Key Highlights from 2020-25

Affordability - To reduce costs for students and their families, the University eliminated its per-credit tuition model and moved to a flat tuition model, which allows undergraduate students to take between 12 and 18 credits per semester – all at the same cost. This modification, along with seven consecutive years of freezing tuition, directly assists students and their families in accessing affordable, high-quality education.

Recruitment - A cohesive strategy for student recruitment was developed and deployed by the Enrollment Management Unit. With a new viewbook, revised messaging and new partnerships, enrollment rose above 7,000, and the University has a more robust prospective student pipeline.  

Retention - The University’s retention rate continues to improve. Our most recent first-to-second-year retention was up to 78% – the third highest in PASSHE. Continued progress in this area is a key component to our focus on student success, decreased time to completion and financial sustainability. 

Lombardo College of Business - As Tradition and Transforming was about to launch, Dr. Samuel Lombardo and his wife, Dena, announced a $3 million gift to name the Lombardo College of Business, making it the first named college in the history of Millersville University. Their support – a portion of the more than $5 million they have given to Millersville to date – is being used where it is needed most: scholarships, internships, faculty development and equipment.

Wehrheim School of Nursing - Liselotte Wehrheim ’74 first established an endowed nursing scholarship for nontraditional students with unusual or special circumstances affecting the completion of their education. Her posthumous gift of $3.5 million brought her support of the University to $4.8 million and led to the naming of Millersville’s school of nursing. The Wehrheim School of Nursing became the first named school of nursing with PASSHE.

Degree Completion Programs – Millersville is meeting the needs of today’s adult learners through the creation of new online degree completion programs that allow students to seamlessly transfer from an associate degree to a Millerville bachelor's degree. Eleven degree completion programs now serve over 500 adult learners.    
 
Endowment Value - A 61.7% increase in the market value of Millersville’s endowment was realized during Tradition and Transformation. Such an increase can positively impact the University’s ability to provide financial aid, attract and retain top faculty, and fund cutting-edge research. In addition, 275 new scholarships were created to provide students with financial support, making a Millersville education more accessible.

PRIME Program - Master of social work and clinical psychology students are learning about the unique needs and challenges found in the current behavioral health field thanks to a $1.9 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The “Promoting Rigorous and Interdisciplinary Mental Health Education” (PRIME) program provides clinical training opportunities along with a $10,000 to students upon completion of their specialized training and internship.  

 
RN to BSN Concurrent Enrollment Program - Impactful collaborations are a hallmark of Millersville’s community engagement. With a recent agreement, HACC ASN students may concurrently enroll in the University’s BSN program. This innovative partnership is a win-win for students as it allows for a seamless pathway toward a nursing career while addressing the Commonwealth’s nursing shortage. 
 
Workforce Development - The University continues to strengthen its commitment to workforce development across the Commonwealth by providing lifelong learning opportunities that align with high-priority occupations and in-demand skills in our region. We offer education and training for individuals, customized training to address the needs of our local employers, and partner with community stakeholders to address local workforce needs through grant-funded initiatives. 
 
Grow with Google – Nine industry-recognized Google Career Certificates are available to Millersville students and the public through a partnership between the multinational technology company and PASSHE. Gov. Josh Shapiro visited campus to announce the new collaboration, which will prepare the Commonwealth’s workforce with the skills for some of the most in-demand jobs. 
 
Office for Inclusive Excellence - The renaming of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to the Office for Inclusive Excellence reflects the University’s strategic focus on embedding inclusivity into all aspects of campus life. In development for more than five years, the transition included an effort to define inclusive excellence for the Millersville community and provided critical support to departments as they undertook the process of developing their own inclusive excellence plans.  
 
HEED Award - Millersville University was honored with the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for the 13th consecutive year. The recognition, given by Insight Into Diversity magazine, highlights institutions dedicated to fostering equity, access, inclusion and diversity on their campuses.  
 
Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement - A key initiative during Tradition and Transformation was the rededication of the “Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement.” Created to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus, the Center’s robust programming provides opportunities for students to explore their multiple identities and learn about the background and experiences of others.  

