Moon Shot for Equity

Dr. Jeffery L. Osgood

Executive Vice President & Provost (Interim)

Dr. Jeffery Osgood, a first-generation college student, earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Austin Peay State University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of Louisville. In his current role, Dr. Osgood values having the opportunity to make a significant impact on the way WCU operates and how it serves students. “While I would like to take credit for our culture of student success, I believe that this commitment so strongly permeates the university that the credit belongs to every member of the campus community.” Dr. Osgood reports that his proudest professional accomplishment is not so much a specific outcome or achievement. Instead, it is the almost tangible sense among the team that they are empowered, encouraged, and emboldened to take on the challenge of breaking down barriers to student success.

Dr. Vanessa Kahen

Director of West Chester University Moon Shot, Department Chair and Professor of Psychology

Dr. Vanessa Kahen is the Director of West Chester University’s (WCU) Moon Shot for Equity Mission. In addition, she serves as Department Chair and Professor of Psychology. Drawing on more than 20-years of experience in higher education, Dr. Kahen believes in the need to develop student-centered universities. Her background also includes co-chairing the WCU’s Equity Scorecard team from 2011-2014, leading her university’s effort to find effective pathways to closing racial equity gaps in student access, retention, and completion rates by identifying and remediating unintended obstacles contributing to racial disproportions in student success. She has also headed the development and implementation of a new Doctor of Psychology program and training clinic providing supervised clinical training for Psy.D. students and affordable mental health care to the community. She studies risk and protective factors for social and emotional wellbeing during the transition to college and teaches courses in Multicultural Psychology, Child and Family Psychotherapy, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Megan Jerabek

Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Systems & Services; Associate Provost for Student Persistence

Megan Jerabek currently serves as the Senior Associate Vice President for Academic & Enterprise Systems and Associate Provost for Student Persistence. In this role she works to leverage technology in a way that empowers students and the faculty & students who support them. Megan has been with WCU for over 7 years serving in multiple capacities to support enrollment technology, student success, retention, and student records. She has worked in higher education for over 15 years at both private and public institutions.

Dr. Tracey Robinson

Dr. Tracey Robinson has served as West Chester University’s inaugural Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer since 2018. She has over 20 years in higher education, serving in many capacities in academic affairs, student affairs and as a faculty member. Her background as a Social Psychologist has enabled her to conduct research and program assessment to assist with effectively advancing university-wide leadership and assessment in the areas of student recruitment, retention, and graduation and well as campus climate, diversity education, advocacy and professional development. She earned her Doctorate in Social Psychology, MS in Social Psychology, and BA in Psychology, all from North Carolina State University.

Ellyn Artis

Managing Director, Technology Partner Experience & Consultant for Moon Shot for Equity

Ellyn Artis has a long history working with higher education leaders to implement strategies that increase the numbers of students who complete a postsecondary credential. At EAB, she helps to build the capacity of our partners around change management and the use of data and analytics. Previously, she was a founding partner at the Education Delivery Institute (EDI) where she helped education leaders to implement and scale student success strategies. Corwin Press published her book, Deliverology in Practice, which chronicles implementation success stories in education and provides for administrators, faculty, and staff. Ellyn has also worked at The Education Trust, supporting higher education systems that agreed to halve college-going and completion equity gaps as part of the Access to Success Initiative. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Barnard College and a Master's in Public Affairs from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Dr. Francis Atuahene

Professor of Public Policy and Administration

Dr. Francis Atuahene is an Associate Professor and Director of Exploratory Studies. As an academic advisor, Dr. Atuahene believes the first year in Exploratory Studies remains a critical pillar of student’s personal growth and academic success. Dr. Atuahene’s research interests are in higher education accessibility, equity and affordability. He earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Policy and a cognate in College Student Personnel. He earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA), and Master of Public Administration (MPA) all from the Ohio University. He also received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Political Science with Philosophy from the University of Ghana.

