West Chester University (WCU) President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky’s one prerequisite for inauguration is that it celebrates not one, but all — all students, all faculty, all staff, all alumni, all supporters, all community partners, and neighbors.
Bernotsky will be inaugurated as West Chester University’s 16th President and, historically, its second woman president during a formal investiture ceremony on Friday, Mar. 28, at 11:00 AM in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 700 South High Street, West Chester.
A first-generation college graduate from rural Pennsylvania, Bernotsky currently leads the largest R2 institution (high research activity) within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Inspired by a fall/winter “mutual listening tour” that encouraged all voices to be heard, Bernotsky’s inaugural address will outline a vision for the future of WCU, building on its strength as a regional flagship of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The ceremony will highlight a weeklong series of events organized to celebrate all those who work to fuel the success of WCU students. Representatives from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and universities from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as elected officials and community partners, will process into Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. More than 1,000 students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, friends, and dignitaries will attend.
Prior to the Mar. 28 inauguration, a weeklong series of events will celebrate WCU’s community of learners, educators, and friends. Inauguration week will feature a celebration of the women student leaders and women of West Chester (Mar. 24); a purple and gold Sweet Sixteen Spirit Day filled with fun and games for WCU students, followed by an evening of “superhero” fun for Little Ram children in the community and children of alumni (Mar. 25); a campus-wide competition where all departments, student organizations, and alumni will be invited to donate new and gently-used professional clothing to benefit WCU students who use the free Career Closet in the Twardowski Career Center, as well as personal care items (toiletries) for the Resource Pantry (Mar. 26); and a spotlight on the meaningful research currently underway at WCU by students and faculty (Mar. 27). Culminating the celebration of all those who contribute to the success of Golden Rams will be a Presidential Gala at the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens to raise scholarship funds for West Chester University students (the evening of Mar. 28). Inauguration event details can be found here.
Known for being a transformative leader in higher education with nearly three decades of progressive experience, Bernotsky was unanimously named the 16th President of West Chester University by PASSHE’s Board of Governors and began her presidency at WCU on Jul. 1, 2024. She succeeded Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, who retired as President on Jun. 30, 2024.
Prior to being named president of WCU, Bernotsky served as Interim President of Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) as a Loaned Executive from PASSHE’s Office of the Chancellor. A longstanding champion for public education and state system students, Bernotsky is a Social Scientist and Mixed Methodologist who earned a master’s and doctorate in Politics from the University of Oxford. She also earned a master’s in Sociology from Temple University.
Learn more at WCU. WCU is the largest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which is comprised of 10 state-owned universities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a comprehensive public institution offering a diverse range of more than 180 academic opportunities in 40 fields of study across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