Made in Millersville Conference and Journal - The Made in Millersville Conference and Journal showcase the depth and diversity of our students’ scholarship, insight, knowledge, creativity and professionalism. The event provides a moment for the community to appreciate the scope of influence and impact of this regional public university on individual lives and the region. More than 420 students, representing 26 academic departments, presented at the most recent 11th Made in Millersville, nearly doubling student participation from earlier years. 

Chick-fil-A - Millersville University and Student Services, Inc. partnered to open a Chick-fil-A in response to student requests for more dining options on campus. The University handles all operations of the restaurant, which is housed in the former Galley space in the Student Memorial Center.

Employee Recognition - Two employee recognition programs were launched to acknowledge those faculty and staff who best demonstrate the University’s EPPICC Values. The monthly Skully’s Circle Award and Annual EPPIIC Value Awards are opportunities to thank the special individuals and groups who exemplify Exploration, Public Mission, Professionalism, Inclusion, Integrity and Compassion.

Senior Leadership Recruitment - Millersville University’s ability to attract top talent for key positions on campus led to the naming of four new cabinet members: Dr. Gail E. Gasparich, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs; Carlos Wiley, Executive Director for Inclusive Excellence; Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President of Student Affairs; and Dr. Nafez Alyan, Vice President of Finance and Administration. Additionally, three new deans joined our campus community: Dr. Marc Tomljanovich, Lombardo College of Business; Dr. Lara Willox, College of Education and Human Services; and Dr. Marc Harris, College of Science and Technology.

“Imagine the Possible” Campaign – In 2023, the University celebrated the results of “Imagine the Possible: Campaign for Students,” which ended with a record-breaking $110 million raised —22% above its goal of $90 million. The campaign yielded the highest outcome in Millersville University and PASSHE history. “Imagine the Possible” raised $31 million for student scholarships; $59.7 for student learning experiences; $7.7 for Marauder Athletics; and $11.6 million for campus revitalization. 

Fiat Lux Society - The Fiat Lux Society was established to honor the extraordinary contributions of donors of transformational gifts. The fellowship of distinguished donors, whose current membership stands at 24, includes those whose generous gifts and pledges of $1 million or more to the University create an enduring legacy that will benefit students for generations.

Infrastructure Upgrades - Numerous upgrades to campus facilities have occurred over the course of the Tradition and Transformation plan. Projects included adding lights to Cooper Park, installing a new HVAC system in Pucillo Gymnasium, renovations to Boyer and Lehigh halls and the conversion of Brooks Hall into Lombardo Hall.  

Leveraging the Lancaster Region - To unify messaging about the ‘Ville experience, a task force comprised of faculty and staff examined how to better leverage our location and all that it offers. The group learned how the University currently engages the region and began developing new opportunities to deepen that relationship. 
 
Community Service - More than 1,000 students, faculty and staff participated in the United Way of Lancaster County’s Day of Caring over the course of Tradition and Transformation. Marauders volunteered for 66 service projects at various organizations around the County, including Manheim Township Historical Society, Glatfelter Memorial Field, Schreiber Center, Domestic Violence Services, Shreiner Cemetery, Lancaster City Parks Department, Homefields and Grace Gardens. 
 
Industry Partnerships - We strengthened our partnerships with Excentia Human Services, Church World Services and Willow Valley while developing new corporate partnerships with Climavision, Lampire Labs and Precision Cobotics. Along with other regional collaborations, these connections to industry in Lancaster County and the Commonwealth enhance academic programs across our four colleges, providing real-world experiences to students and assisting with their future employment. 
 
MSCHE Accreditation - The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reaffirmed Millersville University’s accreditation in 2021, indicating that the University had met rigorous standards in areas such as academic programs, faculty qualifications and student services. This accreditation not only enhances the University’s reputation but also assures students, parents, and employers of the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and accountability. MSCHE accreditation is often a prerequisite for eligibility to receive federal funding and grants, making it a critical factor in students’ ability to access federal financial aid and in the financial sustainability of Millersville University. 
 
Cygnus Society - The Cygnus Society recognizes students who have both the passion and purpose to lead and serve Millersville University and the community. Members embody the EPPIIC values and combine scholarship, integrity and maturity with university-wide awareness, participation and leadership. They serve as ambassadors of the Office of the President and participate at functions such as State of the ‘Ville and Winter and Spring commencements.