PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC PLAN TRADITION & TRANSFORMATION SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES
On June 30, 2025, we successfully concluded our Tradition and Transformation strategic plan, a journey that has profoundly reshaped our institution and laid a robust foundation for the future.
The achievements of the past five years reflect our collective dedication and vision. We celebrated the establishment of our College of Business, completed a record-breaking fundraising campaign and developed new and innovative interdisciplinary academic programs that reflect the evolving needs of our world. Our commitment to excellence has significantly improved the University’s reputation, fostering stronger collaborations with local industries to cultivate a skilled workforce and forging impactful global partnerships. These accomplishments have not only elevated Millersville University but have also empowered countless students to achieve their full potential.
Dr. Daniel A. Wubah President, Millersville University
James Sullivan
Aiyana Colon
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1 ENSURE ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY AND COMPLETION
7,009 students
MU BY THE NUMBERS
5,852 undergraduate
In fall 2024, Millersville University increased enrollment among all populations: new on-campus students, new online students and new graduate students. Overall enrollment increased, as well, by more than any other State System school.
1,157 graduate
Millersville completed the first year of the Gateway Scholars Program through a partnership between Admissions and University College to intentionally provide 54 provisionally admitted students with resources, including a dedicated success coach, to increase their likelihood of success.
The PASSHE Board of Governors froze tuition for in-state undergraduate students for the 2024-25 academic year. This was the seventh consecutive year where the tuition rate remained the same at all 10 state universities. The repeated freezes saved students nearly 25% in tuition costs compared to the price if tuition had risen at the inflation rate for the last six years.
1,218 new first-year Receive Financial Assistance
442 merit-based scholarships Pennsylvania Residents
The College of Education and Human Services developed two new academic credentials: a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility certificate and postbaccalaureate Teacher Endorsement in AI.
The Millersville University Foundation provided about $2.6 million in scholarship support, and 13 new scholarship endowments were created. The University also increased institutional aid to students by $2.2 million over the previous year.
Postbaccalaureate Teacher Endorsement in Artificial Intelligence.
$2.6 M in scholarship support
$2.2 M increase in institutional aid
13 new scholarship endowments
Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate and Superintendent LOE.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2 TRANSFORM STUDENT EXPERIENCES AND FOSTER INNOVATION
Through innovative learning experiences and a strong sense of community, we’re equipping students to meet the demands of a changing workforce while fostering belonging, creativity and well-being that prepare them to thrive in life and leadership.
RECORD STUDENT RESEARCH PARTICIPATION
More than 420 students representing 26 academic departments presented at the 11th Made in Millersville, nearly doubling student participation from earlier years.
THIRTEENTH HEED DIVERSITY HONOR
Millersville was honored with the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, marking the 13th consecutive year of receiving this recognition. The award, given by Insight Into Diversity magazine, highlights institutions dedicated to fostering equity, access, inclusion and diversity on their campuses.
Elsa Thomas presents at this year’s Made in Millersville.
AI SYMPOSIUM EXPANDS IMPACT
Millersville hosted a symposium about the world of AI on May 29, 2024. The conference’s goal was to serve as a hub for connecting people involved with strategic and operational elements of AI at their organizations throughout the Lancaster area. Building on the success of year one, the University hosted Lancaster AI Symposium 2.0 in April. This expanded event welcomed nearly 200 participants from diverse industries and educational institutions. The event also attracted local media coverage, further amplifying the University’s role as a regional leader in AI education and workforce development.
SAFETY CULTURE INNOVATION AWARD
The Stop the Bleed program, a collaboration between Paul Hill, environmental health and safety director, and the Wehrheim School of Nursing, helped earn Millersville University the 2024 Innovation Award for Safety Culture for a Small School. The award was given by the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association.
