2020 PRESIDENT'S REPORT
#ArcadiaStrong
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | Innovation and Adaptability

At the start of the 2019-20 academic year, we knew that innovation and adaptability would be critical to our long-term success as an institution. Our community’s focus and determination helped us develop ARCADIA2025, an adaptive strategy that guides our decision-making and shapes our institutional priorities.
ARCADIA2025 helped guide us through one of the most challenging semesters our University has ever faced. After our resolve and resilience were tested by COVID-19, we were faced, once again, with stark reminders of the systemic racism that has plagued our nation and region for far too long. In both instances, our community rose to the challenge, making critical, timely decisions aligned with our values and speaking out and acting with passion against the disease of racism. This adaptability allowed us to responsibly steward academic and business continuity, contribute to pandemic mitigation efforts, establish action-based initiatives in response to anti-Black racism, and deepen our community connections.
Our aspiration is clear: Through these crises, we will emerge as leaders in higher education, serving as an engine for prosperity for our local and global communities, and as an accelerant to help the world heal. We will excel by being All-Modes Ready in providing access to exemplary teaching and mentoring in the wake of unprecedented challenges.
We will build a University for the future and remain #ArcadiaStrong.
at a glance
Arcadia’s placement in U.S. News and World Report’s national “Best Physical Therapy Programs” rankings.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Program Guide named Arcadia’s Online ABA Graduate Certificate among the top in the nation.
minutes the Arcadia community came together to reach our ambitious goal on Dec. 3 for #UKnightedTuesday in support of our students.
%
of Arcadia's Class of 2019 secured post-graduate opportunities (including careers, grad school, military, public service, etc.)
Arcadia community members participated in strategy development sessions this year, submitting hundreds of points and feedback on strategic priorities.
ranking by U.S. News and World Report of the nation's top collegiate study abroad programs, based on nominations from University executives of more than 1,500 institutions.
CENTERED ON
Our Mission
Arcadia University provides a distinctively global, integrative, and personal learning experience for intellectually curious undergraduate and graduate students in preparation for a life of scholarship, service, and professional contribution.
innovation
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM EXPANDS TO OFFER HYBRID LEARNING MODEL
Our nationally ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program expanded to include Arcadia DPT Online, a hybrid learning model for health care and medical professionals. Beginning in Fall 2020, the program will offer this online program with periodic on-campus learning, with the same curriculum, objectives, and duration as the on-site program.
PROVOST AWARDS FACULTY INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING GRANTS
The University awarded its first Innovative Programming grants for faculty and staff to explore and develop an Agribusiness minor; Applied Biology tracks; Data Analytics major and minor; Mental Health Counseling program; Biotech Training program; interdisciplinary design space; public art lab and artist residency; and a teacher pipeline project that led to the establishment of Arcadia’s Social Action and Justice Education (SAJE) Fellowship (see “Dr. Brasof Receives Blankley Endowed Chair” below).
PIONEERING VIRTUAL EUROPE, INTERN PHILLY, AND GAP YEAR PROGRAMS LAUNCHED
This year, the University launched Virtual Europe, allowing students to join online courses and virtual internships with faculty and employers in Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Granada, London, and Rome; Intern Philly, a program that matches students with internships based on their career, academic, and networking goals; and GAP Year, a unique, affordable way for students to earn credits while getting a taste of the Arcadia experience.
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE STUDENTS NAMED FINALISTS IN GLOBAL COMPETITION
Hao Huang ’21, Shuhan Qiang ’21, Minhao Zhang ’20, and Haoran Zhu ’21 designed a carbon credit program to reduce carbon emissions for an international competition organized by the Society of Actuaries. The group placed 6th out of 48 teams worldwide.
HEMP RESEARCH BUDS ON CAMPUS
Members of Arcadia’s Biology Department conducted growth and harvest research throughout last summer, comparing seed varieties, cultivation processes, and a robust range of strains. Students and faculty have addressed research questions related to propagation, reviewed the best strains for production in Glenside, perfected their tissue culture work, and conducted genetic modification experiments.