Dr. Angela Clarke

Professor of Psychology and the Founding Director of Clinical Training for West Chester University’s Doctor of Psychology program

Dr. Angela Clarke is a Professor of Psychology and the founding Director of Clinical Training for West Chester University’s APA accredited Doctor of Psychology program. Dr. Clarke teaches courses in Multicultural Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, and Consultation and Supervision in Clinical Practice. Her research focuses on the use of community partnership approaches for developing sustainable, community-based interventions to prevent mental health disorders among youth living in communities of concentrated poverty. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Zebulun Davenport

Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs

Dr. Zebulun Davenport currently serves as West Chester University’s Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs. Dr. Davenport has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, with nearly 14 years as a Vice President. His contributions at WCU have advanced campus culture, organizational structure, and student success. Dr. Davenport brings expertise in the areas of student retention, outcomes assessment, strategic planning, and strategies for assisting first-generation college students. He earned his Doctorate in Higher Education and Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Human Services from James Madison University.

Dr. Jackie Hodes

Professor in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs and co-director of the Ed.D. in Policy, Planning, and Administration

Dr. Jacqueline Hodes is a Professor in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs in the Department of Educational Foundations and Policy Studies. She teaches courses in Higher Education and Student Affairs and prepares graduate students for positions in these fields. She also serves as the co-director of the Ed.D. in Policy, Planning, and Administration. Dr. Hodes has worked at WCU since 1986, starting her career in Student Affairs as the director of alcohol and drug education. Over 26 years as an administrator, Dr. Hodes served in many different capacities including director of the wellness center and the assistant to the vice-president for student affairs. She has had experience in student conduct, orientation, new student programs, student learning outcomes assessment, fundraising and development, and many other areas in student affairs. Dr. Hodes served as a member on the Equity Scorecard Team in 2011-2013. In addition, Dr. Hodes served for 18 years as the coordinator for LGBTQA services. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Curriculum, Technology, and Higher Education from University of Delaware.

Dr. Tammy James

Professor in the Department of Health, and Coordinator of Academic Support Services for Student Athletes

Dr. Tammy James is a Professor in the Department of Health, and currently serves as the Coordinator of Academic Support Services for Student Athletes at West Chester University. She is responsible for teaching undergraduate/graduate courses in School Health Education, including a Leadership/Life skills course for student athletes and she directs the West Chester University Athletic Mentoring Program and the COMPASS (Commitment to the Objective of Mentoring, Perseverance, Achievement Sustainability, and Success) program. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and School Health Education from Kent State University.

Dr. Rodney Mader

Professor of English

Dr. Rodney Mader received his Ph.D. in English from Temple University in 1998 and joined WCUPA in 1999. Over the years he has served the university in various roles, including as Faculty Associate for LGBTQ Affairs; Director of Women’s and Gender Studies; Chair of the English Department; and Director of General Education during the revision of our curriculum. He has also served multiple terms on CAPC. Dr. Mader worked with colleagues from across the university to close equity gaps in access, retention, and completion as a member of the Equity Scorecard Committee in 2011-14, and he is eager to continue this important work as part of the Moon Shot for Equity.

Marie Bunner

Associate Professor and Director (Interim) of the Academic Success Program

Dr. Bunner is the Associate Director of the Academic Success Program (ASP) and Associate Professor in the department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Support Programs. Her professional experience in academic support includes teaching and learning strategies, academic advising, and special admissions programs.  Moon Shot for Equity is an amazing collaborative opportunity to improve and enhance access and academic success for all students.  

Rita Patel Eng

Director, Center for  Civic Engagement & Social Impact 

Rita joined the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact in February 2023. Rita graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) with a doctoral degree in Policy, Planning, and Administration in Higher Education in 2022. She also holds a Certificate in Higher Education and Student Affairs Policy (HEPSA) from WCU. She received her MS in Technological Systems Management and BS in Biology and Secondary Science Teaching Certification at Stony Brook University in New York. Rita joined WCU in 2016 and has served in various student support roles on campus working with undergraduate and graduate student populations, faculty, and staff, and campus partners to coordinate student success initiatives. She has been involved in K-16 education for over 30 years. She is passionate about working with students to help them find success and realize their potential to create change! As her personal commitment towards these goals, she has lent her professional and personal talents as a community volunteer.

