Friday, January 30, 2009

Adopting Community Service Projects

Dear Cheyney University Community,

As we move into Spring, we will once again see the beauty of nature and our campus. Spring is a time for renewal. As we appreciate this time of renewal and natural beauty, President Barack Obama reminds us to also renew our call towards public service, so that together we can change America. There are many needs in the Philadelphia community, in the Coatesville community, and in Chester County.

I am calling on our students, faculty, alumni and all stakeholders in Cheyney University to form teams that adopt specific community service projects. These projects could include beautifying an area, reading to children, and completing some home repair projects for some of our senior citizens. I hope these projects also include working with high school students. The disparity between achievement among various groups of students is alarming in our competitive economy. I hope that we adopt one or two high schools this Spring and work with groups of students to help increase the college-going rates among these students. Our students are good examples for high school students.

There is much to do. Remember, we can!

Michelle Howard-Vital

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Centers of Excellence

Happy New Year Students, Alumni,Staff, and Stakeholders,

All new years bring with them the opportunity for improvement and re-dedication to the core values and goals that encompass us as Americans. As we watch President Obama and Vice President Biden bring forth a diverse group of talented leaders to response to America's problems and opportunities, we are committed to doing our part at Cheyney University to response to the needs of the region, the Commonwealth and the nation.

We will also continue to establish a team of leaders with exemplary backgrounds to implement the vision of a new Cheyney University which includes the construction of centers of excellence that respond to the needs of the region and offer specific opportunities for study and experiential learning. Centers of excellence will focus our academic programs, our fundraising, our research, and our outreach activities.

Our first center of excellence will be in Communications Media and Fine Arts. There is an undeniable legacy of excellence in this area that includes Laura Waring Wheeler, Mercer Redcross, Jim Vance, Robert W. Bogle, Leroy McCarthy, and Latrice Branson.

We are currently establishing an advisory council for the development of this center of excellence. We ask for your nominations of those who would be interested in helping us develop a premier center of excellence in communication and fine arts. We also ask for your input-- What should be our other centers of excellence?

Sincerely, President Michelle Howard-Vital.