2026 Spring Commencement Program

ABOUT MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY 

Millersville has the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s first state-owned university, founded in 1855 as a normal school. In the mid-19th century, normal schools were developed throughout the East as a way to train teachers for the country’s fast-growing new public schools. In Lancaster County, James P. Wickersham was in charge of the public schools and was convinced of the need for training programs for teachers. He held his own program, a teachers institute, in the little borough of Millersville. After its success, he then convinced the town fathers who had built the school to permit it to be used instead as a permanent normal school.

For the next 100 years, Millersville’s purpose was to prepare teachers, and it did so with great success. Its reputation as an institution of excellence was established during the period when it was operating two-year and later four-year programs to prepare the individuals who taught the children of this Commonwealth.

Over the years, the school’s name changed several times. Wickersham called it the Lancaster County Normal School. In 1859, when it was four years old, the school was officially recognized by the state legislature, and its name became The First Pennsylvania State Normal School. That lengthy title was gradually changed by usage to Millersville State Normal School. It was known by several other names before 1959, when the name was changed to Millersville State College, and soon to follow were a great many new four-year baccalaureate programs in the arts and sciences. Also added were master’s degree programs, at first in teacher education and later in many other fields. On July 1, 1983, the college became Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and the 14th state-owned college in the State System of Higher Education.

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY TODAY 

During Millersville’s evolution from a normal school to a university, its reputation as a good training ground for teachers has not diminished. Teacher certification programs are available across all schools in Special Education, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, a wide selection of Secondary Education programs, Technology and Engineering Education, Art Education and Music Education. 

The College of Education and Human Services is home to the following departments: Educational Foundations; Early, Middle and Elementary Education; Psychology; Special Education, as well as the School of Social Work. 

The College of Science and Technology is comprised of the following departments: Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Geography; Mathematics; Wehrheim School of Nursing and Physics. Offerings in the health fields include Respiratory Therapy; Medical Technology; Nuclear Medicine Technology; Pre-Athletic Training; Pre-Med; Pre-Optometry; Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Podiatry. 

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is the home of the liberal arts disciplines in humanities and social sciences, including the departments of Art and Design; Communication and Theatre; Criminology, Sociology and Anthropology; English and World Languages; Government, Law, and International Relations; History and Philosophy; as well as the Tell School of Music.

Originally established in 2019, the Lombardo College of Business offers majors in Accounting and Finance; Business Administration; Economics; Management, Marketing and Information Technology; and Wellness and Sport Sciences. The College was officially named in 2020 in recognition of Dr. Samuel and Mrs. Dena Lombardo’s generosity to both the College and University. This is the first named college in Millersville’s 166-year history.

The College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning was established in fall 2009 following 50 years of graduate program offerings. Today, Millersville offers more than 50 graduate degree and certification programs, and three doctoral programs that serve the needs of adult learners in our community and beyond.

University College was established at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year and is comprised of Exploratory Studies and Student Development, the Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change, the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, The Career Center, the Vilas A. Prabhu Center for Academic Excellence, the Francine G. McNairy Library and Learning Forum, Integrated Studies, Multidisciplinary Studies, the Office of Learning Services, Starfish, Success Coaching, the University Honors College, and the Writing Center.

The University’s curriculum is continuously studied and adjusted to allow for the development of programs to meet the needs of students. Millersville University’s Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) major is an innovative and flexible program of study that allows students to tailor studies to meet their academic strengths and career goals with careful advisement.

Integrated Studies is an individualized postsecondary education course of study for individuals with intellectual disability that leads to social and professional networks, careers and bright futures. Students receive support from trained personnel, including coaches, mentors, faculty and staff.

Millersville’s excellent reputation extends beyond the classroom as well. It has outstanding athletic, intramural and recreational programs. It offers a wide range of cultural activities for both educational and entertainment purposes. The Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center houses the Tell School of Music and state-of-the-art facilities, including performance and recital halls, recording suites and piano labs. The Ware Center in downtown Lancaster offers space for academic studies as well as elegant performance areas and cultural events programs.

The 250-acre main campus is well-tended, and the park-like area around the campus pond is regarded as a special place by students where they can sit and enjoy the outdoors and watch the swans, Miller and S’Ville.

