President’s Newsletter: February 2026

From the Desk of Dr. Philip Cavalier

President of Kutztown University

President's Update

It's been an especially cold January and start to February, but it's been great to see students back on campus. We navigated a significant snowstorm to start the semester, and our Facilities team did an outstanding job clearing campus and ensuring operations could resume quickly and safely. I am grateful for their hard work on multiple occasions last month. Fortunately, spring will be here soon.

Earlier this month, I had productive visits with donors in Florida. There is a great deal of excitement about where Kutztown University is today and where we are headed. We continue to see strong interest in supporting KU, with meaningful philanthropic opportunities ahead.

I am also excited about Eli Lilly's $3.5 billion investment in a new manufacturing campus in nearby Fogelsville. This new facility will create more than 850 new jobs when it opens in 2031. Conversations are underway with our regional college partners to explore how we can work together to support workforce development needs tied to this project. We want to ensure KU has programs in place to support individuals who aspire to work at Eli Lilly, as well as those currently employed there who are looking to advance their careers. This represents a tremendous opportunity for our region and another partnership opportunity that can help Kutztown continue to grow and expand.

Financial aid offers were released to prospective students two weeks ago. This is the earliest we have issued offers in recent history. Thank you to Leida Nieves, executive director of Financial Aid, and her team for their outstanding work to support our students and families.

I am looking forward to continuing our Town Hall series. During the February sessions (Feb. 17 for students; Feb. 19 for faculty and staff), I plan to share observations about what I have learned so far and highlight key opportunities ahead. We will also provide updates on the budget and enrollment, while continuing to listen to and hear your thoughts and concerns.

The search for our vice president for Enrollment Management is well underway. I hope to have candidates on campus later this semester so our campus community can hear their perspectives on enrollment management.

Planning for inauguration on April 10 is in the final stages, and members of our campus community have been invited to participate in various events. I envision this inauguration as a celebration of the KU community and the amazing work happening here every day.

Thank you for all you do for Kutztown University.

Sincerely,

Phil (Dr. Cav)

Division Updates

Academic Affairs

As of Feb. 9, Kutztown University is now home to a University College, led by Dean Karen Rauch. The new college includes organizational and assessment elements related to General Education (COMPASS); special academic programs including Honors, TRIO and Upward Bound; the Department of Academic Advising and Student Development; the Office of Student Success and Academic Excellence; the Center for Engaged Learning; and the Writing Center. Congratulations to Dr. Rauch on this new appointment.

The KU BEARS program supports faculty and student research pairs to develop the research skill set of undergraduate students and to provide faculty members with student-research assistants. Funded projects are allotted to cover summer student wages and presentation travel for the student. The program is open to all faculty members and to current freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Applications are due Monday, Feb. 23.

Administration & Finance

The Division of Finance and Facilities has recently expanded and is now known as the Division of Administration and Finance. The division includes the Business Office, Student Accounts, Facilities, Human Resources and Social Equity. Together, these areas support the campus community through effective management of fiscal, personnel and physical plant resources, while ensuring institutional compliance. Their collective efforts help ensure that the university operates efficiently, responsibly and in service to students, faculty and staff. The campus community is encouraged to reach out to any area within the division for assistance or support. Special appreciation is extended to the Facilities Department for its tireless work during the recent snowstorms. Many hours were spent working in freezing conditions to keep campus safe and accessible. The dedication and commitment of the Facilities team are deeply appreciated.

KU Foundation

Mark your calendars for Spring Alumni Weekend, April 24-26. Our campus will be buzzing with activity as we welcome alumni back for a vibrant weekend of affinity gatherings, behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations, spring athletic events, live music and delicious breakfast and lunch buffets – plus many more opportunities to connect. We invite students, faculty and staff to join in the festivities and help showcase the spirit of our community. Registration opens this week; please visit the KU Foundation website for details and to sign up.

Student Affairs

The campus is invited to attend this year's International Women’s History Month Speaker event, 6 p.m. Monday, March 9, 218 MSU. This year's speaker is Molly Jong-Fast, a bestselling author, political commentator and cultural critic known for her sharp wit, fierce honesty and commitment to truth telling. Jong-Fast is the author of two novels, Normal Girl and The Social Climber's Handbook, and three memoirs, Girl [Maladjusted], The Sex Doctors in the Basement, and How to Lose Your Mother. She also contributes to various magazines, podcasts and political and cultural television programs. Jong-Fast will provide a keynote address with Q&A and sign her book "How to Lose Your Mother." This event is brought to KU by the Dr. Constance P. Dent and Dr. Ann T. Gundry Distinguished Speaker Series in collaboration with the KU Women's Center and the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies program.

University Relations, Athletics & Enrollment

Kutztown University Athletics broke out of the daily grind of competition Tuesday, Feb. 3, and welcomed local elementary school students into O'Pake Fieldhouse to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). The Golden Bears had 12 different teams represented as multiple student-athletes were able to have fun with the kids and show them all about their sports. NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.

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