Wilson College has named William E. Sommers of Chambersburg, Pa., as the new vice president for enrollment management. Sommers brings 30 years of experience in the recruitment and retention of students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Sommers, who will begin his responsibilities at Wilson on July 1, replaces David Boisvert, who served as an interim vice president in the role for three years. Sommers has dedicated his professional career to all aspects of enrollment management at higher education institutions. Beginning as an admissions counselor, he has progressed through ever-increasing levels of responsibility and leadership roles within the division. Sommers currently serves as the vice president for enrollment management at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. In this capacity, he fulfills the role of chief enrollment officer for the university, overseeing the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Information Technology Services. Prior to Shepherd University, Sommers served as the associate vice president for enrollment management at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pa., from 2013 to 2016. With the assistance of Spelman Johnson, a search firm specializing in higher education leadership roles, Wilson conducted an exhaustive national search for this important position. “Now more than ever, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is absolutely critical that we have strong leadership, experience and creativity guiding our student enrollment processes,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. He has a deep understanding of our region and the higher education landscape. Those that have worked with him describe him as a collaborative, data-driven leader, and I know he will be a great fit for our executive team as we continue to navigate the constantly changing world of higher education.” Reporting to the president of the College, the vice president for enrollment management is responsible for providing vision, leadership and effective administration of the enrollment management division and its functions. 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 to enroll, retain and support students. “I am excited to join the team at Wilson College and am very much looking forward to helping the College continue its past success in recruiting both traditional and non-traditional students,” said Sommers. “Wilson is a great institution and has a lot to offer students, especially those looking for a college that can offer a more personalized student experience.” Sommers holds a bachelors of arts degree in speech communications from Ripon College and a master of science degree in management from Cardinal Stritch University, both located in Wisconsin. Founded in 1869 and located in Chambersburg, Pa., Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 35 majors and master’s degrees in education, the humanities, accountancy, management, nursing, fine arts and more. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation. The College had a fall 2019 enrollment of 1,620. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, students accepted into the Wilson College Single Parent Scholar Program will no longer have to pay for on-campus housing.
The Single Parent Scholar (SPS) Program, which is open to single parents who qualify academically for admission to Wilson, allows participants to live in on-campus housing with up to two children. In addition, the College provides SPS students with free child care in the award-winning Wilson College Child Care Center.
Wilson is taking the added measure of offering on-campus housing at no cost to program participants starting this fall to help alleviate some of the financial burden that is unique to parents with children.
“While single parents often have a strong desire to earn a degree, they find the financial commitment unrealistic and often unattainable,” said Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “I am thrilled Wilson is able to make this program change and help parents not only further their own education, but also improve the lives of their children.”
Since its inception in 1996, the SPS Program’s goal has been to make it easier for single parents to get a college degree. Formerly only for single mothers, the program was opened to single fathers in 2015.
Under the new policy on housing, there is a four-year limit on the no-cost housing. If a student does not graduate in four years, they would have to begin paying a room fee at that point, according to SPS Program Director Katie Kough.
No other changes are planned in the program. SPS participants will still pay for tuition and their dining hall meal plan, while their children will continue to eat for free.
Wilson is committed to delivering a personalized educational experience at an affordable cost to all of its students, according to Fugate.” The Single Parent Scholar Program is a great example of our institution identifying challenges that prevent some students from achieving their dream of college , and then working to find a solution.”
The College limits the number of Single Parent Scholars to 15 students plus their children. Families live in two-room suites in Prentis Hall, with shared kitchen facilities, study areas and play rooms.
Almost 300 Wilson students will successfully graduate this year! This is a remarkable achievement considering the challenges they faced and overcame when the campus had to close during their final semester in response to the COVOD 19 pandemic. Parents, friends, faculty and any member of the Wilson community can celebrate this success and show support for a graduate or all the graduates by simply following the link to our downloadable graphics.
On this page you can choose from a series of Wilson cover photos or “profile frames” that will add a congratulatory message to your Facebook page. The steps are easy to follow and clearly explained. Displaying these messages of support for the Class of 2020 will mean a lot to the grads.
And while you’re on the downloadables page, check out the other ways you can show support for Wilson College. You can download virtual Wilson backgrounds for your next Zoom meeting or images of the campus you can color to help you relax.
Wilson College recently signed a dual enrollment agreement with the Shippensburg Area School District (SASD) that allows qualified Shippensburg Area Senior High School students to take classes at Wilson at a reduced cost.
Under the terms of the accord, Shippensburg high school juniors and seniors with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 can enroll in and receive full college credit for up to two courses per semester. The students will take classes at Wilson unless a cohort of at least 12-15 students wants to enroll in the same course, in which case the class may be offered onsite at the high school and taught by a Wilson faculty member.
