President’s Newsletter: May 2026

From the Desk of Dr. Philip Cavalier

President of Kutztown University

President's Update

As we transition to summer break, I look back on a truly tremendous academic year with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Commencement weekend was the perfect capstone to 2025-26. The spontaneous outpouring of excitement and happiness from our graduates and their families brought so much joy to our campus.

The final weeks of the semester leading to graduation offered many opportunities to celebrate our students. From department honor ceremonies to Golden Bear athletic events, I loved getting out and seeing our students succeed across campus. Hearing stories about our students, and from our students, was incredibly inspiring and served as a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

Reflecting on my first year at KU, I have some favorite memories that stand out. I was absolutely charged up by my first KU Homecoming experience in October, where I had the privilege of meeting so many dedicated alumni across several campus events. I also cheered alongside you at Golden Bear athletic events, was blown away by the immense talent on display during the Student Showcase to kick off the inauguration in April, and enjoyed the fantastic energy of the Rock the Lawn concerts. Beyond the milestone events of fall and spring commencement and my inauguration, my absolute favorite moments have been the quiet times meeting with students directly in their own environments. Whether holding open hours at the MSU Fireside Lounge or engaging with students over a meal at the Cub Café, I am always energized by our Student Union Building and its constant activity throughout the day.

This year has also been one of immense foundational growth. Relationships with various campus leaders have developed and matured, and I am deeply encouraged by their shared enthusiasm that next year is going to be an even greater year for KU. We have successfully focused on improving our work environment, including implementing our remote work and summer flex schedule options. We have enhanced the culture within our campus leadership, positioning talented individuals in roles that enable them to excel and best serve the university. Furthermore, thanks to your hard work, we have enjoyed a great fundraising year that sets a strong foundation for the future.

A top priority for me this year was reestablishing our presence in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County. We've made significant strides particularly in Reading and Allentown, with much work left to do.

Looking ahead to this summer, we will welcome new leadership in our College of Business and our division of Enrollment Management. I'm eager to work with our newest dean and vice president to continue the momentum we've built on campus and across the region. Advocacy remains a vital part of our work, and we will continue our government relations efforts at the state and federal levels, including in Washington, D.C.

I want to encourage every member of our faculty, staff and student body to take time where possible to recharge and spend some well-deserved time off campus. You have worked incredibly hard to make this year a success.

Thank you for an unforgettable year. I wish you all a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing summer.

Dr. Phil Cavalier

Division Updates

Academic Affairs

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Deborah Kidder has accepted the position as our next dean of the College of Business. Dr. Kidder will bring more than 30 years' experience to KU and most recently served as the dean of the Turner College of Business and Technology at Columbus State University. She will begin her role Monday, June 29. Dr. Kidder has extensive experience as a faculty member and administrator. Her most recent tenure as a dean, as well as her work as an associate dean and AACSB accreditation coordinator, will prove beneficial at KU.

Administration & Finance

The full life-cycle renovation of Johnson Hall is nearing completion and will open for students for the Fall 2026 semester. Originally built in 1966, Johnson Hall will provide nearly 300 traditional-style beds for first-year and returning students, now enhanced with full air conditioning. The renovation includes comprehensive upgrades to building systems, along with improvements to student living and support spaces, helping to ensure a more comfortable and modern residential experience.

KU Foundation

This spring, we proudly welcomed the Class of 2026 as the newest members of the Kutztown University Alumni Association during a record-breaking Senior Toast celebration and across all three commencement ceremonies. We are especially inspired by the 159 graduating students who chose to participate in their Class Gift, paying it forward and helping to build a lasting culture of philanthropy at Kutztown University. That spirit of generosity continues beyond campus and into our community, as partners like Firefly Bookstore invest in future Golden Bears through the establishment of a new scholarship – read about their support online.

Student Affairs

New Student Orientation (NSO) programming this summer will introduce several updates focused on ensuring students leave their one-day session feeling more prepared, more connected and more excited about KU than when they arrived. While these outcomes help guide our approach and all showed positive trends last year, we know there's more we can do to ensure as many students as possible leave NSO feeling ready to succeed in the fall. Based on last year's survey data, several program updates have been made to continue building on these three core intended outcomes. Our "all hands on deck" approach to orientation continues, and we would love participation from campus partners to help with greeting, mingling, fairs and lunch. Please email bsantos@kutztown.edu if you are interested in helping at orientation this year. Hundreds of students and families are already registered and ready to join us on campus this summer. We look forward to continued collaboration with campus offices to make students feel at home at Kutztown University. NSO Sessions: July 8, 9, 10, 11 / July 22, 23, 24, 25.

University Relations, Athletics & Enrollment

Three members of the Kutztown University coaching staff earned Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Coach of the Year honors during the 2025-26 academic year. Golden Bears head football coach Jim Clements earned the honor for the sixth time after leading the Golden Bears to a record 14 wins, a second-straight undefeated regular season, a third-straight PSAC title, the program’s second Super Region I title, and hosting the school’s first-ever national semifinal game. Clements was also AFCA Regional Coach of the Year for the third year in a row and won his first-ever AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year. KU field hockey coach Marci Scheuing earned her third PSAC honor after leading the Golden Bears to a perfect 18-0 regular season, an appearance in the PSAC title game, an appearance in the NCAA semifinals for the third straight year, and a school-record 20 wins. Judy Lawes was named PSAC East Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Bear softball team to the PSAC East title and host of the NCAA Atlantic Super Regional. It was Lawes' 10th time winning the honor. The Golden Bears won 39 games, putting Lawes within two games of tying Bloomsburg's Jan Hutchinson as the all-time winningest coach in the PSAC (1,215 wins).

In Case You Missed It