Dr. R. Lorraine (Laurie) Bernotsky was unanimously named the 16th president of West Chester University by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), effective July 1, 2024. A longstanding champion for public education and State System students, Dr. Bernotsky is a first-generation college graduate who leads the largest *R2 institution within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Prior to being named president, Dr. Bernotsky held the position of interim president of Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) as a loaned executive from West Chester University. Known for being a transformative leader in higher education, Dr. Bernotsky is prepared to help West Chester University chart its path toward the next 150 years.
As a collaborative and inclusive leader who is centered on student success, Dr. Bernotsky holds nearly three decades of progressive experience in higher education. She began her career at West Chester University in 1996 as a member of the political science faculty. When the opportunity opened to serve as associate provost and dean of graduate studies at West Chester University, she competed in a national search for the role and served for several years before becoming provost in 2015.
As West Chester University’s provost, Dr. Bernotsky successfully led the University’s Academic Affairs Division, which oversees approximately 850 faculty and is comprised of six colleges, as well as two schools, that offers more than 100 academic degree programs while also housing the Office of Institutional Research, the Center for International Programs (now the Center for Global Engagement), the offices of undergraduate admissions, enrollment management, financial aid, the graduate school, and undergraduate student support services.
Executive vice president was added to Dr. Bernotsky’s role in 2017 and, as the University’s second-in-command, she also assumed leadership of the University’s budget and labor relations function.
Recognized throughout the Commonwealth as a highly respected and effective higher education leader, Dr. Bernotsky was asked by Chancellor Daniel Greenstein to serve PennWest temporarily in the fall of 2022 as executive vice president and chief operating officer, providing guidance and direction in all operational areas. From October 2022 through June 2023, Dr. Bernotsky worked collaboratively in this loaned capacity to help strengthen PennWest’s operational excellence, strategic enrollment management systems, and long-term plans for financial sustainability. The positive effects of Dr. Bernotsky’s work ultimately led to her appointment as interim president of PennWest on July 1, 2023 by PASSHE’s Board of Governors; she assumed the role four months after her appointment as PennWest’s acting president and following the retirement of PennWest founding president, Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson.
Terry Beattie begins his ninth athletic campaign as the Director of Athletics at West Chester University and 20th overall as a member of the Golden Rams’ athletic department. Previous to being named the Interim AD in 2017, Beattie served as the Associate AD overseeing facilities and game day operations. He also oversaw all of the grounds and equipment room operations for the athletic department.
A 32-year veteran in college athletics, Beattie recently spearheaded the development of the Michael Horrocks Emerging Leaders Institute at WCU, which provides leadership training and development to a select group of outstanding student athletes who, as recognized future leaders, will be taking on the mantle of leadership within their team sometime in the future.
In his eight years as the university’s athletics director, Beattie created a Sports Performance aspect to the athletic department implementing additional resources from which WCU student-athletes could benefit. His collaboration with a number of other areas on campus gives student-athletes access to mental health and sport psychology experts, an expanded and much improved strength and conditioning program as well as education on sport nutrition.
His work in the field of Sport Leadership Training gives West Chester University’s coaching staff and administrators access to some of the cutting edge research on how to become a better leader, coach and mentor to young adults.
He has also served on a number of strategic planning committee’s both within the athletic department and in conjunction with the university. During his previous 14 years in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Beattie has chaired search committees to replace head coaches and assistant athletic directors while coordinating scheduling for West Chester University’s numerous athletic facilities. He has also served on search committees on the university side.
Beattie supervised the athletic department’s nine on-campus facilities, including both John A. Farrell Stadium and Serpico Stadium as well as Vonnie Gros Field.
A member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Beattie was recently named the chair of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Athletic Administrators for the 2023-24 campaign. He has also served roles on the NCAA regional and national advisory committees overseeing selections to the NCAA Division II Tournament in a variety of sports.
About West Chester University
West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, regional, comprehensive institution committed to providing access and offering high-quality undergraduate education, select post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania.
West Chester University is committed to attracting, enrolling and graduating quality students from a wide variety of educational, cultural and economic backgrounds. This endeavor requires the University to attract and retain highly qualified faculty and staff and to provide each member of the University community with learning and leadership development opportunities. To this end, the University supports and encourages programs which benefit all people and which seek to eradicate discrimination and injustice. We treasure what we believe to be the highest principles of American society: the worth and uniqueness of each individual, the belief that success is to be earned by individual effort put forth in an environment founded on equality of opportunity, and the appreciation of the ideal of an inclusive society.
