About Us
Vision and Mission
Vision
The Career Development Center will be positioned and valued as an innovative campus-wide strategy that completes the university's mission by democratizing access to resources, knowledge, connections, and opportunities for diverse students, alumni, and employers.
Mission
The Twardowski Career Development Center serves as the bridge connecting students and alumni to the professional world, introducing them to who they can become.
Commitment to Inclusion
We invite students, alumni, and employers to bring their full identities, and express themselves without fear of judgement, to every interaction with the Career Development Center. We strive to be a space where those with which we work feel seen, heard, respected, and provided every opportunity to be successful.
Team Values
Communication | The Twardowski Career Development Center views communication as being transparent, cooperative, and accountable. Therefore, we will approach all interactions with an intentional asset-based mindset.
Acceptance | The Twardowski Career Development Center is committed to understanding, respecting, and accepting individual and collective purpose and capacity.
Fun | The Twardowski Career Development Center values finding joy and humor in what we do and how we deliver our services, whether strengthening the bonds of the team, or engaging students and alumni in their career development.
Empathy | The Twardowski Career Development Center prioritizes building a foundation of trust and understanding across the university, extending grace and compassion to ourselves and to others.
Staff Directory
Jennifer Rossi Long
- Director
- jlong@wcupa.edu
- (610) 436-2511
Liaison to
- Admissions
- Alumni Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- External Affairs
- Human Resources
- Parent and Family Relations
- Research and Sponsored Programs
- University Marketing
- WCU Foundation
Phyllis Schoen
- Associate Director for Employer Engagement
- pschoen@wcupa.edu
- (610) 436-2934
Leads employer initiatives, including the Campus Recruiting Program, Career Fairs, Meet Ups, and other employer-related programs for corporate and healthcare partners
Kate Shellaway
- Associate Director
- kshellaway@wcupa.edu
- (610) 436-2540
Academic Liaison for
- College of Arts and Humanities
- College of Science and Mathematics
Department Liaison for
- Athletics
- Center for Women & Gender Equity
- Veterans Center
Amanda Baker
- Assistant Director
- abaker2@wcupa.edu
- (610) 436-2522
Academic Liaison for
- College of Business & Public Management
Department Liaison for
- Global Engagement Office
- The Graduate School/Graduate Student Association
- Wellness Promotion
Yessica Gutierrez
- Assistant Director
- ygutierrez@wcupa.edu
- (610) 436-2758
Academic Liaison for
- College of Education and Social Work
- Wells School of Music
Liaison for
- Dowdy Multicultural Center
- Dub-C Autism Program
- New Student Programs
Mekiyah Pernell
- Recruiting & Events Coordinator
- MConey@wcupa.edu
- (610) 436-2502
- Member of the Employer Engagement and Events Team
- Oversees the On Campus Interviewing Program, Information Tables, and logistics for recruiting and networking events for nonprofit and education employers
Lauren Linder
- Assistant Director
- LLinder@wcupa.edu
Academic Liaison for
- College of Health Sciences
- University College
Liaison for
- Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Student Leadership and Involvement
Amanda Antoine
- Graduate Assistant
Michelina Beaumont
- Graduate Assistant
Lauren Bowser
- Career Ambassador
Meolah Delinois
- Graduate Assistant
Megan Magee
- Digital Marketing Intern
Falina Mucovic
- Career Ambassador
Gabriel Pardo
- Career Ambassador
Kevin Robertson
- H.R. Intern
Sam Robertson
- Career Ambassador
Phillip Shiffler
- Career Ambassador
Jasmine Stewart
- Career Ambassador
Aaliyah Wood
- Career Ambassador
About Our Name
The Twardowski Career Development Center was named on May 6, 2000 to honor the legacy of its founding director and West Chester alumnus Dr. Edward T. Twardowski, known as "Dr. T." An endowment was created through a leadership gift from the Twardowski family and others who knew Dr. T to support programs and services that assist students and alumni in securing employment and rewarding careers.
Dr. Edward T. Twardowski, Class of 1942, served West Chester University for more than 25 years as an alumnus, teacher, counselor, coach, mentor, and colleague. After receiving his bachelor's degree from West Chester, he received a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Temple University.
Dr. Twardowski was a member of the health and physical education faculty and made a major contribution to the lives of many future teachers and to West Chester sports history. He was the popular coach of championship swim teams from 1952 until 1960 and served for several years as a tennis coach and as the first-year students football coach.
Dr. Twardowski was also a Fulbright scholar in Columbia and received the Distinguished Faculty and Meritorious Teaching awards while on the faculty of West Chester. As one who was especially concerned for students' welfare, Dr. Twardowski founded the Career Development Center and served for 11 years as its first director.
Annual Reports
The career center provides a range of services and programs that actively engage students, alumni, and employers each year. The annual report provides a summary of appointment volume, presentations and workshop attendance, and job and internship recruiting activity.