Celebrating a Values-Based Culture
The celebration… was heart-warming and inspiring. The message I took away was: to ground, to root, to center, to connect within—to fly, to grow, to touch, to create … and to experience the joy and the power of our individual work as these individual stories begin to connect and grow into a collective conscience!
students at
the center
COMMON READ LECTURER DAVID HOGG URGES CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
David Hogg, author of Glimmer of Hope, this year’s Common Read book, and March for Our Lives co-founder, gun control advocate, and survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., visited Arcadia as a guest lecturer in October. Hogg stressed civic engagement, encouraging students to vote for politicians who support gun reform.
CENTER FOR TEACHING, LEARNING, AND MENTORING ESTABLISHED
A key initiative of ARCADIA2025 was to establish a Center for Teaching, Learning, and Mentorship (CTLM). Dr. Ellen Skilton, professor of Education, was appointed director of the CTLM and will assemble a team of faculty, staff, and student partners to support and deliver Arcadia’s pedagogical and online teaching innovations, continuous improvement in teaching excellence and mentoring practices, and transformative learning experiences.
OPEN EXPRESSION PRINCIPLES SUPPORT INTELLECTUAL LIFE ON CAMPUS
The University established principles for Open Expression, affirming that the primary goal of speech and expression is to advance and enliven the intellectual life of the community. In April, the Open Expression Task Force opened Guest Speaker, Posting, and Assemblies, Dissent and Protest policies for community review. Such policies encourage open expression as part of the natural dynamic within a thriving community while reiterating that these rights come with important responsibilities.
MENTOR HELPS PREPARE REAL STUDENTS FOR ONLINE COURSES
For her Education Studies Capstone, Annalise Christy ’20 planned to write about Raising Expectations for Academic Learning (REAL) Certificate students participating in Preview for the first time. In response to COVID-19, Christy adapted quickly, coordinating training opportunities and resources for REAL Certificate students to prepare for online courses.
Embracing Your Authentic Self
I’m very fortunate to attend a University that embraces inclusivity and welcomes students to be authentic to themselves, not just within an academic environment.
academic excellence
ALL-MODES READY STRATEGY IMPLEMENTED
Led by Academic Affairs, collaborative teams began mission-critical work to become All-Modes Ready. As one of the leading institutions to announce this approach, Arcadia University is providing the maximum flexibility to combine in-person, blended, and fully online learning, as well as options for students to choose the mode for a particular day or class. All-Modes Ready provides our community the adaptability to adhere to public health recommendations, respect the choices of those who want to minimize social contact, deliver outstanding learning experiences no matter what modes are available (or allowed), and continue to be values-based in our decision making.
GOLDWATER SCHOLAR RESEARCHES DISTRACTED DRIVING
Ever take your eyes off the road when your cell phone buzzes? Kayla Sansevere ’20 wants to know why—and her research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) might help psychologists better understand distracted driving, ranked the leading cause of death for adolescents by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ARCADIA LAUNCHES FIRST PH.D. PROGRAM IN MOVEMENT SCIENCE
In February, the Board of Trustees approved the College of Health Sciences’ Ph.D. in Movement Science, the first Ph.D. program in the University’s history.
VISITING PROFESSOR KEMISSO EXPLORES EDUCATION EQUALITY FOR REFUGEES
Dr. Alebachew Kemisso, a visiting professor at Arcadia and director of the Centre for Comparative Education and Policy Studies at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, joined the Arcadia community this spring to research refugee education as a Civil Society Scholar award recipient.
MIDDLE STATES ACCREDITATION CONDUCTS VIRTUAL REVIEW
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education team, which consisted of two reviewers and a University liaison, successfully conducted its March 27 visit virtually to follow up on the progress Arcadia made in strategic planning, resource allocation decisions, and institutional assessment and effectiveness. The Commission issued its final report in June, acknowledging that Arcadia had fulfilled the requirements of all standards.
Leading with Humility
I’ve become a stronger educator, colleague, artist, and human being as I begin my second term on Faculty Senate and advance my studio practice. I am manifesting my goal of solidifying myself within a community that I love so much.
leadership capacity
CLOSING THE LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY GAP
It is crucial for administration and faculty to teach, consider, represent, and defend diverse viewpoints. We made it a priority to ensure Arcadia’s executive leadership and the board reflect our student body. Our goal is to promote diversity of thought throughout the University, creating a campus where all students and community members feel fully supported.
