WCU Recognizes 33 Exceptional Teacher-Scholars Who ‘Bring Excellence to the Classroom’

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Image via West Chester University.
From left: Josh Auld, Lisa Marano, President Chris Fiorentino, Shannon Mrkich, Deputy Provost Jeffery Osgood, and Rodney Mader.
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West Chester University has ushered in an exciting new era for research while remaining committed to its priority of teaching first and foremost.

At a time when the university prepares to celebrate its next class of soon-to-be graduates, WCU recently recognized another outstanding academic class — 33 exceptional teacher-scholars whose compelling research efforts are enhancing issues related to community solutions; diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainability; student development; and leadership and innovation.  

The teacher-scholars group, whose 23 research projects align directly with the five specific areas outlined in the university’s strategic plan, was formally recognized during a featured Spotlight on Faculty Research evening that took place in the university’s new 175,000-square-foot Sciences and Engineering Center and The Commons. 

“Today, as we look forward to a promising future for the research enterprise at West Chester University, we also commemorate the hard work and commitment of the faculty members whose leadership, curiosity, and expertise have brought us to this moment,” said Vice Provost for Research and Creative Activity Nicole Bennett. 

Bennett acknowledged that the university’s sponsored research funding is on the rise with the accumulation of more than $5 million in fiscal year 2021; the increase in grant funding is the highest experienced by the university. 

“As part of our new era for research, external grant funding for the university is increasing,” said Bennett. “Funds for student services and training are actually outpacing funding for research and development. This is undoubtedly a reflection of the commitment of university faculty, staff, and administrators to improving student success.” 

The university’s time has certainly come as this new era coincides with its reclassification from Master’s Colleges & Universities – Larger Programs (M1) to Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity (R2) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.  

The university’s new 2021 classification took place during Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s most recent three-year cycle of evaluation, which was posted for a public-review period in December 2021. Carnegie’s last update occurred in 2018. 

According to the classification, R2 universities have “high research activity” in academic settings where teaching is the priority. In an R2 university, most courses are taught by professors who are involved in research activities and often include students in their research work. 

“R2 signals that West Chester University takes research seriously,” said Deputy Provost and Vice President for Academic Operations Jeffery Osgood. “At the same time, blending research with teaching makes for research-informed teaching, which provides the most robust experiences for our students. We are here today to celebrate the teacher-scholars who bring excellence to the classroom through their teaching every day.” 

Osgood presented an inscribed award to each of the following teacher-scholars during the program: 

  • Josh Auld, Associate Professor & Assistant Chairperson, Biology 
  • Michael Boyle, Professor and Department Chairperson, Communication and Media 
  • Maria Cabrera, Assessment Coordinator & Professor, Languages and Culture 
  • Constance Case, Associate Professor, Theatre and Dance 
  • Alex Cohen, Assistant Professor, Marketing 
  • Simon Condliffe, Professor, Economics and Finance 
  • Laquana Cooke, Assistant Professor & Director of iCamp Media Academy, English 
  • Patricia Davidson, Professor, Nutrition 
  • Anita Foeman, Professor, Communication and Media 
  • Elizabeth Foster, Associate Professor, Kinesiology 
  • Amir Golmohamadi, Associate Professor, Food Sciences 
  • Elizabeth Grillo, Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders 
  • Megan Heckert, Associate Professor, Geography and Planning 
  • Lauri Hyers, Professor, Psychology 
  • Daniel Ilaria, Professor, Secondary Education 
  • Kurt Kolasinski, Professor, Chemistry 
  • Bessie Lawton, Professor, Communication and Media 
  • Grace Liu, Assistant Professor, Business Librarian, University Libraries 
  • Rodney Mader, Professor of English; Visiting Research Associate, McNeil Center for Early American Studies 
  • Lisa Marano, Professor, Mathematics 
  • Rachel McMullin, Associate Professor, Humanities Librarian, University Libraries 
  • Brandon Mitchell, Assistant Professor, Physics 
  • Paul Morgan, Professor, Educational Foundations & Policy Studies 
  • Shannon Mrkich, Associate Professor of English & Director of First-Year Experience 
  • Cheryl Neale-McFall, Professor & Interim Chairperson, Counselor Education 
  • Mia Ocean, Associate Professor, Social Work 
  • Amanda Olejarski, Associate Professor & MPA Director, Public Policy and Administration 
  • Matt Saboe, Associate Professor, Economics and Finance 
  • Gretchen Studlien-Webb, Associate Professor, Dance 
  • Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha, Professor, Psychology 
  • Julie Tennille, Associate Professor, Social Work 
  • Maria Urrutia, Associate Professor, Dance 
  • Kerry Walton, Assistant Professor, Electronic Resources Librarian, University Libraries 

“All of you receiving awards today have demonstrated an unyielding commitment to student success,” said WCU President Chris Fiorentino. “You have made an incredible impact with the type of teaching load that you carry and during what has been an incredible past two years. I am so proud and honored to be aligned with faculty who are at the heart of this university and its mission.”

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