We believe that it is incumbent upon all members of our community - staff, students, faculty and administrators - to conduct themselves with civility toward one another at all times. We value the special talents and contributions of each member of our community. We further affirm the worth and dignity of each member and the shared responsibility of all to treat each other as individuals, with respect and courtesy.
As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society. To this end, West Chester University seeks to provide diligent advising for students and to focus on teaching students to think clearly and critically, to make logical and ethical judgments, and to communicate effectively with others.
West Chester University’s community strongly supports the principles of academic integrity and academic responsibility, viewing both as the province of every member of the campus community. We hold the highest esteem for teaching directed toward student learning and affirm that mastery of content as well as mastery of teaching skills necessary to communicate such content are paramount.
As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society.
West Chester University will be a national model for excellence for public regional comprehensive universities and is especially noted for:
l Undergraduate programs that actively engage students in connecting the life of the mind to the world in which they live and work.
l The responsiveness of its graduate and post-baccalaureate programs to regional needs.
l Its focus on providing lifelong-learning, technical, and applied skills essential to graduates’ success now and in the future.
l A commitment by faculty, staff, and administrators to provide access and to serve effectively the educational needs of a diverse student body.
l Its role as a leading educational and cultural resource and partner in fostering the economic, social, and cultural vitality of southeastern Pennsylvania.
ABOUT TODAY’S GAME
#1/1 WEST CHESTER (14-0, 10-0)
Head Coach: Ginny Martino Career Record: (420-83)
VS.
ALL-TIME SERIES: WCU Leads 8-0
Streak: W8 Last Meeting: 3/29/25 W, 24-9
SHEPHERD (4-10, 1-9)
Head Coach: Jenny Cavey Career Record: (60-87)
Opening Draw...The No. 1/2 West Chester University women’s lacrosse team (14-0,10-0 PSAC East) is preparing to return to action on Wednesday afternoon at home vs Shepherd (4-10, 1-9) in the last home game of the regular season, beginning at 4 p.m. This matchup features the Morgan’s Message and Lax 4 Life charities. The Golden Rams will finish up the regular season against Bloomsburg on Saturday. The Golden Rams wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and will receive a bye in the quarterfinals of the postseason tournament while hosting the semifinals and conference championship game at Vonnie Gros Field on Friday, May 2 and Sunday, May 4, respectively. It marks the third straight year in which the Golden Rams have won the Eastern Division and the sixth time overall in the seven years that the PSAC has split into divisions. West Chester appeared among the top eight ranked schools in the NCAA Atlantic Region poll last Wednesday. Last week’s initial poll was an alphabetical listing of the schools in consideration to be ranked. This week’s poll, due to be released sometime Wednesday afternoon, will rank the schools in order 1 through 8. The top six schools appearing in the final regional rankings will be selected for the NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse National Tournament. West Chester is 8-0 all-time against Shepherd and is currently riding an eight-game winning streak against the Rams. In the matchup between these two conference rivals earlier in th year, Barnett led the scoring with eight goals and Wasdick played a major role, scoring six of her own. Edinger had four assists on the day, springing some life into the offense.
WCU Women’s Lacrosse Notes ...West Chester remained unbeaten last Wednesday afternoon with 18-13 victory over then-No. 14 Kutztown at Keystone Field. West Chester got out to a fast start with a 4-1 advantage after the first quarter. The Golden Bears tried to fight back, but were outscored again in the second 6-4. In the second half, both teams remained even in scoring with four a piece in each quarter. Keri Barnett (finished with six goals and 10 total points on the afternoon. Madeline Edinger had a great afternoon as well, scoring four goals in the matchup. Lila McMahon-Skates finished with a hat trick and an assist for four points. Sydney Wasdick scored twice and assisted on two others. Audrey Miller finished with a goal and an assist to round out the offense. West Chester ended the game with a dominant 23-12 advantage on draws and a 28-17 lead in ground balls. Hannah Cornelius was victorious in goal once again, making five saves in 60 minutes of action. This brings her record to 10-0 on the season in cage. Outscoring opponents 263-124, West Chester is one of the top offensive units in Division II, averaging 18.8 goals per game with a +10.3 scoring margin on the year, both of which are the best in the PSAC and second and third best in Division II. Barnett averages 1.92 free-position goals per game, which is also the best in DII.
