University College

Dr. John Craig

Dean, University College (interim); Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs
Jcraig@wcupa.edu
610-436-3133

Dr. Craig earned his BS in Education (Secondary/English) and EdM in Interdisciplinary Urban Education Studies from Temple University. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Graduate School of Education in the area of Educational and Organizational Leadership. He also earned a certificate of instructional leadership from Penn. Dr. Craig is committed to student success, particularly students from marginalized communities. He is the Immediate Past President of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, where he served 3 terms as President. Currently, Dr. Craig is the Treasurer of the National Organization for Student Success and member of the Board of Trustees of the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs. Dr. Craig’s recent publications and invited presentations have focused on advising using a growth mindset and metacognitive approach, retention, developmental education and eradicating racism in both K-12 schools and in higher education institutions. The Harrisburg Chapter of the NAACP presented Dr. Craig with an award for service; and Talk Magazine named him one of the top 100 influential Black Pennsylvanians. He also founded and is the editor of the Journal of Access, Retention and Inclusion in Higher Education. In just a few short years, the journal has garnered national recognition and has been formerly endorsed by the National Organization for Student Success.

Ms. Ronda Taylor

University College Operations Manager
RTaylor@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-3416

Ms. Ronda Taylor received her BA in Organizational Dynamics from Immaculata University and is currently working on her master’s degree in Public Health from West Chester University. Ms. Taylor worked several years at Bryn Mawr College as the Clinical Supervisor for the Health / Counseling Center. Since starting West Chester University in 2016 as the Administrative Assistant for Counseling and Psychological Services, Ms. Taylor has transitioned to become the Office Manager for Community Mental Health Services of WCU and now to the Operations Manager for University College. Ms. Taylor currently serves as the secretary of The Society (formerly the Frederick Douglass Society) and formally as secretary of AFSCME Local 2345. Ms. Taylor enjoys the beach, photography and serving families within her community.

Dr. Marie Bunner

Associate Professor; Chair (interim), Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs; Director, Academic Success Program interim (ASP)
mbunner@wcupa.edu
610-436-3132

Dr. Bunner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Rhetoric and a Master’s degree in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh; and a Doctor of Education degree from Saint Joseph’s University. Dr. Bunner’s professional experience in academic support services in higher education includes teaching and learning, academic advising, and special admissions programs. Her research interests include non-cognitive measures for predicting academic success for first-year college students and teaching and learning strategies for student success in higher education.

Dr. Tiffany Jones

Assistant Professor, Learning Specialist, and Academic Advisor, Academic Success Program (ASP)
Tjones2@wcupa.edu
610.436.2504

Dr. Jones is a first-generation college student who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University, a Master of Science in Secondary and Higher Education Counseling from West Chester University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University. Dr. Jones serves as an Assistant Professor, Learning Specialist, and Academic Advisor for the Academic Success Program (ASP) at West Chester University where she fosters the learning experiences of ASP students. Dr. Jones chairs scholarship initiatives for The Society at WCU and APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculty and Coaches) and provides leadership for the ASP Leadership Academy, FDI/Wells Fargo Tutoring Partnership with Chester High School, and the Recruitment and Retention of Women of Color Staff and Faculty and 150^th Anniversary Sub-Committees of WCU’s Women Commission. Dr. Jones’ research interests include best practice initiatives that promote equity, access, and success of historically marginalized populations of individuals. Examples of these initiatives are academic advising, learning support, first-year and first-gen college students, special admissions programs, self-efficacy, growth mindset, college developmental mathematics, and high school/college learning support partnerships.

Ms. Donna Elison

Administrative Support, Academic Success Program (ASP)
Delison@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-3274

Donna earned her B.A. in Journalism from Penn State University. She spent most of her career in Pharmaceutical Sales and then stayed home with her three children. She currently resides in Glen Mills, PA with her family and enjoys the beach, exercising and roller coasters. She loves working for the ASP because she enjoys interacting with the students.