STATE INVESTMENT IN ROBOTICS
At a news conference on campus, the Department of Community and Economic Development Director of Workforce Development Initiatives Gwen Ross announced the Shapiro administration’s $200,000 investment in the Robotic Worx program at Millersville. The grant equips high school and undergraduate students with the opportunity to address genuine manufacturing problems through automation and robotics.
CAREER CENTER ENGAGEMENT STEADY
The number of undergraduate students engaging with The Career Center in 2024-2025 was nearly identical to last year, which was an all-time high of 2,712. This is nearly half of the undergraduate student body. The Center staff also conducted 678 virtual and in-person appointments, an increase of 2% over the prior year.
Ashutosh Saxena, Ph.D., Caspar AI cofounder and CEO.
Gwen Ross, director of workforce development initiatives.
375 unique employer organizations
2,172 students engaged with Career Center
Increase in Credit-Bearing Internships
More than 1,000 students attended career fairs on campus. Employer engagement increased with 375 unique employer organizations attending at least one career fair, compared to 290 the prior year.
EXPANDING STUDENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The College of Education and Human Services supported over 30 students’ professional development by covering the costs of conference participation, testing vouchers, clearance fees, study abroad and other high-impact practices.
The Lombardo College of Business hosted five Meet the Business Professionals nights focused on different disciplines: Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing and Information Technology. Each event attracted approximately 100 students and featured panels of alumni and industry experts who shared insights and career advice.
200 + CST students participated in faculty-mentored experiences or industry internships or projects
118 college of science & technology student presentations
25 NSF summer research program participants
141 university grant–funded student research and creative projects
50 local, regional and national conferences attended at Graduates Employed in PA
Millersville University accounting major Cole Raab speaks with employer.
HIGH-IMPACT PRACTICUM REQUIREMENT
All College of Education and Human Services students now complete a practicum experience to fulfill their degree requirements. These high-impact practices are documented through research endeavors, where all education, social work and psychology students address a problem of practice through research and implement their proposed projects during their practicum. The results are shared at Made in Millersville and other research events.
GLOBAL BUSINESS IMMERSION TRIP
Drs. Ankur Nandedkar and Leo Hong of the Lombardo College of Business led 20 students on a 10-day international business immersion through Germany and Switzerland over spring break. Students visited multinational firms such as Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and Lindt, as well as small businesses and universities.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COLLABORATION
The Tell School of Music participated in the eighth session of Melody of Yangtze River: World Famous Music Institution Exchange Performance Season at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in China. This prestigious event featured 26 renowned music schools – including Juilliard School, Royal College of Music, Moscow Conservatory, Tokyo University of the Arts, and Paris Conservatory – and orchestras from 10 countries.
FIRST NOYCE SCHOLAR AWARDED
Trevor Winter ’27, a physics education major, was the first recipient of the prestigious Noyce grant, which is part of Millersville University’s Track 1: Scholarships and Stipends Grant from the National Science Foundation, totaling $1,199,953. This five-year initiative is designed to recruit and train 15 STEM majors to address the national shortage of highly effective secondary mathematics and science teachers. Selected Noyce Scholars receive financial support covering 97% of tuition, fees, and room and board – equivalent to $48,000 over two years. In return, they commit to teaching in high-need school districts, such as those in Lancaster and York, both of which serve diverse and economically disadvantaged student populations.
Millersville University students meet with prospective employers at the Job and Internship Fair.
Trevor Winter ’27
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 3 INVEST STRATEGICALLY IN PEOPLE AND PLACE
Millersville continues to invest strategically in people and place by attracting and retaining exceptional employees, strengthening stewardship of resources, advancing efficient technologies that support operations and enhancing campus facilities to provide an innovative, future-ready learning and working environment.
STUDENT MEMORIAL CENTER
PUCILLO GYMNASIUM HVAC upgraded 2025
The Nest commuter lounge opens
LOMBARDO HALL CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
Construction on Lombardo Hall is underway. Phase 1, which includes the top two floors and the centerpiece Innovations Court, is scheduled for completion in February 2026. We are exploring opportunities to host events in this space later that spring. Classroom instruction will begin in fall 2026, with three new classrooms coming online. Fundraising is ongoing for Phase 2, which will renovate the basement, expand classroom and student spaces, and add a glass atrium and terrace.
