“I began college on a very different path, but the COVID-19 pandemic made me to realize that there was more I could do to serve others in my future career. After traveling to the Dominican Republic to work in healthcare clinics for sugarcane farmers with Wilson College, I realized my passions for healthcare and social sciences can intersect. I love that nursing allows me to connect with my community and advocate for my patients.
My mom is an alumna of Wilson College and has worked on the nursing staff as a clinical instructor. Growing up, I loved hearing stories about her experience as a student and all of the school traditions. When I transferred schools, I was looking for a smaller-knit community. I was nervous to make this transition, but many members of the nursing staff reached out before I had even enrolled. This warm welcome helped me to choose Wilson College, as I knew the support would continue through my time as a nursing student.”
My favorite aspect of Wilson College’s nursing program is the size. Our small class sizes mean that I get to know my professors and fellow classmates well which creates a more cohesive working environment. Nursing is a field that relies heavily on collaboration, and I believe that the tight-knit atmosphere of Wilson’s nursing program is helping to prepare for my future career. In larger nursing programs, it may be easy for students who are struggling to “slip through the cracks.” This is never a concern at Wilson because there is such a close and supportive relationship between the students and faculty. I know that my professors care about my individual success and will support me in whatever way they can.
The opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with Wilson’s Nursing and Spanish departments has also shaped my career path. Working in med clinics in the DR gave me the opportunity to strengthen my nursing and Spanish skills, and also allowed me to identify my passion for global health advocacy. I’ve been able to travel back to the DR to continue this work and I am so grateful that Wilson College introduced me to this specific field of nursing.”
Mary (Libby) Heaton ‘25
Wilson College faculty and staff were featured poetry readers at the First Friday Reading Series at Ragged Edge Coffeeshop in Gettysburg. The readers included Michael Cornelius, Professor of English; Matthew McBride, Professor of English; Joy Merchant, Academic Support Center Administrative Assistant; Joshua Legg, MFA Program Director; and Michael Bloomford, Academic Support Center Directorr. We all know how talented they are so it's great to see them share their work off campus.
Wilson has received a $4,000 grant from the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) for scholarships for students pursuing equine or animal-related majors.
On July 20, 2023, Wilson College received notification of the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) intent to support scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarship recipients include three students, Alexis Knowles ‘24, Victoria Cooper ‘24, and Rebecca Galvin ‘24.
The recipients and their degrees are as follows: Alexis Knowles majoring in veterinary nursing and concentrating in equine medicine; Victoria Cooper majoring in equine studies; Rebecca Galvin majoring in veterinary nursing and concentrating in equine medicine.
Rebecca Galvin shares her excitement about graduating this year and getting out into the field of veterinary nursing, “I am very excited to graduate and be able to go out into the world of equine medicine. I am ready to go out and help educate and aid owners with their passions and desires regarding their horses of all breeds and disciplines.”
TERF provides scholarships for students who have a major in equine studies, equine-facilitated therapeutics, veterinary nursing, or animal studies. They aim to provide scholarships that align with their specific mission of promoting equine education and research for students who are majoring in veterinary nursing or other supported organizations that educate the public in the proper care of horses.
Since 2015, TERF has been generous enough to provide Wilson College student recipients with over $97,000 in scholarship awards. Awards are based on student need, scholastic achievement, and equine-related aspirations. Any student enrolled in equine studies, equine-facilitated therapeutics, veterinary nursing, or animal studies is eligible for these TERF scholarships and awards.
At Wilson, the beautiful thing is these TERF award recipients are truly passionate and ambitious about their studies. Victoria Cooper describes her future aspirations as she closes this chapter at Wilson saying, “I have loved and had horses since I was a kid. I started at 7 years old. My mom often had to drag me in from the barn at dark! After graduation, I plan on getting a job managing a barn until I can buy land and build my own facility.”
Alexis Knowles reflects on her senior year as she continues to pursue her passion of helping horses stating, “I have gained so much experience from this time and opportunity that I was given. I have loved the time I spent working at this facility. It made me realize that this is the exact career that I want to be in when I graduate. After graduation I plan on moving to an area where there are more opportunities for equine veterinary technicians.”