Captain Lucas Frisch

Assistant Professor, Military Science; Captain, Army ROTC
LFrisch@wcupa.edu

Captain Lucas Frisch graduated and commissioned into the Army from Penn State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He is a graduate of US Army Air Assault, Airborne, and Ranger School. He served as a Reconnaissance Platoon leader for the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan in from 2011-2014. He then taught at the Swamp Phase of US Army Ranger School from 2015-2017. From there he served as the Assistant Professor for Military Science at Seton Hall and Lehigh University. Lucas now serves as the Assistant Professor for Military Science at West Chester University for the Pennsylvania National Guard where he teaches the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Classes. He is from Allentown Pennsylvania.

Sergeant First Class Tsepo Chris Molemohi

Military Science Instructor, Military Science; Sergeant First Class, Army ROTC
TMolemohi@wcupa.edu

SFC Mo is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Campbell University, NC. He is a graduate of US Army Air Assault, Airborne School, Engineer Explosive Ordinance Course and Sapper Leader Course. In 2012-15 he served as a Team Leader for the 1st Infantry Division in Afghanistan, where he cleared main supply roads of Improvised Explosive Devices. He later moved to Fort Drum, NY and served as a Squad Leader in Uganda and Djibouti in 2018, where he taught foreign military soldiers, different engineer procedures and tactics before their deployment to Somalia. SFC Mo was later transferred to Fort Bragg, NC, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division and lead a Platoon of Paratroopers to Iraq in 2020 and later supported the shutdown off Afghanistan in 2021. SFC Mo now serves as the Military Science Instructor for Military Science at West Chester University for the United States Army Cadet Command where he teaches the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Classes. He is from Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Francis Atuahene

Associate Professor and Director, Exploratory Studies
Fatuahene@wcupa.edu
610-436-3505

Dr. Atuahene earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy and a cognate in College Student Personnel. He earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA), with a regional concentration in African Politics, and Master of Public Administration (MPA) all from the Ohio University. He also received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Political Science with Philosophy from the University of Ghana. Dr. Atuahene has a two-pronged research interests focusing on higher education policy, student success and retention. Dr. Atuahene believes in empowering students to be academically independent. To him, teaching and advising is a calling, a labor of love!

Dr. Ann Colgan

Associate Professor, Director: Interdisciplinary Studies, Advisor: Exploratory Studies
Acolgan@wcupa.edu
610-436-3544

Dr. Colgan is an alumna of WCU, with a BA in Anthropology. She earned an MEd from Rivier University in NH and a doctorate in Jewish Education and Jewish History at Gratz College. She taught high school history for years as well as worked at WCU’s Learning Assistance and Resource Center. She has been an academic advisor since 2007 and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies since 2018. She enjoys working with students to help them determine the best path to their goals. Applying philosophies of dialogic advising and constructivism, she engages students as individuals experiencing and drafting their own life stories.

Dr. Juanita Wooten

Academic Advisor, Exploratory Studies
JWooten@wcupa.edu
610-436-3134

Dr. Juanita Wooten serves as an Exploratory Studies faculty advisor. She provides proactive advising to first-year students by supporting and guiding them toward identifying their academic and career goals. Dr. Juanita Wooten has worked for several years as an educator and administrator in higher education. Dr. Wooten earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Higher Education Leadership from Wilmington University, Delaware. She earned a Master of Science (MSA) degree in Human Services Administration from Audrey Cohen College, New York, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh, New York.

Dr. Courtney Lloyd

Assistant Professor, Exploratory Studies
Clloyd@wcupa.edu
610-436-3505

Dr. Lloyd received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the Pennsylvania State University and completed her MPA and DPA in Public Administration at West Chester University. Prior to becoming a faculty member in Exploratory Studies in 2017, Dr. Lloyd was the Assistant Director at the Learning Assistance and Resource Center from 2007-2016. Her research focuses on first-year students and how they define their academic success. She enjoys helping her students find their path at WCU.