KEY CAMPUS FACILITIES UPGRADES
Other facility improvement projects included creating a new commuter student lounge, the Nest, in the Student Memorial Center; upgrading the HVAC in Pucillo Gymnasium, which allowed for a comfortable May commencement ceremony; and installing lights at Cooper Park, which enabled our nationally ranked baseball team to play their historic first home night games.
CHICK-FIL-A OPENS ON CAMPUS
After a year of planning, renovating, training and work, Chick-fil-A at Millersville opened in the Student Memorial Center on March 20, 2025. This is the only Chick-fil-A in southern Lancaster County.
LOMBARDO HALL
Phase 1 completion Feb. 2026
COOPER
PARK Lights installed for night games
SPACE OPTIMIZATION INITIATIVES BEGIN
Implementation of recommendations from the Space Optimization Study were begun to ensure efficient use of the University’s facilities.
MODERNIZED TALENT ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
Millersville modernized its talent acquisition platform, streamlined hiring processes and implemented a new performance evaluation system.
POLICE DEPARTMENT EARNS ACCREDITATION
The Millersville University Police Department was accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a rigorous process that demonstrates commitment to the highest standard of campus safety and professionalism. Only 10% of Pennsylvania police departments are accredited.
The Nest commuter Lounge.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 4
COMMUNICATE OUR VALUE
By refining our key messages and sharing our EPPIIC values with the broader community, we’re strengthening awareness of our impact and reinforcing our national leadership in sustainability, ensuring the University’s distinct value is clearly seen and widely recognized.
Faculty with Highest Degree in Field
17:1 student-to-faculty ratio of Graduates Are Employed
universities in the north
SCHOOL SAFETY CERTIFICATE LAUNCHED
Millersville launched a certificate program in “School Safety Preparedness” in partnership with the Pennsylvania School Board Association.
REGIONAL MUSIC EDUCATORS CONVENE
The music department hosted the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s District 7 Professional Development Day, during which over 150 music educators from throughout the region gathered for workshops, presentations and discussions that covered teaching methods, technology and creativity in the classroom.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR HOSTED
The College of Science and Technology hosted the annual North Museum of Nature and Science’s Science and Engineering Fair. The regional fair attracted nearly 200 students. In addition to faculty and students serving as judges, the College also coordinated a series of handson demonstrations run by faculty/student presenters that student fair attendees visited during the afternoon event.
50TH ANNUAL MATH CONTEST
The College of Science and Technology hosted the 50th Annual High School Mathematics Contest, which provides a great opportunity for high school students to test their mathematical knowledge, skills and creativity. The goal of the event is to encourage students to study mathematics and participate in future competitions, such as the American Mathematics Competitions and the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition. This year’s event was one of the biggest on record, with over 200 competitors representing 35 regional secondary schools.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE HELD
Millersville University hosted its 5th Annual Sustainable Development Goals Conference, focusing on “Building Safer Communities: Reducing Community and School Violence.” This one-day conference brought together policymakers, community leaders and advocates, agency heads and staff, and educators to address one of today’s most pressing social challenges.
Certificate program in “School Safety Preparedness.”
WHO WE ARE WHAT THEY SAY
Across multiple measures of excellence, Millersville stands out among universities nationwide. Recognized for its academic strength, affordability and innovation, the University continues to build a reputation for preparing students to lead, serve and succeed in a changing world.
STUDY ABROAD AIDE
Out of 8,060 universities across 69 countries, the site Study Abroad Aide ranked Millersville in the top 21% of universities offering the best value for international students. According to the site, rankings are determined based on the “academic quality, comprising 75% of the weight, and cost of education for the remaining 25%.”
