Daily Brief

Cavalier Inauguration

Congratulations to President Cavalier on his inauguration as KU's 13th president Friday, April 10. Watch the on-demand replay and learn more on the inauguration webpage.

Inauguration of President Philip Cavalier

University Relations

New Mental Health Practice Expands Services Across Pennsylvania with KU SBDC Support

A new mental health practice in Lancaster is expanding access to care across Pennsylvania with support from the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC). Sara Gowin, a psychiatric nurse with experience in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, founded Peace of Mind Mental Health Group in January 2026. Her clinical background, including work during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the growing demand for timely, patient-centered mental health services and the importance of building systems that support long-term wellbeing. Turning that vision into a business required navigating the complexities of launching a healthcare practice, including credentialing, financial planning and operational setup. Through a referral from ASSETS, Gowin connected with the KUSBDC and began working with Lorena Bravo, a bilingual business consultant at the KUSBDC. Bravo provided one-on-one consulting to support the development of a comprehensive business plan and detailed financial projections. Together, they mapped startup costs, revenue models and a sustainable growth strategy. This guidance helped Gowin make informed decisions, strengthen her financial readiness and confidently move forward with launching the business. With additional support from regional partners, Gowin secured a Lancaster location, completed the credentialing process and established the foundation for ongoing operations. Peace of Mind Mental Health Group has since opened its office, hired staff and is serving clients across Pennsylvania through both in-person and telehealth services. Additional services, including psychiatry and medication management, are expected to launch in summer 2026. "This milestone is bigger than me,” Gowin shared. “It represents access, safety and visibility for communities that deserve to see themselves not only in care spaces, but in leadership."

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Thank You from Inauguration Committee

On behalf of the Presidential Inauguration Committee, we want to thank the entire Kutztown University community for their role in helping to make Friday's inauguration of President Cavalier a memorable event in our institution's history. Special thanks to the many KU students and faculty who displayed their amazing talents at the Student Showcase Thursday night. Thank you to the dozens of volunteers and staff who assisted with events over the two days. A special thanks to KU Facilities for making our inauguration venues and campus look fabulous as usual, and to the many students, faculty and staff who attended the inaugural events. Finally, kudos to all the members of the Inauguration Committee and various subcommittees who have worked since September to make Dr. Cavalier's inauguration so special. Thank you again, and we are truly honored to serve alongside you as we pursue more “Golden Opportunities” in the years ahead.

Sandy Green, KU Council of Trustees; Matt Santos, VP of University Relations and Athletics, Co-chairs, KU Presidential Inauguration Committee

Survey: President's Newsletter

The Office of University Relations asks our campus community for input regarding Dr. Cavalier's President's Newsletter. We appreciate your input on this brief, anonymous survey.

University Relations

Neurodiverse and Disabled Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group Meeting

Are you a staff or faculty member who identifies as neurodiverse? Are you a member of the disabled community? Could you benefit from a community of like-minded people? The employee resource group for neurodiverse and disabled faculty and staff will be meeting 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, in person and on Zoom. For the discretion of the members of this group, the meeting location will only be shared with those who have been part of the meetings in the past, or those who fill out the interest form.

Megan Rutter, Commission on Human Diversity

Safe Space Training at Boxwood House

The LGBTQ+ Resource Center will have Safe Space training noon to 1 p.m. Monday, April 13, Boxwood House. This training is open to all students, staff and faculty. The mission of the Kutztown University Safe Space Program is to provide education and resources to the KU community members to create a safe and nurturing environment free of discrimination based on sexual orientation, sexual identity or gender identity. Please RSVP on Engage with your name and pronouns.

Diane Biehl, LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Dissertation Defense for Nia Fratrik

Please join the College of Education 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 123 Beekey, for a public dissertation defense by Nia Fratrik, "Unmasking Barriers: A Critical Examination of Systemic Challenges Facing BIPOC Pre-Service Teachers." The dissertation chair is Dr. Christopher Weiler and the committee members are Dr. Catherine McGeehan and Dr. SungEun Min.