Brenda Small

Associate Vice President for Finance and Business Services

Brenda Small is the Associate Vice President for Finance and Business Services at West Chester University. In her role, Brenda is responsible for the departments of Accounting, Accounts Payable, Bursar, Business Systems, Construction Procurement, Payroll, Purchasing and Postal Services at the university. Prior to assuming this role, Brenda served as the Financial Controller for the university. Brenda earned a B.S. in accounting from the Pennsylvania State University, an M.B.A. from West Chester University and a C.P.A. from the state of Delaware. Brenda began her career in public accounting and has over 30 years of experience in higher education, governmental and not-for profit organizations.

Amanda Corsi

Associate Registrar

Amanda Corsi has served as Associate Registrar for Student Services in the Registrar’s Office since 2017. She oversees a team who provides comprehensive service to students, faculty, and the campus community. She has experience working directly with students in multiple settings, including four-year institutions and community colleges, helping them towards degree completion. She earned her Master’s in Higher Ed Counseling/Students in 2015 from WCU and is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Policy, Planning, and Administration with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2023.

Jen Long

Director, Twardowski Career Development Center

Jennifer Rossi Long is leading campus-wide career development efforts at West Chester University as the Director of the Twardowski Career Development Center. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from WCU, and a Master of Education in Counseling in Higher Education from Widener. Over Jennifer’s 17 years of experience in the field, she has utilized an equity-minded approach to her work and is excited to apply that lens to other areas of campus through the Moon Shot mission.

Marci Major

Chair, Department of Music Education and Music Therapy, Associate Professor in Music Education

Dr. Marci Major believes in the power of collaboration to solve problems, develop programs, and adjust to meet the ever-changing needs of stakeholders. Through her work as Professor and Department Chair of Music Education and Music Therapy, Marci facilitated hundreds of partnerships resulting in increased teacher support, more musical access for K-12 students, the development of cutting-edge collegiate curriculum, and the creation of new paid hands-on experiences for pre-service teachers. Marci believes strongly in the power of collaboration to creatively solve problems, develop programs, increase DEI, and constantly adjust to meet the ever-changing needs, cares, wants, and concerns of all stakeholders. 

Rodney Mader

Professor of English

Dr. Rodney Mader received his Ph.D. in English from Temple University in 1998 and joined WCUPA in 1999. Over the years he has served the university in various roles, including as Faculty Associate for LGBTQ Affairs; Director of Women’s and Gender Studies; Chair of the English Department; and Director of General Education during the revision of our curriculum. He has also served multiple terms on CAPC. Dr. Mader worked with colleagues from across the university to close equity gaps in access, retention, and completion as a member of the Equity Scorecard Committee in 2011-14, and he is eager to continue this important work as part of the Moon Shot for Equity.

Brian Bowen

Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Bowen is a Professor in the Mathematics Department. His area of interest is in the preparation of elementary and middle school pre-service teachers. Dr. Bowen is also involved with the design and implementation of developmental mathematics courses. He is looking forward to working with Moon Shot for Equity to help support the implementation of best practices to support the success of students at West Chester University.

Ilknur Sancak-Marusa

Instructor and First Year Writing Director

Dr. Jen Bacon

Dean, College of Arts and Humanities

Dr. Jen Bacon has served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities since 2017. Before that, Dr. Bacon served in several leadership roles at WCU, including chair of the English Department, Director of Women’s and Gender Studies, and Associate Provost. Dr. Bacon’s doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Communication (2000) is from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with a research focus is storytelling, including the ways that individuals deploy their identities through shared stories. Most recently, Dr. Bacon served as Interim Deputy Provost working closely with the Moon Shot Advisory team and EAB partners to identify strategies for implementing goal team recommendations.

Jennifer Hewitt

Assistant Vice President & University Registrar

As University Registrar, she focuses on how we help our students get from matriculation to graduation. Often thought of as record stewards, the Registrar's Office roll in student success goes well beyond that. In the Registrar's Office, they support students through policy implementation and improvements in processes. Her role on the Moon Shot Transfer Team allows me to put her subject matter expertise together with her research interest in student success. She's excited to continue to the work of improve the transfer experience for students and close equity gaps.

