My Blog
Adult Learners
The decline in k-12 students coupled with the decline of birth rates in the Unites States, colleges and universities are at an unprecedent crossroad. How do we remain relevant? and how do serve learners who are not 17- to 22-year-old. One critical population sector is...
Bloomsburg University Foundation announces record-breaking fundraising year with $26 million in new gifts and pledges
With overwhelming support from alumni, friends, and key stakeholders, the Bloomsburg University Foundation (BUF) is thrilled to announce its most successful fundraising year ever, securing an astounding $26 million in new donor-designated gifts and pledges to empower...
Disruptive Change in Higher Education: Navigating the Future
Higher education has long been considered a cornerstone of societal development, paving a pathway to personal and professional growth. However, the landscape of higher education is undergoing seismic shifts. These changes, often referred to as disruptive, are...
The Multifaceted Role of Regional Public Higher Education Institutions
The purpose of regional public higher education institutions is multifaceted, aiming to address various educational, economic, social, and cultural needs of the regions they serve. Here are some key purposes: Accessibility and Affordability: Regional public higher...
Perseverance: The Key to Thriving in Your First Year of College
Navigating the transition to college life can be both exciting and challenging for first-year students. One key quality that can greatly contribute to success in college is perseverance. Here are some pieces of advice on perseverance for first-year college...
Workforce Development: Creating Pathways for Education and Employment
Earlier this month, Commonwealth University announced the launch of a partnership with Google for a public-private partnership enabling our students to earn industry-recognized certificates during their regular undergraduate degree programs. The program will prepare...
Undergraduate Research, a High Impact Practice (HIP) that can shape careers
In a previous blog, I shared the importance of high-impact practices (HIPs) in higher education. Individually these practices are critical for student success. Undergraduates who participate in a research program under faculty supervision gain invaluable...
Celebrating Our Graduates
Earlier last month, I had the privilege of presiding over Commonwealth University’s commencement ceremonies. Over two days, three campuses, and four ceremonies 1,775 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas and begin the next stage of their lives. I...
Unlocking the Potential: High-Impact Education Practices at Commonwealth University
When parents send their children to college, all they can do is hope and trust that they learn and succeed to the best of their ability. This is what my wife and I hoped for our two children when they went to college. As parents, we must have confidence in them as...
Is Women’s Basketball Finally Taking the Leap into Mass Success?
Women's college sports have been growing in popularity and visibility. From players like Candace Parker, Maya Moore, and Sabrina Ionescu who have become household names to teams like UConn, Stanford, and South Carolina that consistently dominate their divisions,...
March Madness and Another Year of Controversies – When Will the NCAA Get It Right?
The NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament is one of the most anticipated events of the year for college basketball fans. Also known as March Madness, the single-elimination tournament is a time when schools across the nation compete for the title of national...
How Valuable Are College Track Athletes to America’s Olympic Dream?
College track and field athletes play a vital role in America’s Olympic hopes and dreams. The Olympics are the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and for many athletes, they are the ultimate goal. While many Olympians come from professional backgrounds, college track...
Academics and Ability in College Sports: How Athletes Are Performing in 2022
In the world of college sports, there has been a debate for years about academics versus athletic ability. How much importance should be placed on athletes succeeding in the classroom? And how does this compare to their success on the field or court? Here's a look at...
Affordable degrees for prospective students
CLINTON COUNTY, Pa. — Officials of the Commonwealth University and 20 school districts from around central Pennsylvania gathered at the college's Lock Haven campus Tuesday. The event is big news for local high school students. "We want to make sure that students in...
Bashar W. Hanna Appointed by Gov. Wolf to PA Tuition Account Program Advisory Board
Bloomsburg, PA (11/01/2022) — Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University has been appointed to serve on Pennsylvania's Tuition Account Program (TAP) Advisory Board by Gov. Tom Wolf. Hanna's appointment runs from September 2022 to September 2026. The...
Health Science Junior Receives Honors LHU Foundation Excellence and Academic Honors Scholarships
Lock Haven, PA (10/28/2022) — Carson Ikner, of Altoona, is the recipient of an Honors LHU Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Academic Honors Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year. Ikner is a second-year junior, health science major in Commonwealth University-Lock...