The pact, Wilson’s 11th dual enrollment agreement, reflects Wilson’s commitment to making a degree affordable, college officials said.
“Giving students the opportunity to accumulate college credits while they are still in high school allows them to finish their degrees sooner and save money on tuition,” said Wilson Vice President for Enrollment David Boisvert.
Wilson continues to work with independent schools and school districts in the Tri-State area to provide dual enrollment opportunities. Current agreements include the Chambersburg Area, Greencastle-Antrim, Fannett Metal, South Western and Waynesboro Area school districts, as well as with the Cumberland Valley Christian School, Global Vision Christian School, Shalom Christian Academy, St. Maria Goretti High School and the Franklin County Career and Technology Center.
Approximately 119 students presented the results of their undergraduate and graduate research covering a variety of disciplines and topics at Wilson College’s 11th annual Student Research Day, held Friday, May 1. The presentations were held virtually using Zoom videoconferencing to allow students to present their research to an audience of campus community members online. Approximately 22 students gave oral presentations based on their work, which was produced in conjunction with faculty advisers, beginning at 9 a.m. Two sessions were held concurrently in the morning, one with a welcome given by Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate and one by Vice President for Academic Affairs Elissa Heil. One session was held in the afternoon and, as always, the day concluded with the prestigious Disert Scholar presentation.
In addition to the oral presentations, one student presented a dance performance she had videotaped and other students shared their work graphically in what is normally a poster session, but this year, consisted of PDFs made available online. Student Research Day was “a proud day” for Wilson, according to Heil, who is also the dean of the faculty.
“In any typical year, Student Research Day is a wonderful way to close our academic year, as we feature and celebrate student work,” Heil said. “This year, we were able to move the day online, thanks to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity of our faculty, staff and students. Our ability to pivot this way shows how we embody the mission of the college: to prepare students to meet the challenges of a very complex global society—and one that is facing a global pandemic." Student research presentations focused on the humanities, sciences and social sciences. The Disert Scholar award is given to the student with the best honors thesis proposal. The 2019-20 scholar is Joy Merchant, a senior who is majoring in both English and history and political science. She read a powerful entry from her collection of short, creative nonfiction essays called Encephalon, which focuses on a variety of brain-related issues through anecdotes involving neuroscience, surgery, psychology and mental health.
Other presentations included examinations of: how age factors in the formation of false memories; the effects of cannabidiol on the wound-healing process; the relationship between time spent on social media and a person’s confidence level; the effects of environmental stress on the equine immune response to a specific parasite; the animal-human interaction and how it affects the human’s psychological and physiological health and well-being; the evolution of tanks as machines of war over history; the effects of providing enrichment activity on aggression in swine raised as livestock; and a study of how a fermented fresh food diet for dogs influences the production of gut bacteria.
Wilson’s Student Research Day concluded with the annual Academic Awards presentation, which was also held remotely using Zoom. For a complete rundown of the awards and winners, visit www.wilson.edu/students-faculty-honored-virtual-academic-awards-ceremony. Student Research Day at Wilson was founded in 2010 as a way to recognize and celebrate the research, scholarship and creative activities of students and their faculty mentors. For more information, visit www.wilson.edu/student-research-day-and-academic-awards-ceremony.
Wilson College honored students and faculty members at its annual Academic Awards ceremony held remotely on Friday, May 1, due to social distancing measures in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate, Cabinet members and faculty presented awards to students during a remote ceremony using Zoom, a videoconferencing tool that allows attendees to see each other via their computer webcams.
The following students and faculty received awards:
Brenda Ashton Aiken and Robert McCutcheon Aiken Study-Abroad Scholarship, which is awarded to a full-time fine arts student to supplement travel, living and education expenses for study abroad in Italy, was given to Katelyn Pustizzi.
Edward and Sarah Anderson Psychology Prize, which is given to a graduating senior for outstanding scholarship in the discipline of psychology, was awarded to Samantha Simmons.
James Applegate Award, which is awarded to a student with an interest in drama and theater, went to two students: Evan Hoke and Olivia Shirk.
The C. Elizabeth Boyd ’33 Award, which is given to a senior member of Orchesis for outstanding performance and choreographic contributions to the group and in recognition of artistic development, went to Samantha Heckendorn.
Lucy Bremmer Global Citizenship Award, awarded to a student who participates in the service learning component of Wilson’s global citizenship initiative and provides assistance with expenses and travel to another country, was given to Hannah Hartman.
