The College welcomed Tanya I. Garcia, Ph.D., the deputy secretary of the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to campus Friday, April 1. Garcia was accompanied by her colleague Kimberly McCurdy, Ph.D., the Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education director.

“We are proud of the supports we deliver to our students, making higher education attainable and affordable for all,” Wesley R. Fugate, Wilson’s president, said. “Dr. Garcia’s visit highlights our work to prepare a better-educated citizenry for the jobs of the future.”

The visitors took a tour of the student development offices in Lenfest Commons, where they spoke with staff from the Wellspan Clinic, Counselling Center, and Phoenix Against Violence about the services they offer students and staff. Next, they met with Rev. Derek Wadlington and learned about Sarah’s Cupboard and how the food bank helps feed students in need.

After that, they walked to Prentis Hall and toured the Single Parent Scholar housing. Katie Kough, the assistant dean of students, told them about the initiatives, programs, services, and staff that support single parents and help them succeed in college.

“Wilson College has been pioneering services to students with basic needs long before it became a trend,” Garcia said after the visit. “It was an honor to meet all of the dedicated staff who are increasing students’ sense of belonging on campus.”