Alumni Board of Directors Ballot

ALUMNI NEWS

2026 West Chester University
ALUMNI BOARD OF
DIRECTORS ELECTION

The Nominating Committee of the West Chester University Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2026 WCUAA Board of Directors ballot. Six members will be elected to serve a three-year term of office beginning on July 1, 2026. The results of the election will be posted on the WCU Foundation's site before July 1, 2026.

The background information on each nominee for the 2026-2029 term appears below and is included on the online ballot. Alumni may vote for no more than six (6) candidates. Questions regarding the election should be directed to the Office of Alumni Engagement at 610-436-2813 or alumni@wcufoundation.org.

All paper and electronic votes must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026.

vote online on the WCU Alumni Association site

Tracey Ulrich-Matalon

Education: WCU, B.A., Speech Communication, 1987; Boston University, M.S., Broadcast Journalism, 1989

My years spent at West Chester University provided a solid foundation for my future career in television news and introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors. Today, higher education faces unprecedented challenges from declining public trust, outside political pressure, and resistance to change. It’s my hope I can use my voice to ensure West Chester University remains an inclusive and welcoming place for anyone seeking a quality education.

Mark Drochek

Education: WCU, B.S., Computer Science, 1986; Ursinus College, Post Baccalaureate Certificate of Professional Studies, Finance, 2004; Stevens Institute of Technology, M.S., Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, 2011

I have had the opportunity to serve the West Chester University alumni community as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and would be honored to do so again. From my time on the WCU Engineering Advisory Committee to fulfilling the role of treasurer of the WCU Alumni Association, giving back to my alma mater has truly been a privilege.

Katie Arter

Education: WCU, B.A., Political Science, Public Administration, 2005; Wilmington University, M.B.A., 2010

Community is deeply important to me, and the WCU community shaped who I am; it’s where I met my husband and where I grew in ways I never imagined. My experience at WCU was transformative, and I feel a strong desire to give back. Serving on the WCU Alumni Association Board of Directors would allow me to support the community that invested so much in me, and it would be an honor to contribute to its continued strength.

Desha Dickson

Education: WCU, B.S., Psychology, 2001; Eastern University, M.S., Nonprofit Management, 2006

I have been blessed with a career that allows me to connect with communities and make real, impactful change. West Chester University was foundational to my success. While there, I had the opportunity to interact with people from many walks of life and I gained more than classroom knowledge; I walked away with a broader perspective and understanding of the world. WCU was life-changing for me and I would like to be a part of the group that continues to make that happen for students.

Louis Mason**

Education: WCU, B.S., Elementary Education, 1976; Cheyney University, M.S., Educational Administration, 1996; Cheyney University, PA Principal’s Certification, 1996; Montgomery County Community College, associate degree, General Studies, 1974

WCU is steeped in a tradition of academic excellence and student global exploration. My WCU experience strengthened my resolve for hard work, persistence, and self-determination and is at the core of my personal development, professional endeavors, and cultural enlightenment. As a WCU Alumni Association Board Member for the past three years, I have been afforded the opportunity to engage with prospective, current, and former students in sharing the numerous benefits and the real-life connections/networking of the West Chester University experience. Rams Up!!

Larry Ruise

Education: WCU, B.S., Political Science, 2007

I am passionate about supporting West Chester University’s mission and strengthening connections among alumni, students, and the community. Serving on the WCU Alumni Association Board of Directors would allow me to give back, share my leadership experience, and help create impactful programs that inspire engagement, provide mentorship, and promote pride in our alma mater. I’m dedicated to fostering lifelong involvement and advancing initiatives that uphold WCU’s values of excellence, service, and community.

Sister Melinda Lando

Education: WCU, B.S., Health & Physical Education, 1976; Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, M.A., Religion, 1978; Gwynedd Mercy College, M.S.N. and B.S.N., 1983 and 1985; Columbia University School of Nursing, M.S.N., 1994

Since graduating from WCU (WCSC) in 1976, I have had the opportunity to grow in educational venues, as well as life experiences, which have helped me see the good and the not so good as an arena of learning and acceptance for ALL people. I want to be a part of helping students at WCU grow into that.

Jennifer Anderson

Education: WCU, B.S., Elementary Education, 1991; Project Management Institute, Project Management Professional Certification, 2014; Drexel University, M.B.A., 2016

I am extremely grateful for my time at West Chester University. The education, the friendships, the personal growth — I was fortunate to be part of the WCU community. I want others to experience what WCU has to offer and I also want to help WCU continue to be a top-tier school of choice for many young adults. I would be honored to serve on the WCU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Thank you for your consideration.

Robert McDowell

Education: WCU, B.S., Health Education, 1980

WCU provided me with a tremendous education and base for launching my successful 41-year YMCA professional career. I am a motivated, retired non-profit Business Cause-Driven Leader prepared to become involved with a challenging volunteer position within the WCU Alumni Association as a board member. I offer a strong foundation in business strategy, fund development, governance, and project management with a proven ability to motivate others to deliver successful mission-driven outcomes using collaborative processes within cross-functioning teams.

Laureen Hagan

Education: WCU, B.S., Political Science, 1991

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the West Chester University Alumni Association Board to share my experiences as a student at WCU. Growing up in the greater West Chester area, I always felt a strong connection to the University. From the moment I arrived on campus, I knew it was the right place for me. My professors were inspiring, especially those in the Political Science Department who encouraged me to pursue public service. Serving on the WCU Alumni Association Board would allow me to give back to the University that shaped my career, working to create meaningful and exciting opportunities for current students.

**Running for a second term