CRC Press General Chemistry Award, given for outstanding achievement in general chemistry, was awarded to Jacob Slifka.
Marel Harlow Cheng Memorial Prize, awarded to a student who has done well in international studies or has made some noticeable contributions to international understanding, went to Ethan Kron.
Class of 1957 Civic Engagement Award, given to a student who exemplifies civic engagement at Wilson College through involvement in volunteer roles on and off campus, was awarded to Ethan Kron.
Regina Shaputnic Cuomo Mathematics Award, given to a student or students who exhibit outstanding ability and are pursuing a major in mathematics, was awarded to Nicholas Beitzell.
Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholarship, given to a rising senior who has, in the judgment of the selection committee, submitted the proposal for senior advanced study and research considered most worthy of support, was awarded to Nicholas Beitzell.
Estep-Lawson Memorial Prize, awarded to a student in lower-level French course who demonstrates excellence and shows future promise in French studies, went to Nesta Powell-Starcher.
Mildred Franklin Prize, given to a senior for excellence in Latin or Greek and who has shown an understanding of the literature and thought of ancient civilizations, was awarded to Katelyn Ritenour.
Donna Gomer VMT ADP Award for an adult degree student displaying excellence in the study of veterinary medical technology went to Christine Wasylyk.
Davison Greenawalt Grove Award, which is given to a member of the junior or senior class participating in research in physical and life sciences, was awarded to Rianon McKee.
Richard C. Grove Award in Business and Economics, which goes to a student who has demonstrated outstanding ability and distinguished themselves academically in accounting, business administration, financial mathematics or economics, was awarded to Hang Ngo.
Dorle Haas Memorial Prize, awarded to a senior for outstanding service within the greater Chambersburg area, was given to Ethan Kron.
Margaret Strode Haines Award, which recognizes a student with outstanding qualities of scholarship, interest in the humanities and strength of body, mind and spirit, was given to Rachel Stoner.
Gloria Randle Scott-Frances Richards Hesselbein Prize, awarded to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service during their four years at Wilson College, was given to Pratikshya Gaihre.
Joanne Harrison Hopkins Literary Achievement Award, given for the finest piece of imaginative literature in fiction, poetry or drama produced during the academic year, went to Moriah Story.
Lt. Col. William A. Knaus Award for Veteran’s Service, which is awarded in memory of Lt. Col. William A. Knaus−father of former Wilson College President Barbara K. Mistick−to the veteran in the senior class with the highest academic achievement, went to Monica Grigsby.
Josef Michael Kellinger German or Foreign Language Award for a student who has demonstrated excellence in German or foreign language studies was given to Sara Ball.
Catherine Herr Langdon Award is, by vote of the women students with the approval of the Dean of Students and the President of the College, bestowed upon a senior or seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and who have fully, unselfishly and willingly given comfort, compassion, encouragement, guidance, help and understanding to fellow students during the year and was awarded to Pratikshya Gaihre.
Mary-Eleanor Maule Travel Grant, awarded to graduating seniors or students entering their junior or senior years for travel planned in support of study in Spanish, was given to Marianna Davidova.
Alta Lindsay McElwain Prize, awarded to the best student in Latin or Greek in the freshman class, went to Megan Van Scoyoc.
Robert Shannon McElwain Prize, awarded to the best student in mathematics, went to Serena Packwood.
Helen Adams Nutting History Prize, presented to the member of the junior or senior class who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of history, was given to Joy Merchant.
Organic Chemistry Award, given to the student in organic chemistry who earned the highest grades for the year, went to two students: Megan Wingert.
Outstanding Peer Teacher Award, given to honor exemplary service as a First-Year Seminar peer teacher for the year, went to Emily Frye.
Nicky Hoffman Reich Award, given to the student whose work with animals shows commitment to humane treatment, was awarded to Rianon McKee.
Helga Rist Prize, which is given to a dedicated, successful, American Wilson College foreign language student who has demonstrated integrity, promise and potential, was awarded to Caylin Walp.
John D. Rose Award in Environmental Studies, given to an outstanding junior majoring in environmental studies or biology to fund a summer research project or internship, went to Cheyenne Yoder.
William and Ivy Saylor Prize, established through the Academy of American Poets to support young poets at colleges nationwide, was awarded to Kristyn Covert.
Mary Beers Sheppard Prize, awarded to the member of the senior class who has shown the keenest understanding and appreciation of literature, was given to Joy Merchant.
Joan M. Thuebel ’52 Earthwatch Prize, which sponsors a Wilson student or faculty member to participate in an Earthwatch Institute project of his or her choosing, was awarded to Abigail Maley.