All of these factors contribute to a good deal of pride at Millersville University—pride that parents and friends of graduates rightfully share.

ACADEMIC SYMBOLISM

Academic ceremonies are steeped in centuries-old ritual. The elaborate trappings contribute to the pageantry and dignity of the occasion, and convey the continuity of academic tradition from medieval times to the present. Incorporating these traditions unites Millersville University with the community of scholars and institutions of higher learning.

THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION

The academic procession that begins and ends most academic ceremonies is a descendant of the clerical procession. Millersville University’s procession, formed in ranks of two, is led by one of the most senior faculty carrying the University mace, followed by the candidates for degrees, the University faculty, the Council of Trustees and platform party, and the University president and guest speaker.

THE MACE 

The staff carried at the front of the academic procession is called a mace and represents the authority of the Office of the President.

THE UNIVERSITY SEAL 

Millersville University’s seal, a gift of the Class of 1916, is worn on a gold chain by the University president.

ACADEMIC ATTIRE

The academic regalia has always consisted of three parts: the gown, the hood and the cap. It has traditionally been worn at academic ceremonies as a record of the academic achievement of the participants. Its use originated in the Middle Ages, when all undergraduates were required to wear clerical robes, since students were expected to enter the ranks of the clergy. In this country, a color system was adopted in 1893 to identify the academic discipline in which the degree was earned. Some of the most frequently seen hood colors, and the field of learning represented by each, are white, arts and letters; light blue, education; dark blue, philosophy; golden yellow, science; copper, economics; scarlet, theology; and pink, music. The tassels for bachelor’s and master’s degrees are usually black, while the tassel of the doctorate cap is usually gold.

Click on links below to learn more.

---

Board of Goverors, Council of Trustees, Presidents Cabinet

PASSHE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES

Daniel A. Wubah, Ph.D., President
 
PRESIDENT’S CABINET

---

Colleges and Departments

OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES AND ADULT LEARNING 
Lara Willox, Ph.D., Interim Dean 
 
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES  
Ieva Zake, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Art & Design, Shauna L. Frischkorn, M.F.A. 
Communication & Theatre, Lowery Woodall III, Ph.D. 
Criminology, Sociology and Anthropology, Frederika E. Schmitt, Ph.D. 
English and World Languages, Justin Mando, Ph.D. 
Government, Policy & Law, Richard A. Glenn, Ph.D. 
History, Robyn L. Davis, Ph.D. 
Music, Mícheál B. Houlahan, Ph.D. 
Philosophy, Jen Miller, Ph.D. 

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES AND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Lara Willox, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Early, Middle & Elementary Education, Jennifer Shettel, Ed.D.  
Educational Foundations, Tiffany E. Wright, Ed.D. 
Psychology, Debra S. Vredenburg-Rudy, Ph.D. 
Social Work, Karen M. Rice, Ph.D. 
Special Education, Janet Bertoni, Ph.D. 

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
Marc Harris, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology, Jack Ogutu, Ph.D. 
Biology, Ryan L. Wagner, Ph.D. 
Chemistry, Daniel Albert, Ph.D. 
Computer Science, Stephanie M. Schwartz, Ph.D. 
Earth Sciences, Lynn Marquez, Ph.D. 
Geography, Jessica J. Kelly, Ph.D. 
Mathematics, Tyrone Washington, Ph.D. 
Nursing, Kelly A. Kuhns, Ph.D. 
Physics, Sean P. Hendrick, Ph.D. 

LOMBARDO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 
Marc Tomljanovich, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Accounting and Finance, Eric L. Blazer, Ph.D. 
Economics, Kenneth W. Smith, Ph.D. 
Management and Marketing, David J. DiRusso, Ph.D.  
Wellness & Sport Sciences, Daniel J. Keefer, Ph.D. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE 
Rachel E. Finley-Bowman, Ph.D., Dean

Department, Chairperson 
Exploratory Studies & Student Development, Kristen Lawson, Ed.D. 
University Library, Scott Anderson, M.B.A. 

NON-COLLEGE DEPARTMENTS 

Department, Chairperson 
Counseling and Human Development, Joseph F. Lynch, Ph.D. 
Intercollegiate Athletics, Catherine C. Corcoran

ART EDUCATION 
Leslie Gates, Ph.D.  
 