APPOINTMENTS TO PRESIDENT'S CABINET
We solidified the University’s leadership team this academic year with the appointments of Rakin Hall, vice president of Enrollment Management; Rashmi Radhakrishnan, vice president and chief information officer; Dr. Joan Singleton, chief financial officer and treasurer; Joe Sun, director of Strategic Initiatives; Brigette A. Bryant, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement; and Dr. Jeff Rutenbeck, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. These new members joined Laura Baldwin, vice president for Marketing and Communications; Margaret Callahan, general counsel; and Lorna Stern, vice president and executive director of The College of Global Studies.
OFFICE OF SOCIAL IMPACT AND INNOVATION (SI2) ESTABLISHED
The Office of Social Impact and Innovation (SI2) was established within the Office of the President to provide resources and nurture community initiatives that foster positive transformation locally and around the world. Dr. Alison LaLond Wyant was appointed founding director to coordinate and lead these efforts.
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND THE OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH AND EFFECTIVENESS
Mary Sweeney, appointed associate vice president of Human Resources, brought significant experience in all aspects of human resources, including performance management and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Dr. Bridget Miller—an educational leader, change manager, researcher, and assessment professional with more than 10 years of leadership experience—joined the University as director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
Addressing Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Arcadia is addressing the disconnect between institutions desiring to have diversity in their student bodies, but failing to deal with the lack of diversity at the executive level.
global
community
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS RANKED HIGHLY BY U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
For the first time, the U.S. News & World Report rankings included a national category for study abroad. Arcadia was ranked second in the nation.
DR. HANSON PUBLISHES ON THE VITALITY OF BRUNCA LANGUAGE
Dr. Aroline Seibert Hanson, associate professor of Spanish and Linguistics, published “Reexamining the classification of an endangered language: The vitality of Brunca” with the University of Hawaii Press last summer.
EGYPTIAN EDUCATION DELEGATES VISIT TO LEARN ABOUT STEM INITIATIVES
Egyptian delegates visited campus to learn more about Arcadia’s digital learning opportunities, including a new, online graduate STEM Education program for working teachers that includes global learning experiences and hands-on projects for educators to incorporate in their curriculum.
SPECHT ’20 AWARDED 2020 FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
Heidi Specht ’20, who earned a double major in International Studies and Spanish, will fulfill her goal of working in Brazil after graduation through an English Teaching Assistant scholarship, awarded by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED
This year we took an expanded, holistic approach to review international education at Arcadia. The College of Global Studies and the Office of International Programs conducted self-studies, and an external review committee assessed all levels and units.
Reflecting the World in Which We Want to Live
Arcadia taught me not to be afraid to take a different path and open up my life to the world. I was lucky to be able to participate in the First-Year Study Abroad Experience in Scotland, and in my junior year, I completed an internship at a zoo in Australia. Both study abroad experiences changed my life and how I viewed the world and most definitely gave me the travel bug. Arcadia was the pathway that led me to the world. This is just the beginning of my exploration.
justice, equity, diversity & inclusion
ENACTING RADICAL CHANGE TO INTERRUPT ANTI-BLACK RACISM
Members of our University community participated in protests, fundraisers, and other forms of activism in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless victims of police brutality and racial violence. The difficult conversations we had as a community led to a comprehensive list of action steps we are prioritizing over the next year.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (JEDI)
The Presidential JEDI Commission was formed in Fall 2019 to address systemic change for Arcadia. Its work during the past year informed the Arcadia2025 process and will inform the work of the next iteration of this commission in AY 2020-21. The JEDI Commission 2.0 will be more expansive in terms of membership; expand the charge to address the contemporaneous needs of our community; and contribute to fostering a community of practice and cultural humility.
SOCIAL IMPACT ON A LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND GLOBAL SCALE
The Office of Social Impact and Innovation will work closely with key stakeholders, student leaders, and the inaugural cohort of Civic Scholars to advance our work in combating white supremacy, police brutality, and violence perpetrated against the Black community.