William P. Van Looy Business Prize, awarded to the junior or senior business and economics major who has demonstrated excellence in business studies and in service to the well-being of both the Wilson College community and larger community, went to Pratikshya Gaihre.
E. Grace White Prize, which is awarded to a senior whose major field is biology or biochemistry, and who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and plans a career involving the biological sciences, was given to Abbey Heinbaugh.
E. Grace White Summer Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding juniors in biology for use at approved laboratories, was awarded to two students: Taylor Baker and John Sollenberger.
Wilson College Education Award, awarded to two certification students who have shown outstanding achievement in both their academic studies and in their professional preparation, was awarded to Verna Munch and Megan Potter.
Wilson Equestrian Award, which goes to a graduating senior who has excelled in academics and equitation, went to Rachel Stoner..
The Wilson College Fine Arts Prize, awarded to a graduating senior for outstanding achievement in both art history and studio art, went to Samantha Heckendorn.
Wilson College Nursing Department Award, which is awarded to a student who has demonstrated continuous support of the nursing department through hard work and efforts that echo the department’s philosophy, was given to two students: Rachel Disilvestri and Elsa Schaefer.
Wilson College Nursing Clinical Leadership Award, given annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding overall ability to excel in his or her clinical work within the nursing program, went to Sarah Gipe.
Wilson College Nursing Leadership Award, presented to a student who has demonstrated nursing leadership abilities both outside and inside the classroom, was awarded to Sarah Byers.
Wilson College Scholar-Athletes, those who have maintained a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher and participated in at least one Wilson varsity athletic team, are: Jasmine Bankert, Ashlee Bourquin, Meghan Bradley, Jennifer Cail, Jenna Carty, Joseph Cofer, Xavier Dowtin, Kevin Finn, Joshua Harvey, Tia Jones, Elijah Klopp, Tioleaoauli Posiulai, Megan Potter, Katelyn Roth, Alison Shockey, Zachary Sutherland and Juliann Winkler.
Carolyn Zeleny Prize, which goes to a sociology student in the junior or senior class on the basis of academic excellence and/or community service, was awarded to Ethan Kron.
Several faculty members were honored during the awards ceremony, including the following faulty who received the Donald F. Bletz Award for Excellence in Teaching: senior faculty award, Deborah Austin, professor of chemistry; junior faculty award, Tonia Hess-Kling, assistant professor of exercise and sport science; and adjunct faculty award, Elisabeth Turchi, choir director.
In addition to those given Wilson academic awards, the following students were recognized during the ceremony: Kayla Enck, who was named this year’s Newman Civic Fellow; and Taylor Baker and Bridgit Lujan, who received academic research grants..
Wilson College has named Tina L. Hill its new director of intercollegiate athletics. Hill, who brings more than 29 years of experience in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics administration, will replace longtime faculty member and Wilson athletics director Lori Frey, who last year announced her desire to return to teaching full time. Hill, who has served as the executive director of intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach for the past two years, will officially join Wilson on July 1. She served as director of athletics at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va., from 2008 to 2018 and in the same position at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, from 2002 to 2007. “Tina Hill brings a tremendous amount of leadership and experience,” said Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate. “She has successfully helped grow athletics programs and has the strategic mindset to build upon the strong foundation Lori Frey established during her tenure. We are thankful to Lori for her years in service to the student-athlete experience and are fortunate that she will continue to support Wilson students in the classroom.” Hill was chosen from among a pool of more than 30 applicants for the athletics director position, according to Wilson Vice President for Student Development Mary Beth Williams. “It was a highly competitive search process,” said Williams, who oversees the athletics program. “I am thrilled to announce Tina Hill as our new director of intercollegiate athletics.” The director of intercollegiate athletics at Wilson provides vision and leadership for athletics to ensure program effectiveness, improvement, accountability and success, with the goal of providing a broad, balanced athletics program that supports the College’s overall mission and goals. In the position, Hill will be responsible for supervising Wilson’s 11 sports, both within the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) and the NCAA, as well as facilities management, compliance, fiscal management, communications, recreation and sports medicine and performs other related duties required for directing a NCAA Division III sports program and recreation and fitness programs and venues. Hill has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Richmond. Frey, who has spent virtually her entire career at Wilson−including serving as director of athletics since 1988−will continue at the College as professor of physical education. “Lori Frey approached college administration last fall and expressed a desire to return to the classroom full time,” Williams said. “With all the great work she has accomplished as athletics director, we knew it would be difficult to find a successor with as much passion for our students and our intercollegiate programs.” During her tenure at Wilson, Frey−who was a department of one when she started at Wilson in 1988−has overseen tremendous change and unprecedented growth in Wilson’s athletics program. Growth skyrocketed when the College went coed in 2013 and, under Frey’s direction, the athletics department began building a men’s program from the ground up. In 2013, Wilson had 53 student-athletes and by 2019-20, the College had 173 student-athletes participating in 10 sports: women’s soccer, softball, field hockey, basketball, volleyball and in spring 2021, lacrosse, and men’s soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball and golf. Fugate said he is confident that the progress in Wilson’s athletics program will continue under Hill. “With our team in athletics, I am excited to see Phoenix athletics flourish within the CSAC and in NCAA Division III, while providing outstanding opportunities for our student-athletes,” he said.
