Dear PennWest,

Over the past year, the power of PennWest has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by our commitment to academic innovation, workforce preparedness, and expanding access across our four campuses. I am pleased to share our FY 2024–2025 Impact Report, which showcases key initiatives and achievements from the previous fiscal year.

Last year marked significant milestones in our journey to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. The launch of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies underscored our dedication to integrating AI responsibly into education and workforce development. Our expansion of flexible learning options included the addition of a fully online graduate program in speech-language pathology, providing more pathways for learners to succeed regardless of location.

Our STEM and health education programs continued to excel, earning prestigious reaccreditations and grants that support specialized training and certification in critical fields, including nursing and teacher preparation. With targeted workforce development initiatives—from hands-on training in plastics injection molding to pioneering apprenticeships for teachers of deaf students—PennWest is helping bridge regional skills gaps and strengthen career pipelines.

We also continued to deepen our partnerships with high schools through enhanced dual enrollment programs and professional development opportunities for educators. These efforts are vital to expanding college access and addressing the statewide teacher shortage.

Our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. The PennWest Career Center supported nearly 3,500 students last year, connecting them with employers and providing innovative tools to prepare for their futures. Additionally, significant investments in student retention, mentoring, and wellness programs underscored our holistic approach to student success.

This report also highlights the vibrancy of campus life—from thriving student organizations and Greek life to record-setting athletic achievements and the introduction of new sports programs. We improved our facilities, too, with upgraded athletic fields and the groundbreaking for a new, energy-efficient science center on our California campus.

Our institutional progress continued with strong momentum in accreditation and assessment efforts, ensuring PennWest’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. Communication and community engagement were stronger than ever, thanks to initiatives like The Power of PennWest podcast and the newly launched UCM Hub.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the generosity of our donors, whose transformational gifts and scholarships expanded opportunities for students and strengthened programs across our university.

Together, we are shaping a future that reflects the strength, resilience, and promise of PennWest. I invite you to explore this report and celebrate the collective impact we are making in higher education and the communities we serve. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication.

With gratitude,

Jon Anderson, Ph.D.
President, PennWest University