Catherine McGeehan, College of Education, EDD Program

Mil-Vet 5K Fun Run

The KU military and veteran community is excited to host the second annual 5K fundraiser 9 a.m. Saturday, April 18, DMZ, to support the Student Veterans Association and other KU Mil-Vet students in need. Sponsored by local businesses, participants will have a chance to win raffle prizes and receive a free t-shirt.

Registration for Mil-Vet 5K Fun Run

Nick Snyder, Military and Veteran Services

DSW Dissertation Defense for Stevie Kioske

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Social Work are pleased to announce Stevie Kioske will defend her Doctor of Social Work dissertation, “Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Workers’ Experiences with Medicare Insurance Plans,” noon to 2 p.m. Monday, April 27, via Zoom. The dissertation chair is Dr. Yasoda Sharma.

Juliana Svistova, Program Director, Social Work Department

March Madness Golden Bracket Challenge Winners

Congratulations to Patrick Moyer (Men's) and Elisabeth Manwiller (Women's) for winning the March Madness Golden Bracket Challenge. Winners will be contacted by Human Resources to collect their prizes. 

Bradley Davis, Human Resources

Registrar's Office Baby

The Office of the Registrar is pleased to welcome our newest Golden Bear, Lauren Felicity Quinlan, born early Friday morning, April 3, to loving parents Devon and Brian Quinlan. She weighs 7 lbs. 3 oz and is 19.5 inches long. Well wishes for the Quinlan family may be sent to the Office of the Registrar, 115 Stratton, to be shared with them as they enjoy their new bundle of joy.

Office of the Registrar

ACT Students and Evening Classes

Actors Creating Theater (ACT) students are aware that they must conform to all expectations regarding class absences. I am asking for some consideration regarding evening classes for the following students involved in the production of "She Kills Monsters," Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17: Ainsley Mullikan-Heubner, Angel Mincey, Angelina Cascioli, Anna Gownley, Avery Reel, Avi Lovitt, Ayden Scanlon, Benjamin Gervinski, Christian Brutsche, Clem Frey, Connor O'Brien, Dylan Damord, Grace Pawluck, Hazel Tilder, Jalal Muhammad, Jensen Kraft, Kait Majury, Kate Philipp, Lynda Feustel, Mars Smith, Maya Hepler, Parker Winters, Poe Ott, Raven Snyder, Sam Jones, Sarah Hoger and Thomas Prostko.

Tickets for "She Kills Monsters"

Derek Mace, ACT Advisor

Deadline Extended: 2026 Schellenberg Award Nominations

The deadline for the John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning nomination application is now 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 17. The purpose of this award was established by John P. Schellenberg, professor emeritus of physical sciences, faculty, alumni and friends to recognize an early career faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding work within the mission of the Center for Engaged Learning. To be eligible for the award, an individual must have been on the faculty full-time at least three, but not more than seven years. The recipient will be chosen based on the following three areas:
1. Pedagogy and Curriculum Innovation
2. Learning Technology Innovation
3. Assessment and/or Research on Learning
The recipient will be awarded $1,250 and an engraved plaque. Please submit a nomination letter and curriculum vitae to Douglas Scott at dscott@kutztown.edu by 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 17. Nominated candidates must also submit their own letter, maximum of two pages, that clearly outlines their qualifications across all three categories mentioned above. This letter should likewise be sent to dscott@kutztown.edu. Visit the Schellenberg Award page for more information.

Center for Engaged Learning

Call for Winter 2027 KU-Led Abroad Proposals

Interested in leading a study abroad program in Winter 2027? Program proposals are due Friday, May 1. This is a great opportunity to design a meaningful global experience for students while sharing your expertise beyond the classroom. Faculty-led programs play a vital role in expanding access to international education and enriching the KU community. If you have an idea or are ready to get started, we encourage you to submit a proposal and connect with the International Office for support throughout the process.

Resources for International Initiatives

Christina Kinney, Office of International Education and Global Engagement