal competitive season and conference championships for all spring sports in the spring 2021 semester; and to give member institutions the autonomy to engage in non-conference competition in the sports of baseball, men’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, softball, women’s tennis, men’s & women’s outdoor track & field and men’s volleyball at their discretion with the condition that the expectations outlined in the CSAC Return to Play plan are reviewed and met by the opponent.

CSAC institutions are committed to following pandemic related metrics, all local, state, and federal health guidelines as well as NCAA recommendations related to athletic activity.

The CSAC Board of Directors, athletic administrators and conference office staff shall continue to actively monitor the changing conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the semester and shall make adjustments as necessary to adhere to local, state and federal health requirements and maintain the health and well-being of our student athletes.

Read the letter from President Fugate regarding this announcement here. 

Wilson College Art Students Exhibit at The Foundry

Chambersburg, Pa. — The Foundry, at 100 South Main Street in downtown Chambersburg, will host an exhibition of artwork by Wilson College studio art students. The exhibition will open on Feb. 19 and continue through March 14, 2021. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition will be the fifth exhibit in a partnership between The Foundry and Wilson College. Wilson’s history as a community partner dates to the founding of the institution. Wilson’s commitment to rich and meaningful partnerships continues as the community grows and evolves. 

The Foundry is a grass-roots, artist-led organization that shares similar visions and missions to those of Wilson College and its Division of Arts and Letters. These include promoting critical and creative thinking through artistic exploration and expression and providing venues for the exhibition of creative works of art that educate, inspire, and give opportunities for cultural expression by local and regional artists. The mission of Wilson’s exhibitions program, in particular, is to educate, encourage, and stimulate appreciation for and expand knowledge of visual literacy within the college environment. The programs sponsored by and works of art exhibited in Wilson galleries represent a broad spectrum of human achievement and reflection. They aspire to promote critical and creative thinking, cultural enrichment, inspiration for artists as well as non-artists, and appreciation of art and culture for (and within) the Wilson community and our collective histories.

The partnership provides opportunities for exhibition exchanges and possible studio/workshop opportunities. Foundry artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork at Wilson College in the fall of 2021. 

For additional information, contact Professor Philip Lindsey at 717-264-2783, or philip.lindsey@wilson.edu, or The Foundry at 717-261-0706. 
 

Wilson College to Exhibit Art Made by Area High School Students

Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will host a virtual art exhibition for regional high school artists.

The exhibition, the tenth of its kind at Wilson, is an opportunity to be inspired by visions of creativity and celebrate regional excellence in the visual arts. Artists from Franklin, Adams, Cumberland, and Fulton counties, Pennsylvania, and Washington County, Maryland, were invited to submit work.

Cash prizes of $200, $100, and $50 will be awarded for first, second, and third places, respectively. Plus, monetary scholarships will be set aside and awarded to those winners who attend and matriculate from Wilson College! Works of note will also receive Honorable Mention.

Students are encouraged to offer their works of art for sale during the exhibition, presented by Wilson’s Division of Arts & Letters.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Philip Lindsey, Professor of Fine Arts
717-264-2783
philip.lindsey@wilson.edu

Wilson Adds Three New Majors and an Online Master's Degree

The College has added three in-demand majors to our undergraduate selections and an online master's degree aimed at professionals seeking to advance in their careers. Beginning fall 2021, the new majors offered are Healthcare and Medical Humanities, Liberal Studies, and Supply Chain Management. The online master's degree is in Applied Leadership

Wilson continually updates and changes the courses offered to best meet our students' needs and provide them with options that give them an edge in today's jobs market and more pathways to fulfilling careers and professions. 

Our healthcare and medical humanities major combines practical, science-based knowledge with ethical values and psychological insights to give students a more complete, holistic, and contemporary understanding of best practices in healthcare. It prepares graduates for an array of careers in this field. 

"Patients are not just their symptoms or a momentary embodiment of their illness. They are whole human beings with entire life experiences," says Melanie Gregg, Ph.D., associate professor of humanities. "Having the ability to listen with empathy and interpret a patient's story and pull meaning from it is how a caregiver can lead a patient out of suffering and onto a path of healing." 

The liberal studies major is a versatile, broad-based degree customized to the individual student's interests and strengths. Graduates will learn the problem-solving, communication, leadership, and collaboration skills prized in a world that is everchanging and where adaptability and independent thought give you an advantage. 