Shepherd Women’s Lacrosse Notes...Shepherd is coming off a home loss to Bloomsburg Saturday, falling to the Husky’s, 21-12. They were led by Katie Paredes, who scored three goals, including the 100th of her career. Supporting Parades, attackers Kelsey King, Holly Poe, Aubrey Harrison, and freshman Katherine Stevenson 1each tallied a pair of goals. In goal, Destiny Rockwell recorded five saves in the loss. The defense was led by Sydney Witmer with defense ground balls, three draw controls and two caused turnovers. Shepherd led the game in shots, 36-30, in ground balls, 30-23, and a narrow edge in draw controls, 19-17.
Up Next... West Chester will be back in action on Saturday at Bloomsburg for its regular-season finale against the Huskies beginning at 1 p.m.
THE MARTINO FILE
Ginny Martino
TITLE: Head Coach
Years at WCU: 27th
Alma Mater: UMass ‘88
Entering her 27th season on the sidelines, West Chester University women’s lacrosse head coach, Ginny Martino has built the Golden Rams’ program into a perennial Division II national power while becoming the all-time winningest head coach in the NCAA at the Division II level while also becoming just the eighth women’s lacrosse head coach at any level to reach 400 career wins.
Martino, the longest tenured head coach in the PSAC as well as at West Chester University, has led her charges to the Division II national title game 11 times in 24 years that the NCAA has sponsored a Division II national championship in the sport of lacrosse. The hardware crowding Martino’s trophy case is evidence of the dominance the Golden Rams have displayed both nationally and within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference during her administration.
In 26 seasons at West Chester, Martino has authored a 405-83 (.824) record overall and a 252-21 (.920) mark against PSAC competition. She became the all-time winningest women’s lacrosse coach in Division II history in 2012 and pushed past the 300-win plateau in 2018. She joined the exclusive 400-win club last spring. Additionally, Martino has authored a 34-10 (.762) record in the PSAC Tournament and an 23-16 (.595) record in the NCAA Division II Tournament23-18 overall, counting the two seasons that Martino participated in the Division I Tournament (1998, 1999).
Martino’s .824 career winning percentage is the third-best in Division II history and eighth-best among women’s lacrosse coaches at any level. Her 405 career victories ranks eighth at all levels of coaching as well.
Under Martino’s tutelage, the Golden Rams strung together a 72-game conference winning streak that spanned seven years. A loss at Bloomsburg in March 2012 brought an end to the streak that was just eight wins shy of the NCAA all-time record of 80 straight conference wins set by Stonehill College. The Golden Rams have reached double figures in wins in each of the past 21 seasons.
Martino’s teams have won 15 conference titles, two national crowns, earned five league coach of the year honors (2001, 2005, 2018, 2023 and 2024) and two national coach of the year (2002, 2008) recognitions while leading her team to the national semifinals an amazing 12 times.
Over the past six seasons, West Chester has gone 110-9 overall and 69-2 in conference play while winning five PSAC titles. In 2023, Martino and the Golden Rams found themselves in the national championship game once again after running through the regular season, conference tournament and first three rounds of the NCAA Tournament undefeated. Martino brought home the Atlantic Region crown for the second time, before topping Grand Valley State in the national semifinals to run her career record in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament to an astounding 11-1. Pace University ended West Chester’s bid at a perfect season in the national championship.
Martino and her charges were ranked No. 1 in the country for seven consecutive weeks last spring from March through the end ot the regular season. West Chester finished the campaign with the best record in the nation at 221. It’s 22 wins were a program record and tied the national mark for most wins in a single season. West Chester’s appearance in the national championship game broke a tie with Adelphi for the most appearances in a final (11) in Division II history. Both the Golden Rams’ appearances in the NCAA Tournament (15) and wins in the NCAA Tournament (22) are second all-time behind Adelphi.
In 2019, the Golden Rams made another run to the national championship game - its first appearance in the title game since 2012 - before a loss to Adelphi ended their quest for the national crown. Along the way, West Chester won the regular-season PSAC title and the postseason tournament, before taking the Atlantic Regional title for the first time.