ASSESSMENT, CURRICULUM AND TEACHING  
Abdul Ibrahim, D.Ed.   
 
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Ann Gaudino, Ed.D.
 
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE 
Kelly Rotondo, DNP, RN, SCRN, CTC  
 
DOCTOR OF SOCIAL WORK  
Alex Redcay, Ph.D.
 
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION  
Elizabeth Powers-Costello, Ph.D.  
 
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT  
Duane Hagelgans, J.D.
 
ENGLISH  
Nicole Pfannenstiel, Ph.D. 
  
GIFTED EDUCATION  
Charlton H. Wolfgang, Ph.D.  
 
HISTORY  
Clarence Maxwell, Ph.D.  
 
INTEGRATED SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS  
Lynn Marquez, Ph.D.  
 
LANGUAGE AND LITERACY EDUCATION  
Aileen P. Hower, Ed.D.  
 
LEADERSHIP FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING  
Tiffany Wright, Ed.D.  
 
MATHEMATICS  
Erin R. Moss, Ph.D.  
 
NURSING  
Bryan Weinberg-Wonsidler, DNP, CRNP, AGNP-C 
 
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY  
Karena S. Rush, Ph.D.  
 
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY  
Joel Winnick, Ph.D.  
 
SCHOOL COUNSELING  
Richard Joseph Behun, Ph.D.  
 
SOCIAL WORK  
Laura B. Granruth, Ph.D.  
 
SPECIAL EDUCATION  
Deborah E. Tamakloe, Ph.D.  
 
SPORT MANAGEMENT  
Julie A. Lombardi, D.P.E.  
 
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION  
Scott A. Warner, Ed.D 

9 am ceremony

Rev. Dr. Dexter L. Davis Sr.

Dr. Dexter L. Davis Sr. is honored to serve as the 2026 Commencement Speaker for the College of Education and Human Services at Millersville University. A proud alumnus, Dr. Davis was born and raised in the City of Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended the Chester Upland Public Schools and is a proud graduate of the Chester High School Class of 1973. He graduated from Millersville University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology. While at Millersville, Dexter served as a peer counselor helping incoming freshmen adjust to campus life. Dr. Davis earned a master’s degree in public administration from West Chester University and a Doctorate in School Administration from Widener University.

Dr. Davis is a member of several boards that impact the lives of children and adults in Delaware County. Dr. Davis retired from the Chester Upland School District where he served as a teacher, coach, dean of students, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Dr. Davis has worked in educational institutions throughout the Philadelphia region. Dexter most recently served as the Senior Director of Education at Carson Valley Children Aid in Flourtown, PA. He was also given the responsibility by Foundations Inc. managing five schools in the Northwest Region of the School District of Philadelphia. This career educator has been the recipient of many educational, community, and leadership awards. In addition to his public education career, he has served as an adjunct professor at Widener, Cheyney, and Drexel Universities. 

Dr. Davis is an ordained Baptist Minister. He currently serves as an associate pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Chester, PA. He oversees the church community outreach and facilitates noon day bible study. 

Dr. Davis is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Dexter was initiated into the fraternity through the Kappa Omega Chapter in 1976. He was on the charter line at Millersville University that founded Eta Kappa Chapter. Dexter is currently a member of Epsilon Pi Chapter in Chester, PA, where he served two terms as president. He is a two-time recipient of the chapter’s Omega Man of the Year Award. Dexter currently serves as the chapter advisor for Alpha Epsilon Xi of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on the campus of Widener University. 

Dexter is a current member of the Millersville University Foundation Board of Directors. He is a contributor to the African American/Latino Alumni Scholarship. Dr. Davis was a donor for the Divine Nine & Cultural Greek Council Unity Plots. In recognition of his outstanding service, Dr. Davis was awarded the prestigious Millersville University Marvelous Marauder Award in 2024. 

Dexter currently resides in Wilmington, DE and is married to the Rev. Michelle Meekins-Davis, whom he met and dated on the campus of then Millersville State College. In addition to his lovely wife, he has two adult sons, the late Dexter Jr. and Ian, plus a daughter-in-law, Magan. He has two grandchildren, Julian and Zuri. Dr. Davis firmly believes that his steps have been ordered by the Lord. He also believes that friendship is essential to the soul. 