Linda Missanelli

Clerk Typist III - Exploratory Studies Academic Advising (EXPS); and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs (IDS)
Lmissanelli@wcupa.edu
610-436-3505

Dr. Ann Colgan

Associate Professor, Director: Interdisciplinary Studies, Advisor: Exploratory Studies
Acolgan@wcupa.edu
610-436-3544

Dr. Colgan is an alumna of WCU, with a BA in Anthropology. She earned an MEd from Rivier University in NH and a doctorate in Jewish Education and Jewish History at Gratz College. She taught high school history for years as well as worked at WCU’s Learning Assistance and Resource Center. She has been an academic advisor since 2007 and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies since 2018. She enjoys working with students to help them determine the best path to their goals. Applying philosophies of dialogic advising and constructivism, she engages students as individuals experiencing and drafting their own life stories.

Dr. Cristobal Cardemil-Krause

Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies
Ccardemil-krause@wcupa.edu

Dr. C-K received his undergraduate degrees in Hispanic Literatures and Linguistics from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and his MA and PhD in Latin American literatures from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Throughout his career he has advised students from all walks of life. He is excited to continue to work as an advisor for Interdisciplinary Studies students. He looks forward to finding ways for students to continue to forge their academic paths as lifelong learners, and with the understanding that an academic degree constitutes a pathway into becoming citizens of a changing world, building a career, and not simply as a means of getting a job.

Ms. Linda Missanelli

Clerk Typist III - Exploratory Studies Academic Advising (EXPS); and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs (IDS)
Lmissanelli@wcupa.edu
610-436-3505

Dr. Jocelyn Manigo

Director, Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC)
Jmanigo@wcupa.edu
610-436-3238

Dr. Jocelyn Manigo received her BA in psychology and education from Swarthmore College. She earned her MEd and EdD from Widener University, with a degree emphasis on curriculum, instruction, and staff development. Dr. Manigo started her career as an elementary school teacher then transitioned to Widener University as Director of Tutoring Services, where she remained for 13 years as a tutoring coordinator, academic advisor, and academic coach. She joined West Chester University in 2018 as Director of the Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC) and enjoys managing tutoring and success coaching services for the campus community. Her research interests include academic coaching, peer tutoring, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning.

Dr. Kaitlyn Crouse-Machcinski

Kaitlyn Machcinski received her BA in History with Teacher Certification from West Chester University, her MA in Education from Villanova University, and two graduate certificates (Higher Educational Policy and Student Affairs & Educational Technology) from West Chester University. She is currently working toward an EdD in Policy, Planning, and Administration from West Chester University and is expected to finish in May 2022. Before moving to higher education, Kaitlyn worked as a secondary social studies teacher. Currently, Kaitlyn works as the Associate Director of the Learning Assistance and Resource Center and Writing Center at West Chester University. This role supports student success through the hiring, supervising, scheduling, and training of peer tutors in both centers. Kaitlyn serves as the Professional Development Officer on the executive board for the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA). She holds a Level II Leadership Certification with the NCLCA. Her research interests include student engagement, game-based learning, and educational technology.

Dr. Rita Patel Eng

Student Success Coordinator
Rpateleng@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-3595

Rita Patel Eng received her BS in Biology and Secondary Science Teaching Certification and MS in Technological Systems Management at Stony Brook University in New York. She also holds a Higher Education and Student Affairs Policy (HEPSA) Certificate and is currently working on her doctoral degree in Policy, Planning, and Administration in Higher Education at West Chester University. She has been involved in K-16 education for over 30 years. Rita has taught science in the NYC Public School system, worked at Scholastic as an Associate Editor with SuperScience Blue, a monthly, hand-on children’s science magazine, been involved in professional and curriculum development in STEM education, and managed National Science Foundation grant projects in interdisciplinary areas in higher education. Rita worked at The College of New Jersey and Immaculata University prior to joining WCU in 2016 where she has worked in various student support roles on campus. Rita works as a Student Success Coordinator in University College and oversees Success Coaches who provide individualized support to guide students toward academic and personal success at West Chester University. Her passion is to assist students achieve their goals and find their success.

