Daily Brief

Conway Elected to National Leadership Role

Dr. Thomas R. Conway, associate dean, College of Education, has been elected Second Vice President of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), a national professional organization dedicated to advancing high‑quality teacher preparation and educator development. Founded in 1920, ATE is the only national individual‑membership organization devoted exclusively to teacher education, representing faculty, district leaders and education professionals from colleges, universities, school districts and state agencies across the country. ATE plays a critical role in shaping national conversations around educator preparation, professional standards, research, leadership development and policy. As Second Vice President, Conway will serve in a key leadership role on ATE’s Board of Directors and is on the presidential leadership pathway, with his presidency set to begin in 2028. His election reflects both his national reputation in educator preparation and Kutztown University’s growing influence in shaping the future of the education workforce.

College of Education

From Student to Mentor: Nicole Stabile’s Impact at Kutztown SBDC

Nicole Stabile has been an integral part of the Kutztown Small Business Development Center (Kutztown SBDC) since 2023, serving in multiple roles including intern, contractor and now graduate assistant. Her continued commitment to the center reflects both her dedication to professional growth and her passion for supporting small businesses across the region. Throughout her time at the Kutztown SBDC, Nicole has played a key role in advancing the center’s digital and educational initiatives. She has independently supported more than 70 website projects, helping small-business clients strengthen their online presence, improve functionality and build the technical skills needed to sustain and grow their businesses in an increasingly digital environment. Her work ensures that entrepreneurs are not only visible online but also equipped to manage and evolve their digital assets long term. In addition to her client-facing work, Stabile has contributed to the development of educational resources used by both clients and the student consulting team. She has designed campaigns for Small Business Saturday and supported flagship events that connect entrepreneurs to trusted resources, education and community partners. Her ability to translate complex digital concepts into clear, actionable guidance has made her a valuable contributor to the center’s programming and outreach efforts. Stabile is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Art Education with PK-12 Visual Arts Teaching Certification at Kutztown University, expected in May 2026. She earned her BFA in Communication Design in 2024, with minors in Social Media Theory and Strategy and General Business. As a graphic designer and emerging art educator, she is passionate about helping young learners use creativity as a tool for problem-solving, innovation and self-expression. Widely recognized as a mentor among her peers, Stabile continues to make a lasting impact across client services, student development and program delivery at the Kutztown SBDC.

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Payroll Office Transition to Business Office

The university's Payroll Office will transition out of Human Resources and relocate to the Business Office, 221 Stratton. The Payroll Office will be led by Jennifer Weidman, who will serve as Director of Payroll Services. Human Resources will remain in its current location on Main Street and will be led by Brad Davis, Executive Director of HR and Compliance. The transition will occur by Friday, May 29. Thank you to Jennifer, Brad and their teams for their continued support during this transition.

Matt Assad, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Dawn Boody Retirement

After 20 years of dedicated service, we’re turning the page to celebrate a colleague who’s made her mark on our library. From shelving countless books to training hundreds of students, Dawn Boody has been a steady and caring presence for all. A lover of reading and sailing, she's now ready to chart a new course into retirement. We wish her smooth seas, great stories and endless new adventures in this well-earned next chapter.

Rohrbach Library

Assistant Director, Office of Student Involvement Candidate Open Forum

Candidates for the position of assistant director in the Office of Student Involvement: Fraternity and Sorority Life, Traditions, Events and Alumni Engagement, will be on campus Monday, May 11. We welcome you to attend the open session for each candidate.
- Trevor McClenon, 10 a.m. Monday, May 11, 250 MSU
- Kelly Gillis, 1 p.m. Monday, May 11, 250 MSU

Amanda Garcia, MSU Operations

Search: Vice President for Enrollment Management

Candidates for the position of vice president for Enrollment Management will visit campus May 12-13. The search committee invites students, faculty and staff to open sessions with the candidates. A curriculum vitae for each candidate will be posted two days before each campus visit on the search website. We value the input of the KU community and ask that you please attend the open sessions if you are able. Please see the search website for information regarding the Open Forums.
- Candidate C: Tuesday, May 12
- Candidate D: Wednesday, May 13

Vice President for Enrollment Management Search

Lorin Basden Arnold, Search Chair, Vice President for Enrollment Management

German Horror Stories Final Project Showcase

Support the German Horror Stories (ENGL GERMM 253) students 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, Georgian Room, as they present their final projects which focus on adaptations of German literature as they relate to pop and digital culture.

Lynn M Kutch, English

University Lost and Found

The last day to claim any lost and found item is Friday, May 15. Please use the online inventory link to check whether we have your item. If so, please stop by the Information Desk at MSU to claim it by Friday, May 15. 

MSU Lost and Found

Amanda Garcia, MSU Operations

Crime and Safety Survey

Everyone in the Kutztown University campus community is invited to participate in the 2026 Kutztown University Crime and Safety Survey. This is an important initiative designed to help us better understand safety concerns, perceptions and experiences within our campus community. Your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping campus policies, improving resources and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone. The survey is confidential and takes only a few minutes to complete. Participants will also be entered into a drawing to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. The survey will remain open until Friday, May 15.

