Daily Brief

Golden Bears join Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Team

Dr. Erin Kraal, Physical Sciences, and her research student Maria Clark, a sophomore chemistry major, have joined the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Science Team as Research Collaborators. They are working with the PIXL instrument team on ongoing investigations of Martian surface geochemistry. In March, Clark presented their research, "Geochemistry of the Upper Fan Deposits, Jezero Crater, Mars," at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston, Texas. Collaborators on this work include Dr. Sam Gwizd, now at Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost mission; Dr. Katie Stack Morgan, Deputy Chief Scientist for the Mars 2020 mission at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory; and Dr. Allen Treiman, Principal Scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. This project grew out of the Mars 2020-Kutztown University collaboration through the H2O program and Clark’s summer internship at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Physical Sciences

Kutztown SBDC Boosts PA Small Business Growth

The Kutztown Small Business Development Center (SBDC) proudly celebrated National SBDC Day Thursday, March 19, joining SBDCs across the country in recognizing the vital role small businesses play in driving local and statewide economic growth. The event brought together a strong network of resource partners and stakeholders, including Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Truist Bank, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers Lead Office, Chester County Economic Development Council, Penn State Berks LaunchBox, Berks Business Education Coalition and the Small Business Resource Association alongside many local entrepreneurs. Together, attendees celebrated key milestones from the program year, including new business starts, capital acquisition and the measurable impact of Kutztown SBDC's consulting services. Special recognition was given to the contributions of consultants, graduate assistants and interns whose work directly supports small-business success across Berks, Chester, Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The event highlighted not only the achievements of individual entrepreneurs but also the collective impact made possible through collaboration. By working alongside trusted partners, the Kutztown SBDC continues to strengthen pathways for business growth, access to capital and long-term sustainability. It was a meaningful day that showcased the power of community, the importance of economic development and the shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania.

KU Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Final UGRC Student Research Workshop

During this season of undergraduate conferences, please encourage your student researchers to attend our final Undergraduate Research and Creativity (UGRC) Student Research Workshop 11 a.m. today, Thursday, April 2, 287 Old Main. The topic is "Professionalism at Conferences and Navigating Conference Culture." Our speakers are Dr. Megan O'Byrne and Dr. Rebecca Riccardi.

Lynn M Kutch, Undergraduate Research and Creativity

March Madness Golden Bracket Challenge Update

As the Men's and Women's NCAA Tournaments prepare for Final Four and Championship Weekend, here are the leaders for the March Madness Golden Bracket Challenge:
Men's Bracket
First Place (tied): Mandy Xu and Chad Ganley
Women's Bracket
First Place: Elisabeth Manwiller
Second Place (tied): Mike Egan, Laura Fenimore, and Justin Soumas
The Golden Bracket Challenge winners will be announced next week.

Human Resources

Wear your KU Spirit Wear to Inauguration Events

The KU Campus Store will offer 30% off apparel and gifts, in store and online, April 2-10 (excludes other sales and discounts).

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

Open Hour with Provost

Faculty, staff and students are invited to drop by and chat with Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, during her open office hour at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 9, MSU Bears Den. Faculty and staff who would like to have a conversation, but for whom this time does not work, are welcome to contact the Office of the Provost at 610-683-4155 to schedule a time to meet.

Office of the Provost

Anne Imschweiler, Provost Office, Academic Affairs

KU Student Selected for Statewide Teacher Shortage Roundtable

Gianna Marchese, Art Education, represented Kutztown University at a regional roundtable in Pottstown focused on addressing Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage. Marchese was invited to participate because of her experience as a recipient of Pennsylvania’s student teaching stipend, a state‑funded initiative designed to reduce the financial burden of full‑time student teaching. During the forum, educators, policymakers and advocates highlighted how stipends are a critical strategy for strengthening the teacher pipeline by making student teaching more accessible, particularly for first‑generation students and those who might otherwise be unable to forgo paid work during their clinical placements. Marchese’s participation elevated KU’s voice in this important statewide conversation and showcased the university's commitment to supporting future educators through innovative approaches. Engagements like this reinforce KU's role as a regional leader in educator preparation and public service.

News Article

College of Education

Global Connections Hour

Join the International Initiatives Committee for a Global Connections Hour 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, Old Main Concourse (right of lobby). This social hour is a welcoming space for international students, faculty and friends of the global campus community to come together, enjoy international treats and connect across cultures. This casual gathering provides an opportunity to share stories, traditions and experiences while meeting new people in a relaxed setting. Whether you are new to campus or a longtime member of our community, Global Connections Hour is a chance to celebrate diversity, build friendships and learn from one another.

Mathias J. Le Bossé, International Initiatives Committee

APSCUF Student Scholarship

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) at Kutztown University will grant two $500 scholarships to undergraduate students returning for Fall 2026. Recipients of the scholarships will be determined on the basis of their participation in campus service and solidarity activities as well as academic record. Please encourage your students to apply. For more information and instructions on how to apply, view the flyer. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 24.

APSCUF Scholarship Flyer

Andrew Mashintonio, APSCUF Student Liaison Committee

Sport Management Award Winners

The Department of Sport Management announces its senior award winners who will be recognized at the College of Business Commencement Banquet Friday, May 8.
- Outstanding Academic Achievement Award: Marisa Bragg of Ringoes, N.J.
- Outstanding Achievement in Sport Management Award: Andrew Batista of Macungie, Pa.
- Outstanding Coaching/Fitness Award: Sydney Gibbons of Cresson, Pa.
- Outstanding Research Award: Andrew Batista of Macungie, Pa.
- Outstanding Service Award: Bryan Pensyl of Easton, Pa.
- Outstanding Leadership Award: Rowan Hall of Sloatsburg, N.Y.
- Outstanding Intern Award: Haley Sullick of Mountain Top, Pa.
- Outstanding Sport Management Club Service Award: Braden Neeson of Scranton, Pa.

COSMA Chi Sigma Mu Honors Society:
- Ben Angstadt of Biglerville, Pa.
- Andrew Batista of Macungie, Pa.
- Sydney Gibbons of Cresson, Pa.
- Rowan Hall of Sloatsburg, N.Y.
- Jordyn Osner of Broomall, Pa.
- Judd Novak of Manheim, Pa.
- Tatum Rothermel of Halifax, Pa.
- Kevin Schwartz of Doylestown, Pa.
- Nicholas Varda of Doylestown, Pa.
- Maddie Walsh of York, Pa.

Sport Management

Composition Coordinator, Call for Applicants

The Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs seeks to hire one Composition Coordinator for a two-year term beginning in August 2026. The position is supported through one three-credit course release in both fall and spring semesters. Interested faculty can find more information on the Provost's webpage.

Composition Coordinator Description

Karen Rauch, Office of the Provost