In his first 100 days as President of PennWest University, Jon Anderson has taken strides toward shaping a future grounded in collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. In a heartfelt message to the university community, Dr. Anderson expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his family have received, particularly the unique opportunities that come with being part of an institution in its formative years.
As PennWest celebrates its second anniversary, integrating its four campuses—California, Clarion, Edinboro, and Global Online—has laid the groundwork for a dynamic educational environment.
Anderson outlined three core objectives to guide the university’s efforts in the coming academic year. First, he emphasized the need to define a clear vision and value proposition for PennWest. This initiative is intended to unify various strategic documents and plans into a cohesive direction that promotes a sense of purpose among students, faculty, and staff. By establishing a shared vision, the university hopes to boost student enrollment and implement sustainable practices that support rigorous academic programs. Early discussions have already led to the identification of five key goals for 2025 and 35 objectives for 2035, setting a robust foundation for the future.
The second focus area, engaging the “neural network” within the university, is a unique approach that Anderson proposes for improving organizational effectiveness. Recognizing the diverse strengths of PennWest’s personnel, he advocates for a more inclusive model that encourages collaboration across departments and campuses. By cultivating an environment where individuals can connect and problem-solve collectively, PennWest strives to break down traditional hierarchies and promote a culture of transparency and accountability. This approach not only nurtures individual creativity but also strengthens the institution as a whole.
Third, Anderson addressed the need to stabilize and strengthen PennWest’s systems. While some aspects of the university are performing well, challenges remain, particularly regarding financial stability and enrollment trends. By refining existing practices and stabilizing systems, the university will secure a healthier organizational structure that can sustain its academic mission effectively.
As PennWest moves forward, Anderson invites the community to actively participate in the ongoing conversation about the university’s direction. Upcoming open forums on each campus will provide opportunities to discuss budget and enrollment updates and progress on the Middle States Accreditation Review. These forums, scheduled for Oct. 15 at the Clarion Campus, Oct. 16 at the Edinboro Campus, and Oct. 17 at the California Campus, will serve as platforms for transparency and engagement within the university community.
The launch of “The Power of PennWest Podcast” offers another avenue for dialogue and insight into the administrative efforts driving the university’s progress. Featuring key Cabinet members, the podcast will delve into the strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts essential to PennWest’s success.
Anderson’s first 100 days have set a tone of openness, collaboration, and strategic vision for the future of PennWest. By focusing on refining the university’s vision, engaging its diverse community, and stabilizing its systems, Dr. Anderson hopes to propel PennWest into an era of renewed growth and excellence. As the university community embarks on this journey together, the emphasis on collaboration and shared purpose will undoubtedly define the next chapter in PennWest’s history, making it an exciting time for all stakeholders involved. Together, they are not just building a university; they are creating a dynamic university community.