Colin Bolger, Criminal Justice

Reminder: Fiscal Year 2026 Purchase Requisition Deadline

The deadline to submit purchase requisitions for goods and/or services that will be delivered on or before June 30 is Monday, May 18. These requisitions will utilize fiscal year 2026 budgets. Requisitions should be entered directly in SourcePoint and approved by the account manager by the close of business May 18 to meet the deadline. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Accounts Payable at apinvoice@kutztown.edu. Additional important fiscal year end 2026 due dates can be found by visiting the Business Office website.

Kelsey Arcelay, Business Office

Biology Department Awards and Senior Recognition

The Department of Biology recently held its annual awards ceremony. We congratulate the following award recipients:
- Samuel Gundy Early Achievement Scholarship in Biology: Miranda Klein and Lorelai Lehenky
- Department of Biology Academic Excellence Awards: Dominick Ebaugh, William Gage, Habiba Radwan, Anya Shorten, Alexa Stevens
- Biology Department Outstanding Student in Major/Track Award: Organismal/Ecology: Caitlyn Polter; Molecular/Micro/Cell: Matthew Moll; PreMed/Health Careers: Dominick Ebaugh; Allied Health: William Gage; Environmental Science/Biology: Henry Leardi
- Ronald R. Rhein Biology Scholarship: Meghan Byerly
- CPUB Award: Outstanding student in Biology, usually involving research: Sarah Ferber
- Cyrus E. Beekey Award: Outstanding Graduate in Biology: Dominick Ebaugh
- Outstanding Student in Biology Award: Sarah Ferber

Cristen L. Rosch, Biological Sciences

English Honors, Awards and Scholarship Ceremony

The Department of English celebrated its amazing students with its Honors, Awards and Scholarships Ceremony Monday, April 20. Congratulations to all the awards and scholarship recipients and Sigma Tau Delta inductees. The following students were recipients of various awards and scholarships: Alex Lock, Alyson Witman, Ashley Ritter, Astra Zerbe, Bethany McDonald, Brie Humbles, Giovanna Funari, Kaylyn Zahn, Linnea Devenney, Logan Brader, Madison Crouthamel, Richie Clark and Tommy Scuderi. The following students were inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society: Alexis Peet, Angela Caldero Perez, Audrey Logan, Ava Dunbar, Erika Loperena, Hailey Duncan, Kiana Johnson, Lily Cannon, Logan Brader, Nick Riedy and Rylee Singleton.

English

Patricia D. Pytleski, English

Spring Software Engineering Capstone Projects Demo Day

The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology hosted the Spring Software Engineering Capstone Projects Demo Day Monday, May 4, 218 MSU. This year's event featured nine capstone projects presented on the main stage. In addition, nine first‑semester senior seminar prototypes and posters, along with three rapid‑prototyping posters and products, were showcased in 223 MSU. Demo Day was attended by students, faculty, administrators and local industry partners, who provided valuable feedback and encouraged students to continue developing their projects for potential commercial applications. The Liquid Interactive Best Project Award was presented to Prodrome, a clinic‑simulation game designed to teach users about ailments and their treatments to support patient care. The team members are Kylee Hager, Computer Science/Game Development; Evan Mohr, Computer Science; Michael Colandene, Computer Science/Game Development; Dylan Derstine, Computer Science; Michael Germanetti, Computer Science.

Charlie Shim, Computer Science and Information Technology

Computer Science and Information Technology Department Award Winners

Please join the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology in congratulating our Graduation Academic Excellence award winners for 2025-2026.
- BS Computer Science Award: Peter Schaefer
- BS Information Technology Award: Alexis Baker
- BS Game Development: Kylee Hager
- Master's Computer Science: Dominic Derafelo

Cynthia Sutjak, Computer Science and Information Technology

CEL Reflective Writing Retreat for Faculty

Join us for a day-long reflective writing retreat for faculty, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, Rohrbach Library. The end of May offers an ideal moment to pause and focus on scholarship or teaching. Whether you are wrapping up the academic year, launching a summer project or continuing ongoing work, this retreat creates space to reflect, plan and make meaningful progress. This Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) retreat is designed for faculty seeking dedicated time to write, reflect and reconnect with their work and with colleagues. All are welcome: teaching, non-instructional, tenure-track, tenured, temporary, full-time and part-time faculty. Faculty may work on a range of research-related writing including articles, book chapters, grant narratives, conference papers, exploratory drafts and teaching-related projects such as course materials, curricular proposals or pedagogical initiatives. No preparation is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a current project, a stalled plan, emerging idea or simply a willingness to write and reflect. By stepping away from daily demands, faculty can strengthen sustainable writing practices, gain clarity about their work and build community across disciplines. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. Participants are asked to commit to the full day to support an immersive experience. Sign up online to reserve your spot.

Center for Engaged Learning