West Chester University officials recently recognized 33 exceptional teacher-scholars whose compelling research efforts they indicate are enhancing matters related to community solutions; diversity, equity, inclusion; sustainability; student development; leadership and innovation. The teacher-scholar group's 23 research projects align directly with the five specific areas outlined in the university’s most current strategic plan.
Vice Provost for Research and Creative Activity Nicole Bennett says 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. She says, “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.”
Those teacher-scholars acknowledged with special awards are:
- Josh Auld, associate professor and assistant chairperson, Biology
- Michael Boyle, professor and department chairperson, Communication and Media
- Maria Cabrera, assessment coordinator and 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 and 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 and Policy Studies
- Shannon Mrkich, associate professor of English and director of First-Year Experience
- Cheryl Neale-McFall, professor and interim Chairperson, Counselor Education
- Mia Ocean, associate professor, Social Work
- Amanda Olejarski, associate professor and 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
WCU President Chris Fiorentino says these award recipients made an incredible impact with the type of teaching load that they carry, and during what has been an incredible past two years. "I'm so proud and honored to be aligned with faculty who are at the heart of this university and its mission.”