In 2018, Martino guided her charges through an undefeated regular season and grabbed the 12th PSAC Championship in her illustrious career. She followed that up with her 12th trip to the NCAAs. The Golden Rams’ loss to East Stroudsburg in the quarterfinals was the lone blemish on the team’s ledger in 2018. In 2015, West Chester made an NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
In 2013, West Chester University won its conference-record 21st PSAC Championship with an 8-7 victory over rival Lock Haven on the road. It marked the 11th PSAC title for Martino, but first since 2008. West Chester has missed the NCAA Tournament just seven times since the NCAA instituted a Division II championship in 2001.
In 2012, Martino once again landed her Golden Rams in the national championship game at the Division II Festival in Louisville, Ky. A 17-16 setback to then-C.W. Post was all that stood between Martino and her third national title. Junior attacker Tori Dugan set the school record with 134 draw controls while posting 94 points.
In 2011, Martino guided the Golden Rams to the national semifinals after a 16-5 campaign that saw them play for the conference championship for the sixth straight year. A 10-9 setback to No. 3 Limestone in the national semifinals marked the first time that West Chester lost an NCAA Tournament game that was not the national championship game. West Chester was 11-0 in the PSAC regular season.
In 2010, The Golden Rams put together a perfect 10-0 mark in regular season conference play and a 19-2 overall ledger. West Chester played for the PSAC championship for the fifth consecutive year and eventually reached the NCAA title game for the eighth time under Martino. She was lauded IWLCA South Region coach of the year after entering the campaign with a young and inexperienced roster and little expectations for postseason play.
In 2009, West Chester won the PSAC Eastern Division crown in the first year that the conference split into two divisions. The Golden Rams finished a perfect 10-0 in conference play and 14-3 overall. The Rams dropped a 13-10 decision to No. 4 Lock Haven in the conference final, after defeating No. 5 Mercyhurst, 10-8, in the semifinals. However, that resume was not sufficient to earn West Chester an opportunity to defend its national title in the NCAA Tournament. It marked the first time since 2003 that the Golden Rams did not qualify for the NCAAs.
Martino guided her charges to the school’s second national championship in 2008, winning the last 20 games of the season in the process. The Golden Rams finished 20-1 overall and avenged the season-opening loss to Limestone in the national semifinals. The 14-year veteran on West Chester’s sideline captured her second national championship in seven years with the Rams’ 13-12 victory over C.W. Post in the title game in Houston, Texas.
West Chester captured the school’s fifth straight conference title and 20th overall before heading to the NCAA Tournament. The Golden Rams’ 20-1 record set a new school mark and represents the second most victories in a single season by any Division II program in NCAA history.
As a result of the Golden Rams’ success that year, Martino was named IWLCA national coach of the year at the Division II level as well as FieldTurf Division II coach of the year for the second straight campaign.
Martino tutored attacker Stephanie Kienle’s extraordinary college career as the local product finished her career with a national record 146 points in 2008, topping her previous record total of 140 the year before. Kienle graduated as the NCAA all-time scoring leader with 369 points in her four seasons at West Chester University.
In 2005, the Golden Rams posted a 17-2 overall mark and a perfect 12-0 record in the PSAC. Martino was selected as the loop’s coach of the year for the second time.
In 2001, Martino led WCU to the PSAC title and an appearance in the NCAA II national championship game. In recognition of that outstanding achievement, she was named the 2001 PSAC coach of the year.
The Golden Rams also made consecutive appearances in the predominantly Division I National Collegiate Lacrosse Championship in 1998 and 1999. Martino was selected the 1998 Division II national coach of the year in her rookie season.
A 1988 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Martino was a four-year standout for the Minutewomen, while also a member of the New England National Lacrosse Team from 1987-88.
Martino’s career at UMass culminated in a New England Regional Lacrosse and National Lacrosse all-star team honors. After graduation, Martino played lacrosse in what was then Czechoslovakia for Team USA in 1989, the Philadelphia National Lacrosse Team in 1990-91, and the Central Region National Lacrosse Team in 1993.
Martino resides in Cochranville, Pa., with her husband Dan. They have two grown children, Ryan and Jordan.
