President’s Newsletter: January 2026

From the Desk of Dr. Philip Cavalier

President of Kutztown University

President's Update

Happy New Year, Golden Bears! I hope everyone had a great, restful holiday break and is ready to get started with the spring semester on Monday.

I remain hyper-focused on strengthening KU's academic excellence, enrollment, and fundraising efforts. Right before the holidays, I had a productive meeting with the president of Lehigh Carbon Community College to explore additional partnership opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. We remain actively engaged in identifying areas for academic expansion and growth to meet our students' interests and the needs of our community.

Our enrollment projections are tracking similarly to last year, when we welcomed more than 2,000 new students. While this does not represent an increase, consistency is important. We will continue to focus on our backyard to showcase KU as a place where students can continue their education and thrive.

I will also continue strengthening connections with business and city government leaders, especially in Reading and across Berks County. I’ve had productive conversations with major companies such as East Penn Manufacturing, as well as with a variety of regional business leaders, which could lead to additional opportunities for our students, including internships.

I’m excited that BARTA, Berks County's public bus system, has decided to run a route through Kutztown to better serve our university and local community, making it easier for students to get to campus.

Next month, I will travel to Florida to meet with donors, alumni and friends of the university to build relationships and share my vision for KU.

I want to thank the many leaders across the university who helped develop KU's new hybrid work policy, which went into effect last week. This collaborative effort will help position KU as an even greater place to work.

Our new leadership structure went into place at the start of the new year. Please join me in thanking Matt Delaney, vice president for Finance and Facilities, for his tremendous service to KU over more than two decades. In addition, our search for a new vice president for Enrollment Management will begin this month.

I encourage everyone to attend one of our upcoming town halls:

• Students: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 183 MSU
• Faculty/Staff: 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 183 MSU

Stay warm, and let’s have a great spring semester.

Phil (Dr. Cav)

Division Updates

Academic Affairs

In recognition of how higher ed continues to shift, the provost has announced changes regarding our process for making up required instructional hours due to weather cancellations. Possibilities now include holding the session synchronously at the regularly scheduled time, if alternatives are made available to students who have connectivity issues or other weather-related obligations, such as the need to care for children who are likewise home due to weather cancellations. Please refer to the January Provost's Update or the Faculty Handbook for more information.

Administration & Finance

Message from Matt Delaney, outgoing vice president:

"As I wrap up my final week as vice president of Finance and Facilities, I wanted to take a moment to say thanks to all the people that make Kutztown University so special. I started my career at KU back in 2004 and since day one, I have been welcomed, valued and provided many incredible opportunities. The leadership has changed, the students come and go, but the people that do the work and support this fine institution remain. You all play a significant role in the success of the university and our amazing students. I may not miss balancing the budget or closing the books, but I will most definitely miss the people. Thanks for all the support, hard work, and special friendships. I have complete confidence that KU will continue to reach new heights of success in the years to come."

KU Foundation

December brought two examples of how philanthropy changes lives at Kutztown University.

Before a Golden Bears wrestling victory, foundation board president Scott Dorn ’79 and former board member Frank Brewer ’82 were honored for their support of KU wrestling and met scholarship recipients Dalton Gimbor and Freddie Retter – powerful connections between generosity and student success.

We also celebrated Dr. Fred Redekop and Ria Smith, whose transformative gift through the Everence Foundation, made in memory of their daughter Sallie, provided scholarships to 34 graduate students this year.

For more inspiring stories about our culture of philanthropy, explore the 12 Days of Philanthropy campaign on KUF's social media channels.

Student Affairs

The Ujima Conference is our annual February celebration honoring African and Black heritage across campus. In 2026, Ujima will launch a refreshed and exciting format. Instead of a traditional three-day conference, the experience will unfold through a dynamic series of events held throughout the month, highlighting the power, beauty and lasting impact of Black and African culture. Over the month, students and members of the Golden Bear community are invited to gather for meaningful programs that uplift Black America and the African diaspora through learning, reflection, dialogue and connection. This year’s theme, "Roots to Riches," encourages participants to explore the value of investing in what comes next, through family, career, community and legacy. It also centers on long-term vision, preparation and the importance of passing the torch forward. Together, we will reflect on how history, ancestry and collective memory shape conversations about generational wealth and sustainability.

University Relations, Athletics & Enrollment

University Relations welcomes two new members to the staff this month. Leyna Beard, Ed.D., has joined the Web and Digital Media Office as web content manager. Leyna was a professor at Northampton Community College and earned her master's degree from KU in 2012. Nicole Rearich joins the vice president's office as administrative assistant. Nicole previously served as college library circulation supervisor at Frankin and Marshall College.

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