Ms. Jamee Tobias

Clerk Typist II, Learning Assistance and Resource Center
Jtobias@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-2535

Dr. David J Thomas

Assistant Professor, Director, Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD)
dthomas3@wcupa.edu
(610)436-3217

Dr. Thomas earned his undergraduate degree in Individualized Integrative Studies in Dramaturgy with a minor in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University, where he also earned an M.A. in Applied Linguistics with an emphasis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) as well as a Ph.D. in Higher Education. He has completed additional graduate work at the Linguistic Society of America Summer Institute at Stanford University, the Institute on Disability at Temple University, and through the Public Policy and Administration Program at West Chester University.

Dr. Thomas has been in the field of disability advocacy in higher education for more than a decade. He serves as the President of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society, which recognizes high achieving college students with disabilities and serves the wider disability community as the Treasurer for Disability Rights Pennsylvania, where he also chairs the Mental Health Advisory Council. Prior to coming to WCU and alongside his disability work, Dr. Thomas was a member of the English faculties at universities in and around Philadelphia, Southeastern Virginia, and Seattle, teaching courses in English Composition and Rhetoric, English as a Second Language, Linguistics, and Research Methods.

Ms. Gabriellia Hartz

Accommodations Coordinator, OSSD

"Gabriellia Hartz is a two-time alumnus of West Chester University. Her pronouns are she/her/hers. Gabriellia also goes by Gabbi. Gabbi holds her masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs Policy (HEPSA). Gabriellia works in the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities as the Accommodations Coordinator. She enjoys working with students in order to help provide them with support and understanding of all resources in order to determine a path to success."

Ms. Susan Durkovic

CART Captioner
610-436-3220

Susan joined WCU in 2000 as a CART Captioner. CART stands for Communication Access Realtime Translation, which is a speech-to-text interpreting service for anyone who needs communication access. As an advocate for those who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing, she is passionate about making the spoken word accessible through providing and advocating for accurate, quality captions to those who rely on it.

When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, especially, at the beach, and playing ice hockey.

Ms. Linda Laskaris

Clerical Support, Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD)
LLaskaris@wcupa.edu
610-436-2517

Linda joined WCU and has worked in the OSSD since 2012 and enjoys connecting with students. She is married and has three children. She enjoys spending time with family (especially her grandson), baking, scrapbooking, Broadway shows and TRAVEL! She has been to 35 states (including Hawaii several times), several Caribbean islands, a few destinations in Canada and Mexico, Switzerland and Hong Kong. She has no pets (but does claim a "granddog" named Sabrina) but has managed to accumulate over 318,000 miles on my 2004 Chevy Suburban!

Dr. Margaret Ervin

Professor of English and Writing Center Director
Mervin@wcupa.edu
610-436-3548

Dr. Ervin received her BA in History at Harvard University and her PhD in Writing, Teaching, and Criticism from the State University of New York at Albany. She serves half time in the English Department, teaching a course in tutoring as well as first-year writing and courses in the English major. She also serves half time as Director of the University Writing Center. Her research focuses on writing center tutoring and rhetorical genre. She is also active in the faculty union, currently serving as President of the West Chester University chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).

Dr. Kaitlyn Crouse-Machcinski

Kaitlyn Machcinski received her BA in History with Teacher Certification from West Chester University, her MA in Education from Villanova University, and two graduate certificates (Higher Educational Policy and Student Affairs & Educational Technology) from West Chester University. She is currently working toward an EdD in Policy, Planning, and Administration from West Chester University and is expected to finish in May 2022. Before moving to higher education, Kaitlyn worked as a secondary social studies teacher. Currently, Kaitlyn works as the Associate Director of the Learning Assistance and Resource Center and Writing Center at West Chester University. This role supports student success through the hiring, supervising, scheduling, and training of peer tutors in both centers. Kaitlyn serves as the Professional Development Officer on the executive board for the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA). She holds a Level II Leadership Certification with the NCLCA. Her research interests include student engagement, game-based learning, and educational technology.

Ms. Jamee Tobias

Clerk Typist II, Learning Assistance and Resource Center
Jtobias@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-2535