Dr. John W. Villella
Dr. John Villella is the Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he has been a member of the administration or faculty for over thirty-five years.
He coordinates the efforts of senior staff in the Office of the President and oversees university divisions including: Public Relations and Communications, Alumni Engagement, Cultural and Community Affairs, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Office of Sustainability, the Center for Community Solutions, Continuing Professional Education and WEDnet Services, and liaison to the WCU Foundation. He frequently works with government and business leaders, and the University Council of Trustees to ensure timely advancement of initiatives, communications, and policy development and adherence.
Prior to this appointment, he served seven years as the Associate Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Dr. Villella's duties as a faculty member included directing the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Marching Band. He also taught in the music education department as a supervisor of student teachers and instructor of instrumental methods and techniques.
Dr. Villella is also the President of Vivace Productions, Inc. The national leader of summer camps including Band Leadership Training and the Marching Band Workshops. He frequently serves as a guest conductor, adjudicator, guest lecturer, and director of music festivals in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, he reviewed new band music for each issue of the Pennsylvania state music education magazine, PMEA News, from 2006 to 2015.
Dr. Villella earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University and his Masters and Bachelor Degrees in Music Education from West Chester University. He continues to serve the music field as a member of the Sudler Shield Committee for the John Philip Sousa Foundation. His professional affiliations include membership in the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National and State organizations, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Sigma Alpha Iota.