At Wilson College, the 2023-2024 TERF grant program is directed by Dr. Janice Holland, Associate Professor and Director of Equine Studies and Tammy Ege, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Nursing and Director of Veterinary Nursing.
To learn more about the TERF scholarships and awards visit https://www.terfusa.org/
Wilson College's online master of educational technology program was chosen as one of Forbes best online educational technology master's degree.
One reason it was chosen was because Wilson's program is highly customizable.
Read more of the article here: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/best-education-technology-mast…
Wilson College's Single Parent Scholar Program was included in an article by newamerica.org about providing housing for student parent scholars. "Wilson College’s Single Parent Scholar Program supports up to twelve students annually who are pursuing a bachelor's degree full-time while raising up to two children Starting in 2020, the program began awarding grants to cover on-campus housing for all students accepted to the SPS program."
Read more here: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/leading-the-way-c…
Fall 2023 Enrollment Is Second Highest in College’s History
Wilson College announced today that it has reached the second highest total enrollment in its history, with 1,555 enrolled students at the Fall 2023 Census. The figure represents a 14 percent increase over Fall 2022 enrollment and the highest enrollment since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are delighted that an increased number of students will receive a transformative Wilson College education,” President Wes Fugate said. “Students and their families are responding to the College’s focus on affordability while delivering a career-oriented education with a strong liberal-arts foundation to ensure that our graduates can navigate the ever-changing world—truly the best of both worlds. We are proud to deliver that education to students from all over the world as a result of our programs in Chambersburg, at various sites around Pennsylvania, and through our robust online offerings.”
Four populations of students contributed to this positive uptick in total enrollment year over year. New first-time-in-college, traditional-age undergraduates increased by 32 percent compared to Fall 2022. In addition, the Teacher Certification Program saw an increase of 66 students, followed by a net increase of 34 Wilson College Online graduate degree seekers and 12 non-degree high school/dual enrollment students.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson College was considered the 25th fastest growing higher-education institution in the country. Like other colleges and universities, Wilson experienced a downturn in enrollment as a result of the pandemic and unprecedented upheaval in the educational environment. As a result of its latest strategic plan, the College has expanded programming and launched Wilson College Online, to make a Wilson education more accessible.
Veterinary nursing major Ariel Noel ‘24 shares, “From a young age, I have always had an interest in veterinary medicine. When I saw Wilson College at a high school college fair, I knew it was right for me. The table was covered in information about the animals on campus and the different clubs/programs you could participate in. The veterinary nursing program here at Wilson has clarified how I want to pursue my veterinary career. The program has wonderful staff who are super personable and always ready to help at any time of the day. This really is a great program, and I believe that it has set me up for success in my future career.”
Faculty and staff at Wilson College are presenting some of the latest and most interesting topics at the event known as Common Hour.
This year, Melodie Hoff and Ronda Ranalli are in charge of creating and scheduling these events. Melodie Hoff stated , “The Common Hour events are particularly meaningful to schedule because they create a sense of community among faculty, staff, and students. Planning Common Hour events is not stressful because presenters are always eager and excited to participate and share their research, and attendees enjoy the fellowship. The fresh baked pizza and cookies are also a delicious bonus.”
What is Common Hour?
Common Hour’s goal is to highlight Wilson College’s professors, faculty, and students who have conducted research in their specific fields of study. Common Hour events are scheduled each semester with new speakers presenting their research. Professor Julie Raulli shares her excitement on the upcoming Common Hour in October, “I am excited that several recipients of the Earthwatch Award, myself included, will be able to share their "citizen science" experiences with the Wilson community. I'm also excited that Joan Thuebel, Class of '52, who generously supports this opportunity, and Denise McDowell, Director of Major Gifts, will be present to discuss the history of the Earthwatch Award at Wilson.”
Truly, Common Hour sessions are not to just share the research, but also to encourage curiosity, questioning, and further research. Dr. Michael Cornelius says that, “Events like these are, in some ways, the purest form of that – an audience listening to a passionate speaker talk on a matter they have been very recently researching, and then asking questions and sharing their own thoughts on the subject as well.”
