Executive Vice President & Provost

A Message from the Office of the Provost...

Dear Colleagues and Friends of West Chester University,

As West Chester University moves forward under the leadership of our 16th president, Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, we are committed to working together to support and uphold our mission of preparing graduates personally and professionally to excel while contributing to the common good.

We are proud to be part of an inclusive institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and equal access to opportunity. None of this would be possible without our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and supporters. Your contributions are the cornerstone of our university’s success, shaping the minds and futures of our students. Your devotion to the University’s mission is nothing short of inspirational.

As we navigate the upcoming academic year, our focus remains steadfast on academic excellence, student success, and inclusivity. We remain dedicated to our Moon Shot Mission of eliminating equity gaps in student achievement. We are excited to share with you several key initiatives and priorities that will guide us:

1. Innovating Teaching and Learning: Embracing innovative pedagogical approaches and integrating advanced technologies into our classrooms will keep our educational practices at the forefront of academic excellence. The Teaching and Learning Center runs numerous initiatives that aim to support faculty in and out of the classroom in their role as educators. Our Information Systems and Technology department is preparing the university to meet the current and future challenges of AI and its impacts on teaching and learning.
2. Excelling at Research: By continuing to build on our momentum as an R2 institution, we will increase access to the transformational experience that research and creative expression bring to university life. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs recently onboarded a Post-Award Grant Specialist to support those who have been awarded grant dollars with managing their grant administration so they can focus on the research.
3. Promoting Student Support Services: We are committed to ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities to succeed academically and personally. The Moon Shot Mission, the University College with its new Academic Success and Advocacy Center (ASA), and the current strategic plan’s emphasis on high impact practices are leading these efforts to ensure we implement data-informed best practices to support our students’ success.
4. Fostering Inclusive Excellence: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our mission. We will continue to implement and support initiatives that promote a welcoming campus environment where we eliminate equity gaps and ensure that we create opportunities instead of barriers.
5. Strengthening Community Partnerships: We must continue to build robust partnerships locally, nationally, and globally to enrich our educational environment and provide our students with real-world experiences and opportunities.

Thank you for your continued dedication, passion, and support. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Best Regards,

Jeffery L. Osgood, Jr., PhD, MPA
Executive Vice President and Provost (Interim)
Professor of Public Policy and Administration

Josh R. Auld, PhD
Senior Associate Vice President and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Professor of Biology

Tabetha Adkins, PhD
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean, University College
Professor of English