Founded in 1869 and located in Chambersburg, Pa., Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 35 majors and master’s degrees in education, the humanities, accountancy, management, nursing, fine arts and more. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation. The College had a fall 2019 enrollment of 1,620. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
When the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of a traditional commencement ceremony for the Wilson College Class of 2020, the campus community wanted to find a way to give graduates the culminating experience they’d been looking forward to since enrolling.
To provide seniors with that traditional graduation experience, Wilson is planning two ceremonies. A brief, remote ceremony to confer degrees will be held via a Facebook viewing party on May 17, the original date for graduation. Details will be communicated closer to that date.
In addition, the College plans to hold its 150th commencement in traditional fashion on Sunday, Oct. 25, as part of a festive Homecoming and Family Weekend. The formal inauguration of Wesley R. Fugate as Wilson’s 20th president is also planned for the Oct. 24-25 weekend.
“At Wilson, we believe commencement is a sacred occasion for graduates and their families,” Fugate said. “We are determined, if at all possible, to give members of our Class of2020 the recognition and celebration they expect and deserve.”
Members of the Class of 2020 will be invited to return to campus for the October ceremony, along with their families and guests. Planning is getting underway and details will be announced in the coming months.
Wilson College has donated a surplus supply of personal protective equipment to WellSpan-Summit Health as a way to help alleviate the PPE shortage being experienced by healthcare facilities around the country because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Wilson, whose campus is closed under a statewide order shuttering non-life-sustaining businesses, had a small stock of PPE it acquired several years ago amid concerns about an Ebola outbreak, but never had to use, according to Vice President for Student Development Mary Beth Williams. She said the college donated gowns, gloves, masks, face shields and shoe covers.
“We didn’t need them then and we don't need them now because we’re shut down, so we contacted WellSpan,” said Williams, who is also the dean of students. “We have a good relationship with WellSpan and I’m glad we could help in whatever small way we can.”
Before the state closure order, WellSpan had been operating a clinic on the Wilson campus two days a week since last fall. Clinic operations were temporarily halted with the state-mandated precautions.
“Since opening WellSpan Convenient Care on the campus of Wilson College last fall, we have really enjoyed our growing relationship,” said WellSpan Director of Retail Services Miranda Ramsey. “Times like these truly highlight the value of working together with one another and we truly appreciate this generous gesture.”
Although the Wilson campus is closed and students will not return before the end of the spring semester, classes are continuing to be conducted remotely.
We are all likely experiencing some emotional discomfort given the spread of Covid-19 and the disruption to our lives. Here are some clues for recognizing anxiety and tips on how to cope with it.
Worry is normal – anxiety isn’t. Here’s how tell if you’re anxious:
Stay Connected Text, message, video chat or talk with family and friends. This is a great time to reconnect with old friends, and they will be delighted to hear from you too!
Focus on the Positive Every day write down three things that you are grateful for in your life. Recognizing what you have to be thankful for helps dispel negative emotions.
Moderate Media Exposure Take a break from news coverage of the virus. It’s good to have information from reliable sources, but you only need to check in once or twice a day to keep informed.
Look After Your Body Eat nutritious meals, sleep on a normal schedule and do exercise. When your body feels good, you are less anxious. YouTube has numerous home-exercise ideas.
Take Action Reduce your risk of exposure by practicing good hygiene and maintaining physical distance from others. Knowing you have control over your risks reduces stress.
Maintain a Routine Keeping to relatively normal work, sleep and meal schedules keeps you healthy and calm. You can substitute a new hobby for work. This is your opportunity to read those novels you always meant to get around to or start that gardening project.
Talk to a Therapist If you feel overwhelmed, you can talk to a mental health professional from your home. Many therapists now offer teletherapy sessions and your health insurance may cover the cost.
Students can receive weekly tips and activities to stay emotionally well by emailing Megan Cavanaugh, the Director of Counseling. The Wilson College Counseling Center also offers further assistance via phone or Zoom meetings. Reach out to your assigned therapist or Megan.