FORBES ADVISOR
Millersville University’s Emergency Management program was included among the Best Online Emergency Management Degrees of 2024 by Forbes Advisor, whose ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations.
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
Counseling Psychology, a website providing resources for aspiring counselors and psychologists, ranked Millersville University’s Master of Social Work program third-best in Pennsylvania and its social work online degree completion program #2 in the 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work listing. Rankings are determined through a comprehensive evaluation of program quality, impact and effectiveness to ensure an accurate representation of each program’s strengths.
BEST VALUE SCHOOLS
Best Value Schools ranked Millersville’s Animal Behavior option as #6 in its Best 14 Animal Behavior Degree in 2025. Schools were ranked according to a matrix using key pieces of information including cost, faculty-to-student ratio and graduation rate. The lower the cost and facultyto-student ratio, the higher that institution ranked.
NONPROFIT COLLEGES ONLINE
Nonprofit Colleges Online ranked Millersville University’s Animal Behavior option #1 in its top-15 most affordable animal behavior degree programs. Programs were selected based on a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. All programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified.
THE PRINCETON REVIEW’S 2025 GUIDE TO GREEN SCHOOLS
Millersville University was named to The Princeton Review’s 2025 Guide to Green Schools. Based primarily on surveys the company conducted in 2023-2024 of administrators at nearly 600 colleges, and analyses of more than 25 survey data points, the Guide profiled 511 schools. The schools were selected for their exceptional programs, policies and practices related to sustainability and the environment. Millersville’s Green Ranking was #84.
Offered online and on campus, the social work program is flexible and provides graduates many options to pursue in the helping professions.
FIRST-CLASS FACULTY & STAFF
Millersville’s faculty and staff exemplify excellence, leadership and innovation across disciplines. From international recognition and prestigious awards to groundbreaking research and community impact, their achievements reflect a deep commitment to advancing knowledge, inspiring students and strengthening the University’s mission.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR EXPERTISE
Dr. Kirsten Bookmiller, professor of Government, Law and International Relations, was the sole academic invited by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to speak at the Think Resilience Dialogue VIII at UN Headquarters in New York. She addressed diplomats from 40 countries on incorporating disaster risk reduction provisions into a new treaty draft on international disaster assistance.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Educational Foundations proffesor Dr. Oliver Dreon earned one of Pennsylvania’s top teacher-preparation honors as the statewide Pennsylvania Teacher Educator of the Year. The award recognizes those who significantly advance teacher certification across the Commonwealth through exemplary experience, leadership, scholarship, service and sustained professional engagement.
Dr. Kirsten Bookmiller
Dr. Oliver Dreon
AWARD-WINNING SPORTS COMMUNICATOR
Sports Information Director Ethan Hulsey won four awards in the 2024-2025 College Sports Communicators Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest. From 2019-2024, Hulsey’s writing and design work have garnered wins in four different categories and runner-up designations three times.
CHIEF HONORED FOR LEADERSHIP
Police Chief Pete Anders ’02 was named the 2024 recipient of the Domestic Violence Services Catalyst for Change Award.
GRANT ADVANCES SPECIAL EDUCATION
Dr. Deborah Tamakloe, associate professor and graduate coordinator for the special education program, was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Training Technical Assistance Network for the Accelerated Special Educator Certification program, allowing individuals with bachelor’s degrees to earn PK-12 special education certification in 18 months.
MATHEMATICS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Professor Emerita of Mathematics Ximena Catepillán was the 2025 recipient of the Yueh-Gin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious award for distinguished service to the field of mathematics presented by the Mathematical Association of America.
Dr. Deborah Tamakloe
Police Chief Pete Anders ’02
Ethan Hulsey, SID
Professor Ximena Catepillán
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Millersville University continues to strengthen its partnerships with schools, organizations and local agencies through meaningful outreach and engagement. From community service and volunteerism to educational collaborations and youth programs, these initiatives reflect the University’s enduring commitment to learning beyond the classroom and fostering positive impact throughout the region.
