As new students arrive on campus to begin their first year of college, it is certainly a moment of anticipation and hope for many. The unloading of cars by family members, even grandparents, cousins and smaller siblings, comes with a measure of anxiety about what this move to college really means.
For most families, going to college is an important fork in the road of life. Students and families have participated in somewhat agonizing financial decisions and planning involving financial aid, loans, and expectations regarding the continuing value of a college education. As many of us at Cheyney view these transitions into a higher education environment, we smile and assure these families that the journey that led to this fork in the road has been worthwhile -- and there are life changing adventures ahead.
Cheyney University will help structure some of these potential life transformations through the learning communities in University College, the Keystone Honors Program, the Call Me Mister program, internship placements, activities in the Entrepreneurship Institute, and many cultural and sporting events on campus. However, it will be up to students to avail themselves of these learning opportunities and exposures.
Now as I begin my sixth year, as president of Cheyney University, I am assured that this academic learning environment represents a good fork in the road of life when I review the accomplishments of recent graduates as well as the emerging changes on campus. The new residence hall is opening. The new science center is under construction. With a measure of patience and yet, anticipation, we are restructuring our enrollment management, scholarship and financial processes for more efficiency. As a growing liberal arts university with a focus on communications and natural and applied sciences, Cheyney University offers students a knowledgeable and committed faculty, cultural exposure to the arts, and a supportive environment in which students are encouraged to discover their purpose in life.
On behalf of the Cheyney University family, welcome to the Class of 2016!