DR. BRASOF NAMED BLANKLEY ENDOWED CHAIR TO SUPPORT SOCIAL ACTION AND JUSTICE EDUCATION
Dr. Marc Brasof, associate professor of Education and director of Secondary Social Studies and English Education, received the 2020-23 Rosemary and Walter Blankley Endowed Chair in Education. The award will support Arcadia’s Social Action and Justice Education (SAJE) Fellowship, a new program that will prepare aspiring educators of color to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. The fellowship will provide significant academic and financial support, including full and partial scholarships, preparatory programs, and leadership training.
Black Lives Matter
I am motivated to become an educator because I want to be a role model for children who do and who also do not look like me. I want to instill a love of learning and realization of continual growth in students.
saying goodbye
This year underscored the fragility of life in both the Arcadia community and across the country. We mourned the loss of several friends, and will continue to commemorate their lives as a University community.

Dr. Andrea Crivelli-Kovach
Dr. Crivelli-Kovach joined Arcadia in 1996 as director of the Health Education program, and oversaw the program’s transition to a department as founding chair of Public Health.
Walter E. Blankley
Walter was a beloved member of the Arcadia University community and husband of Life Trustee Rosemary Deniken Blankley ’57, ’06H.

Sharon Anthony
Our dear friend and coworker, Sharon, was a dedicated member of the Arcadia community since April 2001. As director of Payroll Services, she was the heart of the Human Resources team.

Robert Wood III
There are no words to convey how heartbroken we were to hear about the tragic death of Criminal Justice student Robert Wood III. His loss was felt by all at Arcadia and a term scholarship has been established in Robert’s memory. Awarded to a first-year student with demonstrated financial need, the scholarship is renewable for up to three years.
CENTERED ON
Our Vision, Our Dream, Our Passion
Arcadia University’s pioneering, global, integrated, liberal arts, and professional learning experience cultivates leaders who are intellectually fearless and uniquely prepared for life and work. Our highly regarded, values-based learning community reflects the world in which we want to live.
adaptive strategy
ARCADIA2025
Guided by our mission, vision, and values, the adaptive strategy initiated a paradigm shift in our community. In response to the major disruptions occurring within higher education, we’ve built a community of practice to work toward our strategic goals.
Academic Excellence Through Impact and Authenticity
Strategic Goals:
- Unbounding the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Transforming Lives and Communities Through Strategic Enrollment
- Empowering Students Through Transformational Teaching, Learning, Mentoring, and Research
- Expanding Global Reach, Interdisciplinary, and Experiential Opportunities
Student Success and Engagement
Strategic Goals:
- Advancing Socially and Intellectually Transformative Learning
- Implementing a Holistic Approach to Student Success and Achievement
- Championing a “Students at the Center” Framework
- Creating a Vibrant Residential and Campus Environment
Social Responsibility and Impact
Strategic Goals:
- Lifting Ourselves and Others Through Partnership
- Supporting Populations of Promise
- Strengthening, Connecting, and Amplifying Civic Life
- Grounding and Integrating Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Campus, Culture, and Community
Strategic Goals:
- UKnighted in Purpose, Empowering to Lead
- Creating Impact Philanthropy and Strategic Finance
- Fortifying Unified and Compelling Storytelling
- Investing in People and Infrastructure
Unanimous Board of Trustees Approval of ARCADIA2025
At the February 20, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting, a unanimous vote of approval was issued for ARCADIA2025, the projected strategic direction of the University. The Office of Strategic Initiatives and the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness will support this process to ensure that the University continues along the path that has been forged over nearly two years. The established priorities and initiatives will further align college, departmental, and divisional strategies with Arcadia’s strategic direction.
COVID-19 crisis
As the coronavirus spread around the world, Arcadia’s leadership and crisis management teams led efforts to protect the health and safety of University community members, on campus and overseas. As the spring semester progressed, the University developed an academic and campus continuity plan; resources and policies to ease the transition to remote work and learning; and an online repository of University updates regarding COVID-19.