Supply chain management is one of the fastest-growing career paths and, according to Forbes, has created 1.4 million new jobs between 2018 and 2018. In an increasingly interconnected world, managing and optimizing the supply and delivery of raw materials, parts, or manufactured products from their producers to the customer is vital to many industries. 

Our supply chain management major will appeal to students interested in a career in a variety of businesses or professionals already working in logistics or distribution and who want to advance their careers. 

Applied Leadership is an online master's degree that prepares graduates for leadership roles in business, communications, healthcare, organizational management, and many other fields. The student customizes the courses across multiple disciplines to fit the area they already work in or one they would like to enter. 

"This online program of study is ideal for working professionals with current or anticipated leadership responsibilities and has been designed to be flexible for professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences," says Michael G. Cornelius, Ph.D., director of the master's in applied leadership. 

These additions continue Wilson's tradition of providing academically rigorous and profession-oriented programs enhanced through a liberal arts education .

Wilson College Announces Affordable Tuition Costs and Fees for 2021-2022

Wilson College keeps tuition and housing costs down. Whereas most colleges have increased tuition by more than 25% over the last decade, Wilson has decreased its tuition by 12% over the same period. The college is committed to providing a superior education at a very reasonable cost and giving access to a quality, private college education to students from all backgrounds.

In a letter to the Wilson community, college president Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., announced that tuition and housing costs would not increase for the 2021-2022 academic year and would remain at the current affordable levels for traditional undergraduate students.

Dear Wilson College Students and Families,

Wilson College, since its founding, has been a place of access. Today, one way we continue that tradition of providing access to higher education is by keeping the education we offer affordable. With this in mind, I am pleased to share with you that the Wilson College Board of Trustees has voted and approved tuition, room, board, and fees for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year. Both full-time traditional student tuition and housing costs were held at the 2020-2021 academic year levels, with no increase. Board saw a modest 2% increase, year over year, and the comprehensive fee increased by $110.

2021-2022 Tuition and Fees

Traditional Student Full-time Tuition (annual)

 

$25,200.00

Housing

 

$5,500.00

Board

 

$6,340.00

Comprehensive Fee

 

$1,000.00

While media reports cite an over 25% increase in tuition at colleges and universities nationally over the past decade, Wilson College’s commitment to affordability has led us to actually decrease tuition by over 12% percent during that time. In those ten years, we have only increased tuition two times, and, in fact, in one of those years, we cut tuition by over 17%. Tuition today is nearly the same price it was 14 years ago, and tuition, room, and board remain cheaper than it was in the 2010-2011 academic year. 

Our Board of Trustees, like our founders, believe our toppriority is to offer all students a quality education rooted in the liberal arts at an affordable price, regardless of their background or socioeconomic level. That is why, especially in light of the economic impacts so many are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains so important for us to keep our cost to students affordable.

Preparing for and adapting to the pandemic, including the many changes required for teaching and the care of our students, havenot been easy, nor inexpensive. We simply could not have anticipated the overall expense of the COVID-19 challenges when planning our operational budget. But like with other hurdles, the College has risen to the occasion. History certainly has shown that when things get tough, we Phoenix come together and overcome.

That is why we have strategically used state and federal funding to help our students with the greatest financial need and preserve as many faculty and staff jobs as possible, albeit with pay reductions. We have tightened our spending and eliminated non-essential expenditures. Our judicious stewardship of the budget in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 has allowed us to impact overall costs to students and families as little as possible.

Even in the midst of these challenging times, our faculty have been hard at work finding ways to adapt to the needs of today’s students. They have launched three new undergraduate programs in finance, sport management, and criminal justice, and soon we will be announcing three additional new undergraduate majors and one new graduate program. We seek to provide the very best preparation for our students to not only enter into a successful career or graduate study but to make a difference in their communities. We are excited about the role these programs will play in helping our graduates do just that.

This past semester has been a time of adapting and learning, of empathizing and understanding. We have learned a great deal and plan to implement those best practices for even greater success in the spring. I know we can overcome the challenges the pandemic presents if we stay committed to the Wilson family, if we stay as #OneWilson. On behalf of the Wilson College Board of Trustees, our faculty, staff, and administrative leadership, thank you for your support of this great institution and patience as we look forward to a brighter day.

I look forward to seeing you on campus this spring.

Sincerely,

Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.

President