Beatrice Adera

Professor & Department Chairperson of Special Education

Dr. Francis Atuahene

Professor of Public Policy and Administration

Dr. Francis Atuahene is an Associate Professor and Director of Exploratory Studies. As an academic advisor, Dr. Atuahene believes the first year in Exploratory Studies remains a critical pillar of student’s personal growth and academic success. Dr. Atuahene’s research interests are in higher education accessibility, equity and affordability. He earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Policy and a cognate in College Student Personnel. He earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA), and Master of Public Administration (MPA) all from the Ohio University. He also received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Political Science with Philosophy from the University of Ghana.

Dr. Meg Hazel, Esq.

Assistant Director Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Equal Opportunity and Title IX Investigator

Dr. Meg Hazel, Esq. has been a part of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since 2019. She serves as an assistant director and investigator. Prior to coming to WCU, Meg worked at the South Carolina Department of Education as Deputy General Counsel and Lead Complaint Investigator. She also taught courses at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Meg earned her B.A., M.A., and J.D. from the University of South Carolina, her Ed.D. from West Chester University, and her 4th degree blackbelt from Zen Shotokai Karate Dojo.

Meg wanted to work with Moon Shot for Equity because it is her passion. Doing equity work is hard, but Meg is inspired when she sees how many of her colleagues also believe in the mission. 

Thom Nixon

Student Success Coordinator

Porsche Murray, MS

Porsche Murray is the Assistant Director & Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives at the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. There, she focuses on training and education opportunities for faculty, staff, and, students. With over a decade of experience in higher education, her expertise lies in academic support and program development tailored for underrepresented minority (URM) students. Porsche holds a BA in Sociology from Rowan University and an MS in Higher Education from Drexel University, reflecting her commitment to promoting inclusivity and educational access. Through her work with the Moon Shot for Equity, she strives to create transformative opportunities that empower all students to achieve their highest potential.

Kristin English, Ph.D.

Jordan Schugar, Ph.D.

Dr. Rachel Daltry (she/her)

Tri-Chair for the Supporting Students' Emotional Wellness Committee.

Dr. Daltry is the Director and Chair of West Chester University’s Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Counseling Center).  She is a Full Professor and entering her 13th year at West Chester University (WCU). Dr. Daltry has a strong passion for supporting students and the campus community's overall well-being and mental health. She is a strong advocate for students and encouraging the campus to provide a community of care for them and each other. Dr. Rachel Daltry graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a B.S. and M.S in Psychology and earned her Psy.D. from La Salle University.  She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Grace Liu

Associate Professor, Business Librarian at F.H.G. Library

Professor Grace Liu, Associate Professor and Business Librarian at West Chester University's F.H.G. Library, holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Maine. Since joining West Chester University in fall 2019, she has spearheaded around ten research grant projects. Her initiatives have focused on student entrepreneurship, evaluating online sources, data quality literacy, career information literacy, peer mentoring, internships, closing equity gaps, and enhancing college student retention and success.

Dr. Karen Dickinson

Dr. Karen Dickinson has served students as a teacher, school counselor and counselor educator for over 40 decades. Her work and passion has been to support and advocate for students with disabilities and abilities, and any student for which systems are not equitable.

Moon Shot exemplifies the collaboration needed to support students in a wholistic way by breaking down barriers and building foundations for academics, finances, and most importantly emotional wellness. This is my purpose and am honored to be part of this team.

Dr. Lindsey Keenan

Dr. Lindsey Keenan is an Associate Professor in Sports Medicine, teaching courses in psychosocial perspectives, special topics, and human cadaver dissection. She also serves as an athletic trainer for WCU NCAA athletes and the women's rugby team. Her research focuses on student-athlete mental health, and she co-developed the PROmotion Health app to screen student-athletes for mental health concerns. Dr. Keenan has chaired the Council on Undergraduate Research, is part of the LGBTQIA+ University caucus and healthcare subcommittee, and leads the DEI Committee in Sports Medicine. She holds a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Temple University and is excited to work on the Moon Shot goal team addressing student emotional wellness.

BK Taylor