A message from thePresident
I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected to serve West Chester University’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni as its 16th president. This truly is a dream come true for me in many ways. As a first-generation college student who grew up in a small town in eastern Pennsylvania, I understand first-hand the transformative power of education as the great equalizer.
As I have shared with many of you, I have dedicated my professional life to public higher education, because I believe in the access mission of public universities and of public higher education in general. These beliefs fuel my commitment to WCU as well as to our entire State System. Higher education, and especially public higher education, remains the most predictable and accessible way for individuals to improve their life outcomes in a society where social class and income inequalities often seem at odds.
Having spent my entire 27-year career in this State System, I can say that the success of West Chester University and of our system as a whole is a goal that I will work for tirelessly in order to continue to serve the students of our Commonwealth. As we change the world 4,000 graduates at a time, I look forward to working with all of you to create generations of student success and a great deal of Ram pride.
Sincerely, 
Dr. Laurie Bernotsky
President, West Chester 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. 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."
PASSHE Board of Governors Chair Cindy Shapira
Moving WCU Forward
President's Commission on the Status of Women
President's Commission on the Status of Women
West Chester University continues to recognize the need to support women’s leadership, gender equity, and foster a welcoming an inclusive university climate that affords equal opportunities for women to study, live, and work at the University. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women serves as a central point of contact, connection, and advocacy.
WCU Strategic Plan
WCU Strategic Plan
Reimagining Student Success Strategic Plan
West Chester University strives for continuel growth through Learning, Personal and Professional Development, Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, and Community Engagement.
Moon Shot for Equity
Moon Shot for Equity
Moon Shot for Equity is a WCU partnership across the Southeastern PA region and EAB to eliminate institutional equity gaps by 2030.
To begin the Moon Shot for Equity, WCU is committed to achieving these initial goals to start:
- Hold Reform
- Developmental Courses
- Returning Student & Retention Grants
- Transfer Pathways
- Proactive Advising
President'sQuick Links
Learn about President Bernotsky's involvement at the University, highlights or request a speech.
What WCU Offers
Something happens when you find yourself here. You find your passion. You find it in labs, lectures, out in left field. You find it on stage, behind a camera, in front of a blank page. You find more than a direction. You find your element.
With over 180 diverse academic opportunities, West Chester University has made it possible for every student to find their element. With degrees ranging from accounting to African American studies to marine biology, we're confident that our students can find what they love and make it their own.