DAY OF CARING PARTICIPATION
More than 350 Millersville students, faculty, administration and staff participated in United Way of Lancaster’s Day of Caring event on Sept. 14, 2024, doubling last year’s participation. The University marked its 23rd consecutive year of participation in this event.
WOMEN IN STEM CONFERENCE
The 37th Annual Women in Mathematics, Science and Technology Conference engaged nearly 200 middle and high school students and their advisors from 41 schools in seven surrounding counties, including the Migrant Education program, with presentations by 15 female role models and a keynote address from Dr. Gale Blackmer, state geologist of Pennsylvania.
FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES FUEL SERVICE
Millersville University’s fraternity and sorority organizations raise funds for worthy causes and increase awareness of local nonprofits through their philanthropic efforts. Whether it’s a bake sale, canned drive, blood drive or car wash, every organization supports a cause through fundraising events. The groups raised nearly $4,500 for nonprofits in 2024.
1,100 + hours of community service completed by honors college students
100 + unique agencies/settings in 2024-2025
EARLY ENROLLMENT PROGRAM GROWTH
The Penn Manor Early Enrollment Program welcomed a second cohort of high school students to Millersville University business courses. Of the first cohort of 21 students in fall 2023, 19 enrolled in college, including three at Millersville. As the program targets students uncertain about pursuing a degree, this outcome strongly demonstrates its value.
REGIONAL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD HOSTED
The PA Central Region Science Olympiad, hosted by Millersville, brought to campus close to 500 competitors representing 22 schools competing in the Class B (secondary) division and 15 schools competing in the Class C (middle school) division.
2,200 enrolled students are from Lancaster County
SOCIAL WORK PARTNERSHIPS EXPANDED
Millersville University’s School of Social Work maintains nearly 400 affiliation agreements with community partners, offering students hands-on learning across diverse settings – from hospitals and schools to innovative sites like Lone Oak Animal-Assisted Therapeutic & Educational Services, which integrates equine-assisted therapy into social work practice.
MU Alumni Work in Lancaster County
MU PROUD ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
Millersville alumni continue to excel in their professions, strengthen community connections and embody Marauder pride worldwide. From career achievements and national recognition to vibrant engagement initiatives and storytelling projects, their accomplishments reflect the enduring impact of a Millersville education.
Mike Bettwy ’06 is the operations chief for the Forecast Office at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
ALUMNI STORIES SHARED NATIONWIDE
Taylor Hornberger ’15 was promoted to senior SEO product manager and growth marketing specialist at Indeed. He is completing his MBA at Boston University.
Through the Publishing Concepts, Inc. Oral History Project, Millersville alumni from across generations shared their personal stories, reflections and memories of their time at the ’Ville. The project collected 1,041 unique alumni stories, ranging from first-generation college experiences to lifelong friendships and career milestones, and helped the University exceed its annual engagement goal. In total, Millersville connected with 11,997 alumni during the project period, strengthening our collective sense of Marauder pride and community.
Employment Related to Field of Study
MARVELOUS MARAUDERS HONORED
The Marvelous Marauders recognizes alumni each year who have demonstrated dedication, professional achievement, excellence and, most importantly, a commitment to staying engaged with Millersville University after graduating. The 2024-2025 class included Margaret “Maggi” Barton ’17, Dr. Dexter L. Davis Sr. ’77, Aaron R. Dread ’94, Rep. Justin C. Fleming ’02, Amy R. Hoffman ’94, Todd M. Mealy, Ph.D. ’01, Rachel L. Mowry ’24, Luisa B. Olivo-Wolf ’09, James F. Phipps ’86, Emily Reed ’96, Carroll “Butch” Staub ’72 and Emmali T. Wertz ’18.