Lock Haven ROTC, Bloomsburg Languages and Cultures Department Receive Project GO Grant
Bloomsburg, PA (10/28/2022) — The Army ROTC program at the Lock Haven campus of Commonwealth University, in conjunction with Bloomsburg's Languages and Cultures Department, recently received a Project Global Officer (Project GO) grant for programming in the Russian...
Show Me the Money: Which Schools Make the Most Cash from Competitive Sports?
Money is a big motivator in college sports. Whether it's paying celebrity coach salaries, spending hundreds of millions on athletic facilities, or giving scholarships that can be worth up to $500,000 over four years, schools are willing to spend whatever it takes to...
Should We Worry About the Impact of Injury on Promising Young Athletes?
In the past month, three major college athletes have been sidelined with long-term injuries. Because these young athletes play for major programs or have shown signs of greatness, their injuries have been even more prominent. Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner...
Are Some College Sports Out of Reach for Low-Income Students?
In America, we love our sports. From little league to the pros, watching athletes compete is one of our favorite pastimes. But what about when the playing field isn't level? What about when some sports are out of reach for kids from low-income families? ...
Florida Remains a Track and Field Powerhouse with Latest Accomplishment
The University of Florida has a long and proud history in track and field. Many athletes who have competed for the Gators have gone on to represent Team USA in the Olympics. And even though there are now other powerhouse track and field programs across the country,...
Is College Football Ripe for a New Scandal? Watch ASU Take a Mighty Fall
It is no secret that college football is a big business. Universities and their athletic programs make millions of dollars every year, and the coaches are often paid more than professors. With so much money on the line, it is no wonder that scandals seem to follow...
With Limited Spots in the WNBA, What Opportunities Can Ambitious Athletes Look For?
The WNBA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any ambitious athlete. However, with only 12 teams and a limited number of roster spots, it can be difficult for eligible players to make the transition from high school basketball to the professional level. ...
How Worrying NFL Combine Injuries Highlight Risks Athletes Take to Make It Big
he National Football League (NFL) Combine is an annual event that showcases some of the best college football players in the country. It’s a time when student-athletes who aspire to playing in the NFL showcase their skills and abilities in front of scouts from all 32...
College Stars Turning Tournament Success into a Chance at WNBA Fame
The Women's NCAA Tournament is over, and the champions have been crowned. While most of the focus was on the professional prospects, there were a few college stars who shined brightest and caught the eye of WNBA scouts. While some players have turned their impressive...
4 of the Reasons You Should Start Watching College Baseball in 2022
As spring weather rolls in, that means one thing for baseball fans: Opening Day is just around the corner. However, this year's Opening Day will be a little—or maybe quite a bit—different. Due to the MLB lockout, the start of the season has been delayed. And with the...
Young Stars and Storylines to Watch During March Madness
It's that time of year again when basketball fans from all over the country come together to celebrate one of the most exciting events in sports: March Madness. This year's tournament is sure to be even more thrilling than ever, as there are a number of young stars...
Talented Former College Hoops Stars Impress in the NBA
In the NBA, there is a new generation of stars taking over. These players have impressive skills and athleticism that were developed during their time in college. Let's take a look at the mechanics of the college-to-pro pipeline, and meet some of the most talented...
Which College Athletes Will Shine in the 2022 Winter Olympics?
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China is upon us. And that means that among these Olympians, college athletes are gearing up to take on the world's best. Many people don't realize that many college athletes compete in the Olympics. However, especially with...
Can College Sports Overcome New Obstacles in the Battle against COVID?
The latest COVID-19 surge is having a major impact on college sports. While it’s true that college sports have always faced challenges, perhaps especially so in recent years, this ongoing pandemic is on an entirely different level. Can college sports overcome these...
Happy New Year – 2022
Carver Hall The start of a new calendar year always brings me a sense of excitement, anticipation, and hope for the coming year. While I have never been someone to make resolutions, I have spent some time looking for ways to become a better version of myself as a...
6 Surprising Takeaways from This Year’s College Football Season
Now that the dust has settled and we have our final rankings and playoff schedule, it's time to take a look at all of the shocking moments from this season. Read on for six surprising takeaways from this year's college football season. 1. The Pac-12 Took a Hit The...
How New NCAA Rules Are Helping Female Athletes
The NCAA rule change allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness is a boost for female athletes.
New Image Licensing Deal Brings Big Changes to College Athletics
New NCAA rules are changing the dynamics in college sports, as many student-athletes can now profit off of their name, image, or likeness.