4 min read August 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Marilyn Wells, chancellor of Penn State Brandywine, discussed the campus’ forward momentum, including commitment to student success, diversity of students and employees, NCAA Division III Exploratory Year and partnerships for workforce development and economic growth in Greater Philadelphia.
What notable achievements have marked the past year for the campus as key highlights?
We have achieved several remarkable milestones in the past year, all of which were part of our strategic plan. These accomplishments, in no particular order, have been truly gratifying. One achievement that stands out is the approval of Penn State Brandywine’s application for the NCAA Division III. Starting on Sept. 1, we will begin our exploratory year, and upon its successful completion, we will become a provisional member of Division III for three years. By 2027, we will attain full membership. This has been a long-standing aspiration for our campus, and we are thrilled to take this leap forward. We are well-prepared and in an advantageous position for this transition.
This transition will open doors for our student-athletes, providing them with experiences such as participating in conferences, leadership programs and diversity initiatives. It will increase our visibility and accessibility, enhancing our ability to recruit and retain talented student-athletes. Even with our already impressive record, with every single one of our men’s and women’s teams reaching postseason play this year, our focus remains on elevating the student experience and raising the profile of our campus.
Another noteworthy achievement, related to this transition, is Brandywine’s triumphant capture of the USCAA Softball National Championship this year, securing our third national championship in the last six years. Our previous two titles were in men’s soccer. This remarkable accomplishment by our softball team fills us with immense pride. It is also a significant milestone for our conference, the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference, marking the first time a member institution has won a national softball championship. I had the privilege of being present on that glorious day, which was both beautiful and historic.
How is Brandywine working towards student growth and career success?
Through the combined efforts of our committed students, alumni and a generous donor, Brandywine successfully launched a new chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. This prestigious honor society, the largest of its kind in the nation, emphasizes personal growth, career success and empowering students to make a difference. Initially, we set a target of 20 students for the first induction, considering it a success if achieved. To our delight, over 300 students met the criteria and more than 120 accepted the invitation to begin the rigorous process. Inducting 64 students on the night before commencement was an incredible milestone. Our focus on enhancing the student experience and fostering leadership skills is highly valued by our parents and families who know the difference these experiences make in students’ lives and careers.
Furthermore, this year we introduced a unique initiative, the Inside Out Prison Exchange Program. In collaboration with Delaware County’s George W. Hill Correctional Facility, this program paired incarcerated students with students from Penn State Brandywine. They participated together in a semester-long academic class held at the county jail that promoted dialogue, education and a shared understanding of our common humanity, fostering positive change in our community. We successfully launched this program with a dedicated cohort of students and have plans to continue it. Another highlight of the year was securing funding to expand our campus garden, aligning with Penn State’s land-grant mission. The campus garden provides a space where students from various disciplines engage in learning, whether it’s biology research and cultivation, marketing the produce or conducting research on sustainable farming practices.
How does your institution foster collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders to support workforce development and innovation?
As chancellor, I prioritize building relationships with business, industry and community partners. Recently, I attended Riddle Hospital’s celebration of their $500 million renovation, exploring collaborations in health services and workforce development. We have partnered with SAP, a market leader in enterprise application software, for a cyber security conference focusing on the future of the workforce, especially women in cybersecurity. Our engagements extend to various chambers of commerce, the arts and businesses, including support from Meridian Bank for innovation and entrepreneurship. We also foster civic and community partnerships, including the Rotary Club of Media, Tyler Arboretum and Delaware County Libraries. K-12 and higher ed partnerships are vital, evident in our hosting the Mathematical Association of America’s Eastern Pennsylvania/Delaware section conference. Our advisory board, consisting of advocates and ambassadors, has welcomed new members from the tech sector, promoting diversity and industry connections for our students.
How has your institution made significant progress in expanding diversity representation and supporting the needs of diverse student populations?
We are on a significant trajectory of progress. Our commitment to increasing faculty, staff and Advisory Board diversity has resulted in greater mentorship and support for over 43% of our students coming from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. It is crucial for them to have role models who resemble them and we have made significant strides in expanding diverse representation. This year, we hired an assistant director of student equity and inclusion programming to address the specific needs of our diverse student body. With students from 62 different international countries and sovereign nations, we proudly display their respective flags across campus. The addition of new student clubs and organizations, such as the Bangladeshi Student Association, reflects our responsiveness to student interests. Our existing clubs include the Muslim Student Association, Multicultural Club, Black Student Union and more, each offering unique activities and events. For instance, the Bangladeshi Student Association organized a remarkable Bengali New Year’s celebration.
Our work with the Chancellor’s Commissions on Equity by Design has expanded to include six commissions, including the newly formed Commission on Interfaith and Spiritual Inclusion. One of the notable outcomes of this commission is the ongoing creation of a mindfulness and prayer space on campus, catering to diverse spiritual and faith needs. Additionally, we have a serene outdoor contemplative space near our garden. The Commission on Disability and Advancing Accessibility completed a comprehensive accessibility audit, leading to our designation as one of the top Penn State campuses for accessibility. However, we remain committed to continuous improvement, aiming to move beyond accommodations toward full inclusion and belonging. In July, we will commence a major renovation of our academic and student success center in the library, focusing on enhanced accessibility features, including doors and appropriate furniture for all classrooms. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of neurodiversity and offer programs and support for our neurodiverse students. As part of our Brandywine LaunchBox, which emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship, we initiated the Diverse Founders Chat series. In the fall, we hosted a panel discussion featuring Black founders and in the spring, we organized a women’s Founders Chat series, featuring diverse founders from various backgrounds. In the upcoming year, we will specifically highlight neurodiverse founders. Our library has showcased special displays in support of LGBTQ+ and Pride Month, highlighting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity. These are just a few examples of our continued focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
What would you like to see accomplished more so just for the Greater Philadelphia region you know encompassing?
I firmly believe that education is crucial not only for economic well-being but also for overall quality of life. My hometown of Pittsburgh, in particular, taught me the importance of having a diverse economy. By diversifying its industries following the decline of the steel industry, Pittsburgh weathered the 2008 storm better than many other cities that relied heavily on a single industry. When it comes to our land grant mission, we are dedicated to serving the Commonwealth, both through education and impactful research that benefits not only the global community but also our local communities. Service and outreach are also essential components of our mission and I encourage my leadership team to actively engage in community organizations and volunteer work. Looking ahead to the next five years, I am committed to fostering an inclusive economy and economic development. Our choice to establish the Brandywine LaunchBox in Lansdowne was driven by the desire to revitalize the area and support small businesses, entrepreneurs and founders. Our goal is to make education and opportunities for social and economic mobility accessible to all, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive.
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