2024 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
The 2024 Alumni Association Awards were presented to the following: Distinguished Alumni Award – T. Greg Hall ’71; Honorary Alumnus Award – Dr. Beth Powers; Outstanding Volunteer Service Award – Cheryl Youtz ’69, ‘72M; Young Alumni Achievement Awards – Dana Wile ’11, ‘15M; Jessica Smeltz ’04, Ph.D.; and Christine Persun ’17, ‘22M.
EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS
Millersville student-athletes exemplify excellence on and off the field, achieving championship success while maintaining strong academic performance. Their dedication, teamwork and leadership reflect the University’s commitment to developing well-rounded scholars, competitors and community role models.
Millersville Baseball celebrates as PSAC champions.
Morgan Janiuk
Bryce Beatty
Jordan Plempel
Bo Meakim
HIGHLIGHTS
ATHLETICS GIVING
TOTAL GIVING:
$2,289,612
TOTAL GIFTS: 3,823
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS:
Endowed Scholarships
Edward L. ’64 and Kathy H. ’69 Schoenberger Soccer Scholarship
Randall S. Bauer ’62 Men’s Soccer Scholarship
Named Annual Scholarships
Burkholder Family Financial Athlete Scholarship
Ed Fried Memorial Softball Scholarship
Joe Klinedinst ’99 Memorial Wrestling Scholarship
John Brogan ’16 Baseball Scholarship
Lancaster Alliance Wrestling (LAW) Scholarship
Marion Swim Scholarship
Mary Rose Kowalinski Golf Scholarship
Randall S. Bauer ’62 Men’s Soccer Endowed Scholarship
• Sixth place in the PSAC’s Dixon Trophy standings
• 52 All-PSAC honorees
• Baseball – PSAC East and PSAC Tournament Champions
• Women’s Track – PSAC Outdoor Championships Runner-Up
• Women’s Swimming – Best-ever PSAC Championships finish
• Men’s Golf – NCAA Atlantic/East Super Regional qualifier
• Individual National Qualifiers: Bryce Beatty and Nick Cottone (wrestling), Morgan Janiuk (cross country)
3.30 department GPA
64
4.0 studentathletes
236 dean’s list members
244 PSAC scholarathletes
3.62 top team GPA award for men’s tennis EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM
45 academic alldistrict selections
A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY
Gifts of every size, from transformative major donations to individual contributions, strengthened Millersville’s mission this year, fueling scholarships innovation, and opportunities that ensure a lasting impact for students and the University community.
On March 5, 2025, the International Programs and Services Office was designated the Michael G. Warfel ’84 Center for International Programs & Services to honor the contributions and support of Chairman Warfel.
RECORD-BREAKING ONE DAY GIVE
The 12th annual One Day Give ended with a record-breaking $1,103,368 raised in just 24 hours from 2,413 gifts. The money raised during this online day of giving supports student scholarships, athletics, student experiences and more.
STRONG YEAR IN GIVING
As of June 30, 2025, $7,369,890 was raised in private giving for fiscal year 2025. Fundraising highlights include:
• Exceeded the fundraising goal for endowments by raising more than 6% over goal for the fiscal year, with $3,181,858 in cash and commitments.
• Total donors to the University reached 4,991, representing a 1,290 donor increase and the highest participation since 2021.
International students pose for a photo with President Wubah and Chairman Warfel.
UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
Tuition & Fees (45)
State Appropriation (28) Gifts, Grants and Contracts (2.5) Other Sources (4)
(20.5)
Revenues
Expenses
$75,697,003
Total Revenues
$851,000 largest gift for fiscal year 2025
$6,889,444
$168,264,039
Tuition & Fees (45)
State Appropriation (28)
Personnel Compensation (59) Services, Supplies and Other Expenses (16)
Gifts, Grants and Contracts (2.5)
Personnel Compensation Services, Supplies and Other Expenses Capital Expenditures
Capital Expenditures (2.5)
Other Sources (4)
&
Auxilaries (20.5)
Transfers to & from Plant & Endowment (4)
Auxiliaries (20.5)
$7,369,890 private giving total for fiscal year 2025