PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2020-2021 was a year
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edication. Resilience. Flexibility. Perseverance. These characteristics were demonstrated day in and day out by Titans during the extraordinary months of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Faculty taught in person and virtually for students who could not physically attend class. Students wore masks and maintained safe distancing inside buildings and on the Quad. Staff worked diligently to safely house students, clean facilities and support technology on campus. Nurses and trainers administered COVID tests, and Titan athletes and coaches from all varsity teams competed during the spring term. While each day presented challenges, each also offered the satisfaction of knowing that the mission of education at Westminster College was being met. While a critically important objective for the year was the maintenance of a safe campus for in-person teaching and learning, significant progress was made on a number of other key initiatives of the Westminster College 2018-2027 Strategic Plan. In support of Goal One: Recruit and Retain Students, recruitment of new students for fall 2021 exceeded the goal, and retention of current students remained steady. Dr. Karen Schedin, who joined us this year as the new vice president for enrollment management, led the division as it adjusted to the changes the pandemic brought to the practices of recruiting students. Digital messages developed by the College’s marketing and communication team played a critical role in informing students and parents about Westminster and the deep educational experiences available on campus. Several key projects related to Goal Two: Revitalize Campus Environment were completed during the year, including Phase III of the Hoyt Science Center expansion that added a new wing to the Center; the UPMC Sports Complex, with its new soccer/lacrosse field, and the new softball and baseball fields; and a refreshing of the technology infrastructure and equipment on campus to support virtual modalities for teaching and learning. The Remick House has been updated to provide a more welcoming environment for prospective students and their families. The cooperation and commitment of students, faculty and staff allowed us to provide oncampus living and learning to students both fall and spring semesters, with continuing efforts to achieve Goal Three: Renew Educational Experiences. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education renewed the College’s accreditation in June, the results of a well-developed self-study and virtual site visit. The nursing program gained its initial accreditation from the
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