New president named at West Chester University
New president named at West Chester University
Starting next summer West Chester University will have a new president.
The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education recently announced that it has selected Dr. R. Lorraine Bernotsky to be the next president of West Chester University (WCU). The appointment takes effect July 1, 2024.
Bernotsky will succeed President Christopher Fiorentino, who has served in the role since April 21, 2017. Fiorentino announced in July that he would retire on June 30, 2024.
Bernotsky is executive vice president and provost at West Chester University, overseeing budget and planning and labor relations functions.
She is temporarily serving as interim president of Pennsylvania Western University.
“Dr. Bernotsky has proven at West Chester and PennWest that she is a tremendous university leader and is the perfect person to take WCU into the future,” said Board of Governors Chair Cindy Shapira. “Throughout her extensive career in PASSHE, Dr. Bernotsky has earned respect for her strategic planning, academic programing, and for helping students from all backgrounds have access to a high-quality education in a diverse, vibrant campus community that prepares them for success in life.”
Prior to becoming executive vice president and provost, Dr. Bernotsky served as West Chester University’s associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, providing leadership in curriculum development, general education, new program development, program review, assessment, regional and specialized external accreditation, articulation agreements with other 2- and 4-year institutions, academic policies, and faculty development.
Bernotsky also led the approval of West Chester University’s four doctoral programs and founded the university’s Center for Social and Economic Policy Research.
Bernotsky has a master’s degree and Doctor of Philosophy in politics from the University of Oxford and a master’s degree in sociology from Temple University.
Author: Stacy Wescoe
Publication: Lehigh Valley Business
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