Our Global Response
COVID-19 was a rapidly evolving situation. Arcadia began our global response in January with news from our partner institutions in China, and mobilized a global crisis response team to gather information, make informed decisions, and protect the health and safety of our community as the pandemic progressed.
Innovate to Thrive Challenge
In May, we established the Innovate to Thrive challenge to help Arcadia thrive during the COVID-19 disruption. All community members were invited to pitch ideas and solutions to unprecedented challenges we may face during the 2020-21 academic year.

Decisions Based on Our Lived Values
Tasked with addressing the pandemic on a global scale, we ensured our decisions aligned with our values. This included funding students’ ability to mobilize, ensuring that students who needed housing had a home on campus, and supporting our faculty and staff as we pivoted to online operations.
Community Impact Amid Pandemic
As COVID-19 began to emerge, one of the first area institutions to step forward to offer help to the Township was Arcadia University. They have provided assistance to the Police Department and EMS, not once, not twice, but three times. They continue to call and offer assistance. Thank you, Arcadia University, for being a community partner.
arcadia strong
In March, the hashtag #ArcadiaStrong became our community’s rally. Many shared messages of hope; tips for remote learning, self-care, and social distancing; and even song suggestions for a Spotify Playlist to unite those working and studying at home.
#ArcadiaStrong embraces our students, parents, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and the newest members of our community starting this fall.
Additionally, #ArcadiaStrong Friday Forums were launched to address COVID-19’s impact on campus and around the world. We were joined by campus and community leaders, including U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean ’20H, one of this year’s honorary degree recipients. For families, the Office of Student Affairs led the Knight Student Connection Forum to address a range of topics, including financial aid, residence life, and Commencement.
Interconnected and Interdependent
Arcadia gave me the opportunity to serve people in ways that I never imagined. From the experiential learning experiences in the greater Philadelphia area to the opportunities to study abroad, I built my confidence and competence in my clinical and interpersonal skills. The Arcadia experience ignited my love of serving underserved populations and ultimately led me to my current position with the Indian Health Service as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS).
a university for the future
Our commitment to academic excellence, student support, and pedagogical innovation is made possible by the generosity of our donors.
#UKnightedTuesday Day of Giving
This year, the University saw a more than 136-percent growth in support. Arcadia’s fifth annual day of giving, #UKnightedTuesday, brought in $129,077 with gifts from nearly 500 donors—surpassing the campaign goal by more than $79,000 and tripling the previous year’s results.
Endowed Scholarships to Support Students
Launched in October, the Arcadia Financial Aid Initiative (AFAI) provides a 1:1 match for donors who establish a new or supplement an existing endowed scholarship with a minimum commitment of $50,000. Board of Trustees Chair Alison Aaron Madsen ’85, Susan C. Saxer ’71, Joan Nadler Brantz ’65, Margaret Tillman Huskins ’68, Holly Ludwig Pfeifer ’66, Christy Ann Pierce ’71, Kevin Schollenberger ’88, and Kimberly J. Sterner-Stein ’88 were the first AFAI philanthropists.
Jones Poundstone Society
The Jones Poundstone Society, named in honor of the first two Beaver Female Seminary graduates, was established to recognize donors who support Arcadia’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge innovation. More than 140 donors were welcomed into the Society since its inception.
annual success
This support, coupled with the tireless work and dedication of our community members, will allow us to preserve Arcadia’s traditions and learning experiences, no matter the challenges we face. Our All-Modes Ready model provides us flexibility in the short term, yet will set Arcadia apart as a leader in educational continuity and accessibility in the long term.
We will build a University for the future, and we will remain #ArcadiaStrong.
The Fund For Arcadia
Overall Achievement
About the President’s Report
The 2020 President’s Report chronicles the self-renewal process of the past year. Together, we are strengthening campus leadership, pursuing high-impact opportunities, and inspiring a values-based culture. With an understanding of the major disruptions that are occurring within higher education, we have built a community of practice to enable and articulate our shared passions and commitments.
Office of the President
Grey Towers Castle, 2nd Floor
450 S. Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
215-572-2909
president@arcadia.edu

Produced by the Office of University Relations