President's Monthly Newsletter

October 2026

President WubahDear Millersville University Family,
 
This October welcomed us with beautiful weather and vibrant campus surroundings; with just a hint of the cool weather that makes it perfect for drinking apple cider and carving pumpkins. Our magnificent Homecoming celebration brought so many people together and shared joy with the Millersville community at large, including students, alumni, faculty and staff. The festivities were larger than ever before with a record number of Maker’s Market vendors and onlookers. The excitement in the air reflected the hard work and dedication that went into making the day a true success, and I thank each and every staff member, student and volunteer who worked incredibly hard to create this sensational event.  

This month we had record-setting attendance and prospective employers present at the Job and Internship Fair.  There were more than 600 students and alumni, and approximately 140 employers who were ready to recruit for open positions. Of those recruiters, 52 were Millersville University alumni, with several landing their jobs at the event last year.

Another recent big event was United Way’s annual Day of Caring, where more than 300 Millersville University students, faculty and staff participated in 16 community service project sites all around Lancaster County. This marked the 25th consecutive year of Millersville’s voluntary participation in the event. Students and staff assisted with projects from harvesting vegetables and planting; landscaping, mulching and weeding; preparing fields for winter; barn cleaning; park beautification; and cleaning and painting. 

Also within this issue is an internship spotlight on Madison Willard, who was so touched by her experiences in a Millersville course that she pursued an internship connected to substance abuse. Madison landed that dream internship and worked in an observational role for a program that supports people with substance use disorder.

Within our faculty, we have additional good news to share. Our own Professor of Educational Foundations, Dr. Oliver Dreon, has been appointed to serve on the State Board of Higher Education by Gov. Josh Shapiro. In 2024, Dreon was elected as the Teacher Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges of Teacher Educators. He serves as president of the Millersville University chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculty.

Additionally, we take a look at the McCaskey IB science students and their watershed investigations as a part of their hands-on Millersville University’s Watershed Education Training Institute experience. Their interactive day allowed them to explore how water moves through a watershed, how human activities affect water quality and how aquatic organisms can help scientists assess stream health. Activities included watershed modeling, stream chemistry investigations, aquatic macroinvertebrate studies, and simulations of runoff and pollution.

And last, but certainly not least, we get a close-up look at Millersville’s favorite campus canine, Brooks. The 3-year-old golden retriever has a very active schedule with his new handler MUPD Officer Mark Burkholder, working as a victim advocate, emotional support and stress reducing K-9. 

Finally, with Halloween upon us, I welcome you to participate in the annual Trick-or-Treat Trail around campus tomorrow, Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. With more than 30 locations participating, you will certainly get your fill of sweet treats and spooky sights. I must give a special acknowledgement to Ruth James and Rachel Opala for their creative excellence in making the Biemesderfer Executive Center the spookiest place on campus! Make sure to add it as one of your stops on the trail for some fantastic treats. Check the ‘Ville Daily for a detailed list of the day’s events.

Happy Halloween and welcome to fall!   
 
Warmly,
President Daniel A. Wubah

Dr. Oliver Dreon standing at a podiumProf Appointed to State Board of Higher Education

Congratulations to Dr. Oliver Dreon, professor of Education Foundations, who was appointed by Gov. Shapiro to serve on the State Board of Higher Education.

MU students teach McCaskey students watershed science along the conestoga river.McCaskey Students Learn, MU Students Teach Watershed Science Along Conestoga River

What a great opportunity for McCaskey and Millersville students to learn and teach at our WETi facility along the Conestoga River. 

Ivan Gonzalez and Brooks on MU CampusAll About Brooks: MUPD’s Trauma K-9

We are fortunate at Millersville to have the help of a Trauma K-9, Brooks, to reduce stress and anxiety for our campus community.

Millersville University students and staff during United Way Day of GivingStudents Give Back to Lancaster County: A Quarter Century of Caring with United Way

I am very proud of Millersville’s 25 years of participation in the United Way Day of Caring. More than 300 members of our campus community pitched in this year to volunteer.  

Madison WilliardSummer Internship Spotlight: Madison Willard

Madison Willard spent her summer discovering how she her is prepared to help those who were formerly incarcerated transition back into their communities.

Group of MU Alumni gather at the Job and Internship FairRecord-setting Attendance at Job and Internship Fair

Just over 600 students and alumni participated in this year’s Job and Internship Fair on Oct. 6. That’s a new record for the event!