Meet the President

Dr. Jon Anderson

Welcome to PennWest University!

With campuses in California, Clarion, Edinboro, and Global Online, PennWest serves learners and communities across western Pennsylvania and beyond. Our work is guided by a clear purpose: expanding access to opportunity and helping every student move forward with the confidence to achieve their ambitions.

PennWest is the second-largest public university in western Pennsylvania, built on more than 170 years of academic excellence and reimagined in 2022 to meet the needs of today’s learners and the evolving workforce.

Our faculty and staff bring resiliency, practicality, and compassion to their work each day—meeting learners where they are, supporting them through challenges, and empowering them to turn ambition into action. Together, they create learning environments where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

The impact of a PennWest education is reflected in the achievements of our more than 206,000 alumni. Across Pennsylvania and beyond, they strengthen communities through leadership, service, and innovation. Their success reflects an education grounded in real-world relevance and enduring value.

At PennWest, students are at the center of everything we do. We believe education should be a pathway, not a barrier—and that every learner deserves a supportive community and the flexibility to pursue their goals. As we look to the future, we remain united by purpose, grounded in community, and committed to helping every student take their next step. Together, we are building a future where opportunity—and possibility—are within reach.

Jon Anderson Signature