- Delivering high-quality mission-aligned academic programs in formats that prepare students for the future of work.
- Being deeply embedded in and responsive to the educational needs of our students, communities, and local economies, and
- Graduating students who stay closely connected to their alma mater, contributing to a lifelong cycle of institutional growth.
Dr. Jonathan Anderson was inaugurated as the second president of Pennsylvania Western University on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Steele Hall on the PennWest California campus.
The investiture marks a pivotal moment for PennWest as it continues to build upon its mission of providing a life-changing educational experience for students on its campuses at California, Clarion, Edinboro and online and serving the communities of western Pennsylvania.
Anderson, who began his tenure as president of PennWest on July 1, 2024, looked forward to the next phase of PennWest’s journey – building a next-generation institution of higher education.
“Let’s commit to each other to strengthen this institution of higher learning and ensure it becomes more complete than it is today,” he said in his remarks. “Caring for our individual stewardship may be the best way we can respect this institution’s history and build the PennWest legacy.”
Anderson said the future of PennWest will focus on three ideals:
“As we seek to achieve these ideals, our students will continue to be the purpose for our work,” he said. “Students are the reason our institution exists.”
He also recognized faculty -- “educators, mentors, researchers and innovators who inspire our students, challenge them to think critically and guide them on their education journeys” – and staff, whose “hard work and dedication create an environment where learning and growth can flourish.”
Kathy Pape, chair of the PennWest Council of Trustees, welcomed guests to the inauguration and presented Anderson for investiture.
“These are opportune times for great accomplishments, and we have every expectation that President Anderson will provide the leadership to advance this institution to the highest levels of excellence and quality,” she said.
On behalf of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, Dr. Christopher Fiorentino, interim chancellor, formally presented Anderson as PennWest’s second president and charged him to use his “demonstrated qualities of leadership, sound judgment and personal integrity” to “advance the level of teaching, research and public service which will most benefit the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Dr. Cynthia Shapira, chair of the State System Board of Governors, administered the oath of office.
Other members of the platform party were Dr. Mohamed Yamba, member, Council of Trustees; Donna Oberlander, member, Council of Trustees; Larry Pickett, member, Council of Trustees; Barbara Logue, member, Council of Trustees; Tyrique Whitson, student member, Council of Trustees; Mark Bellini, member, Council of Trustees; Barry Niccolai, member, Council of Trustees; J.D. Dunbar, secretary, Council of Trustees; and Commissioner Larry Maggi, vice chair, Council of Trustees.
Offering greetings the president were Barry Niccolai, Council of Trustees, PennWest University; Sydney Cochran, president, Student Government Association, PennWest California; Dr. Mario Majcen, California chapter president, Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties; Dr. Marcella McConnell, co-chair, Faculty Senate, PennWest University; James Pflugh, president, State College and University Professional Association; Christopher DeJuliis, president, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, April Gitzen, California chapter president, Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties; A. Tereasa Rerko, president, California Alumni Association.