When is Common Hour Held?
Common Hour is open to the public to come listen and enjoy learning. The next Common Hour dates are October 10th and November 14th. The talks are held on the ground floor of the John Stewart Memorial Library from 11 a.m. till Noon. The faculty senate, Melodie Hoff, Ronda Ranalli, and Dr. Michael Cornelius believe that “knowledge and learning are at the heart of everything we do.”
Common Hour does just that.
Why should I attend Common Hour?
Common Hour strives to encourage further knowledge, learning, and growth.
Though life may get overwhelming at times and students are constantly on the move here at Wilson College, Common Hours may be just the perfect break to walk away from the busy schedule, listen, and take in new, fascinating ideas and information about our world. Common Hour aims to always remind Wilson faculty, staff, and students that learning, gaining knowledge, and encouraging curiosity is at the heart of growth, spreading ideas, and making impossible dreams become a reality.
For more information on Common Hour visit https://www.wilson.edu/common-hour or our social media pages.
Written by Morgan Faith for ENG 309 Social Media/Web Content Practicum class
Relaunched choir revives campus music tradition with emphasis on inclusion.
Music at Wilson College invites the community to join students, faculty, and staff in the Cumberland Valley Chorale at Wilson College for its 2023-24 season.
Rehearsals take place on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Alumnae Chapel in Thomson Hall, Wilson College, beginning September 10. All voice parts are welcome, and no audition is required.
The Chorale will present a Christmas Vespers concert on December 10, 2023, and a spring concert on April 28, 2024. The ensemble is under the direction of Dillon Beede, Wilson College’s Director of Choral Activities.
Formerly the Wilson College Choir, the Cumberland Valley Chorale at Wilson College expands on the tradition of choral music at Wilson College to include the greater Chambersburg community.
“Music is a way to build connections with our community across beliefs, identity, age, and more,” Beede said. “The Chorale is a space for every voice to come together and create moments of transcendence, beauty, and peace.”
Wilson College Master of Organizational Leadership student, Rebecca "Becky" Whigham spent four weeks in Uganda this summer studying food security and education from a global perspective. She did it as part of her guided study class called Studies in Global Food Security.
The experience, called Teach Ag Uganda, was a USDE Fulbright-Hays funded trip coordinated between Global Teach Ag Network (GTAN) and Penn State. Daniel Foster and Melanie Miller Foster, the founders of GTAN led the trip with partnership from Field of Hope. The goal was to pair educator teams from the United States with five schools in Uganda to develop a project focused on combatting food insecurity in that local area.
Agriculture teacher Okello Bonny, Becky, Entrepreneurship teacher Ateng Rachel, Penn Manor Agriculture teacher Mary Wurzbach, and Agriculture teacher Oluma Tom Richard.
Becky explained, "I had the privilege of traveling with other amazing educators from across the country and we collaborated with Field of Hope, a US based nonprofit that support agriculture programs in Uganda. We worked with agriculture teachers in Uganda on a poultry program that supported project -based learning related to agriculture."
The team of educators worked with St. Katherine Secondary School, an all-girls boarding school in Boroboro, Lira District, Uganda, to create a poultry project. It was facilitated by the school's poultry club and they will be raising four hundred egg laying hens using a deep litter system.
One day-hatchlings arriving for the poultry project.
Becky teaches middle school family and consumer science at Big Spring Middle School, and obtained her teaching certification in English after completing the Teacher Certification Pathways (TCP) program at Wilson College in 2010. (Fun fact - Becky even met her husband in a TCP class at Wilson.) As a Master of Organizational Leadership student, Becky is developing the skills to be an effective leader in her career and community. Part of the MOL mission is to develop honorable leaders, effective communicators, and agents of justice. The Teach Ag Uganda trip met all these objectives.
Becky added, "It was an incredible experience, and I was so grateful to pursue graduate credit for the time spent. I have always had a passion for agriculture and there is a natural collaboration between FCS and Agriculture education—they need each other."
The team also went on a safari, an exciting opportunity to see animals in the wild!