---

1 pm Ceremony

Dr. Mitchell Crawford ’09
Medical Director of Addiction Services for WellSpan & Medical Director for the Specialized Treatment and Recovery Team at WellSpan.

Dr. Mitchell Crawford serves as the medical director of addiction services for WellSpan Health as well as the medical director for the Specialized Treatment and Recovery Team at WellSpan. He is also cofounder and chief executive officer of Sunflower Health, an app that simulates a real-time expert behavioral health consultation, leveraging evidence-based and peer-reviewed guidelines created by Harvard-trained psychiatrists to support primary care providers treating behavioral health disorders.  

Crawford completed his psychiatry residency training at Harvard and focused his training on the treatment of addictions. He is board certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine and teaches both at numerous medical schools and residency programs.

Crawford is also an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Drexel University College of Medicine. He has published in various locations, has regularly provided invited talks, including invited testimony to the U.S. Congress, and serves as a member of the legislative and public policy committee for the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well as a member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.  

Crawford was recognized as a “rising star” in healthcare by receiving the Top 40 Under 40 award from Modern Healthcare in 2024 and received the Francis Maust Service Award from WellSpan Health in 2023.

He and his wife, Abby, earned bachelor’s degrees in biology from Millersville in 2009.  Mitchell went on to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with Sigma Sigma Phi national honors, and Abby earned a Doctor of Optometry from Drexel University.  

---

5 pm Ceremony

Jason Wicht 
Executive Vice President, Growth Strategy and Operations

Jason Wicht is a graduate of Millersville University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication.

He has spent nearly 30 years with Comcast—a global media and tech company that reaches hundreds of millions of customers, viewers and guests with world-class connectivity, platforms, content and experiences.  Jason began his career as an intern from Millersville, then advancing through a series of leadership roles in sales and marketing across the organization.

Over the course of his career, Jason has played a key role in driving growth and innovation across Comcast’s residential businesses. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Growth Strategy and Operations, where he oversees national customer acquisition, customer lifecycle management and membership strategies, digital experiences and platforms, as well as customer growth performance and competitive analytics. Jason’s work directly supports the continued evolution of Xfinity, Comcast’s flagship consumer brand, which delivers industry-leading broadband, mobile, entertainment platforms and home security services to millions of customers across the United States. His leadership helps shape how Xfinity leverages technology, data, and customer insights to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing telecommunications landscape.

Jason also serves as Board Chairman for the Cable and Telecommunication Association for Marketing and is an alum of the CTAM Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is a dedicated supporter of the Millersville Communication and Theater Department, a member of the University’s College of Arts and Humanities Advisory board and an active mentor within the telecommunications and technology fields. 

The Alma Mater

Words: Esther E. Lenhardt, Class of 1910; Sanders P. McComsey, Class of 1917
Music arranged by: Melzer R. Porter

Millersville, we sing to thee,
Hymns of praise and loyalty.
Stately trees and campus wide,
We recall with thoughts of pride.
Honor, fame and glory bright,
We inherit through thy might.

Sons and daughters staunch and bold,
Following ’neath the Black and Gold.
Rippling lake and ivied walls,
Memories of thy classic halls.
Scholarship thy first great aim,
Proudly still uphold thy name.

Here we fight for truth and right,
Shield and buckler ever bright.
Forth we march to bring thee fame,
Spirits light and hearts aflame.
Alma Mater, we adore,
Thy great spirit evermore.

Rich in truth we’ll ever be,
Millersville, we sing to thee.
Hopeful, faithful, earnest, true,
Still thy standards to pursue.
Gratitude and reverence may
Millersville be thine for aye.

The National Anthem

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

The map below shows the first-floor evacuation routes for Pucillo Gymnasium. Seating sections A, B, C, and D are labeled, with red arrows directing occupants to the nearest exits. Routes lead west, east, north, and south toward exterior exits along Pucillo Drive and sidewalks to Brossman Hall and the Creek Drive parking lot. The adjacent pool is shown for orientation only.

---