Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College President Barbara K. Mistick has been chosen as a recipient of the 2017 Women of Influence award, an annual Central Penn Business Journal program recognizing 30 of the midstate’s top women leaders.

The Women of Influence Award goes to women leaders who are influential in their companies, industries and communities; and have solid reputations based on their experience, integrity, leadership and accomplishments, according to CPBJ. Judges chose Mistick, who was nominated by the Harrisburg law firm Rhoads & Sinon, for her leadership and achievements at Wilson, as well as her contributions to the community.

“I am honored and humbled to be included among such an inspiring group of women in the midstate region,” said Mistick. “Women in leadership are not always recognized for their achievements, so I want to thank Central Penn Business Journal and the other sponsors for the Women of Influence awards program. I’m also grateful to Rhoads & Sinon for nominating me for this distinction.”

Mistick joined Wilson College on July 1, 2011. One her first actions was leading an initiative to transform the chronically under-enrolled institution, resulting in the expansion of coeducation and the creation of the Wilson Today plan, which set out five key areas of focus to improve Wilson’s enrollment levels. Wilson Today includes a “value plan” that has reduced or kept tuition steady for the past seven years and created a first-of-its-kind student loan buyback plan.

Mistick has also led an initiative to transform the campus, renovating three residence halls and constructing a new academic quad and main entrance for the institution. In addition, she successfully completed a $12 million fundraising campaign for the award-winning renovation and expansion of the John Stewart Memorial Library, reopening the building after four years of closure.

Under Mistick’s leadership, Wilson College has increased total enrollment from 695 students in fall 2012 to 1,098 students last fall —the largest class in Wilson’s history—and has added eight undergraduate programs, along with seven graduate programs.

“Wilson College's transition to a coeducational institution, followed by its subsequent growth, is a testament to Dr. Mistick's leadership and vision as president of Wilson,” said Drake Nicholas, an attorney with Rhoads & Sinon.

Prior to her unanimous appointment as Wilson’s president, Mistick was president of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, where she provided strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Pittsburgh public library system, which serves approximately 1.2 million people.

Mistick has a doctorate in management from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Business, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Carlow College.

As an award winner, Mistick will be recognized at an event to be held June 26 at the Hilton Harrisburg, as well as in the June 30 issue of CPBJ.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Cathy Mentzer, manager of media relations
Phone: 717-262-2604
Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu

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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 34 majors and master’s degrees in education, educational technology, special education, the humanities, accountancy, management, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.

Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college has a fall 2016 enrollment of 1,098, which includes students from 18 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.