Daily Brief

President Cavalier in Florida

President Cavalier is in Florida, meeting with donors, alumni and friends of the university. Two of his visits in Orlando included KU Athletics Hall of Famers John Gabriel (left) and John Mobley (right), who were presented challenge coins as part of the PSAC's 75th anniversary celebration.

University Relations

KUPD Welcomes Officers Tabarani, Bellavia and Garcia

Kutztown University's Department of Public Safety and Police Services welcomes Officers Maroun Tabarani, Salvatore Bellavia and Luis Garcia, Jr. to our campus community. Officer Tabarani is a graduate of Reading Police Academy, Officer Bellavia is a graduate of Montgomery County Police Academy and Officer Garcia is a graduate of Allentown Police Academy, where they received their MPOETC Act 120 certification. Please welcome them to KU. We wish them nothing but success.

Lt. Justin Soumas, KU Public Safety and Police Services

Limited Parking on Campus

Public Safety and Police Services would like to inform the campus community that parking will be limited Thursday, Feb. 5, and Friday, Feb. 6. Please see the list below for event details and parking lots that will be impacted. Thank you for your understanding.
- Thursday, Feb. 5: Lots F1, F4 for Clinical Education and Partnerships, Professional Development Day.
- Friday, Feb. 6: Lots A2, A3 for Accepted Student Event.

Danielle Santos, KU Public Safety and Police Services

Multicultural Center Presents 2026 Ujima

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. All are welcome to attend events. Upcoming events include:
- Friday, Feb. 13, 4-6 p.m. Boxwood House "Ujima and Feminist Fun Night"
- Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 250 MSU "Ujima and KUAB Black History Month Paint by Numbers"
- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6-11 p.m. Multicultural Center "Ujima and BSU House Party"
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. Multicultural Center "Ujima FDI Faculty Lecture"
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Multicultural Center "Constitution Exhibit"
- Friday, Feb. 27, 5:30-9 p.m. Georgian Room "Celebrating the Divine Nine"

Multicultural Services Events

Angelica Mishra, Multicultural Center

President's Open Hour

Faculty, staff and students are invited to stop by and talk with President Cavalier during his open hour 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, MSU Fireside Lounge. President Cavalier welcomes your thoughts, concerns and suggestions regarding KU.

Office of the President

Assessment Grant Call for Proposals

The Office of Assessment is accepting applications for 2026-2027 Assessment Grants. The maximum grant request may be funded up to $5,000, with individual stipends limited to $2,500. For full details on the scope of the grant and application form, visit the Assessment Office website. Applications are due Monday, March 2. Questions may be directed to Christine Núñez at nunez@kutztown.edu; or faculty may drop in to 201 Graduate Center, 8-11 a.m., Wednesdays or Thursdays.

2026 Assessment Grants: Call for Proposals

Christine Núñez, Office of Assessment

Search for the Next Dean of the College of Business

As previously shared, Dr. Anne Carroll, dean for the College of Business, will retire at the end of this academic year. As a result, Kutztown University has launched the search for the next dean of the College of Business. This leadership role will be pivotal in shaping the college's direction and supporting its continued success. The university has engaged an external search firm to assist with the process. Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean of the College of Education, will chair the search. The committee members include:
- Michele Vaughn, Sport Management
- Gregory Kaufinger, Business Administration
- Brian Kelly, PASBDC
- Deborah Hokien, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Katie Bowen, administrative assistant for the COB Dean's Office, will provide lead administrative support, with additional support from Linda Weller, administrative assistant to the Dean's Office in the College of Education. As the search progresses, there will be opportunities for faculty and staff to share feedback, including during finalist campus visits. Please join us in thanking our colleagues willing to serve in this capacity as well as thanking Dean Carroll for her leadership and service over the last decade.

College of Education

Help Students Get Around With BARTA

We want to make sure students know about the Route 22 - Lyon Station/East Penn-Deka line. It stops in front of the Graduate Center and runs Monday through Friday. Help us spread the word by sharing our Instagram post. Full schedules and pass pricing are on the BARTA website. Students can grab passes directly via the BARTA Go Mobile app. Thank you for your help.

Barta Bus Schedule

Erica Stratton, Student Affairs

Social Equity Policies Training

Pursuant to the university's Anti-Harassment, Anti-Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Amorous Relationships Policies, the Office of Social Equity will offer Social Equity Policies Training through D2L this spring. In-person and Zoom training sessions are not available at this time. If you would like training for your department, please send an email request to socialequity@kutztown.edu. Reminder, all faculty and staff members must take the Social Equity Policies training on a yearly basis. If you cannot recall when you last completed the training, please contact the Office of Social Equity and we will be glad to check our records.

D2L Login

Equity and Compliance

Official University Trademarks

The university logo and seal, the athletic logos featuring the Golden Bear and paw, and images of the KU mascot, Avalanche, are all trademarked items. By law, these marks cannot be altered in any way without permission from the Office of University Relations. In addition, vendors reproducing the logos must be licensed through CLC Licensing. The current list of protocols and approved Kutztown University vendors can be found at: https://www.kutztown.edu/logos. Questions regarding licensing can be directed to the University Relations office at ur@kutztown.edu.

University Relations

Visual and Performing Arts Faculty First Thursday Presentation

Join us 11-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 120 Sharadin, for our monthly Faculty First Thursday presentation, “Tiny Shiny: The Allure of All That Glitters.” Janna Gregonis, Art and Design, is a contemporary jewelry artist and metalsmith whose work centers on reuse and material transformation. Through repurposed metals and found materials, her jewelry challenges traditional ideas of value, sustainability and adornment while emphasizing process, experimentation and making. This free presentation is open to the university community with light refreshments provided.

Visual and Performing Arts

Dr. Bradley Shope, Visual and Performing Arts

Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game: Women's Basketball vs. Shippensburg

Athletics would like to recognize the hard work and support of the KU faculty and staff at our women's basketball game 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Keystone Arena. All faculty and staff in attendance will be entered in a raffle to take home some KU gear. Please remember to bring your KU ID card and check in at the table in the lobby.

Renee Hellert, Athletics

Smelas Garners Fourth PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week following Historic Week

Following a banner week for Olivia Smelas in which she etched her name into the Kutztown University women's basketball record books, the senior center was selected as the PSAC East's Defensive Athlete of the Week for the fourth time this season. Smelas had an historic week last week as the Golden Bears (12-8 overall, 8-5 PSAC) went 2-0, winning both PSAC East games. In the two games, Smelas averaged seven points, 15.5 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Smelas garners fourth PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week following historic week

Sports Information