Olivia Heilemann
Editor-in-Chief
The annual State of the Ville event was held on Friday in the Clair Performance Hall in the Winter Center. MU’s president, Dr. Daniel Wubah, gave his annual speech on the current conditions of the university and also announced the winners of the EPPIIC Values awards, which were presented to members who effectively represent MU’s core values.
“Among our annual traditions at the ‘Ville, this event is one of my favorites because we come together with renewed energy to reflect on the previous year and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year,” said Wubah.
After this introduction, a moment of silence was held for Thea Cassidy, Michael McCall, and Sanai Browning, students who had passed during the previous academic year.
Dr. Wubah then took the time to welcome new faculty and staff members, especially Dr. Kate Cochran, the new director of athletics, as well as reflect on his travels in Africa over the summer.
“It is often said that traveling can be a powerful catalyst for deepening our appreciation for home because we experience different cultures, lifestyles, and environments that enable us to see our community with fresh eyes,” said Wubah.
Then, Wubah shared the ways that MU has made a difference in the community throughout the past year, including being a cornerstone for the local workforce, particularly in education and nursing. In just May’s commencement, about 350 teachers and 130 nurses graduated with the majority entering the local workforce. MU also serves as a hub for cultural and intellectual growth, showcasing international and local talent. On top of all of that, MU hosted the first conference on artificial intelligence in Lancaster, as well as put over $250 million into the economy.
Wubah also shared about MU’s partnerships with Harrisburg Area Community College, Excentia Human Services, Church World Services, Willow Valley Communities, Lampire Laboratories, and Precision Cobotics.
“It is safe to say that our deep commitment to public mission makes Millersville’s impact go far beyond our campus to shape the Lancaster County’s future,” said Wubah
For the remainder of the address, Wubah spoke on the strategic directions MU has taken in the past five years, each acting as a pillar of success.
The first pillar focuses on “ensuring access, affordability and completion” and mentions the current enrollment for this fall being at 7,046 students, 5,917 of which are undergraduates, and 1,550 being first-year students. There are also 45 new international students representing 22 nations across the globe.
To ensure stronger enrollment as part of the first strategic direction, MU has partnered with Penn Manor High School and McCaskey High School for a new early college program. The Trio Grant has also continued to reach students at 10 different high schools which is expected to introduce 100 additional first-year students in the next academic year. Wubah also mentioned the university’s dedication to productivity and planning to ensure more and more students graduate in four years or less. Part of this plan is continuing the flat-rate tuition, allowing Pennsylvania residents affordable education.
The second strategic direction is transforming student experiences and fostering innovation. This area includes revamping the residential communities with living and learning communities and affinity housing. Micro-Credential programs are also available to students to accentuate their career skills, leading them to success. These certifications include the Grow with Google certificates and a school-safety preparedness micro credential presented by the Pennsylvania School Board Association.
As for athletics, just over 200 student-athletes at MU are PSAC Scholar-Athletes, having them hold a 3.25 GPA or higher.
The third pillar of the strategic plan is “investing strategically in people in place.” Wubah mentioned two faculty members who won awards that coincide with this pillar. Dr. Richard Joseph Behun, associate professor of Psychology, won the Counselor Educator of the Year award from the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association, and Dr. Duane Hagelgans from emergency management was the Blanket of Honor recipient from Honors Veterans and First Responders.
Wubah also mentioned the successes of finances in this pillar, meeting the fundraising goals of almost $7 million from philanthropy alone. $826,634 of this was raised in just 24 hours of Millersville’s annual One Day Give, breaking the record amount raised in the event’s history. New members of the Fiat Lux Society, a club recognizing MU’s top donors were announced. These new members are Bennett and Joanne Cooper, Thomas Densmore, and Elizabeth “Betty” Snyder.
Among these financial successes, there are plans to install a new HVAC system in Pucillo Gym and renovate Brooks Hall to become the new permanent home of the Lombardo College of Business. Other aspects of the third pillar include establishing an innovation task force and offering a new summer institute for AI education.
The fourth and final strategic direction is to communicate our value as an institution. Part of this pillar is increasing our relations with the City of Lancaster Office of Promotion, Discover Lancaster, and the Lancaster City Alliance “to create opportunities for our students to engage with local businesses and recreational opportunities.”
“Ultimately, telling our story is vital to our success as an institution and it allows us to celebrate our people,” said Wubah.
With that note, Wubah then went on to announce the winners of the 2024 EPPIIC Values Awards. The winners are as listed below:
Exploration – Dr John Haughery, Assistant Professor, Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology Program Coordinator
Professionalism – Andrew Welaish, Director of Library Operations
Public Mission – Dr. Laura Granruth, Associate Professor and MSW Coordinator
Integrity – The MU Electrical Team
Inclusion – The Ware Center Team
Compassion – Dr. Margaret Mbindyo, Associate Professor
To conclude the presentation, Wubah proposed a new strategic plan for the future and welcomed anyone from the community to develop new ideas and provide feedback. He also provided four new goals for the current academic year, emphasizing efforts focusing on enrollment and recruitment, enhancing academic and extracurricular experiences, focusing on people and place as well as workforce development.
The event concluded with the Annual Garden Supper at Tanger House with catering by MU Dining to provide dinner to all guests who attended the address. For those who missed the event, the live stream can be found online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFEYislIow8.