PennWest University’s Council of Trustees approved the renaming of Morgan Hall at PennWest California and elected council officers during its Oct. 1 meeting on the California campus. 

The building, formally known as the Thomas J. Morgan Learning and Research Center, will be named the Thomas M. and Karen L. Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education and known as Rutledge Hall. 

“Tom and Karen Rutledge have helped create a place where young children can thrive and future educators can learn alongside them,” said Dr. James Fisher, interim president of PennWest University. “Naming this building in their honor recognizes their generosity and the lasting impact of their commitment to education.” 

The action follows the institute’s Sept. 25 grand reopening after a $5.5 million renovation made possible by the generosity of institute founders Tom and Karen Rutledge. The project expanded the institute’s space from 1,800 to 14,000 square feet, adding classrooms, a STEM lab, library, art studio, and children’s kitchen. 

The expanded facility creates more space for young learners and additional opportunities for PennWest students preparing for careers in early childhood education to gain hands-on experience. 

In other business trustees elected J.D. Dunbar as chair, Larry Pickett as vice chair, and Aiden Dougan as secretary. 

The council also recognized former Trustee Pat Kennedy, whose term concluded Sept. 21. Kennedy chose not to seek reappointment after 10 years of service. 

“We thank Pat for her service, her advocacy on behalf of our students and her unwavering commitment to higher education,” Dunbar said. 

In other recognition, the council awarded trustee emeritus status to James T. Davis, a 1973 California graduate and former trustee who served as chair and vice chair. The honor recognizes his distinguished leadership and contributions to California University of Pennsylvania and PennWest University. 

A founding partner of the Uniontown law firm Davis & Davis, Davis has held leadership roles in state and regional legal organizations. His service to his alma mater has been recognized with the Job Johnson Award and the California University Alumni Association’s Meritorious Award.